Friday, November 28, 2012

102nd Grey Cup Festival
Friday, Saturday, Sunday
Canada Place Way, Vancouver
The 102nd Grey Cup Festival is shaping up to be the biggest and best Grey Cup Festival Vancouver has ever hosted! This year’s Festival kicks-off on Wednesday, November 26th and runs right through the weekend to the 102nd Grey Cup Championship on Sunday, November 30th.

Black Friday Photo Expo
Friday, November 28th and Saturday, 29th from 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Lansdowne Centre in Richmond, BC.
An exciting two days with all the major photographic brands in one place including Nikon, Canon, Leica, Sony, Panasonic, Olympus, Pentax, Fujifilm, Manfrotto, Lowepro, and many, many more! Join us on November 28th and 29th from 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM at Lansdowne Centre in Richmond, BC. And most importantly, Free Admission! Brand Representatives will be there to assist you with any questions you may have and to give demonstrations of their products.  With Seminars by Photographic Professionals and Industry Experts, Lucky Draws for some amazing prizes such as a Leica C (light gold), Fujifilm S8600, and more.

Bright Nights at Stanley Park - $11 max
November 27 – December 18 
on Pipeline Road in Stanley Park, via the West Georgia Street park entrance
During the holiday season, Stanley Park sparkles with two million twinkling lights, decorating the darkness that comes early at this time of year. Make the Bright Nights Train part of your holiday tradition. Ride the train, watch animated displays, listen to holiday classics, sip warm cocoa, and feast on fresh popcorn or roasted nuts. Enjoy the sight of young eyes dazzled by the display of lights and the excitement of the holidays. Partial proceeds from the sale of Bright Nights tickets go to the BC Professional Fire Fighters' Burn Fund. Adult $11, Matinee $6. Entrance to the plaza is by donation (you don't need to purchase train tickets to see the lights). Donations will be accepted at the front gate. Suggested $4 minimum donation.

Saturday, November 29, 2012

UBC Engineering Open House
Saturday, November 29, 2014 from 9am to 3pm.  
2332 Main Mall, UBC, Vancouver, BC
Did you know engineers do more than build bridges and design fast cars? Engineers help prevent disease, reduce poverty and create solutions to protect people and our planet.    There’ll be cool demonstrations, fascinating lab tours, informative presentations. Talk to advisors, professors and current students about all your options. Learn how engineering can make a world of difference. Bring your friends and family to explore – we suggest you plan to attend the whole day, as there are activities happening throughout the day.

Strathcona Winter Craft Fair - $2
Saturday, Nov 29, 10:00am - 5:00pm
Strathcona Community Centre - 601 Keefer Street. Vancouver BC 
2nd annual Strathcona Winter Craft Fair. All proceeds from Strathcona Winter Craft Fair go towards our affordable and accessible childcare programs, such as preschool and out of school care.
Shop The Neighbourhood
On Saturday November 29, 2014 Canadians nationwide are encouraged to support their communities’ small businesses by making a local purchase and taking advantage of exclusive event day deals offered in their neighbourhood.

Bright Nights at Stanley Park - $11 max
November 27 – December 18 
on Pipeline Road in Stanley Park, via the West Georgia Street park entrance
During the holiday season, Stanley Park sparkles with two million twinkling lights, decorating the darkness that comes early at this time of year. Make the Bright Nights Train part of your holiday tradition. Ride the train, watch animated displays, listen to holiday classics, sip warm cocoa, and feast on fresh popcorn or roasted nuts. Enjoy the sight of young eyes dazzled by the display of lights and the excitement of the holidays. Partial proceeds from the sale of Bright Nights tickets go to the BC Professional Fire Fighters' Burn Fund. Adult $11, Matinee $6. Entrance to the plaza is by donation (you don't need to purchase train tickets to see the lights). Donations will be accepted at the front gate. Suggested $4 minimum donation..

Sunday, November 30, 2012

Portobello West Holiday Market - $2
Saturday & Sunday, 11am - 5pm 
Creekside Community Centre, 1 Athletes Way, Vancouver B.C.
Portobello West is back at the Creekside Community Recreation Centre in Vancouver’s Olympic Village for our 8th Annual Holiday Market! Join us from 11am-5pm on November 29th & 30th for some great local holiday shopping! Swag Bags will be given out to the first 30 shoppers on both Saturday & Sunday!

