A Barber, A Magical Mystery Tour and A Love Story

By Susan Phelan

MUSIC
I Feel Good! … and you will too, after hearing the "Godfather of Soul," James Brown, perform this (technically called I Got You but generally known as the latter) and his many other hits including Papa's Got a Brand New Bag at the Jubilee Auditorium on January 9. Following that, join Canada's own The Tragically Hip when they pay a return visit to Rexall Place, January 14. At the start of February, "Figaro, Figaro, Fi-ga-ro" your way to Winspear Centre for the Edmonton Opera's production of The Barber of Seville, February 3, 6 and 8. Rossini's comic two-act opera, that first premiered in Rome in 1816, is the fifth most performed opera in North America. Next up, Canadian singer-songwriter Chantal Kreviazuk graces the Jubilee Auditorium with her wistful voice on February 13. Songs and plenty of 'em are all part and parcel of The Producers - the Mel Brooks musical and winner of a record 12 Tony awards! Check it out, February 21 - 25 at the Jubilee Auditorium. And right on the heels of that, Regina-born, Juno award-winning blues guitarist Colin James & The Little Big Band pays the Winspear a visit on February 25.

THEATRE
Time has taken its toll on Alice and Henry and thanks to their kids, stress, and gravity, this once-loving couple has hit their fifties and the marriage doldrums. Armed with a copy of Sex for Dummies, they decide to check into a trendy hotel with the intent of jumpstarting their 25-year marriage. Funny, compassionate and thought-provoking, Sexy Laundry at Varscona Theatre runs January 18 - February 4.

Thought-provoking too is Hank Williams 1952 Starring Joe Matheson. In 1949, Hank Williams' first number one record spilled out of radios across the country but his blossoming career would be short-lived for on New Year's Eve 1952 Hank died on his way to a gig. Playing at Festival Place, January 19, this moving performance looks at what might have been.

Not so much what might have been, but rather, what was, is revisited by Jubilations Dinner Theatre when they present Magical Mystery Tour - Songs of the Beetles January 26 through April 1.

In February, get ready to hold on to your corsets! Just in time for Valentine's Day, the sexy adaptation of the scandalous novel Dangerous Liasions is guaranteed to steam up the Walterdale Playhouse, February 7 - 17. Set in pre-Revolution France, this deliciously devious story traces the affairs and machinations of two decadent aristocrats, as they plot, make love and war (sometimes at the same time) with everyone ensnared within their wide-spreading webs.

Speaking of webs, as in webbed feet, next, hop over to the mysterious bog at the side of the castle for an adventure with Princess Glorianna and her selfish promise to a royalty-struck frog in The Frog Prince, playing at the Horizon Stage, Spruce Grove, February 10.

Well into hockey season, it's time to face off, drop the gloves . . . and fall in love? In Hockey Mom, Hockey Dad, way up in the bleachers amidst all the icy action, opposites attract as two single parents meet while watching their sons play minor league hockey. Cheer on the pair against the backdrop of our nation's beloved pastime through practices, games and the whir of the Zamboni! Roxy Theatre, February 15 - March 4.

DANCE
With their latest offering Mermaid Tales, NewDance Collective presents a dynamic and interpretive dance collaboration inspired by the various archetypal mermaids throughout history. Ranging from ancient representations of female divinity to the pop culture sea creatures of present day, this dance concert that celebrates the underwater woman really makes a splash! January 19 & 20, Catalyst Theatre.

Love is in the air once again for Tania Alvarado and Brian Webb as their newest collaboration on A Love Story, previewed to audiences last year, runs at the John L. Haar Theatre in Grant MacEwan February 23 and 24. Accompanied by Wagner's score The Greatest Love Story, this visually moving piece offers a tender and romantic experience.