A Shumka show is facing the vault. Shumka at 50 is being retired, but before this classic dance is shelved, it will receive one more performance.
This is no ordinary Northern Alberta Jubilee performance. The whirlwind troupe of dancers will carry the Ukrainian flag in support of the state of Ukraine. And funds will be collected for much-needed humanitarian aid.
Performed by 40 talented dancers of multiple ethnic backgrounds, Shumka at 50 is a powerful display of Ukraine’s history and culture viewed through agricultural based dances, legends, fables and love stories.
Sharing the program is Harvest Angels, a proud symbol of Ukraine’s golden wheat fields, and A Cobbler’s Gift is the story of a boot-maker who crafts a new pair of boots for a beautiful woman.
The Eve of Kupalo – A Midsummer’s Night Masque, a flirtation with mysticism and magic also finds its way next to Hopak, a fresh expression of Ukrainian dance virtuosity.
Shumka at 50 runs for one performance only on Friday, March 21 at 7:30 p.m. The Northern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium is located at 11455 – 87 Ave. Tickets are $39-$60. Call 1-855-985-5000 or visit ticketmaster.ca.
In the supercalifragilisticexpialidocious Citadel season, Mary Poppins has arrived.
P.L. Travers classic tale about the magical nanny that sings and flies, and transforms the lives of a London family has been the spice of children’s dreams for decades.
This musical world of innocence and grace retains much of the original music and lyrics by Richard Sherman and Robert Sherman. However, the stage production also features additional music and lyrics by the much-lauded British duo George Stiles and Anthony Drew.
Anyone who has memorized the songs, will find the order somewhat changed. In addition, several songs were replaced. Disney’s Sister Suffragette was changed to Being Mrs. Banks and The Life I Lead was modified to Precision and Order.
Blythe Wilson (Citadel debut) takes on the role of Mary Poppins while Andrew MacDonald-Smith (The Pillowman) stickhandles the part of Bert. St. Albert Children’s Theatre alumna Kate Ryan (A Christmas Carol) is cast as Mrs. Banks and St. Albert’s own Faith LeBlanc (Citadel debut) is Jane Banks’ understudy.
Tickets start at $35. Call 780-425-1820 or purchase online at www.citadeltheatre.com.
