Cowichan Performing Arts Centre

The Nutcracker
2023-12-02 16:00 - 18:30 (America/Vancouver) | Cowichan Performing Arts Centre, 2687 James Street, Duncan, BC, V9L 2X5, Canada
Additional showtime December 14, 2024 | 4pm
Senior $32 | Student/Child $20 | Family $90

Family pricing is available by phone or in person only. Please call the Ticket Centre at 250-746-2722.
The Royal City Youth Ballet returns with two matinee performances of its extravagant production of the holiday favourite featuring Tchaikovsky’s timeless score.
Experience the magic of The Nutcracker this holiday season with RCYB’s full length ballet, featuring a cast of 100+ dedicated and enthusiastic dancers under the direction of Keitha Campeau. Performing to Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s beautiful music, this traditional ballet has beautiful sets designed by Jean Claude Olivier and extravagant, colourful costumes by Chris Sinosich.
It’s Christmas Eve, a time when dreams may come true. Drosselmeyer, the godfather to Clara, brings gifts and magic to her parents’ home for the annual Christmas party. His special gift to Clara is a large Nutcracker soldier. When she falls asleep after the party, Clara is cradling the Nutcracker in her arms and begins to dream.  In her dream, her Nutcracker soldier fights a battle and transports her on a sleigh through the Land of Snow to the Land of Sweets, where she meets the Sugar Plum Fairy and people from far away lands.
The ballet closes as Drosselmeyer brings Clara back from her dream, still cradling her Nutcracker soldier and treasuring the wonderful dream.

Buddy's Holly Jolly Christmas
2023-12-12 19:30 - 21:30 | Cowichan Performing Arts Centre, 2687 James Street, Duncan, BC, V9L 2X5, Canada
The Original Legends of Rock&Roll presents

Buddy’s Holly Jolly Christmas 2023 featuring ZACHARY STEVENSON, leading man from the Buddy Holly Story. Plus THE LOVETTES featuring female artists and girl groups from the 50’s & 60’s with a special salute to Tina Turner and backing by The Legends All-Star Band. Enjoy a trip down memory lane filled with all those familiar oldies melodies plus a sprinkle of the most popular Christmas holiday hits…

Crash Test Dummies: Jingle All The Way
2023-12-13 19:30 - 21:30 | Cowichan Performing Arts Centre, 2687 James Street, Duncan, BC, V9L 2X5, Canada
Cowichan Performing Arts Centre and Gee Dan Productions presents

Grammy-nominated and JUNO-award-winning Canadian rock band, Crash Test Dummies, have played to fans all over the world for over 30 years. Get into the holiday spirit as they perform classic holiday hits from their festive Jingle All The Way album, plus their greatest hits along with special guest, Carleton Stone!

Away In A Mango
2023-12-20 19:00 - 21:30 | BC
Queen of Angels presents

Queen of Angels Catholic School is proud to present AWAY IN A MANGO, a Christmas Island Adventure for kids.

The Met Opera: THE LIFE & TIMES OF MALCOLM X
2024-01-16 10:00 - 13:00 | BC
Senior $32

Spend your Tuesday mornings enjoying award-winning performances from the Metropolitan Opera, broadcast in HD from New York City.

Anthony Davis’s groundbreaking and influential opera, which premiered in 1986, arrives at the Met at long last. Theater luminary and Tony-nominated director of Slave Play Robert O’Hara oversees a potent new staging that imagines Malcolm as an Everyman whose story transcends time and space. An exceptional cast of breakout artists and young Met stars enliven the operatic retelling of the civil rights leader’s life. Baritone Will Liverman, who triumphed in the Met premiere of Fire Shut Up in My Bones, sings Malcolm X, alongside soprano Leah Hawkins as his mother, Louise; mezzo-soprano Raehann Bryce-Davis as his sister Ella; bass-baritone Michael Sumuel as his brother Reginald; and tenor Victor Ryan Robertson as Nation of Islam leader Elijah Muhammad. Kazem Abdullah conducts the newly revised score, which provides a layered, jazz-inflected setting for the esteemed writer Thulani Davis’s libretto.

