BC Adventures – Our To Do Picks for May 7-13

Prodigals, named one of the 10 best theatre productions of 2010, plays at SFU Woodwards

What to do in BC this week

See Prodigals
 – May 3-15
After a sold-out and critically acclaimed workshop run, Prodigals — named one of the 10 best theatre productions of 2010 — returns for its official world premiere from 
May 3 to 15 at Goldcorp Centre for the Arts at SFU Woodward’s 
(149 W. Hastings, Vancouver). Set in a small bar in Sault Ste. Marie, it invites audiences to eavesdrop on six young underachievers as they await the results of a murder trial that has hit a bit too close to home. Tickets for this Twenty-Something Theatre production are $18 to $22 from Tickets Tonight, by phone at 604-684-2787 or at the door.


Enjoy O Vertigo’s La Chambre Blanche – May 6-7
Imagine the existential angst of Jean-Paul Sartre crossed with the edgy noir of David Lynch and you’ll get some idea of the effect of Montreal-based O Vertigo’s La Chambre Blanche. That’s how one entertainment critic described this “achingly modern” multi-award-winning dance that closes out DanceHouse’s 2010/11 season on May 6 and 7. Held at the Vancouver Playhouse, this post-modern piece explores the effects of close confinement on the human spirit with nine dancers spinning out in a dizzying display of solos, duets and groups. Catch it starting at 8 p.m. or swing by early for a free pre-show chat with the performers at 7:15 p.m. Tickets are $35 to $65 and available at Ticketmaster or by calling 1-855-985-2787.

Strike a Pose at the Whistler Yoga Conference – May 6-8
Whoever said it’s bad to get bent out of shape obviously wasn’t talking about yoga. The age-old Indian practice has been shown to yield a bounty of health benefits, which you can learn all about at the Whistler Yoga Conference, running from May 6 to 8 at the Fairmont Chateau Whistler (4599 Chateau Blvd.). Yoginis of all levels can strike a pose at more than 40 different seminars workshops and classes, including everything from Detox Yoga to Bollywood Night to Chakra Balancing. And if you’re really eager to find your OM, why not check out the welcome reception and orientation on May 6, starting at 7 p.m. For further details call 604-966-7474.
 
Fire it Up at the Fire & Ice Street Festival – May 7
So what if Qualicum Beach Village is a sleepy seaside town for most of the year. That’s all set to change on May 7, when it becomes the site of the 19th annual Fire & Ice Street Festival, a kicking community party that will see sidewalks overflowing with thousands of revelers enjoying free live music, roving performers and a kids’ zone. Plus, check out the 25-team chili cook-off, and an ice carving competition between chainsaw-wielding sculptors from both sides of the border — the festival’s symbolic “fire” and “ice,” fyi — then cast your ballot for the best of both in the People’s Choice Awards. For more info on this fun fest, taking place rain or shine from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., call 250-752-9081.

Raise Money Dedicated to Dogs – May 7

As man’s best friend, most dogs are treated as pampered pets. Others get short shrift, which is where A Better Life Dog Rescue and Sheriffs Rescue come in, re-homing neglected, abused and abandoned pooches. To raise funds, these two volunteer-based groups are hosting Dedicated to Dogs, a gala dinner on May 7 at the Burnaby Firefighters’ Club (6515 Bonsor Street). You’ll start with 6 p.m. cocktails and hors d’oeuvres then continue with a 15-course buffet as you enjoy an evening of emceed entertainment that includes everything from ventriloquists and a temporary tattoo artist to live music and a silent auction. Tickets are $70, which also includes a chance to win great door prizes, by calling 604-376-7101 or emailing Dalia@DaliaLovesDoggies.com.

Catch Dal Richards – May 8
The eats will be as good as the beats at a special Mother’s Day Brunch with Dal Richards on May 8 at the Red Robinson Show Theatre (2080 United Boulevard, Coquitlam). A Vancouver legend for more than seven decades, the 93-year-old “king of swing” will lead his orchestra of 10 talented musicians in a program designed to stir up musical memories by capturing the best of the Big Band era, along with a toe-tapping mix of jazz, rock and pop standards from the 1930s to today. Tickets for the concert, including a buffet brunch, running from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., are $39.50 for adults and $24.50 for kids 12 and under, from all Ticketmaster locations or by phone at 
604-280-4444.