102nd Grey Cup Festival
Friday, Saturday, Sunday
Canada Place Way, Vancouver
The 102nd Grey Cup Festival is shaping up to be the biggest and best Grey Cup Festival Vancouver has ever hosted! This year’s Festival kicks-off on Wednesday, November 26th and runs right through the weekend to the 102nd Grey Cup Championship on Sunday, November 30th.  

Bright Nights at Stanley Park - $11 max
November 27 – December 18 
on Pipeline Road in Stanley Park, via the West Georgia Street park entrance
During the holiday season, Stanley Park sparkles with two million twinkling lights, decorating the darkness that comes early at this time of year. Make the Bright Nights Train part of your holiday tradition. Ride the train, watch animated displays, listen to holiday classics, sip warm cocoa, and feast on fresh popcorn or roasted nuts. Enjoy the sight of young eyes dazzled by the display of lights and the excitement of the holidays. Partial proceeds from the sale of Bright Nights tickets go to the BC Professional Fire Fighters' Burn Fund. Adult $11, Matinee $6. Entrance to the plaza is by donation (you don't need to purchase train tickets to see the lights). Donations will be accepted at the front gate. Suggested $4 minimum donation.

Reoccurring

Vancouver Christmas Market - $7
November 22 to December 24 11:00am - 9:00pm
Just outside the Queen Elizabeth Theatre, 649 Cambie Street  Vancouver, BC
The Vancouver Christmas Market is back from November 22 to December 24, 2012 on the Queen Elizabeth Theatre Plaza! This authentic German Christmas Market creates the perfect atmosphere to mix and mingle with friends and family and take in a wide variety of cultural activities and entertainment events.  During your visits to the Christmas Market you’ll experience our mix of traditional food and beverage, as well as our selection of authentic wood carvings and toys, knitted goods, nutcrackers, pottery and other unique gifts. Stop off at our special children’s area, the Kid’s Market, to make Christmas gifts and ride downtown Vancouver’s only Christmas Carousel. For every paid admission you will receive a free Unlimited Entry Season's Pass!

Vancouver Festival of Trees
November 20, 2014 - January 4, 2015
Four Seasons Hotel Vancouver (791 W. Georgia St.),
upper level of Pacific Centre Mall (650 W. Georgia St.)
For the past 27 years, Festival of Trees has transformed the lobby of the Four Seasons Hotel and the corridors of Pacific Centre Mall into a vision of beautifully decorated trees with the goal of raising much-needed funds for BC Children's Hospital Foundation.  The Festival continues to bring together a vast array of generous sponsors both business and individual from Vancouver in what has become a much anticipated holiday tradition and the unofficial beginning of Christmas in the Vancouver. Every year, local businesses, organizations and individuals, sponsor and decorate their trees in a wacky, creative, unique, and always beautiful fashion.

Heritage Christmas at Burnaby Village Museum
1:00pm - 5:30pm November 22 - December 12
6501 Deer Lake Avenue  Burnaby, BC
The Village is illuminated this festive season with spectacular displays of lights that are sure to put you and your family into the holiday spirit! Lights in our parking lot are a teaser of what's to see inside. Delight in the shimmering Winter Wonderland near the Love Farmhouse, an Angel-Crossing at the bridge, a Holiday Lane and be wowed by the gigantic multi-coloured Christmas tree sparkling near the carousel.

Farmers Markets:

Fresh, local, organic foods & crafts. 60+ vendors, hot food, music! Rain or Shine! 

Hastings Park Winter Market
Sundays, Oct 5 - Nov 30, 10am - 2pm
Hastings Skatepark, Vancouver, BC V5K 4A6

Life goes so fast these days that we hardly have time to stop and relax. Daily Zen Doodles helps with that - doodling has been shown to relax the mind. This book contains prompts for you to fill in with repetitive patterns or doodles however you like; one prompt for each day of the year.


The first few pages contain prompts that are already filled in to give you inspiration with your own drawings. There is no right or wrong on how to do this. It is just an exercise to calm, clear and focus your mind. Each prompt also contains an inspirational or thoughtful quote, which you can use to incorporate in your doodles or not - your choice.