Snowed In Comedy
2024-01-19 19:30 - 21:30 | Cowichan Performing Arts Centre, 2687 James Street, Duncan, BC, V9L 2X5, Canada
Snowed In Comedy Tour presents
Senior $46.00 | Student $30.00

General tickets are on sale Friday, October 13 at 10am PST
The Snowed In Comedy Tour has turned into a Canadian success story, celebrating its fifteenth year. It has now grown to become the biggest comedy tour in Canada. Playing in 70 cities this year, coast to coast. In a market still dominated by American acts, with American TV credits, a small Canadian comedy tour has managed to succeed. Like the Tragically Hip they have done it by touring and making more and more people laugh, year after year. The tour has now performed in Australia, The US, France, and Switzerland. The tour has received numerous standing ovations.
Four international comedians come together to create one amazing show with each bringing a unique and hilarious take providing something for everyone. Just for Laughs winner Dan Quinn is joined by the Great Canadian Laugh Off winner, Paul Myrehaug and 6 time Canadian Comedian of the year nominee, Pete Zedlacher. We are proud to announce that Erica Sigurdson with over 70 appearances on the Debaters, will be joining us. Don’t miss out on the comedy show called “Better than the Just for Laughs Tour” and “Delivers a Flurry of Laughs”.
Erica Sigurdson70+ appearances on the DebatersWinnipeg Comedy FestivalJust for LaughsHalifax Comedy Festival
Pete Zedlacher6-time nominee of the Canadian Comedy Award for Best Male Stand-upWinner of Sirius XM’s Top Comic8 appearances at Montreal’s Just For Laughs FestivalHalifax And Winnipeg Comedy Festival
Dan QuinnWinner of Canadian Competition at Just for LaughsOpened for Rob Schneider, Russell PetersBest of Fest Moncton Comedy FestivalTV Special on Check TV, Comedy Network
Paul MyrehaugCBC’s the Debaters$25,000 Great Canadian Laugh off winnerJust For Laughs, Comedy Now on CTV

Roald Dahl's MATILDA THE MUSICAL
2024-01-27 19:30 - 22:00, 2024-01-28 14:00 - 16:30, 2024-02-03 14:00 - 17:00, 2024-02-03 19:30 - 22:00, 2024-02-04 14:00 - 17:00 | BC
Cowichan Musical Society present
Rows A-B: $29 RegularRows O-W: $39 RegularRows C-N: $49 RegularChild (8 and under): $39Groups (10+): $39
Matilda is the story of an extraordinary little girl with extraordinary powers. The daughter of abusive parents, Matilda finds refuge in library books, which she reads quickly and in creating her own stories. Things are no better at school, where Matilda also must face a tyrannical and cruel headmistress, Miss Trunchbull, who believes in Crunchem Hall’s motto: “Bambinatum est Magitum,” or “Children are Maggots.” She finds companionship in her teacher, Miss Honey, though well-intentioned, is shy and fragile. Brave little Matilda knows she has to stand up against the adults in her world, and in doing so, discovers her own remarkable powers. Matilda’s bravery teaches Miss Honey and her classmates an important lesson — that even though life can be hard, “nobody but me is gonna change my story” so “sometimes you have to be a little bit naughty.”

Showtimes

Saturday, January 27 @ 7:30 pm
Sunday, January 28 @ 2:00 pm
Friday, February 2 @ 7:30 pm
Saturday, February 3 @ 2 pm
Saturday, February 3 @ 7:30 pm
Sunday, February 4 @ 2:00 pm

