OPERA LYRA PRESENTS CINDERELLA
Opera Lyra Ottawa is staging an English adaptation of Cinderella by Gioachino Rossini. This English version of the famous story, which has captivated generations of people around the world, was adapted by opera and theatre director Ann Hodges and features the award-winning local sensation Armine Kassabian as Cinderella. Not only is Kassabian a recent graduate of McGill University’s Schulich School of Music, but also the winner of the Brian Law Opera Competition. See this shining star on the stage in O-town before she takes her talents to China next June with Montreal’s Jeunes Ambassadeurs Lyrique. Friday, November 9, 9 p.m. Adults $25, kids $15, families $60. Arts Court Theatre, 2 Daly Ave., www.operalyra.ca.
APRÈS DARK – DJ NIGHT
The Après Dark series is a set of live music events meant to expose up-and-coming local artists. These lounge-style shows give these artists a way to show off their talents at the Richcraft Theatre at the Shenkman Arts Centre, a venue with magnificent sound and atmosphere. Not only will those attending be treated to a night of top-quality spins from local sensation DJ Illo and emceeing and interviews by Kwende ‘Memetic’ Kefentse, but the performers get a chance to gain more experience playing their music in a unique space with the best equipment. Memetic will speak with DJ Illo about his life growing up in Orleans, his experiences becoming a DJ, and the process he goes through to create his music. Friday, November 9, doors at 8:30 p.m. $10. Shenkman Arts Centre, 245 Centrum Blvd., www.shenkmanarts.ca.
THE SONGS OF NICK DRAKE
The legend of the late Nick Drake will come alive through song on this tour that stops in Ottawa. Like musicians Jeff Buckley and Elliott Smith, Drake passed away at a young age under mysterious circumstances, before his music ever became as influential as it is today. To pay homage to this legacy, artists such as Oh Susanna, Kevin Kane (The Grapes of Wrath), and organizer/songwriter Luke Jackson will be joined by a quartet to play Drake’s songs in churches, adding to the warmth and serenity of his music. Others making guest appearances on the tour are Ron Sexsmith, Louis-Jean Cormier of Karkwa, and special appearance by Jim Bryson in Ottawa. Friday, November 9, 8 p.m. $35 in advance, $40 at the door. First Baptist Church, 140 Laurier Avenue W., www.thesongsofnickdrake.com.
JUST FOR LAUGHS COMEDY TOUR (RELATIONSHIPS EDITION)
The Just For Laughs comedy tour returns to Ottawa with an entourage of Canada’s funniest comedians. The tour, which is an extension of Montreal’s successful Just For Laughs festival, will include John Heffron, Debra DiGiovanni, Godfrey, and The Improvisors, as well as SNL alumnus Jim Breuer. In this “Relationships Edition,” topics ranging from family, marriage and dating are on the bill as each comedian gives their take. Saturday, November 10, 7 p.m. $35.50-$55.50. National Arts Centre, 53 Elgin St., www.nac-cna.ca.
TITS N’ STACHE FASHION SHOW BENEFIT
Local vendors are teaming up with supporters for not one cause, but two. This benefit is slightly unconventional, blending fashion, partying, and fundraising for breast cancer and prostate cancer research into one event. The show will also promote awareness amongst a younger crowd of people, encouraging involvement from a new generation. Some local shops that are showing their support and featuring items in the fashion show are Fall Down Gallery, Antique Skate Shop, Slaysh, Trife Clothing, and many more. Saturday, November 10, 9 p.m. $7 advance and $10 at the door. Ritual Nightclub, 137 Besserer St. See here for the Facebook event.
OTTAWA INTERNATIONAL STORYTELLING PRE-FESTIVAL
Ottawa Storytellers are helping to produce an inter-disciplinary program on November 10, the weekend before the Storytelling Festival takes place. This special pre-festival event includes an exclusive double feature for those who can’t wait for the full festivities to begin. The first is a performance by one of Canada’s most renowned dance artists Peggy Baker called “The Disappearance of Left and Right.” The story reflects on her life story and family history, and is choreographed/directed by Sarah Chase. It’s told through several mediums, including dance, spoken word, and music. The second story called “The Little Iliad” transposes themes from ancient Greek mythology to modern day scenarios involving the anguish caused by two people being torn apart by war. While the story itself is told in contemporary colloquialisms, the traditional narrative shines through and adds to the dramatic potency of this piece. Saturday, November 10, 7 p.m. $40, Arts Court, 2 Daly Ave., www.ottawastorytellers.ca.
PADRE X
Padre X is a true story of valour and hardship, recounting the experiences of the only Canadian Army chaplain to be awarded the Victoria Cross during the Second World War. Written and performed by Marc Moir, Padre X is the extraordinary tale of John Weir Foote, a chaplain that becomes involved on the failed Allied raid on Dieppe and must help bring wounded soldiers back to the ships heading back to England. Eventually, Foote sacrifices his own freedom and is captured by the enemy as a prisoner of war because he knows he can be more useful to other soldiers captured in the camp. This powerful story is a perfect fit for Remembrance Day, reminding us of the courage our countrymen and women displayed on the battlefield in generations past. Padre X has received national praise on the Canadian Fringe Festival circuit, and has won multiple awards including Outstanding Drama (Ottawa) and Best of the Fest (Winnipeg). Saturday, November 10, 1:30 and 7:30 p.m., and Sunday, November 11, 1:30 p.m. $7-$10. Canadian War Museum, Barney Danson Theatre, 1 Vimy Place, www.warmuseum.ca/event/padre-x.
SUPPORT LOCAL MONTH
November is the month to discover some of the best Ottawa has to offer. Apartment 613 has put together this initiative that isn’t so much about buying local, but appreciating and supporting all things Ottawa. Those involved include cycle shops, breweries, jewelers, lots of musicians, and over 80 other local wonders that are coming together to showcase how great our city is. Some perks include discounts all month long at certain restaurants, as well as displays featuring local artists scattered throughout the city. Support Local Month runs from November 1 to 30. For a full list of events, locations, and participants, see here.