Latest news with #RainbowStage
Winnipeg Free Press
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Winnipeg Free Press
Warning: campy '80s romp could induce headbanging
Rock on! Rainbow Stage took Thursday's opening night audience on a blast to the past as it launched its 71st season with the mullet-curling professional Manitoba première of Broadway hit Rock of Ages. The Tony Award-nominated jukebox musical offers a string of 1980s rock anthems immortalized by bands such as Foreigner, Whitesnake, Poison, Twisted Sister and Styx, while its broad-strokes narrative tells the tale of lead characters Drew and Sherrie, who fall in love while chasing their dreams on Hollywood's legendary Sunset Strip. It became the basis for the 2012 film starring Tom Cruise and Mary J. Blige, which took creative licence in adapting the show's original book, penned by Chris D'Arienzoi. Nathaniel Muir (centre left) and Jeff Rivet (centre right) rock out with members of the energetic ensemble. In many ways, the stage version is much funnier and often downright campy, boasting several meta-layers in which narrator Lonny breaks the fourth wall to take jabs at the fantastical nature of Broadway musicals. Director Alexandra Herzog, who also helmed last year's Mary Poppins, wisely plays up these moments with her gung-ho cast. Their iron-clad conviction includes wearing costume designer Daina Leitold's eye-popping period spandex and Laura Warren's shoulder-grazing wigs while punching out choreographer Josh Assor's angular movement vocabulary peppered with more fluid body isolations. Tiered sets by Ksenia Broad-Milian evoke the gritty Bourbon Room bar and Act II's palm tree-flanked Venus strip club. Scott Henderson's effective lighting adds further colour, highlighting key moments throughout the nearly three-hour (including intermission) production. Every theatre impresario dreams of mounting a showstopper, and in this case, the performance actually did halt for a nerve-racking six minutes during the opening medley of Cum on Feel the Noize/Just Like Paradise/Nothin' But a Good Time, owing to technical issues. A tight onstage rock band led by music director/conductor/keyboardist Paul Rodermond features bewigged players appearing as Arsenal, whose members freely flip the bird to their lead singer Stacee Jaxx (Reid McTavish) in the outro of his career. The actor's portrayal of this juicy role might have been more satisfying if any backstory were provided (one of the skeletal script's many gaping holes), but he nonetheless slithers around the stage like a panther in skin-tight leggings and wails during We Built this City/Too Much Time, after first bursting into the action from the house, mobbed by groupies. Rainbow's latest offering admittedly won't be everyone's cup of tea. There's some profanity, a lot of bump 'n' grind, and the copious pelvic thrusts risk becoming gratuitous. The show certainly warrants a 'mature content' warning for the younger audience members who eagerly lapped up Mary Poppins last year and will surely throng to Disney's Frozen next month. Having said this, kudos to a trio of ensemble members, who morph into waitresses/strippers at the Venus club, for their fearlessly athletic pole dance at the top of Act II, hanging upside down like bats out of hell and enthralling the mixed-age crowd. Tiera Lee Watts marks a terrific Rainbow debut as fresh-faced Sherrie from Oklahoma, effectively navigating her emotional trajectory from Midwest innocent dead-set on breaking into showbiz with her own acting career to disillusioned dreamer headed back home. She also boasts powerhouse vocals, first heard in Sister Christian, and weaves her compelling voice into many of the show's medleys and duets, including More than Words, High Enough, and Harden My Heart/Shadows of the Night. Jeff Rivet is a standout as Lonny. Nathaniel Muir is rock-solid as Drew, proving he has a balladeer's heart with his more soulful hits such as Heaven, accompanying himself on acoustic guitar, and belting out others for all he's worth, including the rafter-raising I Want to Rock and Waiting for a Girl like You. In fact, more of these ballads, such