Roald Dahl's MATILDA THE MUSICAL
2024-02-02 19:30 - 22:00 | BC
Cowichan Musical Society present
General tickets on sale on Monday, October 23 at 10am PST.Rows A-B: $29 RegularRows O-W: $39 RegularRows C-N: $49 RegularChild (8 and under): $39Groups (10+): $39
Matilda is the story of an extraordinary little girl with extraordinary powers. The daughter of abusive parents, Matilda finds refuge in library books, which she reads quickly and in creating her own stories. Things are no better at school, where Matilda also must face a tyrannical and cruel headmistress, Miss Trunchbull, who believes in Crunchem Hall’s motto: “Bambinatum est Magitum,” or “Children are Maggots.” She finds companionship in her teacher, Miss Honey, though well-intentioned, is shy and fragile. Brave little Matilda knows she has to stand up against the adults in her world, and in doing so, discovers her own remarkable powers. Matilda’s bravery teaches Miss Honey and her classmates an important lesson — that even though life can be hard, “nobody but me is gonna change my story” so “sometimes you have to be a little bit naughty.”

Showtimes

Saturday, January 27 @ 7:30 pm
Sunday, January 28 @ 2:00 pm
Friday, February 2 @ 7:30 pm
Saturday, February 3 @ 2 pm
Saturday, February 3 @ 7:30 pm
Sunday, February 4 @ 2:00 pm

The Met Opera: FLORENCIA & THE AMAZONS
2024-02-06 10:00 - 13:00 | BC
Senior $32

Spend your Tuesday mornings enjoying award-winning performances from the Metropolitan Opera, broadcast in HD from New York City.

Sung in Spanish and inspired by the magical realism of Gabriel García Márquez, Mexican composer Daniel Catán’s 1996 opera tells the enchanting story of a Brazilian opera diva who returns to her homeland to perform at the legendary opera house of Manaus—and to search for her lost lover, who has vanished into the jungle. The Met premiere stars soprano Ailyn Pérez as Florencia Grimaldi, with Yannick Nézet-Séguin on the podium to lead a spellbinding new production by Mary Zimmerman that brings the mysterious and magical realm of the Amazon to the Met stage. A distinguished ensemble of artists portray the diva’s fellow travelers on the river boat to Manaus, including soprano Gabriella Reyes as the journalist Rosalba, bass-baritone Greer Grimsley as the ship’s captain, baritone Mattia Olivieri as his enigmatic first mate, tenor Mario Chang as the captain’s nephew Arcadio, and mezzo-soprano Nancy Fabiola Herrera and baritone Michael Chioldi as the feuding couple Paula and Alvaro.

Vancouver International Mountain Film Festival 2024 - SOLD OUT
2024-02-08 19:00 - 22:00 | BC
Student $10
This event is sold out. To join the waitlist, please call 250-746-2722.
VIMFF 2024 Program here
The Cowichan Performing Arts Centre is proud to partner with the Vancouver International Mountain Film Festival (VIMFF) to bring Cowichan Valley audiences 9 thought-provoking and adventure-inspiring mountain films about climbing, biking, snowsports, environmental stewardship and more!

The VIMFF connects our global outdoor community with international filmmakers, creators and speakers, so that we can inspire, entertain and bring mountain adventure into the communities of our viewers. The annual film festival presents unique outdoor films and content that illustrate experiences and cultures from all corners of the globe which brings communities together to promote positive values and active lifestyles.

Schedule:Part One (60 mins): 5 shortsIntermissionPart Two: (60 mins): 3 shortsIntermissionPart Three (67 mins): 1 feature film
Feature Film: RematriationRematriation explores scientific, cultural, economic and sociopolitical perspectives, as citizens fight to protect the last big trees in British Columbia from being felled. Like peeling back layers of an onion, the lessons we take away permeate the fabric of the Canadian identity. 67 mins.

Winter Highlights 2024
2024-02-10 18:00 - 21:30 | Cowichan Performing Arts Centre, 2687 James Street, Duncan, BC, V9L 2X5, Canada
Adage Studio presents
Child $19.50
Adage Studio invites you to an evening of dance featuring a selection of highlighted performances across all genres.

