WHAT'S ON !
It's going to be a BUSY SUMMER...
Finally the years of touring the counytryside in travelling carnivals and months of slaving all day over a hot music stand have paid off !
That - and a few strategically delivered fruit baskets containing envelopes full of cash - have led to my being cast in a trio of exciting productions over the next nine months. While my TV and Film agent has apparently hired a hit- man to take me out, I am thrilled to be working on so many wonderful pieces in one year.
That - and a few strategically delivered fruit baskets containing envelopes full of cash - have led to my being cast in a trio of exciting productions over the next nine months. While my TV and Film agent has apparently hired a hit- man to take me out, I am thrilled to be working on so many wonderful pieces in one year.
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First off is A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC by Stephen Sondheim for PATRICK STREET PRODUCTIONS at the ANVIL CENTRE in New Westminster. Patrick Street Productions belongs to the extraordinary theatre family of Peter Jorgensen and Katey Wright.
The production will be directed by Peter Jorgensen and stars Katey Wright in the role of Desiree Armfeldt. Her character sings one of Sondheim's best known songs - Send in the Clowns ..... Actually I think I just realised why they cast me ! Anyway this is a show you wont want to miss. It has some of the best material in the musical theatre canon, an amazing cast of performers from around the country and me with a moustache. What more could you ask for from a night out. Runs from May 11 - 21. Next up is my debut with BARD ON THE BEACH in THE MERCHANT OF VENICE by William Shakespeare. The role of Shylock is infamous, iconic and over-laden with political and social 'baggage'. Christopher Gaze apparently sent out the word that they were looking for the finest Jewish actor in Western Canada. And they found him. .....But he was busy. So they offered the role to me. Anyway, there it is. The Bard festival runs all summer and it is a Vancouver institution. A picnic, a play, and a pound of flesh. Priceless! Apparently the people at Bard were so excited about how cheap... I mean how talented I am, they decided to cast me in a second piece - SHYLOCK - about a conflicted Jewish Actor playing Shylock in The Merchant of Venice at a Shakespeare Festival in Vancouver..... It's going to be a real stretch I can tell you. This piece will be directed by the wonderful Sherry Yoon and it's only on for a short run at the end of the Bard Season. Besides it's a one man show. Just me. For 90 minutes. So run to get a ticket! Or just to escape. Depending on how you feel about these things. See you all when the rains stop. If the rains ever stop. |
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THAT'S ME ON THE LEFT!OK Not really. But I am in the show.
I play Billy's dad and I think it will be a good 'un. In case you are not familiar: Based on the acclaimed film, and supported with music by Elton John, Billy Elliot is an inspiring tale of courage, ambition, and overcoming adversity. It’s 1984 and County Durham’s coal miners are set to go on strike when 11-year-old Billy finds his way into Mrs. Wilkinson’s ballet class following his boxing lesson. Enthralled with dance and showing inherent ability, Billy is encouraged to audition for the prestigious Royal Ballet School in London, but he fears the reactions of his father and brother, who are both wrapped up in the escalating strike situation. The astounding winner of 10 Tony Awards, this global musical phenomenon is a theatre experience that will stay with you forever. Contains mature themes and graphic language. - you have been warned It's at the Stanley Theatre for the ARTS CLUB. Thank you Bill! You can book tickets here |
Fiddler On The Roof
I have been extremely slack with the updating of the website lately but thats only because I was concentrating on growing this beard to play Tevye at Royal City. I think this is what they mean by method acting.
Anyway the response has been pretty awesome so here are some reviews and comments in case you are still not sure whether to make it to the FINAL WEEK
If you’re not at least a little in love with Warren Kimmel, then clearly you haven’t been to see Royal City Musical Theatre’s Fiddler on the Roof yet.
... I had the pleasure of going to see the show on April 13 and I just had to take the chance to add my advice: Go see it. Like, now. Before it closes on April 23 and you lose your chance to see quite possibly the finest Tevye you’ll have the privilege to see on stage in your lifetime.
That would be the above-mentioned Kimmel. His portrayal of the Russian Jewish milkman whose traditions are crumbling around him is spot-on in every way. From his cap down to his boots, Kimmel stakes his place as the best Tevye I’ve seen on stage in multiple viewings of the musical over the decades.
Do you have an item for Lively City? Send arts and entertainment suggestions to Julie, [email protected], or find her on Twitter @juliemaclellan.
Well I am speechless really. Free tickets to all my shows for life!! Thanks Julie.
LES MISERABLES
FINALLY!