as Act II's gorgeous rendition of Every Rose Has its Thorn performed by the entire company, would provide welcome contrast in the playlist; one rock tune zipping to the next often feels exhausting. Two of the night's strongest performances belong to Daniel Bogart as Dennis Dupree and his loose cannon 'soundman' sidekick Lonny, a charismatic Jeff Rivet; their spot-on portrayals hew uncomfortably close to the gold-chained rockers still lurking among us. Weekday Evenings Today's must-read stories and a roundup of the day's headlines, delivered every evening. Another shout-out goes to Rochelle Kives as 'Mother' (doubling as Justice), a.k.a. Mama, who offers life advice to Sherrie while egging her on to lap dance for Stacee in the Venus's Champagne Room. A Rainbow Stage fan favourite, Kevin Klassen returns as menacing building developer, Hertz Klinemann, with his son, Jean van der Merwe's Franz, spitting out their plans to demolish the Bourbon in German accents. This sets up Act II's showdown with Victoria Exconde's feisty city planner Regina, who leads the charge — with the audience warbling along — during We're Not Gonna Take It. Rock of Ages is not exactly a heavy dramatic slog, promising Nothin' But a Good Time as it appeals to those still pining for the glory days of yesteryear. However, buried — deeply — in the cracks is the timeless message that, whether Dead or Alive, it's never too late to rock out and believe in dreams that can morph like a lava lamp into new, often jolting visions for the future.
CTV News
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- CTV News
Canada Day, Countryfest and Rock of Ages: What's on this weekend in Manitoba
Colleen Bready shares some of the events taking place across Manitoba between June 27 and 29, 2025. Colleen Bready shares some of the events taking place across Manitoba between June 27 and 29, 2025. What's on this weekend in Manitoba: June 27-29 Here are some of the events taking place between June 26 and 29 across Manitoba. Dauphin June 26-29 Dust off the cowboy hat and break out the boots, Canada's longest-running country music festival kicks off the summer with a star studded lineup, including John Michael Montgomery, Lonestar, Josh Ross, Jordan Davis, the Road Hammers and more. Tickets required. Rainbow Stage June 25-July 12 The story of a small-town girl and city boy set to an '80s rock soundtrack that will make you want to sing along. Tickets required. sākihiwē festival Various Venues June 26-29 Four days of performances, block parties, markets and more. Country singer Jade Turner will headline the Central Park Block Party, while Ma Mawi Wi Chi Itata Centre celebrates its 40th anniversary with a free concert and BBQ lunch. Tin Whistle Park, Beausejour June 29, 1 p.m. First ever Pride for the Southeastern Manitoba town. Dauphin June 27-29 Chucks and chariot racing, livestock shows, a parade, midway and more. Tickets required. Killarney Ag Grounds June 27-29 A parade, chuckwagon races, kids activities and a whole lot of fun. Tickets required. Miami Ag Grounds June 27-29 The Miami Fair features the Heartland Rodeo, sheep and cattle shows, bouncy castles and more. MacGregor Fair Grounds June 27-29 A cherished event tracing its routes back to 1885, this year's fair includes horse games, live bands, a kids' parade, food booths and even more fun. Flin Flon June 27-July 1 Fishing derby, fish fry, Canada Day parade, fireworks and a regatta are among the events scheduled for this year's Trout Festival. Details subject to change. Loveville Music Festival 2025 Assiniboia Downs June 28 The biggest Afrobeat festival in central Canada. Tickets required. Red River Exhibition Park June 29-30 A celebration of electronic music. Tickets required. The Forks June 22-30 11 days celebrating the cultures that make up Manitoba and Canada. Each day put the focus on a different treaty region. Winnipeg Beach June 28-July 1 Winnipeg Beach gets the Canada Day party started early with family activities, live bands, a road hockey tournament, fireworks and more. Lac Du Bonnet June 27-29 The Lac du Bonnet Lions Club hosts an early Canada Day celebration with a parade, midway, car