Jorgen Dance: Master Class
2024-02-15 18:00 - 19:30 | Cowichan Performing Arts Centre, 2687 James Street, Duncan, BC, V9L 2X5, Canada
Sign up for a Master Class with Ballet Jorgen! Professional ballet dancers will be leading a barre and repertoire class for ballet dancers ages 11 & up. Suitable for dancers with at least two years of ballet experience. The class will be held in the rehearsal hall of the Cowichan Performing Arts Centre from 6pm-7:30pm. Registered students will receive a FREE student ticket to Anne of Green Gables – The Ballet.
Use the Buy Tickets link to sign up, which will redirect you to the RecCowichan website for registration.
Don’t miss Ballet Jorgen’s Anne of Green Gables – The Ballet on Friday, February 16 at 7pm! Tickets are available online here.

Jorgen Dance: Pointe Shoe Clinic - CANCELLED
2024-02-15 19:30 - 20:00 | Cowichan Performing Arts Centre, 2687 James Street, Duncan, BC, V9L 2X5, Canada
This workshop has been cancelled. Please see the Master Class for sign up.
Sign up for a Pointe Shoe Clinic with Ballet Jorgen and learn from professional ballet dancers all about pointe shoes!
Pointe shoes are one of the most exciting parts of a young dancer’s training. This workshop provides dancers the opportunity to hear from professionals about muscles, fatigue, preventing injuries, and more! This workshop will cover:

Choosing the right brand, size, shank, and vamp.
Adjusting shoes throughout your training
Where to sew ribbons and elastics?
How to manage blisters, nails, cracked heels
Decide what to wear inside your shoes

Come with your pointe shoes for hands-on instruction. Recommend signing up for the prior master class to accompany this workshop. The class will be held in the rehearsal hall of the Cowichan Performing Arts Centre from 7:30pm-8pm.
Use the Buy Tickets link to sign up, which will redirect you to the RecCowichan website for registration.
Don’t miss Ballet Jorgen’s Anne of Green Gables on Friday, February 16 at 7pm! Tickets are available online here.

Ballet Jorgen's Anne of Green Gables
2024-02-16 19:00 - 22:00 | BC
Cowichan Performing Arts Centre and Ballet Jorgen present
Senior $50 | Student/Child $10

Ballet Jorgen returns with its charming, original production of Anne of Green Gables – The Ballet®, a playful adaptation based on the beloved Canadian novel by L.M Montgomery. Follow the adventures of young Anne Shirley and her friends as dancers bring the story to life with artistic movement and theatrical energy.

Anne of Green Gables – The Ballet® is based on Anne of Green Gables – The Musical™. Music composed by Norman Campbell.Anne of Green Gables – The Ballet® is made possible with the assistance of the heirs of L.M. Montgomery and in partnership with the heirs of Norman Campbell and Don Harron.ANNE OF GREEN GABLES – THE BALLET and other indicia of ANNE are trademarks and Canadian official marks of the Anne of Green Gables Licensing Authority Inc., Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, used under licence by Ballet Jörgen. Heirs of L.M. Montgomery is a trademark of Heirs of L.M. Montgomery Inc.

Reel Alternatives: Miracle Club
2024-02-26 19:00 - 21:30 | Cowichan Performing Arts Centre, 2687 James Street, Duncan, BC, V9L 2X5, Canada
The Cowichan Hospice Society presents
Subscribe to all 5 shows for $70! Single tickets on sale February 1, 2024.

Set in 1967, THE MIRACLE CLUB follows the story of three generations of close friends, Lily (Maggie Smith), Eileen (Kathy Bates), and Dolly (Agnes O’Casey) of Ballygar, outside Dublin, who win a pilgrimage to the sacred French town of Lourdes, that place of miracles that draws millions of visitors each year. Just before their trip, their old friend Chrissie (Laura Linney) arrives in Ballygar for her mother’s funeral. The women set out on the journey that they hope will change their lives, with Chrissie, a skeptical traveler, joining in place of her mother. Along the way, old wounds are reopened, forcing the women to confront their pasts even as they travel in search of a miracle.
Drama

Reel Alternatives is a monthly fundraiser bringing Toronto Film Festival’s critically acclaimed films to the Cowichan Valley. This year’s circuit will feature five acclaimed films. All proceeds go directly to benefiting individuals and families in Cowichan through Cowichan Hospice by ensuring hospice services are available when they need them.
Note that the concession will be open with snacks and drinks, along with coffee and tea, available for purchase.

