Skip to content

Nelson's Capitol Theatre raises curtain on a new season

The Capitol Theatre launches its 26th Season on September 3
27426westernstar08_28romeoandjulietcapitol
Ballet Jörgen Canada is back at the Capitol this season

The Capitol Theatre launches its 26th Season on September 3 — an opportunity for lovers of dance, comedy and music to renew or subscribe to the 2013-2014 season packages for great discounts and best prices on all shows.

Each year the Capitol hosts professional touring performances between September and April. After a tremendously successful 25th anniversary season, they are proud to present an affordable, well-rounded series with a range of artistic genres for the coming season.

“This year we welcome back some familiar companies, as well as new and exciting contemporary shows in theatre and dance,” says executive director Stephanie Fischer. “We expect our regular subscribers to be pleased, and we’re looking forward to introducing new subscribers to some great cultural experiences.”

Ballet Jörgen Canada is back, presenting Shakespeare’s tale of love and anguish, Romeo & Juliet. The always popular Arts Club Theatre returns with Boeing-Boeing written by playwright Marc Camelot — a two-time Tony award-winner and one of the most performed plays in the world.

“Our audience requested more theatre, so this season we’ve added two stellar theatre performances,” says Fischer. “I am very excited to welcome The Old Trout Puppet Workshop to the Capitol Theatre stage for the first time.”

The Old Trout Puppet Workshop offers adult-oriented puppet theatre.

Darkly fantastic and gothically romantic, it’s described as Tim Burton meets Cirque de Soleil.

Ignorance— The Evolution of Happiness is a puppet documentary that examines happiness from the dark howls of our prehistoric ancestors to the ethereal future, asking where we went wrong, and how we might find our way.

Also in the series is Monster Theatre, a stunning one-woman performance depicting all The Six Wives of Henry VIII.

Contemporary dance is an important feature of the season’s series.

“Dance is very close to my heart and to the heart of our community with its many dance studios,” says Fischer. “When I saw the trailer for Shay Kuebler’s KAROSHI —death by overwork I knew I had to bring this dynamic blend of musical theatre, ballet, contemporary dance, jazz, martial arts, hip-hop and tap dance in an all-male, taiko-drumming six person ensemble to the Capitol stage.”

The season’s program is rounded out with spiritual gospel performed by The Sojourners and breathtaking fiddle playing, step dancing, and sweet singing by the April Verch Trio.

The Capitol’s commitment to offer professional shows at an affordable price means that all shows in the evening program are priced between $25-$35 for adults, with discounts for students. A season pass includes tickets for four or more shows at a 20 per cent discount. The Capitol currently has more than 120 season’s pass subscribers, about a quarter of the theatre’s 426-seat capacity.

“Last year we sold out many of our shows and expect the same this year, so we recommend that people buy tickets in advance,” says Fischer.

First up this season is a show that could seriously change the way you see the world — in a good way. The Ultimate Comedy Show features stand-up by Roman Danylo, sketch comedy by Titmouse, improv with Urban Improv and comedy by Mirage.

Last season’s Kids’ Series Leave the iPod at Home broke Capitol attendance records for the series, with a record number of families experiencing the magic of live performance. Once again the stars are aligned for this family-oriented series, including a return visit by FIGURA Theatre from Iceland. Kids’ shows are $12.50 each, or four for $40.

“This year’s evening shows and the Kids’ Series have been carefully selected to meet our community’s unique tastes,” says Fischer. “And of course, the beauty of live theatre is unique as well. All shows are one night only; no pause and playback, no PVR. Just unforgettable experiences you’ll only get by being there.”

To pick up the Capitol Theatre 2013-2014 season program or buy your season pass, drop by the theatre at 421 Victoria Street Tuesday thru Friday noon to 4:30 p.m., phone (250) 352-6363, or check the website at capitoltheatre.bc.ca, where you can buy tickets to all the shows offered by the Capitol Theatre or any of the performers and agencies who book the theatre throughout the year.