show, fireworks and more. Canadian Museum for Human Rights June 28, 5 p.m. A free screening of a film taking a closer look at the complex history of LGBTQ2S+ rights in Canada. Attendees will also have the chance to explore the Love in a Danger Time: Canada's LGBT Purge exhibit and take part in a Q and A. Registration required. Gas Station Arts Centre June 28, 6:30 p.m. Plan a pawsitively purrfect evening with 13 films featuring felines. Tickets required. Brokenhead Wetland Interpretive Trail, about 5 km north of Scanterbury June 28, 2025 Celebrating the 10th Anniversary of the Brokenhead Wetland Interpretive Trail with ceremony, storytelling, guided tours and a shared meal. Cash donations accepted. WAG-Qaumajuq June 26-29 A showcase of beautifully crafted trees among the art gallery's collection in celebration of The Bonsai Society of Winnipeg's 40th anniversary. Richer June 28 An open-air market on the grounds of a historic site featuring yarn crafts, upcycles treasures, local jewellery, sweet treats and products from local farmers. St. Andrews Rectory & Heritage Centre June 29 Shop a variety of handmade goods from local vendors, take part in some games or tour the museum. Artisans at the Beach Festival Grand Marais June 29 Grand Maris Community Central hosts their 2nd Annual Artisans at the Beach Festival, focusing on local artists and makers. Folkroots Cultural Fest 2025 Centennial Concert Hall June 28, 5 p.m. The 8th Annual Folkroots Cultural Fest features a Punjabi Folk Dance Exhibition, Bhangra, live folk music and more. Tickets required. WHOSE LIVE ANYWAY? Centennial Concert Hall June 29, 8 p.m. Ryan Stiles, Greg Proops, Jeff B. Davis, and Joel Murray put their improv talents to the test with witty scenes and audience participation. Tickets required. RISE Musical Theatre presents: The REMIX Prairie Theatre Exchange June 28, 2 & 7 p.m. RISE Musical Theatre Company presents its first-ever choreographed showcase spotlighting 10 local hip hop and dance choreographers and a live singer. Tickets required. Shakespeare in the Ruins: Macbeth Trappist Monastery Provincial Heritage Park June 5-July 5 SIR's new season takes a break from comedies and romances to feature one of the Bard's finest tragedies. Tickets required. Shakespeare in the Ruins: Waiting for Godot Trappist Monastery Provincial Heritage Park June 13-July 6 SIR brings us Samuel Beckett's masterpiece about two men waiting for someone or something. Tickets required. Tommy Mellor Rumor's Restaurant and Comedy Club Tickets: June 24-28 Calgary comedian Tommy Mellor is known for his deadpan delivery and unique perspectives. Tickets required. Mitch VK, Doug Koning, Max Sheldrick The Basement Comedy Lounge June 27-28 The Hot as Heck Tour features three rising comedians. Tickets required. Winnipeg Sea Bears vs Scarborough Shooting Stars Canada Life Centre June 27, 7:30 p.m. Tickets required. Come cheer on the Sea Bears in elite basketball action. Corydon Ave. & Hugo St. N. June 27, 7 pm Band: The triCorders Corydon Ave. & Cockburn St. S. June 28, 7 pm Band: Vintage Groove Enjoy live music and the other sights and sounds of Corydon Avenue. Winnipeg Beach June 28, 7 p.m. Band: Jesse Bandura Rock & Country June 30, 7 p.m. Band: Jivetown Rock Winnipeg Beach kicks off its summertime Bandstand Performance Series with a pair of performances steps away from the boardwalk. Gimli Harbour June 28, 7:30 p.m. Band: The Nooners June 29, 7:30 p.m. Band: The Biivvers June 30, 7:30 p.m. Band: Damn Straight July 1, 8 p.m. Band: Free Ride Enjoy 4 evenings of live music with Gimli harbour as a backdrop. Pine Fort Days Visitor Centre, Spruce Woods Provincial Park June 27–29 Step back in time and explore a living history camp from the 1700s with cannon and musket displays, fur trading guests and a Choose Your Own Adventure program. Bannock Bake Campfire Talk Gull Harbour June 28, 8 p.m. Learn about the importance of bannock to the Indigenous people and then make some of your own. Forester for the Day Max Lake Group Use Area, Morton June 28, 10 a.m. Learn the history of a unique plantation of softwood trees in the Turtle Mountain area. Wear sturdy walking shoes.
