Pharis & Jason Romero
When it comes to chemistry, the original songs Pharis & Jason Romero sing have an undeniable feel for effortless harmonies, intricate finger-picking and a refreshing old-time spirit.The husband-and-wife couple, who met at an old-time fiddle jam, has a deep love of old music, rural life and the desires for love, connection and community.
Their new record, Sweet Old Religion, released in May 2018 borrows influences from 1920s jazz, blues and country. Receiving acclaim across the country, the duo is nominated for three Canadian Folk Music Awards, ceremony to take place Dec. 1 in Calgary.
The Romeros perform at the Arden Theatre on Friday, Oct. 19, at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $35. Call 780-459-1542 or at www.ticketmaster.ca.
Bridget Ryan at Citadel
Returning to her cabaret roots after working 16 unpredictable and wonderful years as a morning television host, Ryan presents Oh, What a Beautiful Morning as part of Citadel Theatre’s Beyond the Stage Series.Beautiful Morning is a behind-the-scenes musical revue about our fixation on TV and social media while providing the inside scoop on dozens of interesting people Ryan met throughout her career.
“In previous cabarets, I’ve focused on my story, and bringing my story to life through song. This show is less about me and more about them – the people I met that challenged me, inspired me, motivated me and helped me become the person I am," said Ryan, a former St. Albert Children’s Theatre triple threat.
“It’s a musical love letter to the incredible characters, stories and people. It’s pure inspiration, big belly laughs and wonderful music.”
Oh, What a Beautiful Morning runs Oct. 19 and 20 in The Club. Tickets are available at 780-425-1820 or at www.citadeltheatre.com.
Maggie Tree is back
Just the title of Maggie Tree’s new production, Blood: A Scientific Romance, implies a variety of chilling things and none of them good. However, the woman-centric theatre company has never been shy about asking tough questions.Brenley Charkow directs this story of twin sisters Poubelle and Angelique who share a bond through biology and a tragic car accident that leaves them orphaned.
The young twins are brought into the life of Dr. Glass and find themselves the subject of many experiments. A young doctor probes the controversial practices, and it may be the only chance the sisters have of enjoying a normal life.
The multi-layered cast includes Jayce Mckenzie, Gianna Vacirca, Liana Shannon and former St. Albert Children’s Theatre alumna Jenna Dykes-Busby.
Blood: A Scientific Romance runs at the Backstage Theatre, 10330 84 Ave. from Oct. 17 to 27. Tickets are $25 with 25 per cent of tickets on any given night reserved for pay-what-you-can. Call 780-409-1919 or visit www.tickets.fringetheatre.ca