Some prompts are of actual objects,

while others are just squiggles or patterns.


Here are my first doodles. My mind seems to be a bit chaotic. Haha.

This is a nice little book that helps you bring out your creative side. Drawing takes practice and it is the same with quieting your mind; only practice makes perfect. It is a nice portable size but each page does give you enough space to draw. I love the inspiring quotes on each page. I can see myself sitting down with this book everyday with a cup of tea and let my creative juices run wild!



Disclaimer: I received a copy of the Daily Zen Doodles from Ulysses Press free of charge for review. The opinions expressed in this post are entirely my own and have not been influenced in any other way.

All the Christmas events are starting this week!

Friday, November 21, 2012

Vancouver Festival of Trees
November 20, 2014 - January 4, 2015
Four Seasons Hotel Vancouver (791 W. Georgia St.),
upper level of Pacific Centre Mall (650 W. Georgia St.)
For the past 27 years, Festival of Trees has transformed the lobby of the Four Seasons Hotel and the corridors of Pacific Centre Mall into a vision of beautifully decorated trees with the goal of raising much-needed funds for BC Children's Hospital Foundation.  The Festival continues to bring together a vast array of generous sponsors both business and individual from Vancouver in what has become a much anticipated holiday tradition and the unofficial beginning of Christmas in the Vancouver. Every year, local businesses, organizations and individuals, sponsor and decorate their trees in a wacky, creative, unique, and always beautiful fashion.

West Coast Christmas Show - $6
Friday, November 21, 12pm-rpm 
Saturday, November 22, 10am – 6pm
Sunday, November 23, 10am – 5pm
Abbotsford TRADEX Centre, 1190 Cornell Street, Abbotsford
The West Coast Christmas Show is Western Canada's leading Holiday Season Show that brings together under one roof Holiday gifts, fancy foods, personal services, decor ideas, festive seminars and culinary presentations. 

31TH ANNUAL 2012 BRITANNIA CHRISTMAS CRAFT FAIR! Want an early start on your Christmas shopping? Come check out the 29th annual Britannia Christmas Craft Fair from November 21 to 23, 2014! For more information, contact 604.713.8273.

Eastside Culture Crawl
Fri 5:00pm - 10:00pm 
Sat & Sun 11:00am - 6:00pm
Multiple sites - check map here.
The 18th Annual Eastside Culture Crawl is Vancouver’s 4-day visual arts, design and crafts festival. This event involves more than 20,000 people visiting artists in their studios in the area bounded by Main Street and Victoria Drive north of First Avenue in Vancouver, Canada.

Saturday, November 22, 2012

November 22 to December 24 11:00am - 9:00pm
Just outside the Queen Elizabeth Theatre, 649 Cambie Street  Vancouver, BC
The Vancouver Christmas Market is back from November 22 to December 24, 2012 on the Queen Elizabeth Theatre Plaza! This authentic German Christmas Market creates the perfect atmosphere to mix and mingle with friends and family and take in a wide variety of cultural activities and entertainment events.  During your visits to the Christmas Market you’ll experience our mix of traditional food and beverage, as well as our selection of authentic wood carvings and toys, knitted goods, nutcrackers, pottery and other unique gifts. Stop off at our special children’s area, the Kid’s Market, to make Christmas gifts and ride downtown Vancouver’s only Christmas Carousel. For every paid admission you will receive a free Unlimited Entry Season's Pass!

Heritage Christmas at Burnaby Village Museum
1:00pm - 5:30pm November 22 - December 12
6501 Deer Lake Avenue  Burnaby, BC
The Village is illuminated this festive season with spectacular displays of lights that are sure to put you and your family into the holiday spirit! Lights in our parking lot are a teaser of what's to see inside. Delight in the shimmering Winter Wonderland near the Love Farmhouse, an Angel-Crossing at the bridge, a Holiday Lane and be wowed by the gigantic multi-coloured Christmas tree sparkling near the carousel.

Sunday, November 23, 2012

West Coast Christmas Show - $6
Friday, November 21, 12pm-rpm 
Saturday, November 22, 10am – 6pm
Sunday, November 23, 10am – 5pm
Abbotsford TRADEX Centre, 1190 Cornell Street, Abbotsford
The West Coast Christmas Show is Western Canada's leading Holiday Season Show that brings together under one roof Holiday gifts, fancy foods, personal services, decor ideas, festive seminars and culinary presentations.