Winnipeg Free Press
25-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Winnipeg Free Press
Music important to Rainbow Stage's latest, but '80s-era rock hair had to be just so
Rainbow Stage's head of hair and wigs didn't have to mull it over too deeply to find inspiration for the outrageous hair-dos and don'ts in Rock of Ages. Rock of Ages Rainbow Stage • Opens Thursday, runs to July 12 • Tickets $29-$78 at • Recommended for age 15 and up 'I dated half of these guys in high school,' says Laura Warren, who graduated from Oak Park in the late '80s at the height of glam rock. She points to ensemble member Devin Alexander, decked out in a sky-high, shoulder-length mullet and skin-tight black-and-white leggings. 'My biggest high school crush looked almost exactly like that, so I modelled it after him. Mike, if you're reading this, thank you,' she says. Since 2022, the purple-blond stylist has been dubbed the 'wig wizard' at Rainbow Stage, joining the creative team ahead of that year's run of The Wizard of Oz as a last-minute hair transplant. 'They were panicking because the person they hired took a film job a few weeks before opening night and it became the dream job I didn't know was possible,' says Warren, who's also on hair and wig duty for the Manitoba Opera. (At her day job, she cuts, colours and styles for clients at Pembina Hair Co.) The Oz gig brought Warren back to Rainbow Stage, which she first attended in 1979 for the company's production of The King and I with her parents. Her mom didn't want to go, but her dad said the actor playing the king looked just like Yul Brynner, the bald-headed star his wife had a crush on. If Warren didn't feel quite at home in the court of Siam, that's not the case at the Bourbon Room, the grimy establishment where the cast of dreamy characters gathers in Rock of Ages, the long-running Broadway jukebox musical portraying the love story between a small-town girl and a city boy against the backdrop of Hollywood's Sunset Strip. BROOK JONES / FREE PRESS Wig wizard Laura Warren took inspiration from a high school crush. BROOK JONES / FREE PRESS Wig wizard Laura Warren took inspiration from a high school crush. Set and prop designer Ksenia Broda-Milian's smoky vision of the Bourbon Room took Warren back to her teenage days of sneaking into Winnipeg venues such as Bumpers, Strawberries and Scandals. 'At Scandals, they barely glanced at IDs,' she remembers. Before she was old enough to vote, drink or buy cigarettes, Warren was growing out of the awkward phase when her mother still got her dolled up for picture day. 'I had stick-straight hair and my mom would put these spongy rollers in, but they'd fall out overnight and only half would curl. I was notorious for sticking my head in water fountains to straighten it back out,' says Warren, who graduated from Red River College's barbering program at 21. While hair plays a major supporting role in Rock of Ages — which was made into the 2012 film of the same name, starring Tom Cruise and Mary J. Blige — Warren says she only had to procure six wigs, a dozen fewer than for last year's run of Mary Poppins. BROOK JONES / FREE PRESS Among those gathering in the Bourbon Room, the grimy setting for Rock of Ages, are Nathaniel Muir (centre left) and Jeff Rivet (centre right). BROOK JONES / FREE PRESS Among those gathering in the Bourbon Room, the grimy setting for Rock of Ages, are Nathaniel Muir (centre left) and Jeff Rivet (centre right). It helped that some of the show's leading male performers — including lead Nathaniel Muir (Drew), Vinnie Alberto (Joey Primo) and Jeff Rivet — came prepared with glorious locks of their own, she says. 'I grew this moustache myself — it took only a month and a half — but the hair I've been growing since (2023's) Little Mermaid,' says the ruddy Rivet, who plays Lonny, the show's energetic narrator. Lonny marks the largest role at Rainbow for Rivet, who made his debut for the company in 2019's production of Cinderella, choreographed by Rock of Ages director Alexandra Herzog, who also directed last year's Poppins. Born in 1988 and raised in Stony Plain, Alta., Rivet doesn't remember the decade as clearly as Warren, but the actor has a deep connection to the bands featured in the musical — including Foreigner, Whitesnake, Poison, Extreme and Night Ranger — thanks to his older sister. 