Stage Door News
Stage Door News
The Living Arts Centre unveiled its 2018-19 Season to an excited and enthusiastic invite-only crowd on Tuesday, May 29, 2018. Guests were treated to entertainment by some of the artists performing in the new season and received an advance window to purchase tickets to the much anticipated shows.
The LAC’s Arts for Life Patron Club Members, Board Members, Supporters, Sponsors, Special Guests, Mississauga City Councillors, and former Mayor Hazel McCallion were on hand as the 2018 Ron Lenyk Inspiring Youth Awards were awarded to Pujita Verma, Selena Xu, Sereen Aziz, and Mason Victoria by members of the Lenyk family. Last year’s winner, William Leathers, who is on his way to The Julliard School, was invited back to showcase his virtuosity and talent on the piano and trumpet.
CEO Natalie Lue took the audience through the full lineup of the season which starts in September 2018 through to May 2019. She said, “It is definitely a season worth celebrating with incredibly exceptional talent and some of the best music, dance, spectacle, comedy, and, theatre available anywhere! We’ve packaged them in a way that provides some insight into why we programmed what we did. You’ll also see some familiar shows in the season because you’ve told us to keep bringing them back!”
The presentation included exciting giveaway prizes for audience members, as well as brilliant performances that gave the public a real taste of what’s to come. It was no surprise that everyone in the audience fell in love with The Dreamboats bringing back good ol’ Rock n’ Roll. , and jaws were dropping once UnCovered singer Sara Farb’s voice echoed through the hall. Meanwhile, OKAN, with their unique blend of Cuban music, Jazz and world rhythms, wrapped up the show and the party continued at the post show reception.
Season 2018-19 Highlights:
Audacious Women
Bringing equal doses of fierce and flowery, this series features originals who refuse to settle or go quietly and live life on their own terms such as: Sandra Shamas with her brilliant wit and candid insights in ‘The Big What Now?’; Sharron Matthews, the internationally acclaimed “Redheaded Goddess of Cabaret”; two-time Grammy winner Lisa Fischer, who sang with icons such as the Rolling Stones, Tina Turner and Aretha Franklin. These ladies are the definition of ‘audacious!’
Great Night Out!
The LAC provides the perfect excuse to get off the couch and book a babysitter! Indulge in breathtaking, unforgettable performances where audiences will be transported to fantasy worlds in an extravagant multimedia adventure with MOMIX: Opus Cactus. Or follow the high jinx of a lovers’ triangle in the Wild West in Cirque Éloize: Saloon. The high octane of Get the Led Out returns for a fourth time by popular demand, while fast-rising stars and JUNO award-winners A Tribe Called Red, celebrating Indigenous culture with cutting-edge electronic music, grace the LAC stage for the first time! Don’t miss the electrifying voice of JUNO nominee Basia Bulat. For a night of laughs versus logic, catch this almost two-hour joke- fest: The Debaters Live on Tour from the hit CBC Radio program.
Unbound
Experience incredible, amazing, intricate talent that breaks all boundaries! The inspirational ILL-ABILITIESTM, a crew of eight break dancers, push past their physical disabilities with contagious positivity that light up any stage in Limitless. This is the Point gives audiences a poignant and unflinching portrait of four individuals whose lives have been shaped, in part, by cerebral palsy - sure to touch your hearts and minds.
Hot Havana Nights!
Take a globetrotting adventure without leaving home, as the LAC brings Havana to your doorstep. Celebrate the vibrant energy of Cuban culture with programming anchored by Lizt Alfonso Dance Cuba, legendary and emerging musicians such as the incomparable Arturo Sandoval, and the highly-acclaimed Havana D’Primera as well as the captivating Yaima Sáez and Jane Bunnett & Maqueque!
Next Up
The LAC continues to showcase the best emerging local talent and this season that could be you! Highlights include the ever-so-crush-worthy Dreamboats, and an audience participatory choral experience led by Choir! Choir! Choir! to name a few.
Upstage!
A story that is all too close to home, Cottagers & Indians tells the tale of an unraveling “neighbourly” feud (based on a true story) that shines a light on the unfortunate differences between cultures, economic status, and people. Meanwhile, stand- up comedian Franco Nguyen takes centre stage in Good Morning Viet Mom to share stories about Vietnam and growing up with his mother. Internationally acclaimed puppeteer Ronnie Burkett in The Daisy Theatre is unlike anything you’ve seen before – and will have you howling with laughter.
‘Tis the Season
As always, the LAC is prepared to get the whole family’s spirits up for the holiday season, bringing back favourites such as The Nutcracker, A Swingin’ Christmas with the Toronto All-Star Big Band, and back but with a new offering, Presley, Perkins, Lewis & Cash in a Christmas themed show for all the rock fans we know are out there! All Is Calm: The Christmas Truce of 1914 is an ode to peace and a dramatic re-telling of a phenomenal occasion during WWI when opposing soldiers laid down their arms to celebrate the holiday season together, reminding us all of the true meaning of Christmas.
After a successful 20th Anniversary season co-presenting with other arts organizations, the LAC continues to develop a deeper, truly collaborative approach to programming. This year, the LAC is thrilled to once again partner with ARRA Arts, the Canadian Arabic Orchestra, and the Mississauga Symphony Orchestra. The LAC is also excited to welcome The Harmony Collaboration and the Pinball Clemons Foundation!
This season will not only entertain you but provide some transformative experiences to feed the soul. We want audiences to feel, experience, laugh, cry, dance, and everything in between!
For more information visit www.livingartscentre.ca
2018-06-01
Mississauga: The Living Arts Centre unveils its 2018/19 season