Vancouver Christmas Market - $7
November 22 to December 24 11:00am - 9:00pm
Just outside the Queen Elizabeth Theatre, 649 Cambie Street  Vancouver, BC
The Vancouver Christmas Market is back from November 22 to December 24, 2012 on the Queen Elizabeth Theatre Plaza! This authentic German Christmas Market creates the perfect atmosphere to mix and mingle with friends and family and take in a wide variety of cultural activities and entertainment events.  During your visits to the Christmas Market you’ll experience our mix of traditional food and beverage, as well as our selection of authentic wood carvings and toys, knitted goods, nutcrackers, pottery and other unique gifts. Stop off at our special children’s area, the Kid’s Market, to make Christmas gifts and ride downtown Vancouver’s only Christmas Carousel. For every paid admission you will receive a free Unlimited Entry Season's Pass!

Vancouver Festival of Trees
November 20, 2014 - January 4, 2015
Four Seasons Hotel Vancouver (791 W. Georgia St.),
upper level of Pacific Centre Mall (650 W. Georgia St.)
For the past 27 years, Festival of Trees has transformed the lobby of the Four Seasons Hotel and the corridors of Pacific Centre Mall into a vision of beautifully decorated trees with the goal of raising much-needed funds for BC Children's Hospital Foundation.  The Festival continues to bring together a vast array of generous sponsors both business and individual from Vancouver in what has become a much anticipated holiday tradition and the unofficial beginning of Christmas in the Vancouver. Every year, local businesses, organizations and individuals, sponsor and decorate their trees in a wacky, creative, unique, and always beautiful fashion.

31TH ANNUAL 2012 BRITANNIA CHRISTMAS CRAFT FAIR! Want an early start on your Christmas shopping? Come check out the 29th annual Britannia Christmas Craft Fair from November 21 to 23, 2014! For more information, contact 604.713.8273.

Eastside Culture Crawl
Fri 5:00pm - 10:00pm 
Sat & Sun 11:00am - 6:00pm
Multiple sites - check map here.
The 18th Annual Eastside Culture Crawl is Vancouver’s 4-day visual arts, design and crafts festival. This event involves more than 20,000 people visiting artists in their studios in the area bounded by Main Street and Victoria Drive north of First Avenue in Vancouver, Canada.

Heritage Christmas at Burnaby Village Museum
1:00pm - 5:30pm November 22 - December 12
6501 Deer Lake Avenue  Burnaby, BC
The Village is illuminated this festive season with spectacular displays of lights that are sure to put you and your family into the holiday spirit! Lights in our parking lot are a teaser of what's to see inside. Delight in the shimmering Winter Wonderland near the Love Farmhouse, an Angel-Crossing at the bridge, a Holiday Lane and be wowed by the gigantic multi-coloured Christmas tree sparkling near the carousel.

Farmers Markets:

Fresh, local, organic foods & crafts. 60+ vendors, hot food, music! Rain or Shine! 

Hastings Park Winter Market
Sundays, Oct 5 - Nov 30, 10am - 2pm
Hastings Skatepark, Vancouver, BC V5K 4A6

Friday, November 14, 2014

#UnwrapEtsy Holiday Pop-Up
Thu, Nov 13, 2014 - Wed, Nov 19, 2014
Friday to Tuesday: 11AM - 7PM Wednesday:  11AM - 6PM
434 Columbia St Vancouver, BC, V6A Canada
Etsy Launching Canada Pop-Up Tour In Vancouver With 34 Local Etsy Stores #UnwrapEtsy. Etsy Team Canada is on a Holiday 2014 themed Pop-Up Tour across the nation and kickin' things off in Vancaouver. This holiday shop is all about gift giving rather than traditional Christmas and holiday themes, to encourage art lovers, craft lovers, designers and makers alike to find the unexpected and perfect gift for a loved one this holiday season.

