A new play, written and performed by James Gordon, Canada's own Pro Rogue, examines the current Canadian political climate through songs, rants, visuals, puppets — and a little bit of attitude.
A sharp-witted, scathingly satirical, and not-too-untrue one-man show, (well, two if you count the somewhat-disturbing Harper Dummy!) is titled Stephen Harper The Musical! OR How To Survive & Thrive in the Dying Days of the Empire of Oil.
Featuring 18 original songs, spoken word, hundreds of projected images, audience participation, it contains an activist’s passion to show where we are and where we can go as a nation.
Gordon’s fourth full-length musical play finally makes its way to Vancouver Island, after successful runs in his hometown of Guelph and at Hamilton’s Pearl Company Canadian Theatre Festival.
The timing is right for this innovative work. So many Canadians are feeling that their voice is not being heard under the Harper Government.
What can we do about this? Audiences can find out, and have a fun theatrical evening at the same time!
No matter what your stripes, there are laughs to be had — and maybe just a little swearing.
Gordon’s professional credentials are stellar. Audiences may be familiar with his work as a singer-songwriter, with 40 albums to his cred it over a 30-year international career. (His songs can be heard at james@jamesgordon.ca.)
He is equally skilled as a playwright, using musical theatre as a vehicle for pointed social commentary. His plays include Hardscrabble Road (about homelessness and globalization issues), Nastee’ Business (about the bottled water scam), and Tryst and Snout (a hillbilly adaptation of A Midsummer Night’s Dream).
Our prime minister is the subject of Gordon's latest production, Nov. 15 and 16 at the Little Red Church Arts Centre in Comox at 7:30 p.m. He also performs a 3 p.m. matinee Nov. 17 at the Denman Activity Centre, on Denman Island (doors 2:30 pm, show 3:00).
Tickets are available online at http://tinshack.ticketleap.com, Abraxas Books on Denman, Seeds Grocery in Cumberland Rewind Coffee Bar in Courtenay or by calling 250-465-8867.
— Tin Shack Creative