Legends Show: Tribute to Hank, Johnny, Roy and Elvis
2024-03-01 19:00 - 21:30 | Cowichan Performing Arts Centre, 2687 James Street, Duncan, BC, V9L 2X5, Canada
Paquette Productions presents
“Legends Show” brings you some of North America’s most exciting performers live on stage. Accompanied by the “Rockin’ Royals Band”, this show will feature the most incredible Tributes to Hank Williams, Johnny Cash, Roy Orbison and Elvis Presley.
Hank Williams: More than a country singer, Hank Williams was an essential American voice. Recording hit songs such as “Hey Good Lookin’,” “Your Cheating Heart,” “I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry,” and many others, Hank’s spirit and influence live on in the hearts of fans all around the world. From Chicago, Jeff Award-winning actor and musician, Zachary Stevenson brings the “Hillbilly Shakespeare’s songs to life with his heartfelt homage to Williams’ brief but prolific career.
Johnny Cash: American Lars Pluto was born in Georgia into a family that was also a Gospel/ Bluegrass group. The music of Johnny Cash was always just a part of life growing up…As essential as breathing. Rides in the pickup with grandpa where he’d sing along and hit all those low notes with ease are forever etched into my memory. Wishing so much that I could sing like that, but I had the squeaky voice of a seven year old. Singing those songs now as a fully grown man feels like reaching across time and shaking hands one more time with my Grandpa.
Roy Orbison: Jesse Aron, who hails from the State of Wisconsin, is recognized as one of USA’s top Roy Orbison Tribute performers. With his effortless voice and uncanny resemblance to Roy, Jesse will take you back in time with such hits as ‘Crying’, ‘Pretty Woman’, ‘Only The Lonely’, ‘Running Scared’, and many more of your favourites.
Elvis Presley: Pete Paquette is a multi-award winning Elvis Tribute Artist. Known for captivating his audiences through his incredible voice, high energy, charisma, and playful spontaneity. With hits such as Jailhouse Rock, Suspicious Minds, Don’t Be Cruel, Can’t Help Falling In Love, and many more, Pete’s Tribute to the King of Rock and Roll will leave you wanting more.

Cowichan Music Festival: Highlights Concert
2024-03-04 18:30 - 21:30 | Cowichan Performing Arts Centre, 2687 James Street, Duncan, BC, V9L 2X5, Canada
Cowichan Music Festival presents
Child $10
The 2024 Cowichan Music Festival’s Highlights Concert features a curated selection of shows from young local performers across the various disciplines from music to dance.

ROCK OR BUST: The Ultimate AC/DC Tribute Band
2024-03-08 19:30 - 21:30 | BC
Rock or Bust, the ultimate AC/DC tribute band, has played to sold out shows from northern BC and Alberta to rock crowds as far as Los Cabo, Mexico. The band has performed in casinos, theatres, arenas and outdoor festivals. This band has the finest musicians that play the part of the original AC/DC band members to deliver the look and the sound of the real deal. It’s one powerful show you won’t want to miss.
Rock or Bust achieves a high energy rock show that will have you out of your seats rockin’ till the end of the show and wanting more! Rock or Bust plays AC/DC hits such as Highway to Hell, Shook Me All Night Long, Hells Bells, Back in Black and many more of AC/DC’s other great songs! Come on out for a rockin’ good time.
See you all there!

Queens of Comedy
2024-03-09 19:00 - 21:30 | BC
Join us for a night of comedy to celebrate International Women’s Day, as the funniest women in the business take the stage! Featuring the uproarious trio of Jane Stanton, Sophia Johnson, and Britney Lysing, these talented comedians bring humor and wit to celebrate the strength and hilarity of women in the world of comedy. Grab your friends and get ready for a night of non-stop comedy!