Circle Craft Christmas Market
Friday 10am - 9pm
Saturday 10am - 7pm
Sunday 10am - 5pm
Vancouver Convention Centre West 1055 Canada Place Vancouver, BC  V6C 0C3
Over 310 artisans from coast to coast will come together for the 41st Annual Circle Craft Christmas Market. With artisans, artists, and crafters from all disciplines, including pottery, wood, glass, metal, fibre, fashion, jewellery, and more, there will be much to explore!  

Light Up the Village at Park Royal
Friday, November 14th - 5:30 to 7:30PM
Corner Taylor Way & Marine Drive, West Vancouver
Join us as we usher in the Holidays with our annual tree lighting ceremony in The Village.  Delight in the countdown to illuminating over 100,000 dazzling lights – along with seasonal festivities and complimentary treats at Keeper’s Crossing in the center of The Village.  • Countdown takes place at 7:00 PM sharp!  • Holiday cookie decorating by Whole Foods Market  • Steamy hot coco by Village Taphouse  • Gourmet mini donuts  • Seasonal teas by DAVIDsTEA  • Face painting & fun by Santa’s Elves  • Ross Curran’s Jazz Trio  • Singing Trio: Noel  • Cool illuminated wristband giveaway  • Photo opportunity with classical characters in their most intricate costumes from Vancouver's famous Goh Ballet - The Nutcracker

Indigo Presents: John Cleese 
Friday, November 14th, 7:00pm
Chapters Robson, 788 Robson Street, Vancouver, British Columbia
Join us for a special event with John Cleese for the release of his new book, So Anyway.... We’re thrilled to be holding two different events with the legendary cofounder of the Monty Python comedy troupe, creator of the award-winning British sitcom Fawlty Towers and featured performer in the James Bond, Harry Potter and Shrek film series. Event Guidelines      John Cleese will autograph a maximum of ONE (1) purchased copy per person of his new book, So Anyway…. NO personalization.     NO memorabilia or additional items will be permitted for the signing including posters, clothing or any other item. Book signing only.     NO photography or video recording will be permitted.

Saturday, November 15, 2014

Circle Craft Christmas Market
Friday 10am - 9pm
Saturday 10am - 7pm
Sunday 10am - 5pm
Vancouver Convention Centre West 1055 Canada Place Vancouver, BC  V6C 0C3
Over 310 artisans from coast to coast will come together for the 41st Annual Circle Craft Christmas Market. With artisans, artists, and crafters from all disciplines, including pottery, wood, glass, metal, fibre, fashion, jewellery, and more, there will be much to explore!

Santa's Arrival at Park Royal
Saturday, November 15th - 10:45 AM
Corner Taylor Way & Marine Drive, West Vancouver
A jingle of bells and a clatter of hooves means Santa is coming to Park Royal.  Join us to usher in Santa and his elves to Park Royal South.  • First 100 children to sit on Santa’s knee will receive a complimentary Rogers' Chocolates Advent Calendar  • Dance performance by Shift Dance Co.  • Face painting & fun by Santa’s elves until 1:00 PM  • Colouring book, antlers & candy cane given complimentary with every visit with Santa  • Visit Santa on November 15th between 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM & 2:30 PM to 5:00 PM

#UnwrapEtsy Holiday Pop-Up
Thu, Nov 13, 2014 - Wed, Nov 19, 2014
Friday to Tuesday: 11AM - 7PM Wednesday:  11AM - 6PM
434 Columbia St Vancouver, BC, V6A Canada
Etsy Launching Canada Pop-Up Tour In Vancouver With 34 Local Etsy Stores #UnwrapEtsy. Etsy Team Canada is on a Holiday 2014 themed Pop-Up Tour across the nation and kickin' things off in Vancaouver. This holiday shop is all about gift giving rather than traditional Christmas and holiday themes, to encourage art lovers, craft lovers, designers and makers alike to find the unexpected and perfect gift for a loved one this holiday season.

HWKRS MRKT #Vancouver - $10

Saturday, 15 November 2014 at 6:00 PM  - 12:00am
The Independent 188 Kingsway Vancouver Vancouver, BC 
LAST Event of 2014! Come out for the biggest Food Party of the year YVR! Local Vancouver foodie event.

