Concrete Theatre has long earned numerous accolades for its specialty children’s theatre of original works.
Its latest offering is playwright Chris Bullough’s Apples and Oranges, a delightful allegory that takes a look at differences and how they can enhance people’s lives.
The story is centred around Connor, a Papple boy, who sets out on a scary, but exciting journey to explore his island. He has always been taught that across the island there lives a group of frightening, monstrous Orange-Folk.
Unexpectedly, he meets a girl named Ceili from the other side of the forest and he discovers that people can be as different as apples and oranges – just as he’s been taught.
But they can be friends sharing the good times too. Using music, song and dance, director Mieko Ouchi brings another tale to fruition. Apples and Oranges features Patricia Cerra, Nadien Chu, Mary Hulbert and Diego Stredel.
Public performances are Friday, Feb. 7 at 7 p.m. and Saturday, Feb. 8 at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. All performances are at ATB Financial Arts Barns, 10330 – 84 Ave. Tickets are $12 to $15 plus applicable taxes. Call 780-409-1910 or purchase in advance online at FringeTheatreAdventures.ca.
The odd thing about the very successful Lori Mohacsy Quartet is they receive virtually no publicity, yet over the years have developed a prominent reputation for playing some of the finest jazz and blues in the region.
“We play blues, jazz, folk. Even a little bit of country. But everything has a jazz flavour to it,” chuckles vocalist Lori Mohacsy.
Along with hubby Bruce, on keys, Wes Yaciuk playing guitar and Glenn Durksen on bass, the foursome is performing this Friday at Jeffrey’s CafĂ© and Wine Bar.
Mohacsy has family roots in classical music but graduated from Grant MacEwan College vocal performance program in jazz.
Bruce comes from a long line of musicians and started playing in The Duke Massey Dance Band at 13.
“Bruce grew up playing across the province with the best players in Alberta,” Mohacsy explains.
The St. Albert couple started as a duo, but eventually worked close friends Yaciuk and Durksen into their act.
“We do a lot of songbook jazz. A lot of it comes from musical theatre. When we’re at a place like Jeffrey’s we try and read the crowd and see what they enjoy.”
Their songbook is nothing to sneeze at. Between the four of them, they have over 800 songs in their repertoire.
“I’m a romantic ballad kind of girl and if I could sing ballads all night I would. But I don’t want to bore the crowd.”
If she has her way this Friday, Mohacsy may just decide to sing her jazzy variations on old standards such as My Funny Valentine, Bewitched, Bothered and Bewildered or A Foggy Day.
“Listening to good, live music is getting harder. These guys are some of the best players around and I feel honoured to be playing with them. And Jeffrey does such a good job of making it a cozy, intimate space.”
The show runs 9 p.m. to midnight. Jeffrey’s is at 142 St. and 96 Ave. Cover charge $15. Call 780-451-8890 to book a table.
