L. Frank Baum’s cherished tale The Wizard of Oz, is vividly brought to life by choreographer Septime Webre in this new story ballet. Audiences can expect the classic plotline they know and love, from an on-stage twister in Kansas to the explosion of colour and fantastical costumes in Oz. Dorothy, the Scarecrow, Tin Man and the Cowardly Lion journey down the Yellow Brick Road to the Emerald City with new music composed specially for the ballet by Matthew Pierce. With visual projections creating a cinematic feel, brilliant dancing and flying monkeys, this is where Ballet meets Broadway glitz. Canada’s Royal Winnipeg Ballet shines in this impressive production—a joint commission with Kansas City Ballet and Colorado Ballet—that is sure to please ballet aficionados and newcomers alike. (more…)
Recent Posts by Jen Derbach
A Night at the Ballet
It has been nearly 10 years since the world-renowned Boston Ballet has visited Ottawa. Under the inspired leadership of Mikko Nissinen, their long overdue return to the National Arts Center, brings an eclectic program that encompasses a jazzy Broadway style piece, a national debut of a contemporary piece and an ensemble piece set to the music of Grammy nominated artist James Blake.
An intimate evening with Matt Mays
The evening’s opening act, Skye Wallace, brought dynamic high energy music intertwined with serious messages. Her sound is unique and has been described as dark folk with influences from punk rock and 90’s grunge. A charged opening show that is not to be missed.
The NAC celebrates 50 golden years
Saturday, October 5th the who’s who of Ottawa gathered at the National Arts Centre for a golden gala event to celebrate its 50th anniversary.
Alessia Cara kicks things off in the Capital.
The National Arts Centre was buzzing, with a different than normal crowd, Saturday night when the reigning Best New Artist Grammy winner from Brampton Ontario stopped by to kick off her “The Pains of Growing Tour”. The NAC’s Southam Hall was filled with people of all ages, but mostly screaming tweens and their parents, excited to see one of their idols.
Kalabante welcomes Ottawa to Africa
Saturday night I took a drive East and left the city to be “welcomed to Africa” by the insanely talented ,Montreal based, group Kalabante. This African Circus group presented the short version of their show to an eager crowd at the Shenkman Arts Centre. The show symbolizes the joy, playfulness and joie de vivre of African youth. This was not only visually appealing, with incredible acrobatic stunts, but also music to my ears as the performers were also brilliant musicians.
Patrick Watson Orchestrates a Moving Performance
Patrick Watson performed, for a packed crowd, along-side the NAC orchestra for their new SESSIONS series. We were lucky enough to be present for this highly anticipated show that took place in a sold out Southam Hall. The next stop for this talented band is back to their native Quebec, where they finish off their current tour.
The Wooden Sky’s annual Holiday show back for another year.
Now entering its 9th year, The Wooden Sky returned to the capital with their Annual holiday show. This annual tradition, held at St. Alban’s Hall in Ottawa, brought together fans, friends and even family, as noticed when lead singer, Gavin Gardiner’s nephew adorably interrupted a soft acoustic moment in the night.
Stars Shine Bright in the Capital
Stepping off Elgin St. and into the National Arts Centre on a mild December eve, there was something in the air as Stars and opener My Brightest Diamond were set to perform in the striking Southam Hall. As you enter the cavernous amphitheater, a sense of wonder overtakes you when it’s true grandness comes into focus.With the sold out crowd settled into their seats, the powerful vocals and electro-opera sound of My Brightest Diamond started to fill the venue. Appropriately named Shara Nova, the voice and main performer of MBD, shone brightly with her stage presence and rhythmic energy.
Amos the Transparent rock their annual holiday show
The final work week before the holidays has come to its end so what better way to kick off the holidays then to attend Amos the Transparent’s annual holiday show?! The band has been fairly under the radar since their 2014 release of ‘This Cold Escape’ but have made it a tradition to play a holiday show, and this year they returned to the Blacksheep Inn in Wakefield Quebec to celebrate the season with about 200 of their closest friends and fans.