Sunday, November 16, 2014

Circle Craft Christmas Market
Friday 10am - 9pm
Saturday 10am - 7pm
Sunday 10am - 5pm
Vancouver Convention Centre West 1055 Canada Place Vancouver, BC  V6C 0C3
Over 310 artisans from coast to coast will come together for the 41st Annual Circle Craft Christmas Market. With artisans, artists, and crafters from all disciplines, including pottery, wood, glass, metal, fibre, fashion, jewellery, and more, there will be much to explore!  

Main Street Vinyl Record Fair -  $4 / Kids Free
Sunday November 16th from 11am - 5pm
Heritage Hall, 3102 Main Street, Vancouver BC
Buy, sell, trade – new and used vinyl records plus a selection of used turntables in Vancouver on Sunday November 16th from 11am - 5pm  Thousands of vinyl records for sale! Discover gems and stock up on cheap classics!

#UnwrapEtsy Holiday Pop-Up
Thu, Nov 13, 2014 - Wed, Nov 19, 2014
Friday to Tuesday: 11AM - 7PM Wednesday:  11AM - 6PM
434 Columbia St Vancouver, BC, V6A Canada
Etsy Launching Canada Pop-Up Tour In Vancouver With 34 Local Etsy Stores #UnwrapEtsy. Etsy Team Canada is on a Holiday 2014 themed Pop-Up Tour across the nation and kickin' things off in Vancaouver. This holiday shop is all about gift giving rather than traditional Christmas and holiday themes, to encourage art lovers, craft lovers, designers and makers alike to find the unexpected and perfect gift for a loved one this holiday season.

Reoccurring Events

Night Markets:

MERCATO: Italian Night Market 
3pm - 7pm every 3rd Friday of the month until until Friday, November 21st, 2014
Italian Cultural Centre, 3075 Slocan Street at Grandview Highway
IL CENTRO Italian Cultural Centre is proud to host and present Il MERCATO, the city’s first Farmer and Italian Night Market starting this Friday. This market is the first of its kind in Vancouver bringing together the tastes of Italy with the produce grown in local farms. We invite the community to come shop for a vibrant assortment of fresh fruit and vegetables, handmade products from local artisans and delicious food prepared by Il Centro’s chef. The Italian community market element allows you the opportunity to bring home a taste of Italy every month. Stay for live Italian music featuring the classic mandolin and accordion, and children’s activities provided by our Italian School teachers.

Farmers Markets:

Fresh, local, organic foods & crafts. 60+ vendors, hot food, music! Rain or Shine! 

Hastings Park Winter Market
Sundays, Oct 5 - Nov 30, 10am - 2pm
Hastings Skatepark, Vancouver, BC V5K 4A6

If you pass by Four Seasons Hotel Vancouver lobby today, you'll probably notice that the beloved Ghost Salmon exhibit that has been there since the beginning of the year, has been replaced. In its place is the next installment of the Ghost Salmon series: 1 Whale & 50 Salmon. Created by Anna Gustafson, of Salt Spring Island's Blue Horse Gallery, the piece features prints of 19th century wood engravings of orcas and salmon. Can you spot the whale in the school of salmon?

If you look closely you can see that behind the salmon and whale are some script. These are actually the names and pod designations of the Southern resident Orcas living in our local waters, which eat only wild pacific salmon exclusively! This further illustrates the importance of our wild Pacific salmon and how we should pay attention to issues of sustainability and the environment; other animals' lives depend on them! Anna wanted to the style of the script to be reminiscent of waves. I think it really makes the salmon pop and gives a certain depth to them.   

Across from the main exhibit is a companion piece, Field Notes, which are the notes that the artist made while creating this masterpiece. It also illustrates the areas of the whale that ended up in the main artwork.



The new exhibit is different but still pretty cool in its own way. There will be more exhibits in the series on the way; Anna Gustafson tells me that she's working on a bear and a wolf! Both are some of my favourite animals! Can't wait to see them!

Flashdance - the Musical is a story of hopes, dreams, friendship, and struggle; it has a great lesson in following your dreams and always trying even though you don't know what the outcome would be; take that leap of faith and if it doesn't work just get back up again. Alex Owens (Karli Dinardo) dreams of being a dancer but for now, she works at the Hurley steel mill during the day while performing at a club run by Harry (Michael Kingston) at night. With the encouragement of her friends, she applies for the Shipley Academy, an exclusive dance school. Her dreams are complicated when Alex gets involved with Nick Hurley (Adam J Rennie), grandson of the steel mill founding father, who is having problems of his own when the board of directors demand he make job cuts.

