Where There’s Smoke. . . Musings of A Cigarette Smoking Man by William B. Davis. (ECW Press, 2011) Click to buy this book from Amazon.ca: Where There’s Smoke

Text of introduction by Joseph Planta:

I am Planta: On the Line, in Vancouver at TheCommentary.ca.

The title of the book evokes my next guest’s most famous, iconic role in television, that of the Cigarette Smoking Man or Cancer Man on The X-Files. It’s the role he’s well known for, for better and worse. The book however is more than just a dishy memoir of his years on the science fiction series that was initially shot here in Vancouver. The book discusses the life of William B. Davis, from his upbringing in Ontario, to the development of Canadian theatre in the 1950s and 1960s, his time in the British theatre encountering people like Laurence Olivier and Albert Finney, to his time back in Canada working in Toronto and here in Vancouver, up to his role on The X-Files. It’s a compelling read, as he’s candid about himself, and he’s insightful about his craft, acting in the theatre and on television. He’s perhaps too honest when it comes to discussion of his personal life, his sex life especially, but one wonders what his lovers think. It’s a fascinating and most enjoyable read. The book is called Where There’s Smoke. . . Musings of A Cigarette Smoking Man. It’s published by ECW Press. The website for more is at www.williambdavis.com. Please welcome to the Planta: On the Line program, William Davis; Good morning, Mr. Davis.

Text of introduction by Joseph Planta:

I am Planta: On the Line, in Vancouver at TheCommentary.ca.

A holiday tradition in Vancouver is the annual production of The Nutcracker put on by the Goh Ballet. This year it’s on at The Centre for the Performing Arts, Thursday, 15 December to Sunday, 18 December 2011, with evening performances at 7.30pm, and on the Saturday and Sunday a matinee at 2.00pm. Joining me now to preview the production is Chan Hon Goh, the executive producer of the show, and a former prima ballerina with the National Ballet of Canada. The website for tickets and more information on the show is at www.gohnutcracker.com. Whether you’re a dance aficionado or it’ll be a first time for someone like me, they say there’s something for everyone in this production. I’ve heard from people who’ve seen this show previously, there are elaborate sets and lavish costumes. Live music will be performed by the Vancouver Opera Orchestra, as well the show features principal dancers from the American Ballet Theatre. Chan Hon Goh retired from the National Ballet of Canada in 2009 after 20 years with the company. She was born in Beijing, but emigrated with her family at a young age. Her parents, both dancers, founded the Goh Ballet Academy here in Vancouver. Please welcome to the Planta: On the Line program, Chan Hon Goh; Good morning, Ms. Goh.

Text of introduction by Joseph Planta:

I am Planta: On the Line, in Vancouver at TheCommentary.ca.

We’re in the midst of the Vancouver 125 celebrations throughout the city marking the 125th anniversary of Vancouver. A great way to mark the birthday is to see the show being staged by the local Pi Theatre company. Visions of Vancouver is a work showcasing four short plays written by five Vancouver playwrights, each of whom expresses their idea and vision of Vancouver. Joining me now is Pi Theatre’s artistic director Richard Wolfe, who directs this show which debuts 05 October 2011 in previews, and opens Thursday, 06 October; with performances from the 6th to the 8th, 10 to the 15th at 08.00pm, with performances on the 9th and 15th at 4.00pm. It’s happening at CBC Studio 700 on Hamilton. Tickets can be had at www.vancouvertix.com, and more information of course at their website www.pitheatre.com. Mr. Wolfe shall tell us about the pieces written by playwrights Adrienne Wong, Michele Riml and Michael St. John Smith, Dennis Foon, and Kevin Loring. The piece reflects on this place, and perhaps gives us a sense of who we are. This world premiere production is inspired by the style of old-time radio broadcasting created for an in studio audience, and performed live and recorded for internet podcasting. Please welcome to the Planta: On the Line program, Richard Wolfe; Good morning, Mr. Wolfe.

Text of introduction by Joseph Planta:

I am Planta: On the Line, in Vancouver at TheCommentary.ca.