Jane Stanton
Since breaking onto the Canadian Comedy scene, Jane Stanton has become one of the country’s favourite headliners. With multiple festival appearances across North America, Jane has been featured at the prestigious Montreal “Just for Laughs”, JFL 42(Toronto), JFL Northwest(Vancouver), Bumpershoot Festival, Seattle’s International Comedy Competition, Halifax Comedy Festival & Winnipeg Comedy Festival(was voted audience favourite in 2019). Jane’s debut album “Date Night” reached number 1# on iTunes.
In early 2021, Jane launched her podcast “High School Sucked” which has quickly risen to the top 100 comedy podcasts worldwide. Also an accomplished actor, Jane Stanton most recently worked on Disney’s: The Mighty Ducks: Game Changers, Gus Van Sant in the ABC mini-series “When We Rise” as well as A&E’s “The Returned”, Amazon Prime The Twilight Zone” and CBC’s “Artic Air”. Jane was also on two hugely popular web series, “The Staff Room” and “The Acting Class.”
Between touring her headline act and appearances on such hit shows like CBC’s The Debaters, CBC LOL, Jane has appeared alongside the likes of Tig Notaro, Fortune Feimster, Melissa Villasenor, Arie Spears, Godfrey, Bobby Lee, Natasha Leggero and SNL’s Michael Che.
When she’s not touring, Jane Stanton resides in Vancouver BC with her two ‘children* Hoffman & Pancake. *dogs
Brittany Lyseng
Brittany Lyseng is a nationally touring Stand-Up Comedian, Writer and Podcaster. Her comedy career began after 12 years as a tradesman with the desire to lift less and laugh more, and in turn has become one of the Canadian industry’s fastest rising stars. She has been seen on CTV’s Roast Battles Canada, CBC’s New Wave of Stand-Up Comedy, Kevin Hart’s LOL Network, and CTV’s The Stand-Up Show with Jon Dore, as well as making appearances on CBC Radio’s The Debaters. Released in 2019, her first album Going Up debuted at #1 on iTunes and was followed with appearances at three Just For Laughs festivals (Montreal, JFL 42 in Toronto, and Vancouver’s JFL Northwest). Most recently she was featured in Reader’s Digest magazine, and was graced with a 2022 Canadian Screen Awards nomination.
Sophia Johnson
Sophia Johnson is an actor and comedian from New Zealand. You might have seen her on Netflix’s ‘Ash vs the Evil Dead’, CW’s ‘legends of tomorrow’ and ‘Nancy Drew’ She has performed at three New Zealand International comedy festivals, including her sell out show ’50 minutes plus laughs’. She has worked as a writer for several years on the hit NZ comedy TV show ‘7 Days’. You can hear her on the Just for Laughs originals ‘Best of The West’ album ‘Yee-Haw Hell Yeah’. Her TV set for the New Wave of Stand Up at Just for Laughs Vancouver recent aired on CBC Gem! She also appeared as a guest on TVNZ’s comedy news show ‘The Project’.

The Legendary Life of Tom Petty with Clayton Bellamy
2024-03-14 19:30 - 21:30 | BC
GNR Entertainment Live presents

The stories and songs from one of the greatest singer/songwriters in rock and roll history is being brought to the stage in “The Legendary Life Of Tom Petty”. Petty sold millions of records and topped the charts with songs such as “Learning To Fly”, “American Girl” and “Don’t Come Around Here”. From The Heartbreakers, The Travelling Wilburys, to his solo material and collaborations with Bob Dylan, George Harrison and Stevie Nicks, Tom Petty’s music has moved generations of listeners. Juno award-winning recording artist Clayton Bellamy and an all-star band of musicians will take you on a musical and visual journey through Petty’s humble beginnings in Florida to becoming one of the greatest music icons of all time. “The Legendary Life Of Tom Petty” is heart-breaking and heart-warming production and the ultimate way to experience the music of Tom Petty live!
Clayton Bellamy is a JUNO award-winner and a 4-time CCMA Award winning member of the platinum selling country group the Road Hammers. He is also a mesmerizing singer, a spectacular guitar player, the SOCAN songwriter of the year, a producer, and a television host. Bellamy is a Tom Petty super-fan whose own career was influenced by the authenticity and honesty of Petty’s music and lyrics. In “The Legendary Life of Tom Petty”, Bellamy channels the energy and spirit of Petty in a live performance that is straight from the heart.