The musical started out strong with the energetic number featuring the lead lady and ensemble, and set the tone for the night. There was lots of dancing, as expected, and the songs are filled with toe tapping beats; lots of bass drum and good rhythm that will have you bobbing your head along. Flashdance - the Musical features familiar songs like "What a Feeling," "Maniac," "Gloria," "Manhunt," and "I Love Rock & Roll" as well as 16 brand new songs have been written for the musical. The catchy tunes will have you wanting to dance along!

Both Dinardo and Rennie have powerful voice and Dinardo sings very well in her solos but sometimes she is a bit drowned out during their duets. The dialogue was sprinkled with funny one liners and flashy costumes, glitter, leg warmers, bright colors, tights will have some feeling nolgastic of the 80s. It is a great show overall with good entertainment value.

Flashdance - the Musical is now playing at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre from now thru November 16, 2014. Tickets are on sale at Ticketmaster.ca starting at $51.


Disclosure: Tickets to the show were received from Broadway Across Canada free of charge. The opinions expressed in this post are entirely my own and have not been influenced in any other way.

Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, the award-winning worldwide smash hit Broadway musical, returns to Vancouver as part of the Broadway Across Canada 2014 – 2015 season. Produced by NETworks Presentations, this elaborate theatrical production will come to life on stage at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre February 3-8, 2015. For information on the production, visit  www.BeautyAndTheBeastOnTour.com. Tickets will go on sale November 15, 2014 at 10 AM at all Ticketmaster outlets, on-line at www.ticketmaster.ca or call toll-free 1-855-985-5000.  

Disney’s Beauty and the Beast features the Academy Award®-winning score with music by Alan Menken and lyrics by the late Howard Ashman, with additional songs composed by Alan Menken and lyrics by Tim Rice. The book is written by Linda Woolverton.  

The original creators of the Broadway production have reunited for this new touring production. The play is directed by Rob Roth and choreographed by Matt West, with Costume Design by Ann Hould-Ward (Tony Award® winner for her work on Disney’s Beauty and the Beast), Lighting Design by Natasha Katz (three-time Tony Award® winner), Scenic Design by Stanley A. Meyer, Sound Design by John Petrafesa Jr. and Music Supervision by Michael Kosarin.  

Disney’s Beauty and the Beast is the classic story of Belle, a young woman in a provincial town, and the Beast, who is really a young prince trapped in a spell placed by an enchantress.  If the Beast can learn to love and be loved, the curse will end and he will be transformed to his former self. But time is running out. If the Beast does not learn his lesson soon, he and his household will be doomed for all eternity.  

Based on the 1991 Academy Award®-winning animated feature film and celebrating 20 years since its Broadway premiere in 1994, Disney’s Beauty and the Beast has become an international sensation that has been seen by over 35 million people worldwide in 22 countries, and has been translated into 9 different languages.  This production launched in February 2010 and has been seen by 2.5 million people while playing over 1,000 performances in all 50 United States and 6 Canadian Provinces.  Currently, there are four other productions playing around the world including Paris, tours in Japan and Germany, and a new international tour that currently will visit over 12 countries in two years.     

Performances run: Tuesday through Saturday evenings at 7:30pm, Saturday matinee at 2pm, Sunday matinee at 1pm and Sunday evening 6:30pm.  

Tickets go on sale Saturday, November 15 at 10 AM at all Ticketmaster outlets, on-line at www.ticketmaster.ca, or call toll-free 1-855-985-5000.  Groups of 10 or more can access discounts at 1-800-889-8457.  Tickets for Disney’s Beauty and the Beast vary in range depending on performance, seat location, and date of purchase and start at $35.00 plus applicable service fees. 

American Express® Cardmembers have access to some of the best seats in the house for all Disney’s Beauty and the Beast performances. Advance tickets are available through Front Of The Line® by American Express November 10 – 12, 2014.         

Disney’s Beauty and the Beast in Vancouver, presented by Broadway Across Canada, is part of three city Canadian tour including stops in Edmonton (February 10 - 15) and Calgary (February 17-22).