You might think spooky season is over but think again! Thanks to Mariposa Arts Theatre, Richard O’Brien’s The Rocky Horror Show is coming to town.
The fun and horror is on at the Orillia Opera House (OOH) Nov. 10 to 13, and Nov. 17 to 20. Regular shows are at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, with a special 10 p.m. show on Fri. Nov. 18 instead of the 7:30 p.m. show. Both Sundays, there is a matinee show at 2 p.m.
Of course, audience members are encouraged to dress up, per Rocky Horror tradition, but please, no props. OOH staff is not equipped to clean up toast and newspapers.
As I have mentioned before, this will be a show like no other, both in terms of the show itself — who doesn’t love Rocky Horror? — but in terms of the cast, set design by the incomparable Brian Halbot, and costuming by the equally incomparable Erin Hawke. It really is going to be absolutely…incomparable.
So, grab your tickets now. They have already opened up balcony seating for all of the shows, which basically does not happen at all any more at the OOH, which also means this run will likely be a sell out. For tickets, call the OOH box office at 705-326-8011, or go to www.orilliaoperahouse.ca. You really don’t want to miss this special event.
This week, so much going on, and all so fun and interesting, as per usual in this super creative town.
This Thursday, Music and Mocktails at the Orillia Museum of Art and History (OMAH). Enjoy a delicious mocktail, all the exhibits for free, and great music by Jamie Drake. New this week, also enjoy a free appetizer at the Lucky Labrador on Mississaga Street, after the event.
Next Thursday, Nov. 11, mark your calendars for the official opening of Creative Nomad Studios (CNS), from 6 to 9 p.m. There will be an actual ribbon cutting, drinks and food, and music by Michael Martyn. Should be a really good time, so plan on coming out. The space is gorgeous; this is a great opportunity to check it out.
If you can’t make the grand opening of CNS, or even if you can, come to the event, A Visual Reconciliation — Part One, this Saturday at CNS from 2 to 5 p.m. A Visual Reconciliation presents the Seven Grandmother/Grandfather Teachings from the perspective of four culturally diverse artists: Paul Shilling, Julie Tian, Ted Fullerton, and Xavier Fernandes. This event is the first teaching — bravery — and will feature a piece by each of the four artists on that theme, as well as their conversation and musings about the pieces. Again, a must-see event here in town.
This Friday, if you are smart, you will come out to two quite different events: the opening of the Gordon Harrison exhibit at Cloud Gallery from 6 to 9 p.m.; and a Pub Night at St. Paul’s Centre, from 6 to 9:30 p.m. The Gordon Harrison exhibit is on until Nov. 17, but the Pub Night is one night only.
The opening reception for Harrison will have a bar and food, and a chance to see over 30 paintings by this wonderful artist, as well as meet the artist in person and peruse the other works at this excellent local gallery.
Pub Night is a fundraiser for St. Paul’s, and features music by Brad Emmons and Elizabeth Anderson, a cash bar and snacks, and a chance to bid on some great silent auction items. There is a $10 cover, so bring cash for that and the food and drinks, and cash or cheque to bring an auction item home with you.
Either or both, a great Friday night.
Hibernation Arts and Peter Street Fine Arts both have new guest artists for the month of November, and, in a special twist, Renee Van Der Putton is the guest artist at both of these fine establishments. Enjoy an opening reception this Saturday from noon to 3 p.m. at Hibernation Arts, but make sure to go to both galleries to view all of her incredible work.
Saturday night at 6 p.m. at ODAS Park, Orillia’s Indian community presents Diwali Dhamaka, an evening filled with fun, dance, music, DJ, Indian food, and entertainment. For more information and tickets, go here.
On Sunday, The Cellar Singers' first concert of the season is on tap, a sure to be wonderful performance of Vaughan Williams’ Dona Nobis Pacem. This whole concert is about peace and remembrance, and this will be the showstopper, with soloists Jennifer Taverner and Michael York. The concert gets underway at 4 p.m. at St. James Anglican Church. Tickets are $25, either hereor at the door.
The Orillia Vocal Ensemble is also presenting their first concert of the season, with conductor Blair Bailey, Wednesday, Nov. 9 at 7:30 p.m. at St. Paul’s Centre. Titled Song for the Land, this is a fundraiser for The Couchiching Conservancy, and admission is by donation to this worthy local non-profit. The guest performer will be SAMMY, who also won the choir’s Roger Andrews Memorial Scholarship. Again, a great night out and well worth supporting.
If you are a fan of Jakob Pearce, you are in luck this weekend. He is performing at Alleycats Sunday from noon to 1 p.m. and at PICNIC’s Sunday show, solo, from 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday.
Also in live music, The Chris Robinson-Will Davis jazz duo is playing at the Couchiching Brewery on Sunday, from 1 to 4 p.m.
Enjoy this next week, it’s a doozy.
If you have arts news, send it to [email protected] by Tuesday at noon to be included.