The Arts Club Theatre Company has Hairspray, the ‘big fat musical hit’ on its Stanley Industrial Alliance Stage running eight times a week until 10 July 2011. You’re taken back to 1960s Baltimore, seeing big hairdos and listening to doo-wop, as the zaftig Tracy Turnblad wants to realise her dream of dancing on a local television program. She also wants to contribute in the area of civil rights by making every day ‘Negro Day.’ Hairspray, a musical based on the 1988 John Waters film, debuted on Broadway to great acclaim nearly a decade ago, winning eight Tony Awards. In the role of Tracy is Jennie Neumann, a graduate from Capilano’s Musical Theatre program. In the role of Tracy’s mother Edna, since Jay Brazeau’s illness, is Andy Toth. Opening night last Wednesday was a smash. The dancing is infectious, and the music is catchy. You can’t stop the beat, as it were. Visit www.artsclub.com for tickets, and www.jennieneumann.ca for more information. Please welcome to the Planta: On the Line program, Jennie Neumann; Good morning, Ms. Neumann.

Text of introduction by Joseph Planta:

In Vancouver, I am Planta: On the Line. This is THECOMMENTARY.CA.

In previews now at the Stanley Industrial Alliance Stage is the Arts Club Theatre Company’s production of Glengarry Glen Ross. The David Mamet play, opening next week, reinvented the language of modern theatre, and this play which he won the Pulitzer Prize looks at workplace struggles as a group of salesmen try to survive, and attempt to pursue the American Dream. The 1992 film, starring Jack Lemmon, Al Pacino, and Kevin Spacey might be more familiar to some, which immortalised the place of Glengarry Glen Ross as one of the great dramatic works of the 20th century. This Arts Club production runs until August 22nd. The cast is headlined by Will and Grace star Eric McCormack, and includes some of Vancouver’s finest actors, Gerard Plunkett, Vincent Gale, Brian Markinson, Bart Anderson, and Daren Herbert. Another member of this remarkable company is John Pyper Ferguson, who joins me now. His television credits are legion. I looked him up on IMDB and it looks like he’s appeared in every single television drama there is, including the last episode of Lost, and from where I remember him most, the season and half he appeared on Brothers and Sisters. He will also be appearing in Score: The Hockey Musical, which opens the Toronto International Film Festival later this year. He was also in Hard Core Logo and Unforgiven. This is not the first time he’s appeared with the Arts Club. He was previously seen in Unidentified Human Remains. Glengarry Glen Ross is directed by Michael Shamata. Go to www.artsclub.com for tickets and more information. Please welcome to the Planta: On the Line program, John Pyper-Ferguson; Good morning, Mr. Ferguson.

Bravo! The History of Opera in British Columbia by Rosemary Cunningham. (Harbour Publishing, 2009) Click to buy this book from Amazon.ca: Bravo!

Text of introduction by Joseph Planta:

I am Planta: On the Line. This is THECOMMENTARY.CA.

Appropriately timed for the 50th anniversary of the Vancouver Opera and the 30th anniversary next year of the Pacific Opera Victoria, comes a new book from Harbour Publishing: Bravo! The History of Opera in British Columbia. It’s a lavishly laid out book, with exquisite photographs, and a history of the opera that’s not academic and dry, rather accessible and fascinating. If you’re like me and have never been to the opera, this is a great entry point into this form of artistic endeavour that’s around for well over a century. You have behind-the-scenes accounts of the production companies and the shows they’ve mounted and the stars they’ve brought to town. The author of Bravo! Rosemary Cunningham joins me now. She’s a long time season ticket holder of the Vancouver Opera, which just last Friday opened its season with a 50th anniversary gala concert. Following her retirement as a librarian, Rosemary Cunningham began a second career as a writer, and Bravo! is her first book. Please welcome to the Planta: On the Line program, Rosemary Cunningham; Good morning, Ms. Cunningham.

Text of introduction by Joseph Planta:

I am Planta: On the Line. This is THECOMMENTARY.CA.

