From Latin jazz to a theatrical reenactment of the GMO debate to intimate cabaret-style shows to an astronomy-themed storytelling pyjama party for kids — the upcoming season at the Kay Meek Centre has something to suit every artistic taste.
This year the Kay Meek took a different approach when it came to curating its lineup of acts. They brought in specialists for each performance arts genre, "people who had a really deep understanding" of theatre, classical music, cabaret, and world music.
"A big part of it is looking at the type of theatre our market wants," says Kay Meek marketing director Elaine McHarg, of the West Vancouver venue. "It's tailored to an educated group, a bit sophisticated, mature, very worldly. We look for things that will appeal to them, make them laugh and will make them think."
Kay Meek's theatrical offerings kicks off with the one-woman, "charming" show, Miss Caledonia on Oct. 6 for a five-day run. Set in 1955, the storyline follows teenager Peggy Ann Douglas who leads a mundane life on a rural Canadian farm and her plan to win a local beauty pageant as a gateway to the glitz and glamour of Hollywood.
"Brimming with love, comedy, and a staggering work ethic of its own, Miss Caledonia is a delightful exploration of optimism and reality down on the farm," is how the Kay Meek is promoting the show.
"We liked the era of the story," said McHarg. "It's a period piece, but it's a period piece with a lot of humour in it."
The Brad Mehldau Trio comes to town on Nov. 12, bringing their jazz chops to the Kay Meek for an unforgettable performance. Mehldau is a preeminent American jazz pianist who showcases two sides of his personality - the improviser and the formalist - which play off each other creating a musical effect akin to controlled chaos.
The Kay Meek has a special present in store for the Christmas season - The Blind Boys of Alabama, who will arrive on Dec. 14. There's nothing like stirring gospel music to get people in the mood for the season, says McHarg.
"This is a true gospel group," attests McHarg, of the five-time Grammy Award-winners.
The Blind Boys of Alabama, which has seen many iterations with members since forming 70 years ago, have crossed many musical boundaries and collaborated or shared the stage with the likes of Peter Gabriel, Fatboy Slim and Harry Connick Jr. - to name but three artists. The gospel group also wrote the theme song for the first season of the acclaimed HBO series TheWire.
The Blind Boys of Alabama holiday show will feature songs from their Talkin' Christmas! album as well as the band's previous Grammy-winning Christmas recording, "Go Tell It on the Mountain," along with Blind Boys' gospel classics.
In the new year the Kay Meek spices things up with some musical performances featuring a Cuban flavour.
Alex Cuba, who hails from the Caribbean island but laid down roots in Smithers, B.C., has crafted a cross-cultural sound that mirrors his geographical journey. On Feb. 6, the double Latin Grammy and Juno award winner's hip, catchy, subtle Latin soul pop promises to get the Kay Meek audience moving.
In contrast to Miss Caledonia, says McHarg, is the documentary-theatrestyle show Seeds - a dramatic re-enactment of the four-year legal battle between Saskatchewan farmer Percy Schmeiser and one of the biggest biotech corporations, Monsanto Inc., presented on Jan. 19 at the Kay Meek.
All of the media and court reports, along with press conferences from both sides of the legal battle are presented in a multimedia approach that is very clever, describes McHarg.
"I thought it was really smart and it was really balanced," she adds. "It's a thinking man's play, without it being too intimidating."
Kids will be enchanted by a special theatre show, The Little Prince, on March 5 in the afternoon. During the pajama party, complete with milk and cookies, the kids will meet talking roses and foxes and venture out on interplanetary travel in this imaginative rendition of Antoine de Saint-Exupéry's cherished novella, The Little Prince.
"The more children can be exposed to live performance, the more they will love live performance when they grow up. It kind of demystifies it," explains McHarg.
Sprinkled through the season are cabaret-style shows in the Kay Meek's intimate studio theatre where patrons can enjoy drinks at their table, and the Musically Speaking classical series.
"That's one of the magical things of having a performing arts centre right in town," said McHarg, of having a unique venue such as the Kay Meek studio theatre for people to hang out and socialize.
A complete list of events for the Kay Meek's upcoming season is available online at kaymeekcentre.com.