'When I was one year old, I ruined her Def Leppard cassette by pulling out the tape. She'll never let me forget it,' he says. BROOK JONES/FREE PRESS Lonny marks the largest role at Rainbow Stage for Jeff Rivet. Lonny marks the largest role at Rainbow Stage for Jeff Rivet. To get the show's six-piece band into the spirit, Warren carefully selected wigs to make sure they wouldn't look out of place in the Bourbon Room. Music director Paul Rodermond's commitment went a bit further: the lifelong brunette let Warren give his head a shock of electric blond. 'It's changed my lifestyle, my outlook, my personality. I'm still surprised when I look in mirrors, but it's given me a new lease on life and I've accessed parts of myself I didn't know were there,' he says. 'I feel like a different energy is radiating from me than previously. After the show ends, I have plans to transition to frosted tips before returning to my natural state.' Ben WaldmanReporter Ben Waldman is a National Newspaper Award-nominated reporter on the Arts & Life desk at the Free Press. Born and raised in Winnipeg, Ben completed three internships with the Free Press while earning his degree at Ryerson University's (now Toronto Metropolitan University's) School of Journalism before joining the newsroom full-time in 2019. Read more about Ben. Every piece of reporting Ben produces is reviewed by an editing team before it is posted online or published in print — part of the Free Press's tradition, since 1872, of producing reliable independent journalism. Read more about Free Press's history and mandate, and learn how our newsroom operates. Our newsroom depends on a growing audience of readers to power our journalism. If you are not a paid reader, please consider becoming a subscriber. Our newsroom depends on its audience of readers to power our journalism. Thank you for your support.
Time Out
25-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time Out
Zach Bryan at BST Hyde Park 2025: start time, tickets, potential setlist and what you need to know for London show
If you ever had any doubt about just how popular country music is in the UK right now, all you have to do is look at Zach Bryan's two sold out nights at BST Hyde Park. The American superstar has had a great few years. Whether he's collaborating with everyone from Kacey Musgraves and Bon Iver to Bruce Springsteen, selling out stadiums, or releasing critically acclaimed album after critically acclaimed album, he's hot property at the mo. Now, Bryan's making his BST debut with a double-bill this weekend, headlining both Saturday and Sunday (June 28-29) because London, like everyone else, just can't get enough. On top of seeing one of the biggest country stars in the world, heading to Hyde Park this weekend is an excellent way to curb that Glasto FOMO, so here's everything you need to know to ensure you have a brilliant night seeing Zach Bryan at BST Hyde Park 2025. When is Zach Bryan playing BST Hyde Park 2025? Zach will headline two nights at Hyde Park this week – Saturday June 28 and Sunday June 29. Night one sold out so quickly that the festival had to add another due to 'phenomenal demand', so you can expect to come across loads of like-minded Bryan fans this weekend. What time do doors open? Doors for BST open every day at 2pm, but those with primary entry or VIP access will be allowed in an hour early. Curfew is 10.30pm, so Zach's set will end just before then at roughly 10.20pm. What time will Zach Bryan come on stage? Zach is not one to skimp out; he's coming to give a proper show. He'll be on stage from 8pm until nearly 10.30pm, so you're getting almost two and a half hours of country goodness. Festival map You might want to plan out exactly where you're going to be at all times, or you might just want to know where the best bars are. Either