March break is the ultimate time for children and their families to spend quality time together: Go outside and play, explore new activities together and maybe even partake in a cultural outing or two. Luckily Montreal has a bevy of family friendly shows currently running over the next week: From delightful musicals, Disney ice magic and even celebrity drag impersonator shows …there’s so much fun to be had and memories to be made, you won’t want to miss a thing!
Let the memory live again …CATS the TONY award winning musical is back in town, refreshed and reimagined for a new generation to enjoy !
The musical CATS — initially scheduled from August 4th to the 9th, 2020 (initially planned from March 17th to the 22nd , 2020) — will take place from March 8th to 13th, 2022.
Ticket holders are asked keep their ticket(s), which will be honoured at the venue entrance.
Ever since it’s first performance in May 1981, Andrew Lloyd Webber’s CATS has been enthralling audiences around the world and has become one of the most successful shows ever written.
DID YOU KNOW . . .
• CATS had its world premiere on May 11, 1981 at the New London Theatre. CATS premiered on Broadway at the Winter Garden Theatre in 1982 and later went on to win seven 1983 TONY® Awards, including Best Musical and Best Original Score.
• Cats is one of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s most notable and successful musicals: the show ran for 18 years on Broadway – one of the longest running shows in Broadway history!
• Over 150 artists ranging from Barry Manilow to Joni Mitchell have recorded the show’s hit song, “Memory” establishing the song as a true American classic. Barbra Streisand’s version alone reached No. 9 on the Billboard adult contemporary chart !
This 2022 revival of CATS brings a new choreographer and lighting designer to the show, fostering new energy and vision for this classic Broadway hit: Andy Blankenbuehler choreographed this Broadway revival of CATS. Andy is best known for his TONY® Award-winning choreography of HAMILTON, as well as smash hits : IN THE HEIGHTS and BRING IT ON !
Lighting Designer Natasha Katz has a history of working with Andrew Lloyd Webber on Broadway – she was the lighting designer for Webber’s SCHOOL OF ROCK. Katz also won the 2015 TONY® for her work on AN AMERICAN IN PARIS.
With new sound design, direction and choreography, you can live the Cats experience for the first time as it begins a new life, or let the memory thrill you all over again!
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Andrew Lloyd Webber’s CATS is presented by Evenko and running March 8th to 13th, 2022.
Duration : 2 h 20 including an intermission
Tickets are available on Place des Arts‘ main site HERE
DISNEY ON ICE – MICKEY’S SEARCH PARTY
For families with younger children, a fantastic new ice skating show with all your favourite Disney characters is taking over the ice at the Bell Center this March Break ( 3rd to the 6th, 2022)
Disney On Ice presents: Mickey’s Search Party is bringing the magic to guests through dynamic moments that take place on the ice and in the air.
Embark on a quest with Mickey Mouse and pals as they follow Captain Hook’s treasure map for clues to find Tinker Bell after he attempts to capture her magic.
Journey across the Marigold Bridge with Miguel from Disney●Pixar’s Coco into the magnificent and mystical Land of the Dead and discover a vibrantly colourful performance with skeletons atop sway poles dancing over the audience in a beautiful cultural celebration of family. Travel to the wintry world of Arendelle and sing along with Elsa as video projection creates a kaleidoscope of crystals to help build her ice palace. Witness Belle lift into the sky as the enchanted chandelier comes to life high over the ice. Discover the power of teamwork when Buzz Lightyear, Woody and Jessie recruit the Green Army Men for a daring rescue in Andy’s room. Laugh hysterically as the hilarious pirates flip, tumble, and twist on tumble tracks, stilts and more in an effort to showcase their talents for Captain Hook. Sail away with Moana on her daring voyage across the ocean and bravely encounter the fiery wrath of Te Ka. And most of all, create memories with your whole family during Aladdin and The Little Mermaid as the search party becomes an all-out celebration.
*** Feld Entertainment is working closely with venue partners to establish and follow COVID-19 health and safety standards in accordance with all federal, provincial and local guidelines.
In accordance with local laws, each fan aged 12 and older must present proof of full COVID-19 vaccination along with government issued ID at Bell Centre entry gates. For more details, click HERE.
