Wonder Woman only in theatres here
“Wonder Woman 1984” will make history in the United States when it becomes the first superhero blockbuster to debut simultaneously in theatres and on a streaming platform, but for Canadians the viewing options won’t be so revolutionary.
A representative for Warner Bros. says the DC Comics adventure starring Gal Gadot will open exclusively in theatres Dec. 25 in markets across Canada, where cinemas haven’t been closed by COVID-19 measures.
It’s a decision that’s angered many comic book fans who hung their hopes on a Canadian streaming platform acquiring the rights to “Wonder Woman 1984” at a time when people are being encouraged to stay at home.
The U.S. home of the film is HBO Max, which doesn’t operate as a streaming service in Canada, even though some of its TV shows are licensed to Bell Media’s Crave.
A representative for Crave says while a deal wasn’t struck to bring “Wonder Woman 1984” to the platform during its theatrical run, the film “will stream on Crave following its standard theatrical windows.” The Canadian Press
Atelier names artist in residence
Canadian soprano Measha Brueggergosman has become Opera Atelier’s artist in residence for its 2020/21 season. The New Brunswick-born singer has performed around the world, including star turns for Opera Atelier, beginning in 2008 when she sang Elettra in Mozart’s “Idomeneo.”
Company co-artistic director Marshall Pynkoski describes Brueggergosman as “an exceptional crossover artist (who) always delivers performances of extraordinary power and depth. Her commitment to every role she undertakes is nothing short of exceptional, and it comes as no surprise to us that she applies the same work ethic and principles when acting as an educator and ambassador of opera.”
As artist in residence, Brueggergosman will have a significant role in Atelier’s Making of an Opera educational program for middle and high school students, which is being reimagined as a virtual experience, and will conduct a livestreamed master class for young professional singers in the spring.
In the news release, Brueggergosman said she looks forward to “sharing my immense passion for music and opera with students from Opera Atelier’s youth program.”
“In challenging times like these, it is artists and the cultural community at large who champion the way forward — educating, empowering and uniting us all.”
Brueggergosman will perform in Atelier’s new production “Something Rich & Strange,” based on the famous quote from Shakespeare’s “The Tempest,” and featuring Baroque arias and dances exploring the themes of sleep, visions and dreams. The performance, which had to be postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, will be livestreamed from Koerner Hall beginning at 7 p.m. on Dec. 12. See operaatelier.com for tickets and more information. Debra Yeo
No swapping for this ‘Clotheswap’
The Toronto Fringe Festival hit “Clotheswap” is getting a virtual nationwide debut — but you’ll have to hang on to your clothing. The play by Second City alumni Dale Boyer and Amanda Barker hit the stage in July 2019 as a combination theatre show and, yes, clothes swap, with audience members bringing their old duds for use during the production and, afterward, donation to charity.
The show’s national 2020 tour got cancelled because of the pandemic, but a federal government grant means it will be performed online as a free reading at 8 p.m. on Nov. 27.
You can’t virtually trade your clothes, of course, but there will be a talk-back after the show about swapping in the age of COVID, as well as a chance to donate to Sistering, which helps homeless or precariously housed women and transgender people. See clotheswapshow.ca for information.
Debra Yeo
War Child plans a virtual gala
Celebrities will gather online to support the first virtual gala for the charity War Child, which helps children and their families affected by global conflicts.
Presented by the Slaight Family Foundation and hosted by Sangita Patel of “Entertainment Tonight Canada,” Rise Together will take place at 8 p.m. on Dec. 7.
The guests include international artists Sting and Lyle Lovett as well as Canadian musicians Sarah McLachlan, Chantal Kreviazuk, Notifi
and Wali Shah.
Actors including Amanda Seyfried, Thomas Sadoski, David Harbour of “Stranger Things”; and former “Suits” cast mates Patrick J. Adams and Sarah Rafferty will also make appearances.
The event can be viewed free by registering at warchild.ca/risetogether.
Debra Yeo