9 TO 5: The Musical
Where: Chemainus Theatre, 9737 Chemainus Rd.
When: June 28-Aug. 25
Tickets: $22 from the Chemainus Theatre box office (250-246-9820) or chemainustheatre.ca
Why: Act quickly if you’re eager to see this hit musical based on the 1980 film of the same name: Several performances are already sold-out, and others will hit capacity sooner than later, which is a clear indication that Chemainus Theatre has a genuine hit on its hands with 9 to 5: The Musical. With a book by Robert Altman associate Patricia Resnick and Tony-nominated music and lyrics by Dolly Parton — whose Oscar-nominated title track to the film still resonates — this Broadway black comedy hit about revenge and female empowerment is must-see entertainment.
TEAM HEGDAL
Where: The Orange Light, 612 David St.
When: Saturday, June 29, 7:30 p.m. (doors at 7)
Tickets: $25 from eventbrite.ca; $30 at the door
Why: Norwegian saxophonist Eirik Hegdal brings his improvisational combo to Rock Bay venue The Orange Light for an anticipated performance this weekend, just one of two Canadian stops on Team Hegdal’s itinerary in 2024. It’s a rare opportunity to see the member of Trondheim Jazz Orchestra in a small-band format, and the out-of-the-way venue will reverberate with the playful virtuosity that typifies the music of Hegdal and his bandmates, drummer Gard Nilssen, bassist Ole Morten Vågan, and saxophonist/clarinettist Atle Nymo. Allotropes, a local trio featuring bass clarinettist/saxophonist Shane Krause, bassist Trav Short and drummer Miles Fuller, opens the concert, which has to be considered one of the top attractions for adventurous jazz hounds this summer.
SALON Q
Where: Metro Studio Theatre , 1411 Quadra St.
When: June 29, 7:30 p.m.
Tickets: $27 ($10 pay what you can) from intrepidtheatre.com
Why: This night of local cabaret kicks off Victoria Pride Week with a one-day celebration of live performance. Hosted by local drag favourite Gouda Gabor, Salon Q features a range of performers, from celebrated classical pianist Robert Holliston,Nanaimo-based Nigerian singer Buwa, andimpersonator Betti Licious toSalty Broad co-founder Ingrid Moore, drag artist Jove Nazatul, and operatic tenor Tim Carter. The kitchen-sink collaboration offers something for a wide array of performing arts tastes, which is a fitting throughline for the kick-off to Pride Week.