Guests looking to purchase Disney On Ice souvenirs will find the process easier than ever thanks to a new contactless shopping experience with touch-free payment and digital purchasing options. Guests can pre-order items prior to arriving at Bell Centre. Additional information can be found here.
Schedule of English Performances:
- Thursday, March 3 at 7pm
- Friday, March 4 at 11am
- Sunday, March 6 at 3pm
Tickets for the English and French performances may be purchased on Evenko’s site below:
https://evenko.ca/en/events/43296/disney-on-ice-mickey-s-search-party/bell-centre/03-03-2022
Montreal’s Celebrity Drag Impersonator Jimmy Moore will be performing two high energy shows at Plaza’s Theater this Saturday March 5th.
Both shows are dedicated to famous female songtresses and are accessible for families!
– 3pm – Céline Dion
– 8pm – Britney Spears
Jimmy’s cabaret style performance will be highlighted by the addition of 14 backup dancers :
Gen’s Delights had the pleasure of interviewing Jimmy Moore about life as a celebrity impersonator :
Hello Jimmy , what are some of the challenges that you face as a drag artist that is also a celebrity impersonator ? Do you feel the need to perfectly sound, act or dance like your star ?
“Well it’s actually my job to faithfully reproduce the entire show of my chosen artist. I would not qualify the task as purely a challenge, but more as an exciting project!”
– What is it about the life, personality or careers of Britney and Celine that you find fascinating?
“In the case of Britney, I really admire that she stayed resilliant despite encountering so many personal and family problems. She just kept on going producing more shows and songs. I believe that as an artist, she is simply iconic.
As for Céline Dion, the woman is a true legend. She sets high standards for what it means to produce hard work and reach for the stars !”
Do you impersonate other famous celebs ?
“I am rather known across Canada to be the best Madonna & Michael Jackson drag impersonator. My agent told me that more than a million people have seen me performing on stage in my over 20 year career span. I guess I must be doing something right! I do impersonations of more than 15 characters… To be honest , I have stopped counting. “
– How have you seen your profession evolve for yourself and others in the field ? Do audience members see it as a skill that artists need to perfect or hone, or do they take a very relaxed approach? ( See it a a traditional cabaret or vaudeville act ).
“To my knowledge , I am one of the only full time celebrity impersonators in the Drag field. I have definitely found my specialty niche. In fact 95% of my performances are caracterized as impersonation work.
In comparison, a typical Drag Queen is creative and innovative in their approach. They have to let go of their inhibitions completely. In my case, I try to respect, copy and reproduce up to the smallest details the artistry of the original artist. This is the opposite of what a typical Drag Queen would do.
At my resident show venue DISTRICT VIDEO LOUNGE (in the village), every Thursday I MC the JEUDI 3D night where I perform in front a Huge TV screen. The concept is to move , act and be dressed up as the artist that is featured on the TV so that the public can see and simultaneously compare both performances. I suppose you would have to stop by one of these days to see me perform there to fully understand my art.”
– What would you like to see more of, or develop in the world of Drag ? More venues, inclusion in traditional art shows or spaces, different themes , etc …
“Nothing specific really comes to mind. I believe Drag Queens have become quite mainstream and can be found almost everywhere in film , television, fashion shows and live venues. It’s very different from when I first started performing in 1998. Personally I’d love to secure a full time residency in a Casino.To be signed-up for a 300+ show contract over 5 years in Las Vegas would be the ultimate dream !”
– What words of advice would you impart to an aspiring Drag artist or celebrity impersonator ?
“Definitely prepare mentally to work hard and invest alot of money & energy. Realizing your dreams requires more than just creating an Instagram account to accumulate likes. Make sure to be strong mentally because you might face 900 rejections before receiving one YES. That single yes in return will arm you with the strength to go forward with your career.
Most importantly , it’s better to remain true to yourself, rather than simply be a follower of a current artistic trend.”
I would like to thank Jimmy Moore for taking the time to answer my questions.
You can catch his next show at Plaza’s Theater this Saturday March 5th.
Tickets available at : lepointdevente.com/billets/z2p211227001