As some of you may know I have been trying to do this show for years now. It was THE thing to see whne I was leaving school and going to University - showing my age - and when I graduated from drama school it was top of my list. For one reason or another I have either declined, missed or chosen not to be a part of many productions. All of those decisions were mistakes in my opinion but I have finally been sucked in to the vortex. And to boot I am playing the last character I ever imagined i would be. Great hat though!
Anyway I would thoroughly recommend this production and here is what Colin Thomas of the Georgia Straight had to say.
As some of you may know I have been trying to do this show for years now. It was THE thing to see whne I was leaving school and going to University - showing my age - and when I graduated from drama school it was top of my list. For one reason or another I have either declined, missed or chosen not to be a part of many productions. All of those decisions were mistakes in my opinion but I have finally been sucked in to the vortex. And to boot I am playing the last character I ever imagined i would be. Great hat though!
Anyway I would thoroughly recommend this production and here is what Colin Thomas of the Georgia Straight had to say.
Warren Kimmel, who’s playing Javert, is one of the most gifted musical-theatre performers you’re ever likely to see. His baritone is as beautiful as ever and his emotionally intense portrayal helps to humanize the character..........It’s also the most entertaining show in town.
Follow Colin Thomas on Twitter at @ColinThomasSays. Find him on the web at www.colinthomas.ca.
Thank you Colin! - Fruit basket is on the way . Here is the whole review on their site.
Come and see us!
Come and see us!
MY FAIR LADY
Well it was bound to happen sooner or later. Someone was bound to notice that my pompous misogynistic demeanour and pointless pedantry were a perfect match for the role of Henry Higgins. I have always wanted to work with Royal City as well because of that great BIG BAND.... And that great big drive out to rehearsals every night. I can honestly say that this role has more words (both sung and spoken) than any 4 other parts I have played . It's ridiculous. Also I finally get to work with the great Max Reimer who is directing the show. Tickets are going like a jackrabbit on redbull and my line learning is going like a union tortoise on a go-slow. Hilarity will almost certainly ensue! CLICK HERE to buy tickets to the massacre
Well it was bound to happen sooner or later. Someone was bound to notice that my pompous misogynistic demeanour and pointless pedantry were a perfect match for the role of Henry Higgins. I have always wanted to work with Royal City as well because of that great BIG BAND.... And that great big drive out to rehearsals every night. I can honestly say that this role has more words (both sung and spoken) than any 4 other parts I have played . It's ridiculous. Also I finally get to work with the great Max Reimer who is directing the show. Tickets are going like a jackrabbit on redbull and my line learning is going like a union tortoise on a go-slow. Hilarity will almost certainly ensue! CLICK HERE to buy tickets to the massacre
THE LAST 5 YEARS
Well here's one for the books. This is a show I have always loved but alas have always been too old to perform - well, that and no one has ever cast me in it! So, cut to 2015 and the fantastic Danny Balkwill and Diana Kaarina get together to form a new Vancouver Theatre Company called LionFish entertainment to " raise the bar on independent musical theatre production in the city". Well lets be honest people, if you want to aim for the very top in musical theatre in Vancouver who would you ask to direct your inaugural masterpiece? That's right. Sarah Jean Hosie. Or Peter Jorgensen. So Clearly they were both too busy or too expensive so these poor deluded fools asked ME! Well like every waiter in New York City I secretly think of my self as a great director so this was a perfect opportunity to make my directorial debut and also embarrass myself publicly - two birds with one stone. Well what a fabulous experience it has been and I must say it ranks right up there with the two or three things I am most proud of having been a part of. I urge you to catch one of the all too few performances before it closes. The performers are fabulous, the music is sublime, and the band is to die for. Really, Go and see it. It's the real deal..... And magnificently directed I think . Don't take my word for it, click here to read one of the first reviews that came out
Well here's one for the books. This is a show I have always loved but alas have always been too old to perform - well, that and no one has ever cast me in it! So, cut to 2015 and the fantastic Danny Balkwill and Diana Kaarina get together to form a new Vancouver Theatre Company called LionFish entertainment to " raise the bar on independent musical theatre production in the city". Well lets be honest people, if you want to aim for the very top in musical theatre in Vancouver who would you ask to direct your inaugural masterpiece? That's right. Sarah Jean Hosie. Or Peter Jorgensen. So Clearly they were both too busy or too expensive so these poor deluded fools asked ME! Well like every waiter in New York City I secretly think of my self as a great director so this was a perfect opportunity to make my directorial debut and also embarrass myself publicly - two birds with one stone. Well what a fabulous experience it has been and I must say it ranks right up there with the two or three things I am most proud of having been a part of. I urge you to catch one of the all too few performances before it closes. The performers are fabulous, the music is sublime, and the band is to die for. Really, Go and see it. It's the real deal..... And magnificently directed I think . Don't take my word for it, click here to read one of the first reviews that came out
PATRICK STREET PRODUCTIONS takes you by the hand on a romantic, timeless journey through the beloved Rodgers & Hammerstein songbook.
