Ron James returns to city Friday 0

Dee Adrian

Capitol Centre

This Friday begins March break and with the activities planned, you might as well bring your pillow and blankie and hunker down for a week or so.

On Friday, Canadian comedian Ron James is here. Ron originally hails from Glace Bay, Nova Scotia, although his family later moved to Halifax during his youth. He attended Acadia University studying history and political science with the intention of becoming a history teacher. After graduating he moved to Toronto and joined The Second City troupe located there. He made numerous guest appearances on TV from his time in Los Angeles and when he came across the work of Scottish comedian Billy Connolly, he helped him to shape his own style. He’s a regular at the Capitol Centre and we look forward to his bi-annual visits as it’s a night of hooting and hollering and just plain fun. Tickets are: $55.

On Saturday, we open with the “Oh What A Night”, the musical tribute to Franki Valli and the Four Seasons. This exciting musical revue was written by Motown producer and creative consultant George Solomon. I can sing my heart out to songs like Sherry, Big Girls Don’t Cry, Walk Like A Man, Can’t Take My Eyes Off You, My Eyes Adored You, Working My Way Back to You, and Let’s Hang On. When I saw Jersey Boys in New York one year, I was in my glory but Jersey Boys is a scripted musical biography while “Oh What A Night” is a concert and tribute featuring all the hits. Tickets are $49.

On Sunday 7 p.m., our regular Sunday Cinema features the film “Philomena”, a 98-minute film based on the 2009 investigative book which focuses on the efforts of Philomena Lee, mother to a boy conceived out of wedlock — something her Irish-Catholic community didn't have the highest opinion of — and given away for adoption in the United States. In following church doctrine, she was forced to sign a contract that wouldn't allow for any sort of inquiry into the son's whereabouts. After starting a family years later in England and, for the most part, moving on with her life, Lee meets Sixsmith, a BBC reporter with whom she decides to discover her long-lost son.

Earlier in the day, the Rotary Travelogue at 2 p.m. features the exotic travels through Indonesia, Bali, Sulawesi and Java. A must for any world travellers.

During March break, we will be showing three free movies: March 10 at 2 p.m., Madagascar 3- Europe’s Most Wanted; March 13 at 7 pm., The Hunger Games, Part II – Catching Fire; and March 15 at 2 p.m., Percy Jackson’s – Sea of Monsters. All free movies are sponsored by the Cedar Tree, always available for lunch and dinner. Concessions will be for sale at all events.

Don’t forget The Backyardigans- Sea Deep in Adventure on March 12 at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are: $30.

In addition, the WKP Kennedy Gallery is offering a Artist in Residency program with local artist Jack Lockhart, who will be welcoming all while he crafts his art on March 11 and 13 between the hours of 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. Come and be mesmerized by the featured works of this talented artist. I am the proud owner of a Jack Lockhart piece and look forward to spending more time in the Gallery while his new works are in place.

On March 14, The Keith Richards, One Woman Show will be in the WKP Kennedy Gallery at 7:30 p.m. Seating is free and is limited. A $5 donation is suggested.

This rock n’ roll play by Suitcase in Point features the talented Deanna Jones. Sponsored by Waxman Records, a new retail shop downtown, we are thrilled to offer this performance as part of our community engagement activities through Theatre Connects, a granting program under the auspices of the Ontario Arts Council. Jones will be here in a residency program providing a workshop for Dreamcoat Fantasy Theatre, culminating with this exciting performance in the Gallery at 7:30 p.m.

Along with that the Gallery did a “Call for Submissions” for professional photographers with jury members Sal Renshaw and Arlie Hoffman scrutinizing the entries. The chosen pieces will be showcased in the Gallery along with a wall of “Selfies” where people can take shots of themselves and friends and using the sticky tape provided become a part of this great collage. All of the events are online at www.capitolcentre.org or call the Box Office at (705) 474-4747.

Dee Adrian is General Manager of the Capitol Centre, dadrian@capitolcentre.org