Going into this play I didn't really know what to expect. I was hoping for a cross between "How to Steal A Million", "Pink Panther", & "Oceans Eight". I was definitely not disappointed!
The stage was set up as a very modern Hi-Tech style which accentuated the unique manipulation of space. The stage was split into three and spanned the breath-taking New York skyscrapers. Mostly in eye catching black and white, but with a touch of color here and there. The two panels on each side of the stage were set up with an almost Matrix switcher effect which entertained the audience throughout the play along with the large screen at the back of the stage.
Artistic Director Darryl Cloran and Executive Director Jessie Van Riyn introduced the play announcing that this was "World Theatre Day", which made this so much more special. The play was co-produced with the Grand Theatre in London, Ontario with our Alberta Playwrite Arun Lakra.
The opening Intro presented the titles, background and pictures of the key players utilizing conceptual visuals and sound, just as you would see in the opening of a movie.
The Heist of the Kakkaua Ruby begins. The laser effects were great and well pulled off. The containment vessel holding the Ruby was front and centre illuminating the Ruby with lasers abounding across the stage. Angie's aerialist performance was beautiful and her moves flawless and graceful. Throughout this heist we cut back to Marvin - the Irish speaking leader and founder of the team going through the history of how he met and assembled his professional crew. Ryan who takes risks and doesn't need the money - just the thrill, was generous and loved a good bet. Angie, who was recruited as she was spotted doing the Spiderman outside a building was a moral justice warrior - kind of. Kruger who's shell game scam was quite innovative always worked in his favor - having a heavy trigger finger helped. That and providing for his kids. Fiona, the quearky nerd was brilliant and cheeky. Her cutting edge hi-tech creative thinking was pulled off and well devised. Marvin our leader gave a little of his background, his leadership qualities, why this team needed to get together for this heist, and his mom.
As these interfaces are happening, the stage conforms into different backdrops and back to the heist effortlessly. It was unique and well executed. The one-liners throughout the play by all characters were uproarlessly funny. Fiona aka the Geek seems to have a distaste for Kruger aka Popeye, so her interaction and digs at him were hiliarious. Romantic trysts were thrown in for an extra twist.
As the Kakkaua Ruby had been exposed as a hijack of the real Ruby, the team now had a new mission and set out to expose the thief amongst them. A new Diamond heist was planned. And now the team was being pulled back together to discover the culprit. It was an interesting concept as they would venture into the lair of the diabolical Spider, a terrifying villianess who had quite the reputation and alot of spiders to release.
The background music added an air of intrique similar to a James Bond movie. The split scene sets with diverse images was engrossing as it kept the audience spellbound.
Coming into the second act was a bold plan. The elusive Spider's lair was incredibly well secured inside and out. Including a well stocked ultra expensive wine cellar, and hi-tech which included breath recognition. The plan was internal, it was high risk - it was Mission Impossible. It was an impossible task - OR was it? The real plan and execution was divulged, paired up and finally brought together to be carried out. Working against huge odds. So many plots, twists and turns in very unsuspecting ways. The audience being drawn from one conclusion to another as the team prepared to unfold the mystery of the ruby thief. And as we are drawn to the finality of this escapade we are hit with yet more mystery and intrique which has to be seen!
My Vote - 4.5 out of 5 Standing Ovations
The Citadel's Heist is playing through until April 13th at the Shoctor Theatre 9828 - 101 A Avenue, Edmonton
Playwright - Arun Lakra Direct - Haysam Kadri
Tickets available by calling the Citadel's Box Office at 780-425-1820 or go to: citadeltheatre.com
K-Days 2025!