The Legacy of Lightfoot: Gordon Lightfoot Tribute
2024-03-15 19:30 - 21:30 | BC
Cascadia Concerts presents
Child $25

General sales begin on Thursday, November 30 at 10am PST.

The Legacy of Lightfoot was born out of an enduring respect and reverence for the iconic music of Gordon Lightfoot. Take a journey through one of the deepest and most prolific catalogues of songs ever written. Not only was Gordon Lightfoot one of the most skilled songwriters of his generation, but he had the voice and charisma to match. The musicians who have come together to celebrate The Legacy of Lightfoot combine their decades of experience as performers and songwriters to give a meaningful and engaging performance of his enduring catalogue of music. From his days playing the coffee houses in the 1960’s to the mega hits of the 70’s and all the way up to the beautiful music written in his later years, The Legacy of Lightfoot shines a light on the entirety of Gordon’s masterful career.
Oliver Swain & Dylan Stone are two of British Columbia’s greatly accomplished and experienced songwriters & performers. Following the graceful passing of Gordon Lightfoot in May 2023 musicians Swain & Stone surrounded themselves with a talented cast of supporting musicians and collaborated to organize a concert to celebrate Gordon’s life and music. They found an over whelming response to their show and formed The Legacy Of Lightfoot. Together they share numerous accolades including award wins and nominations at the Juno’s, Western Canadian Music Awards and Canadian Folk Music Awards. What started as a humble celebration of Lightfoot’s music has now been elevated to a theatre production that is connecting to large audiences and giving the spirit and legacy of Lightfoot’s music a new life & longevity.
Photo by O. Swain

WALK RIGHT BACK: The Everly Brothers Story
2024-03-16 19:00 - 21:30 | Cowichan Performing Arts Centre, 2687 James Street, Duncan, BC, V9L 2X5, Canada
Paquette Productions presents
DIRECT FROM THE UK! Following an incredible sell out tour, Walk Right Back returns to stages in 2023 by popular demand. From the producers of smash hit show That’ll Be The Day, this phenomenal production tells the story of the most successful musical duo of all time – The Everly Brothers.
Featuring hits such as Bye Bye Love, All I Have To Do Is Dream and Cathy’s Clown, this unique concert-based musical entwines the wonderful, sad yet glorious story of The Everly Brothers. The show follows the brothers’ rise to fame from humble country beginning to superstardom, through their decade-long feud to their glorious reunion which gave them back to each other, and back to the world. With “harmonies from heaven” that inﬂuenced The Beatles, The Beach Boys, and Simon & Garfunkel, The Everly Brothers were unmatched in their talent. Also featuring songs from a couple of the Everly Brothers’ good friends, Buddy Holly and Roy Orbison.
Producer Trevor Payne (That’ll Be The Day) says: “The Everly Brothers were an original and unique act that had a sound like nothing else. Their harmonies were so tight that every group wanted to emulate them. Before that there was a singer, a band and backing vocals, The Everly’s entwined all of them and created “the harmony group.” Walk Right Back is the ﬁrst show of its kind to tell this phenomenal story of two brothers and their unforgettable music. This is a show not to be missed!

Reel Alternatives: Days of Happiness
2024-03-18 19:00 - 21:30 | Cowichan Performing Arts Centre, 2687 James Street, Duncan, BC, V9L 2X5, Canada
The Cowichan Hospice Society presents
Subscribe to all 5 shows for $70! Single tickets on sale February 1, 2024.

