When Alberta Ballet artistic director Jean Grand-Maître partnered with Sarah McLachlan to choreograph Fumbling Towards Ecstasy in 2011, he probably had no idea it would become a signature piece.
Not only did the original production cause a sensation across Canada’s dance world, but the remount running Feb. 20 and 21 just added a matinee performance on Saturday.
Set to McLachlan’s music, the neo-classical ballet traces the spiritual odyssey of a woman’s life from a first romantic encounter to mature love in all its forms.
The updated version on Friday and Saturday features new choreography and songs from McLachlan’s new studio album.
Fumbling Towards Ecstasy is at the Northern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium. Tickets range from $20 to $95. Call 780-428-6839 or online at albertaballet.com.
Louise Lambert stars in Elise Forier Edie’s The Pink Unicorn, a modern tale about Trisha Lee, a Christian widow living in a small Texas town.
When her daughter announces she is “gender queer” and plans to start a chapter of the Gay and Straight Alliance at the local high school, Trisha’s world takes an unexpected shift.
The principal of the school rejects her daughter’s application and divisions in town rapidly appear. Filled with fear and confusion, Trisha wants to support her daughter yet is faced with ostracism from neighbours.
Directed by Trevor Schmidt, Northern Light Theatre’s artistic director, The Pink Unicorn plays out Feb. 20 to 28 at the PCL Studios in the ATB Financial Arts Barns, 10330 – 84 Ave.
Tickets range from $16 to $28 with two-for-one on Tuesday. Call 780-471-1586 or online at fringetheatre.ca.
For the last six years, Varscona Theatre has hosted the eye-catching Academy Awards Oscar party. Due to last year’s big sellout, the glam night of Oscars has moved to the Garneau Theatre with a more expansive lobby, firm seats and a Hollywood standard screen.
All the red carpet accoutrements will be magnified and projected larger than life with glitz, excitement, suspense and unintentional laughs. Returning as the evening hosts is the star-struck duo of Tom Edwards and St. Albert’s Matt Alden.
The Oscar extravaganza is a fundraiser for Shadow Theatre, the ACME Theatre Company and Metro Cinema.
Visitors are encouraged to dress up in their snappiest fashion finery. Prizes will be awarded to best dressed, most Hollywood and flashiest garb.
The party is on Sunday, Feb. 22. Doors open at 5 p.m., fashion awards are presented at 6 p.m. and the broadcast starts at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $30 at the door or online at metrocinema.org. For more information call Shadow Theatre at 780-434-5564.
