Jake's Gift
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
8 PM
$28 Adult
$23 Student/Senior

An award-winning and fiercely moving one-woman play, Jake’s Gift chronicles a World War II veteran’s journey back to Juno Beach to find the grave of a brother who never returned home.
Inspired by her own visit to Normandy for the 60th anniversary of D-Day, gifted actress and playwright Julia Mackey developed Jake’s Gift based on veteran experiences and her own discoveries. Mackey absorbs audiences in her amazing transformations, seamlessly shifting between four distinct characters including a cantankerous — though warm-hearted — veteran and a precocious 10-year-old French girl.
An audience and critical favourite at fringe festivals across the country, including last year’s Edmonton Fringe Festival, Jake’s Gift is emotionally restrained, yet heartfelt — a profoundly moving hour of must-see theatre.
“It’s a homage to ordinary heroism, and you’ll shed tears.” –Liz Nicholls, Edmonton Journal
“This is one to watch.” –Vue Weekly
“If I could give this play six stars, I would.” –Star Phoenix
Enrich your theatre experience! Join Julia Mackey after the show for an exclusive post-show artist chat with complimentary appetizers and a cash bar. Space is limited — call the Arden Theatre Box Office to reserve your free ticket!
The Cooper Brothers
Friday, March 19, 2010
7:30 PM
$35

After nearly 25 years apart, recently-reunited 1970s countryrock heroes The Cooper Brothers hit The Arden stage with their big, beautiful rock n’ roll sound. The recent release of their best of album sparked renewed interest in the Ottawa-based group prompting a stride across the comeback trail featuring new material alongside their classic hits.
Once touring with the likes of The Doobie Brothers, Joe Cocker and Charlie Daniels, The Cooper Brothers haven’t lost their flair for soaring, near impeccable harmonies and hard-driving but very melodic country-flavoured rock.
With exciting new material and fondly remembered hits like The Dream Never Dies and Rock ‘n’ Roll Cowboys, it’s no wonder The Cooper Brothers are lauded as Canada’s answer to The Eagles!
“Canada’s country-rock heroes of the 1970s showed they have maintained their stellar harmonies and kept up their chops.” –Ottawa Citizen
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Lizt Alfonso Dance Cuba
Thursday, March 25, 2010
8 PM
$45 Adult
$36 Student/Senior

Havana-based Lizt Alfonso Dance Cuba, Cuba’s most popular and revered dance company, returns to The Arden with a highly anticipated new show. Creatively helmed by dancer-choreographer Lizt Alfonso, the all-female troupe of 17 beautiful and technically superb dancers create an exciting, riveting and highly sensual stage show.
Presenting Elementos at The Arden, Lizt Alfonso Dance Cuba shares a spectacular dance show full of fantasy and optimism. Accompanied by an on-stage ensemble of musicians, Lizt Alfonso Dance Cuba delights audiences by seamlessly weaving rapid-fire flamenco steps with the grace and gentle beauty of classic ballet, highlighted with a dash of Afro-Cuban fire and a touch of jazz.
Audiences can expect to be dazzled by brightly coloured costumes, magnificent technique and unparalleled energy. Muy caliente!
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Samarabalouf
Friday, April 9, 2010
7:30 PM
$32

Based in France, Samarabalouf is a self-professed “delightfully crazy” string trio who have enchanted audiences all over the world with their exuberant gypsy jazz. The virtuoso musicians have toured extensively throughout Europe and have performed for enthusiastic North American audiences to rave reviews.
With a repertoire that ranges from boogie blues to rockabilly to flamenco, Samarabalouf gives a mesmerizing stage performance full of energy, intensity and infectious enthusiasm.
Their ability to get their audience singing along, hands clapping and toes tapping, is a testament to their immense charm and on-stage charisma. Samarabalouf’s stunning mix of sounds is a big, breezy, joyful whirl!
“Samarabalouf was a nimble French trio — two guitars and bass — that breezed through tunes hinting at Hot Club swing, Arabic melodies and rockabilly, making as many droll faces as possible as they played.” –The New York Times
Tom Russell
Friday, April 16, 2010
7:30 PM
$32

Tom Russell’s career is nothing short of astounding. The legendary minstrel has recorded 25 albums in the span of his more than 30-year career, and is a celebrated veteran of the music industry who shows no sign of slowing down.
Incorporating elements of folk, Tex-Mex and the cowboy music of the American West, his latest album Blood and Candle Smoke is scheduled for a fall 2009 release. A superb and prolific singer-songwriter, Russell explores his craft through musical narratives such as Who’s Gonna Build Your Wall? that chronicle the life of blue-collar America while commenting on changing times and their human impact. Influenced by cowboys and country music, his songs have been recorded by legends such as Johnny Cash, Ian Tyson and k.d. lang.
Audiences will experience Tom Russell’s strong lyrics, originality and authenticity when he brings his stage show to The Arden.
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