The KDays 2025 Premiers Breakfast Arriving around 8:40am we walked towards a long line up awaiting the first 5,000 people who will receive a free pancake breakfast & free admission at the Klondike Park at the Edmonton EXPO Centre. After speaking with a number of people some arrived at 6 & 7 am to get into this line up.Walking into the newly park renovated park is nicely done with seating & buildings. There is a new panning area, not for gold but numerous gemstones. A new Klondike Mike -complete with a broken tooth that was cartoonish & cute. Lots of picture taking opportunities. A new stage has been completed with sitting arrangements around & below is a grassy area with a wooden tiered semi circle. The breakfast area glistened in the sun & the warmth from the sun completed the beginning of a beautiful day. Numerous rows were set up & each row featured numerous members from the Premiers office, Explore Edmonton, Co-op & members from Edmonton's City Hall including Edmonton's Mayor Mr. Sohi. Premier Daniel Smith greeted everyone there very kindly with her welcoming smile. The breakfast was from 9 – 11am. Served up were generous portions of scrambled eggs, pancakes, sausages, juice & coffee – all sponsored by Co-Op. Premier Smith greeted the press and was attentive and answered questions. Then moving down to the stage area speeches were made. The atmosphere was fun, the weather was incredible, the turn out of people was wonderful and everyone had a great time.We then left the area to check out the rest of the exhibition & midway. While walking down the midway we heard a loud rumble & overhead flew two black military helicopters flying quite low which circled the area. Costumed performers juggling hoops & crystal balls were throughout the grounds. Lots of ATM machine areas & ticket booths, the usual midway games, fun houses, rides, kids area & lots of food & drink venues. And, of course – my fav – mini donuts!! 'New Foods' booths have shown up. Everything from dill pickle mini donuts, ice cream nachos, deep fried pickle oreos, walking tteokbokki cup, dubai chocolate funnel cakes, & plenty more to whet your appetite. The kids are excited, the ground staff are amazing & should you have any concerns or questions, they will certainly help you out. They are easy to pick out should you need them. We made out way to the EXPO Centre, & I have to admit it is loaded. The first halls G & H are the merchandise booths & along the back walls are some unique food court items. The one that piqued my interest was the Dragon's Breath. Unfortunately they were not open for business when we arrived, but I definitely have to try that one out. There are demos, cooking, hot tubs, tattoo artists, piercings, psychics, health & beauty products, clothing & so much more. Going into the next hall F is the Innovation Zone. Now if you are a gamer or into high tech, new downloadable games (created out of Edmonton), Game Discovery Exhibition, MADE Edmonton Design Competition, programmable marble like balls in a ring that the kids love to play with, & the Maker Faire from July 18-20th. Hall E is Kiyanaw Indigenous Experience with tepees, beautiful custom made jewelry and incredible art pieces. The Metis area has original traps, snares, pelts and a lot of history. There is a stage with seating & an open area which I suspect will be for performers. Forward into Hall C the Discovery Zone with Robotics Competition arena with seating & young engineers. Exciting & interesting. You may be there for hours. Coming into the Discovery Zone A & B has a petting zoo, a cow model that you can actually milk?? Discovery Stage & Arena, a Glow Zone that is brilliant & lit up beautifully, Agriculture Education Zone, Edmonton Heritage Council, ETS services with busses from different eras along with an articulated bus. Get on board & check them out. A couple of Mobile Escape Rooms, rides & entertainment. Superdogs take over the Centre Arena. Wow, the place has so much to offer. When you exit there is an endurance obstacle course set up outside next to the beer gardens, and the CKUA stage with a booth there & schedule of events. Right across from there is the Military display with a tank, guns & other military vehicles along with our wonderful military forces at attention to answer your questions. As we were leaving we went past the Kdays Music Fest stage where you will be entertained by incredible talent every night. So check out the schedule. If you wish a front & centre fan zone, prices are indicated on the Kdays programs. I know I've missed a few things, but certainly going back for more.... See you there & Happy KDays!