See Fiddler Natalie MacMaster – May 11

Not many musicians reach the top of their game by fiddling around. One exception? Multiple Juno Award-winning fiddler Natalie MacMaster, the Nova Scotia-born sensation who has won legions of fans for her passionate, lightning-fingered performance style. But why take our word for it when you can see this Order of Canada recipient, known for her Cape Breton brand of Celtic fiddling, live in person with the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra on May 11 at the Orpheum Theatre (884 Granville Street, Vancouver), starting at 8 p.m. Tickets, priced at $45 to $85, are available online at vancouversymphony.ca or by phone at 604-876-3434.

See The Temptations – May 13

Back when The Beatles were blitzing record charts, The Temptations were seducing fans with their easy-listening Motown sound. Four decades on, the Grammy-winning group, which gained worldwide fame for songs like “The Way You Do the Things You Do,” “My Girl” and “Get Ready,” are still hammering out harmonies. On the heels of their recently released 49th album, Still Here, these ’60s-era icons are ready to tempt you all over again at Boulevard Casino’s Red Robinson Show Theatre (2080 United Blvd., Coquitlam) on May 13, starting at 8 p.m. Tickets are $54.50 and $64.50 at at Ticketmaster outlets or by phone at 604-280-4444.

Don’t Miss Stars on Ice – May 13

Just because ice-skating season is over doesn’t mean that the sport’s top talent has bid buh-bye to their blades till winter. They’ll be keeping their skills as sharp as their skates at the 21st annual Sears Stars on Ice Presented by Samsung Tour, which stops in Victoria on May 10 at Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre, and in Vancouver at Rogers Arena on May 13. This ultimate figure-skating experience features a superstar ensemble of champs, including 2010 Olympic gold medallists Tessa Virtue, Scott Moir and Evan Lysacek, along with other respected names in the sport like Jamie Salé, David Pelletier, Sasha Cohen, Jeffrey Buttle and Joannie Rochette. Tickets for Victoria at Select Your Tickets or 250-220-7777, while tickets for Vancouver are available at Ticketmaster. Visit  for more details.

Attend EPIC – May 13-15

Ever since the opening of the new Vancouver Convention Centre West (200-999 Canada Place), the state-of-the-art site has been the setting for all manner of important events. None has been quite so epic, though, as EPIC: The Vancouver Sun Sustainable Living Expo, taking place from May 13 to 15. This fifth annual consumer tradeshow features 300 eco-conscious exhibitors offering inspiring ideas on how to live, work and play in a greener way. And, along with an EPICurean Food Market and KidZone, you can also catch celebrity speakers like New York Times best-selling author Richard Louv and Canada’s own George Stroumboulopoulos, who’ll dish on what it means to “live sustainably.” Tickets are $15 at the door and $12 in advance.

Take Your Mom to the Spa – now
Sure, mom appreciates the bouquet and brunch she gets every year for Mother’s Day, but — yawn — is that any way to thank her for giving you the gift of life? Why not really show her how much she’s loved with a little Mom-and-Me Time at Absolute Spa (various locations). Not only does it involve no shopping or gift-wrapping, but it’s also a great way to renew your bond and your bod, thanks to 2.5-hour 
side-by-side manicures, pedicures and a mineral makeup lesson, starting at $165 per person. To book this or other treatment packages, including non-surgical tummy tucks, butt lifts and cellulite busters, call 604-684-2772, email info@absolutespa.com.

Celebrate Asian Heritage Month – May
Many cultures, many languages, one celebration. That’s the tagline for the 15th annual Asian Heritage Month Festival, taking place from May 1 to 31 at various Vancouver venues. Whatever your origin, you’re welcome to check out the all-ages agenda featuring loads of Far East fun. One idea? Take a step toward exercising your philanthropy at the Walk-a-Thon for Japan Relief at the Burnaby Lake Sports Complex (3760 Sperling Avenue) on May 7, kicking off with a 10 a.m. opening ceremony. Registration is $20 per person or $30 per family. For a full schedule of Asian Heritage Month events, visit explorasian.org or call 604-544-5010.


Originally published in TV Week. For daily updates, subscribe to the free TV Week e-newsletter, or purchase a subscription to the weekly magazine.