THEATRE: I, Claudia
Where: Roxy Theatre, 2657 Quadra St.
When: April 28 through May 4
Tickets: $25-$37.80 from bluebridgetheatre.ca
Why: Few coming-of-age stage dramas capture the hope and heartbreak of adolescence better than Kristen Thomson’s groundbreaking I, Claudia. The central character (who is dealing with the divorce of her parents, among other things) is a 12-year-old girl, which would make casting difficult if not for the ingenious approach of this one-woman play, which shrouds star Kathleen O’Reilly in a mask for each character. Directed by Treena Stubel, expectations are that I, Claudia — the first production of Blue Bridge Repertory Theatre’s four-play summer season — will sell quickly. The Roxy Theatre is still at 50 per cent capacity for I, Claudia, which runs until May 4, so make haste.
FILM: Short Circuit Pacific Rim Film Festival
Where: The Vic Theatre and shortcircuitfilmfestival.com
When: May 1-7 (in person) and May 8-31 (online)
Tickets: $10 (single screening) or $45 (festival pass) from Eventbrite
Why: The world’s only festival comprised of short films exclusively from the Pacific Rim region, Short Circuit offers a month of online screenings and events, with more than 50 films from dozens of filmmakers representing 25 regions. Proceeds from ticket sales are shared with filmmakers, so every dollar spent is a dollar earned at this ninth annual showcase, which is broken down in genre-specific programs. Lots to see here, including an outdoor mini-cinema in Odeon Alley.
RECORD SALE: South Island Vinyl Record Show
Where: Mary Winspear Centre, 2243 Beacon Ave., Sidney
When: Sunday, May 1, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Admission: $2 at the door
Why: One of the big post-pandemic pluses is the return of events such as the South Island Vinyl Record Show. Record collectors can’t effectively dig through crates of wax unless venues such as the Mary Winspear Centre are at full capacity, so expect to see an abundance of vendors selling vinyl to thousands of eager buyers on Sunday. The sixth annual Nanaimo Record Show did boffo business at Bowen Park Auditorium on April 16, so look for more of the same at this popular event, especially with records, CDs, cassettes and other related items being offered.
