Arts council readies new season

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This article was published 31/08/2018 (2062 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

With the first act of Steinbach Arts Council’s 2018-2019 concert series less than a month away, here is a preview of what’s to come this season.

Pianist Sarah Hagen will kick off the series on Sept. 28 with Perk Up, Pianist, a comedic musical act about a touring classical musician who tries to remain optimistic despite challenging and ridiculous situations.

“You would want to sit with her for a few hours,” said SAC events and communication coordinator Tamara Martens, reflecting on the pianist’s dry sense of humour.

Hagen captivates audience members of all ages with her humour, combined with the technique and precision of classical music, Martens added.

SAC presents a community theatre production of the Gilbert and Sullivan musical Pirates of Penzance on Oct. 18-21, directed by David Klassen.

“I felt it was time to balance the ‘Broadway-style show’ with something that showed off the singing as well as the acting,” Klassen said.

It’s been 11 years since SAC last presented a Gilbert and Sullivan show, he said.

“This production is full of bright characters, both principle actors and singers as well as chorus members,” Klassen said. “The chorus is small but incredibly strong, and it’s a great opportunity to show off many local singers at the same time.”

The Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra will once again be featured in what has become a family holiday tradition for some, Martens said. The performance will also include a local choir.

On Jan. 31 the Royal Manitoba Theatre Company will present Buying the Farm. In the three-person play, Magnus Bjornson is a sixty-something farmer who has worked the family farm all his life. What’s he to do when a real estate developer shows up to make him an offer?

Martens said this play is very funny and should resonate with a lot of people.

The final concert of the series presents Casati, a band which seems to defy categories of genre with their mix of jazz and vintage folk sound, featuring ukulele, guitar, double-bass and occasionally hurdy-gurdy.

SAC will present two kids concert series shows including Prairie Theatre Exchange’s Munschtopia on Jan. 18. On April 15, comedic duo James & Jamesy will entertain with their bizarre and magical act 2 For Tea, a celebration of friendship and imagination that features great physical comedy, Martens said.

The arts council will also showcase local artists with Fringed Family Day on Feb. 18 and Turnip the Music on March 15.