Orchestra conductor Emma begins to reevaluate a toxic relationship with her father and agent, after years of acquiescing to his demands. She also navigates a budding relationship and considers a new career opportunity with a prestigious orchestra.
Drama

Reel Alternatives is a monthly fundraiser bringing Toronto Film Festival’s critically acclaimed films to the Cowichan Valley. This year’s circuit will feature five acclaimed films. All proceeds go directly to benefiting individuals and families in Cowichan through Cowichan Hospice by ensuring hospice services are available when they need them.
Note that the concession will be open with snacks and drinks, along with coffee and tea, available for purchase.

The Wilds by WONDERHEADS
2024-03-23 19:00 - 21:00 | Cowichan Performing Arts Centre, 2687 James Street, Duncan, BC, V9L 2X5, Canada
Senior $30 | Student/Child $10 | Family $75

Family pricing is available by phone or in person only. Please call the Ticket Centre at 250-746-2722.
When Wendell discovers that his wife Tilda and their beloved tree have vanished from the backyard, he must venture into the nearby forest to bring them home. Confronted with shifting landscapes, unusual creatures, and a mysterious lurking presence, Wendell soon learns that the key to finding Tilda is to first unlock the mystery of The Wilds. Charming and profoundly touching, this wordless award-winning show features WONDERHEADS’ signature masks, whimsical puppetry, and enchanting music, and moves its audiences to both laughter and tears.
WONDERHEADS’ work has been described as living animation, and the improbably astonishing way in which their masks come to life must be seen to be believed. Through their expert use of mask performance and puppetry, they weave stories that are equal parts funny and heartwarming, and they have been delighting audiences around the globe since 2009 with their unique theatrical stories. Don’t miss this spellbinding show that the CBC describes as “Captivating and magical” and the Winnipeg Free Press as “Nothing short of exceptional.”
The Wilds runs 60 minutes with no intermission. Audience advisory: Theatrical fog and haze, and occasional flashing lights. The Wilds lightly touches on themes of grief, loss, and love. Recommended for a general audience (ages 8-adult).

Arts Club Theatre Company: Made In Italy
2024-03-26 19:30 - 22:00 | Cowichan Performing Arts Centre, 2687 James Street, Duncan, BC, V9L 2X5, Canada
Senior $50 | Student $35

Made In Italy by Farren Timoteo
An Arts Club Theatre Production, based on the Western Canada Theatre production.
Meet Francesco Mantini, a second-generation Italian teen struggling to find his place in Jasper, Alberta. Inspired by pop culture icons Rocky Balboa and John Travolta, he reinvents himself as Frank Martin, a crooner and ladies’ man. As buoyant and bubbly as a glass of prosecco, Made In Italy is a celebration of music, food and family that’s so delightful you won’t soon fuhgeddaboudit.
Note that this performance will include Daniel Curalli as Francesco Mantini.

Photo Credits:Farren Timoteo in Made in Italy, 2022: set design by Cory Sincennes; costume design by Cindy Wiebe; lighting design by Conor Moore; photo by Moonrider Productions for the Arts Club Theatre Company

The Met Opera: NABUCCO
2024-04-02 10:00 - 13:00 | BC
Senior $32

Spend your Tuesday mornings enjoying award-winning performances from the Metropolitan Opera, broadcast in HD from New York City.

Ancient Babylon comes to life in a classic Met staging of biblical proportions. Baritone George Gagnidze makes his Met role debut as the imperious king Nabucco, alongside soprano Liudmyla Monastyrska reprising her thrilling turn as his vengeful daughter Abigaille. Mezzo-soprano Maria Barakova and tenor SeokJong Baek, in his company debut, are Fenena and Ismaele, whose love transcends politics, and bass Dmitry Belosselskiy repeats his celebrated portrayal of the high priest Zaccaria. Daniele Callegari conducts Verdi’s exhilarating early masterpiece, which features the ultimate showcase for the great Met Chorus, the moving “Va, pensiero.”
