Acrobatic Agility. Ballet. Contemporary. Drama. Exuberance. Flexibility. If you'd like to know how Shumka at 50 explores the “Dictionary of the Ukranian Dance Lexicon”, Feb Odeum Magazine provides a thorough explanation. In Jon Eben Field's article, you'll also discover some interesting historical facts on Ukranian immigration to Canada and how their amazing dance style has become an integral part of Canada’s heritage.

But if  you want to see it with your own eyes, the opportunity is tomorrow when the Shumka Dancers from Edmonton come to the Rose Theatre.  Featuring 50 virtuosic dancers and 50 years of history. Yes, they celebrate 50 years of passionate Ukrainian heritage! Come and be part of this milestone celebration.

Read Jon Eben Field's full article on Shumka at 50 here

We asked She Loves Me cast members to share some of their own experiences with love.  Here are the results!

Laura Caswell & Sweeney MacArthur

Have you ever sent a love letter?  What was the result?

Laura Caswell (Ilona) says:  When I was in grade 9, I decided to tell my friend that I liked him by writing him a friendly letter and then in miniscule letters on the bottom writing "will you go out with me?".  He called me that night (Yahoo!) and said he only wanted to be friends (Boo!) But on a happy note, we are still good friends to this day.

Kellan (ensemble) says: I sent one once, but didn't put enough postage on it so it came right back to me.  (Sorry about your luck Kellan - I hope you tried again!)

What's your favourite tune from the show?

Laura says: I've always loved "Tonight at Eight".  I love the excitement and nervousness that is right in the music.  I think we have all felt that wonderful joy/fear that the song exudes, when we're on our way to do something that we think may change our life.

Kellan says: The entrance notes when customers come in the store.  LOVE THAT THEME :)

Morgan Valee says: "Vanilla Ice Cream" - It is such a cute song!... It is the first scene where you see her (Amalia) like a giddy, madly in love girl.

What is your go to perfume/cologne for seduction?

Will Lamond (ensemble) says: I like Burberry.  It smells good to me and when I put it on my girlfriend gets a very fierce look in her eyes! ;)

If you could give relationship advice to Amalia and George, what would you say?

Laura: keep reading.
Jody (customer/caroler/ensemble): Stay true to your heart.  (awwwww)
Will: Stock up on vanilla ice cream!


Two of the cast from Second City's iLove, which takes the Rose Theatre stage on Friday, share their personal worst date stories ... 
 


Sean Tabares



My worst date would have to be from good ol' highschool. My date arrived over an hour late, smelled of cheap cologne, and insisted we listen to the loudest punk music all the way to the restaurant. Before we headed to dinner (at the ever popular Jack Astors) he explained to me that we needed to go to the Mandarin to "hang out with his buddies". I ended up spending the night sitting at a table adjacent to his friends (because there wasn't enough room for me) watching everyone else have a good time. The movie he said "I would love" was about aliens, and guns with a strong apocalyptic theme; a far cry from the love and romance I was looking for. When he dropped me off he walked me to my door and just as I thought I was about to get my first kiss he leaned in and said "Well you're home and I am going to meet the guys...bye!".

It's such a delight to watch performers get ready for the big night. The energy and enthusaiasm is palable and the State Ballet Theatre of Russia dancers didn't disapoint last night. Their stellar production of Romeo & Juliet was well received by the audience and they're getting set to perform it again tonight at 8 pm. Check out more behind the scenes pics on our facebook page.

You know this story from start to finish. You’ve likely seen it repeated in many stories of forbidden love in cinema, theatre, books and television. But, despite knowing about the tragic finale to come, you may still find yourself joyfully cheering for Romeo and Juliet. Why? If you are talking about the State Ballet Theatre of Russia’s production, probably because of how they present this classical play.

In the article by Jon Eben Field in the February Odeum Magazine, he touches on how a beautiful work of art can inspire fresh hope in spite of the tragic story. “... this production’s dancers make us hope that somehow they will find a way to simply be together. And if their performance is great, it is because our hope aligns with the dancers’ love, if not with their destiny”, explains Jon.

The State Ballet Theatre of Russia presents tomorrow (Tuesday, February 7) and Wednesday (February 8) at the Rose Theatre, launching two full weeks of “love”-ly productions just in time for Valentine’s. The 54 ballerines, who came in December with the Nutcracker, invite you back to experience the spirit of love with them again!

What could possibly be the connection between a romantic musician and boxing?

In Odeum Magazine this month you'll find the answer in the story on Dan Hill (p.14).

The famous singer/songwriter of "Sometimes When We Touch" has fought for his life, but that isn't the reason for his connection to the boxing world. Dan Hill, who presents next week on the Rose Theatre Main Stage, found himself reaching out to World Welterweight Boxing Champion, Manny Pacquaio.

Writer Nick Krewen talks about this relationship and shares a few more anecdotes in his interview with Hill.

Click here to read the article and find out more about life and artistry of Dan Hill who performs at the Rose Theatre Brampton on February 9.