1. The Great Canadian Theatre Company unveiled their 2010-2011 season, and for once I am really excited about it. I had already read about the Jennifer Tremblay play "La Liste" when it was announced as part of the National Arts Centre's French Theatre season for next year. And I'm so glad I'll be able to enjoy the English translation of this play, directed by the fabulous Brian Quirt. "Vimy" by Vern Thiessen looks promising; if nothing else it is a much larger cast than most shows programmed by the GCTC, and the partnership with the NAC English Theatre acting company is an interesting collaboration. "Strawberries in January" definitely caught my eye as the kind of "fizzy comedy" (in the words of Lise Ann Johnson) that totally appeals to me. As a huge Pierre Brault fan, I am looking forward to his new show "The Shadow Cutter" (with double the usual cast size!) and who wouldn't be excited about the new Daniel McIvor piece, "This is What Happens Next". Equally exciting for next year is the new Undercurrents Festival that was announced; featuring, among others, the fabulous "This is a Recording" by Simon Bradshaw and Kelly Rigole. First seen at the Ottawa Fringe Festival in 2009, this is a verbatim theatre piece and I'm so glad the show is being remounted and will be seen by a wider audience.
2. Crush Improv's Tuesday Make 'Em Ups featured Crush members AL Connors and Cari Leslie and local actor Richard Gelinas. This pared down cast of players kept things simple for this show, and instead of their usual sequence of improvisational games they did some free-form long form improv that was truly enjoyable. This is exactly the kind of improv I enjoy: character-based storytelling where the performers spend time establishing a character and then they explore different scenarios and really play with one another. I felt these three had great onstage chemistry and Cari Leslie in particular had a stellar night. Also worth mentioning: Richard Gelinas' donair maker character. Priceless.
3. Guergis-Jaffer watch: uncharacteristic for Canadian politics, this week there has been a media shitstorm surrounding former MP Rahim Jaffer and his wife, Conservative MP Helena Guergis that has involved a private investigator, and claims of cocaine-fueled parties with high priced hookers. At this point it's hard to work out what actually happened that is relevant to Guergis losing her cabinet position, but with the NDP's formal request to the ethics commissioner, there will now be a formal inquiry. What strikes me is that once again Stephen Harper looks sneaky - and that's saying something when we're dealing with characters like Rahim Jaffer. Why did Harper publicly state that the ethics commissioner and the RCMP were investigating Geurgis, but not give any reasons why? Why does every move he makes seem like it's all cloak and dagger? Quick, media! Look over there!
4. Also in the news this week, the City of Ottawa is looking to recruit more female fire fighters, in an effort to "reflect the people of our community". I am definitely all for gender equality, but this statement made me think. Is it really important that fire fighters reflect their community? I understand this argument when it comes to other community-serving careers such as police, or front line health workers. But as far as who is behind the big coat and helmet of a fire fighter, does diversity really matter? I know this campaign is partly about convincing young women that becoming a fire fighter is a legitimate option for them, and that part I can get behind. But I guess I always bristle a bit when when there appears to be a 'gender quota' that doesn't seem to make sense.
5. NHL Playoffs started this week and the good news is that all 3 Canadian teams won their first game in round 1. Only the Ottawa Senators, Montreal Canadiens, and Vancouver Canucks made it to the playoffs this year. The last time a Canadian team won the Stanley Cup was the 1993 Montreal Canadiens. The 2010 Habs don't look so good; having limped into the playoffs this year, but one never knows...As a big Sens fan, I am looking forward to Ottawa beating Pittsburgh in this round...sweet revenge.
Coming up this weekend:
- Sens vs. Pens: Game #2 Friday night, Game #3 Sunday night. Go Sens Go!
- Cube Salon: Saturday night at the Cube Gallery, the uber-handsome Jonathan Koensgen is presenting a sneak-peek at his one-man show "Procrastini". The ever-popular John Carroll will also be there - making this an excellent line-up for Cube's final Salon of the season.
- The 3rd Annual Les Prix Rideau Awards is this Sunday night at De La Salle - I am as excited to find out who the winners are as I am to see what everyone will be wearing! If you don't have your ticket for this yet, you should still come - there will be some tickets available at the door. This will be a super fun tonight - although for me it is also work - I will be the Front of House Manager for the evening, and my date will be the DJ for the awards ceremony. Business drunk, anyone?
