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A&E column: Casting call; ‘Beauty and the Beast’ returns to Duncan stage

The latest in Cowichan Valley arts and entertainment
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Check out this bear, by Renae Lehmann, in the window of Imagine That! gallery in Duncan until April 1, 2022. (Renae Lehmann work)

The Mercury Players are looking for two men and two women over the age of 65 to star in their new show.

The group says that all “Finely Aged Thespians” are welcome at an open audition for their new production of comedy Quartet by Ronald Harwood and directed by Leslie Sanchez.

“This witty and poignantly funny play is a celebration of art, aging and surviving with passions intact,” says a casting call. “Cecily, Reginald and Wilfred are former opera singers, who used to work together, living in a home for retired musicians. Their equilibrium is shattered when retired diva singer, Jean, once unhappily married to Reggie, arrives. Annoyingly, she refuses to help them recreate their once famous third act quartet from Rigoletto, for an annual celebration of composer Verdi’s birthday. Will these four feisty troupers ever sing together again?”

Actors will be asked to do a cold reading from portions of the script, which will be provided. Having an opera singing voice is not required.

Auditions are March 1 and March 3 at 7 p.m., with callbacks on March 6 at 2 p.m. at the Mercury Theatre, 331 Brae Rd., Duncan. The show hits the stage from May 5 to 15.

Double vaccination against COVID-19 and masks are mandatory to enter the Mercury Theatre. Those entering will need a vaccine passport and photo ID.

For more information about the auditions email lesliemsanchez@gmail.com

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“Back by Popular Demand” shouts the headline of a missive from the Cowichan Musical Society.

You guessed it, their production of Beauty and the Beast will be back on the big stage at the Cowichan Performing Arts Centre from April 22 to 24.

”Thanks to those of you who attended one of our shows in January or February of this year. You are helping to keep community theatre alive and well!” the group said. “And of course you got a great show — rave reviews all around — which has led to our decision to present the show again in April.”

The show was indeed a blockbuster during its runs in January and February, with stunning costumes and professional quality singing making the experience a must-see for fans.

But if you missed it, CMS advises you to get your tickets soon for the four additional shows that run Friday, April 22 at 7:30 p.m., Saturday, April 23 at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, April 24 at 2 p.m.

Reduced price tickets will be available (10 per cent off the $49 premium seat ticket price except for rows O and P) for one week only from March 1 to 7. You will need to go online to get them (cowichanpac.ca) and use the code BEAUTY. If you have difficulty, call CPAC at 250-746-2722 or drop by in person.

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Imagine That! gallery in downtown Duncan is featuring the work of a number of different artists in their display windows bordering City Square starting Friday, Feb. 25 to April 1.

One window has been dubbed “Bowled Over”, and will feature tiny wooden receptacles fit for a doll’s house, a pitcher in the shape of a crow, and large scale pottery bowls.

The second window’s display is called “Animal Kingdom.”

“There is quite the diversity of domestic and wild animals on Vancouver Island. Perhaps that diversity is reflected even more strongly in the imagination of our artists. In a variety of media, we showcase their work to entice you with the beauty of our Island animal kingdom,” says a press release.

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The Vancouver Island Symphony is saying goodbye to its artistic director at the end of the season.

Pierre Simard announced recently that “after careful thought and consideration, time has come to ‘pass the baton.’”

“I would like to express my gratitude to everyone at the VIS, for 14 wonderful years of music-making: musicians, staff and boards of directors have shown an unwavering dedication to the growth and thriving of our professional symphony orchestra. Their resilience is extraordinary and will be a formidable asset for the orchestra’s upcoming seasons, under new artistic leadership. I also want to thank our donors, sponsors, and faithful audiences — what an honour and privilege it has been to perform for you and be part of our community!

“I look forward to the remaining performances of the current season, as we celebrate in music the past, present, and future of the Vancouver Island Symphony.”

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A wooden bowl by Antho Santarossa and a crow pitcher by Lee Stead will be featured in the window of Imagine That! gallery in downtown Duncan until April 1, 2022. (Works by Antho Santarossa and Lee Stead)