OK So it's not me in the picture but these two are much better looking. This is a remount of the show I did at the Kay Meek centre last year. It is much improved, has lost a choir and has gained a Kaylee Harwood - she good! - and it is also on at the cutest little theatre on commercial drive. The York Theatre has reopened after many years, fully restored to its original glory as a live performance space. |
ADAM GUETTEL masterclass.
Too much to write about in this tiny space. See the full blog post on the blog page |
SUPERCALIFRAGILISTICEXPIALIDOCIOUS!
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Watch Mary Poppins fly over the rooftops of London, and feel like a kid again! Remember, anything can happen if you let it. This family musical features the unforgettable songs from the popular Disney film—“A Spoonful of Sugar,” “Chim Chim Cher-ee,” “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious”—plus some catchy new ones. Practically perfect in every way, the tale of everyone’s favourite magical nanny will sweep you off your feet.
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The Arts Club MAKING OF..... YouTube Video. Checkit! |
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WARREN KIMMEL is CALLAHAN in LEGALLY BLONDE at TUTS 2013. Come see me get slapped in the face every night under a starlit sky.
LEGALLY BLONDE: THE MUSICAL, written by Heather Hach, Laurence O’Keefe and Nell Benjamin, is an exhilarating re-imagining of the hit film about sorority girl Elle Woods, her little dog Bruiser and other favourite characters who take Harvard Law School by storm, learning a few things about love and life along the way. LEGALLY BLONDE will mark the TUTS directorial debut of the very talented Valerie Easton, who will be joined by music director Danny Balkwill at the helm of this sensational Broadway hit. Not to mention the incredibly talented and erudite Warren Kimmel as the creepy Law Professor. |
FINALLY THE WORLD BEGINS TO RECOGNIZES MY BRILLIANCE!As I have always maintained, Colin Thomas, Drama Correspondent at the Georgia Straight, is a genius. What more confirmation do we need of his enormous gifts than this tidbit plucked at random from one of his recent reviews....and I quote: "Warren Kimmel, one of the best musical-theatre performers in town, delivers an authoritative performance as Callahan, the nasty law prof." Not sure what he means by ONE OF, but even Colin can have a momentary lapse. Thank You Mr. Thomas, your fruit basket is in the mail. Click on the link or picture for the full review of Legally Blonde at TUTS
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A showcase of memorable songs from THE SOUND OF MUSIC , OKLAHOMA, SOUTH PACIFIC, and CAROUSEL (to name but a few). Soaring music! Broadway hits! And a seriously excellent cast and band! What more do you want? Blood?
Joining me on the boards - Kazumi Evans, Caitriona Murphy, Katie Murphy and Sayer Roberts - as well as our stellar 44 person mixed voice backing band also known as ESPIRITU choir lead by Gillian Hunt. Call the KayMeek Centre or click here to BOOK TICKETS |
NEW WRITING! VERY EXCITING!
I will soon be appearing in one of the most original shows I have ever been lucky enough to be part of. Watch this space!
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After a wild night of high notes and low humour at the Chutzpah festival in February, I was approached to remount the show at the PRESENTATION HOUSE theatre in North Vancouver. This means that anyone who missed it before has no excuse this time. We have even thrown in a matinee for those of you who must be in bed by sundown.
Same hilarious anecdotes and gratuitous nudity and same dream team - Wendy Bross Stuart (MD), Alison Dalton (Bass) and Phil Belanger (Percussion) with special guest star Tracy Neff. If you have never seen Cabaret in North Vancouver this is your chance
OK people this is a first for me and I am looking for some support from the more hardcore music lovers among you. This is a new work by local composer David MacIntyre. Forty-four songs interpreted by four fabulous singers with an intoxicating piano-driven score, Love in Public invites audiences to contemplate the role of the love song in the 21st Century. What place does traditional courtship and the writings of romance hold in modern times where irony tends to triumph over sentiment and texting has replaced the love letter? Its the real deal and it's killing me to learn it all so I expect you all to show up!
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NOMINATED? MOI?Finally my enormous talent is recognized. I just want to thank my family, my country and my dog for making this moment possible!
The ARTS CLUB Production of NEXT TO NORMAL has cleaned up in the nominations for the 8th Annual OVATION AWARDS Read More Here... 
CHECK THIS OUT!
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