When asked by the Anchor to attend Stage West’s latest production I didn’t hesitate to say yes! Fleetwood Mac’s music has been a part of my life for longer than I care to admit, and yes, mine was one of the one in three Canadian homes that owned (and still does!) the 1977 album known as Rumours.
My most recent discovery at Stage West: I’ve been enjoying one of their signature drinks: a Prosecco and Chambord cocktail – it’s light and refreshing and there is a blackberry waiting for you at the bottom. Ask for the True Romance, you’ll enjoy it! And as always, the food presented at the Stage West buffet was first class, featuring Mexican Tapas and four varieties of sautéed sausage, one of which was chorizo, which was perfectly spiced. Along with the Baron of Beef was Rack of Lamb, which was an obvious hit with the diners. As usual, the Jumbo Shrimp was delicious, but somehow jumbo just doesn’t quite cover it. They are gigantic – you have to be careful not to eat too many of them and then have to miss some other culinary treat! If you go, don’t miss the Asian Five Spice Pork Back Ribs with Hoisin BBQ Sauce. The tomato and artichoke salad was perfect for a warm evening, and I was sorely tempted to try the Sautéed Garlic Green Beans with grape tomatoes, but due to my garlic allergy, reason prevailed. I really had to drag myself away. Told myself I could have dessert.. and I did! Stage West has been serving little parfaits for a while now, and I finally tried one, because a girl I chatted with in line told me that they were to die for and I have to concur, they are delicious. I’m sorry to report that my little pile of chocolate florentines disappeared before the show even started; I’ve sure forgotten how to pace myself!
Finally, the real treat of the evening: 37 selections from Fleetwood Mac, Heart, and Jefferson Airplane/Starship. No play this time, just a perfect progression of singing and dancing by nine very talented people, accompanied by a band of six very tight musicians. Here and there they would point out an interesting fact or two about the “sorta Canadian band” Fleetwood Mac, which was mostly new information for me, anyway. They opened with the very primal sounding Tusk, and ran through so many favorites – if you have one, they performed it! There were times when I thought I was actually listening to the original artists perform, particularly the Jefferson Airplane, Jefferson Starship and Heart selections. The choreography was delivered perfectly throughout the show, and I must mention Katie Beetham in particular, she exudes enthusiasm and energy, along with a beautiful voice. This is her second performance at Stage West, and I hope she keeps coming back again and again; she’s an inspiration to watch.
If you were a fan of any of the above mentioned bands you will not be disappointed, but you only have until August 30th to enjoy this production.
In the spring of 2016, Stage West is opening their Play Winery near Penticton, BC. Overlooking Skaha Lake, it sounds fabulous, as do their wines, and what a nice way to spend part of a trip to the Okanogan!
Locally, upcoming performances look intriguing; look for tributes to U2, Johnny Cash, John Lennon and Patsy Cline. New plays starting in September include The Wedding Singer, Young Frankenstein, and something featuring the Addams Family, I didn’t catch the title but I sure hope to see that one. There are also performances geared for children and a private room for six to eight people that is available for bookings. Check out the many options available at Stage West for an unforgettable event.
Music, food and florentines – is there a better way to spend an evening?
