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Johnny Reid and Andrew Lloyd Webber headline May at Cowichan Performing Arts Centre

Big names and locals hit the stage in May
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Johnny Reid, seen here performing at Sunfest, is a Cowichan Valley fan favourite. (Kevin Rothbauer/Citizen file)

The Cowichan Performing Arts Centre is gearing up for May, with a couple of big performances heading for a stop in Duncan, as well as two local groups hitting the big stage.

First up is Johnny Reid: Love Someone National Tour 2022.

He takes the stage on Monday, May 9 at 7:30 p.m.

Reid is a Juno Award winning singer-songwriter with fans around the world. He’s sold more than a million albums, and has hit multi-platinum status.

“Widely known for his energetic stage performances and talent for finding the grandeur in the highs and lows of everyday life, he’s an extraordinary talent, unique in his field, making him one of the most loved and celebrated artists of his time,” says a press release for the show.

“From a young age, I listened to all kinds of music,” Reid says. “My mother was a big fan of Stax and Detroit soul. My father was a big fan of all music as long as it told a story. I have taken the instrumentation, performance, and energy of soul and annexed that with storytelling of things that really matter in this world: family, love, and friendship.”

“His recordings are filled with classic rock riffs laced with blue-collar roots and a voice that brims with force and honesty,” says the release.

Tickets for the show are $98.75. Go to cowichanpac.ca to get them.

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Next up is a night for Broadway lovers.

The Music of the Night Concert Tour, a musical celebration of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s 75th Birthday hits the stage on Wednesday, May 11 at 7:30 p.m.

Webber is one of the most successful musical theatre composers of all time, and the show will take you through his most iconic theatrical music including selections from Phantom of the Opera, Evita, Cats, Jesus Christ Superstar and Sunset Boulevard, to name a few.

“With a fully professional cast, many of whom have performed throughout Canada, London’s West End, and Australia, we are sure this concert parade of musical offerings will overwhelm the senses,” says a press release for the show.

Tickets are $62.50 for adults, and $52 for seniors and students, with groups of six or more eligible for a 10 per cent discount.

Go to cowichanpac.ca for tickets.

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On May 12 Queen Margaret’s School in Duncan is taking to the big stage at the Cowichan Performing Arts Centre for A Magical Evening of Movie Music.

Alison Hounsome directs this celebration of music with the QMS String Orchestra, String Ensemble, Concert Choir and Grades 5-12 Band performing, along with featured solos by award winning school musicians.

“It’s a very popular event we haven’t been able to hold since 2019, so we’re very excited,” said QMS’s Hayley Picard.

So what’s on the program?

“An evening of spellbinding songs from your favourite movies,” Picard promises, including Pirates of the Caribbean, Coco, Austin Powers, Indiana Jones, La La Land, Sar Wars, and Memoirs of a Geisha.

The show starts at 6 p.m. Go to cowichanpac.ca for tickets.

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Rounding out May, Cowichan Valley’s own Steps Ahead Dance presents Stargazing on May 28 in two shows at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.

Stargazing will take you on a cosmic journey, exploring inner and outer space, beyond our confined lives during the past 20 months,” says a press release for the show.

Dancers of all ages will take the stage in genres including ballet, modern, contemporary, stage and street.

Tickets are $30. Go to cowichanpac.ca for tickets.



Andrea Rondeau

About the Author: Andrea Rondeau

I returned to B.C. and found myself at the Cowichan Valley Citizen.
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