It’s that time of year again. Christmas is just around the corner. And what better way to get into the spirit of the season than to head over to the Stanley Theatre to see the Arts Club’s production of Irving Berlin’s White Christmas. Beginning previews, the 12th of November, the show features the immortal ‘White Christmas,’ and other memorable songs by Irving Berlin. It is said that Irving Berlin “is American music.” This is a stage adaptation of the hit 1954 movie musical, which starred Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye, Rosemary Clooney, and Vera Ellen. The song was originally sung in the picture Holiday Inn in 1942, winning the Oscar for Best Song. The 1954 film, White Christmas was adapted to the stage a few years ago, and opened on Broadway last year. This Arts Club production runs until December 27th. For tickets and more information visit www.artsclub.com. Sara-Jeanne Hosie, one of the stars of the show, joins me now. She recently stopped the show at the Stanley as Fantine singing ‘I Dreamed A Dream,’ in last spring’s boffo production of Les Miserables. She’s also played the lead in productions of Cabaret, South Pacific and Guys and Dolls. Her website is www.sjhosie.com. Please welcome to the Planta: On the Line program, Sara-Jeanne Hosie; Good morning, Ms. Hosie.

I am Planta: On the Line. This is THECOMMENTARY.CA.

Opening May 29th at the Waterfront Theatre is the Vancouver Asian Canadian Theatre company’s production of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Flower Drum Song. I am joined now by Rick Tae, the director of this production. It’s been 50 years since the musical debuted on Broadway, and this is the first time that this show has been presented in Vancouver. It features an all-Asian-Canadian cast, and it will run until June 14th. For tickets and information visit http://www.vact.ca. Rick Tae is an accomplished director, producer, writer and actor. He won a Leo Award, and was nominated for a Gemini for his onscreen work on Godiva’s. He was nominated for several Jessie Awards for his directing and producing. He is currently developing his first feature film. Please welcome to the Planta: On the Line program, Rick Tae; Good morning, Mr. Tae.

Vancouver Asian Canadian Theatre: http://www.vact.ca

I am Planta: On the Line. This is THECOMMENTARY.CA.

John Mann joins me again. The Spirit of the West front man returns to the Arts Club Theatre Company’s stage in their new production of Les Misérables. He’s a veteran of the company now, having appeared in the lead of their productions of Miss Saigon and Cabaret. Other than Spirit of the West, he’s appeared in such television series as Intelligence, DaVinci’s Inquest, Dead Zone, Battlestar Galactica, Cold Squad, Haunted, and Dark Angel. He’s appeared on stage in The Three Penny Opera, and Joni Mitchell: River. Les Misérables plays at the Arts Club’s Stanley Industrial Alliance Stage. Visit http://www.artsclub.com for more information on tickets. Please welcome back to the Planta: On the Line program, John Mann; Good morning, Mr. Mann.

Arts Club Theatre Company: http://www.artsclub.com

John Mann website: http://www.johnmann.ca

I am Planta: On the Line. This is THECOMMENTARY.CA.

Opening Wednesday night at the Stanley Industrial Alliance Stage is the Arts Club Theatre Company’s season opener, Doubt. It is a play by the Academy Award winning screenwriter of Moonstruck, John Patrick Shanley, which premiered in New York in 2004, won the Pulitzer Prize and the Tony Award for Best Play. This Vancouver production, the Canadian premiere, is directed by Rachel Ditor, and co-stars my guest now, Gabrielle Rose. She plays Sister Aloysius, a Catholic school nun, who suspects that one of the priests molested a student.

Gabrielle Rose is a renowned actor in Vancouver theatre, seen most recently in The Glass Menagerie. Some of her other credits include The Blue Light, Elizabeth Rex, and The Memory of Water. She recently wrapped up three seasons on the television series Robson Arms. Her film credits include driving the bus in The Sweet Hereafter. Doubt is described as a suspenseful mystery, and having an ever-shifting plot. It runs at the Stanley until October 12th. Tickets and information can be had at http://www.artsclub.com. Jonathon Young also co-stars. I am pleased to welcome to the Planta: On the Line program, Gabrielle Rose; Good morning, Ms. Rose.

Arts Club Theatre Company: http://www.artsclub.com