DANIEL LAPP’S JOY OF LIFE FESTIVAL
Where: Alix Goolden Performance Hall, 907 Pandora Ave.
When: Friday, April 28, and Saturday, April 29
Tickets: $15.29-$27.22 from showpass.com/joy-of-life-festival
Why: The annual tradition that is Daniel Lapp’s Joy of Life Festival is upon us, which sets the stage for a weekend of fun and fiddle at the Alix Goolden Performance Hall. Two events — Friday’s Celebrate Youth Concert and Saturday’s Joy of Life Concert — will showcase some of the city’s brightest talents, including Folkestra and Joy of Life Choir, the B.C. Fiddle Orchestra and students under Lapp’s tutelage in the Victoria Conservatory of Music. Alumni and special guests, including Aidan Knight and Métis dancers the Joyful Jiggers, round out a program that will include upwards of 100 performers.
JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT
Where: McPherson Playhouse, 3 Centennial Sq.
When: April 21-23, 27-29
Tickets: $40-$50 from the Royal McPherson box office (250-386-6121) or rmts.bc.ca
Why: Joseph and the Technicolor Dreamcoat nabbed seven Tony Award nominations when it premièred in 1982, altering the DNA of Broadway musicals in the process. Though the production consistently wins raves for its songcraft (with lyrics by Tim Rice and music by Andrew Lloyd Webber) and unlikely cameos (Bono from U2; Andy Gibb; Donny Osmond), the underlying message of forgiveness remains the musical’s true calling card. Students at the Canadian College of Performing Arts, with direction from Caleb Marshall, are upturning tradition for this two-week production, which should add another layer of interest to this enduring fan favourite. Don’t miss it.
ENSEMBLE LAUDE
Where: First Church of Christ, Scientist, 1205 Pandora Ave.
When: Saturday, April 29, 7 p.m.
Tickets: $21.51 from eventbrite.ca
Why: Ensemble Laude will head into the studio in June to record pieces from Canadian composers such as Sarah Quartel, Tracy Wong and Sherryl Sewapagaham. To prepare, Victoria’s premier women’s choir will offer renditions of said material during concerts under the Wellspring banner, mixing baroque and contemporary material. Ensemble Laude will perform the same program May 13 at St. Mary’s Church in Saanichton.
mdevlin@timescolonist.com