way, having a look at the festival map ahead of time is a great help – here's the 2025 BST Hyde Park festival map. Full lineup As Zach is headlining two separate days, there are also different artists and stage splits on each day. Here's the exact stage splits and timings for Saturday June 28: Saturday June 28 lineup Great Oak Stage Willow Avalon: 3pm - 3.30pm Gabrielle Aplin: 4pm - 4.30pm Mt. Jay: 5pm - 5.45pm Dermot Kennedy: 6.25pm - 7.25pm Zach Bryan: 8pm - 10.20pm Rainbow Stage Waylon Wyatt: 3.30pm - 4pm Noeline Hoffman: 4.30pm - 5pm Ole 60: 5.45pm - 6.25pm Birdcage Stage Nadia Kadek: 3.30pm - 4pm Angel White: 4.30pm - 5pm Aaron Rave: 5.45pm - 6.25pm Sunday June 29 And here's the exact lineup, stage splits, and timings for Sunday June 29: Great Oak Stage Gabriella Rose: 3pm - 3.30pm Willow Avalon: 4pm - 4.30pm Turnpike Troubadours: 5pm - 5.45pm Dermot Kennedy: 6.25pm - 7.25pm Zach Bryan: 8pm - 10.20pm Rainbow Stage Waylon Wyatt: 3.30pm - 4pm Noeline Hoffman: 4.30pm - 5pm Ole 60: 5.45pm - 6.25pm Birdcage Stage Jasper Hodges: 3.30pm - 4pm Angel White: 4.30pm - 5pm Bo Staloch: 5.45pm - 6.25pm Setlist Zach tends to change up his setlist a little bit each concert, but this is a setlist from a recent gig in Dublin to give you a general idea of what you can expect. Overtime Open the Gate God Speed 28 Fifth of May In Dreams (Unreleased) Lawyers, Guns and Money (Warren Zevon cover) Purple Gas (Noeline Hofmann cover, with Noeline Hofmann) Oklahoma Smokeshow Dawns No Cure Motorcycle Drive By Tourniquet East Side of Sorrow American Nights From Austin Pink Skies Traveling Man Something in the Orange Heading South I Remember Everything Snow Nine Ball Burn, Burn, Burn Quittin' Time Revival Can you still get tickets? Unfortunately, as we said earlier, there was huge demand for both of Zach's headlining days, and they're both sold out. You can have a look for resale tickets on Ticketmaster here, but we can't confirm that you'll get lucky. What's BST Hyde Park's bag policy? Everyone who comes to BST is allowed one bag each. This must be A4 or smaller, and bigger bags or suitcases will not be allowed into the festival grounds. Banned items It won't surprise you to know certain items are not allowed past the park gates. Weapons, explosives, or anything else that could hurt someone, are always banned, but you might not realise you'll also have to leave your klaxons, golf umbrellas, and camp chairs at home. Here's a list of banned items for BST Hyde Park. Chairs, seats, shooting sticks and tables Golf umbrellas, parasols and the like Suitcases, luggage and large bags Selfie sticks Spray cans Chinese lanterns Fireworks or gas canisters, Flags Hand held communication devices such as radios, radio jammers/scanners and the like Glass (of any kind) High-viz Klaxons, air horns, and other similar items capable of making loud noise Laser pens Drones Pyrotechnics Racist, xenophobic, political and religious propaganda materials, signs or inappropriate branded items Weapons, explosives, knives or anything that could be adopted for use as a weapon Promotional or commercial objects or materials Mechanical or electronic sound-emitting devices, such as megaphones Scooters, skateboards and bicycles Psychoactive substances (legal highs) Unauthorised professional photography or filming equipment Weather forecast Temperatures are expected to peak at 29C on Saturday, and 31C on Sunday, so make sure you stay well hydrated. There are free water refill stations throughout the festival, and you're encouraged to bring an empty, refillable water bottle with you on the day. Aside from that, there's no rain expected, but both days will have plenty of sun so you'll want to also stock up on some sun cream. Sunday is set to be warmer and sunnier with little cloud coverage, so just take extra care to drink loads of water.
CTV News
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- CTV News
George Wendt remembered by Rainbow Stage
Winnipeg Watch Actor George Wendt, who died Tuesday, is remembered for his performance in 'Hairspray' at Winnipeg's Rainbow Stage in 2011.