2025 Heritage Festival at Borden Park August 2 - 4
Ventured out to the 2025 Heritage Festival at the Borden Park & the Exhibition Grounds the last day, August 4th and were not disappointed. This is the last year to be held here and then back to Hawrelak park - hopefully! Also as you are aware this year is the 52nd Anniversary of the Edmonton Heritage Festival making it the World's largest 3 day Festival celebrating Multi-culturalism. Cultural Music, Dance, Performances, Arts & Crafts, Food & Drink were at every corner. And the smells were amazing. Even with the not so nice weather & a few drips of rain here & there it turned out great. The performers were amazing, graceful & hypnotic at times. Certain performances you couldn't wait for them to come on. I do have to admit - as I heard from others that there were some venues (I won't name them) that were extremely inconsiderate when performers were on stage & performing. Stooping to turning mikes & DJ music up so incredibly loud you couldn't hear the stage you were at. It had to be very disruptive for the performers. I do hope that this is seriously taken into consideration next year & NOT allowed so this doesn't happen again. It leaves a very bad taste for the venues that pull off this stunt. Other than that what we saw and experienced was wonderful. Got some amazing footage and pictures to enjoy & relive the experience. The food prices were good & not out of reach, the portions were filling & in some instances abundant. Vendors were very friendly , accommodating & interesting. Great family fun - Can't wait for next year.......
2025 Cariwest Parade in Downtown Edmonton
Being Edmonton's largest summer parade in downtown Edmonton August 9th. This is a 2km trek from 108 Street & 99 Avenue along Jasper Avenue to Churchill Square for the final JUMP!!!
Beginning in 1984 as part of the Klondike Days Parade it was developed by (WCDA) a non-profit and organizing this event since then. And, I have been to absolutely every parade since then rain or shine - I was there.
I noticed this year that the costumes were absolutely beautiful - so much work, imagination, color & individualism. Stunning & most Brilliant. Noticed that the flatbeds were pulled by Go-Auto vehicles, so that did stand out. That is a very long walk, including dancing, singing & performing all the way to Churchill, but speaking from the sidelines it was WONDERFUL and I thank you for your hard work. I'll be back next year as usual. Never miss & never will. Love you guys...
The 2025 Edmonton Fringe - A Fringe Full of Stars TICKETS ON SALE NOW
44th Annual Edmonton International Fringe. Spotlighting 223 theatre Productions from across Canada and more than 9 countries for 11 days August 14 - 24. North America's longest-running Fringe Theatre Festival. Schedules & Maps, Sustain Fringe & Explore, Daily Discounts, Outdoor Stages & Festival Street Pitches. A Pehonan Series, Kid's Fringe Schedule at the Old Strathcona Public Library. Abundant drink & Eats! So much to do - so little time!
Went down to the Westbury Theatre & Box Office on Wednesday August 6, 2025 to get ahold of the Fringer Ticket passes that went on sale at 10:00am & as well they had a number of previews starting in the Westbury at 11:00. Unfortunately for us we were in line for an awful long time as there was a large lineup for tickets, but this was easier than phoning in at noon as through previous experiences they are usually overloaded & the system crashes. So, here we stood & the preview started while we were still in line. So, we got in late. Not sure how much we missed but there were numerous tables set up against two walls in which you were able to speak to people who were promoting different shows. Very informative, super to speak with, plus pins, information, & packets of flowers were available. Some seating in front & a number of cameras shooting the scenes. The first we were able to see from the back in the packed room was :
- YEG DND - Sorry N Prov featuring Dungeons & Dragons including fight scenes, magic, romance & a very large multi-sided dice - The Birds - AM Chores as 2 birds chirping it up involved in the mating machine. It was a Flock-umentary. Was Hilarious & recommend them - Giorgi and the Jungle- Smile your Italian! Comedic 80's teen girl who needs personal grooming but can't break through the cultural & generational view she steps into - Wizard of One - taking place in a seniors living facility transitioning between a dozen people with the OZ connection. I literally laughed out loud. With a one man fight scene?? - Pair of Guys Lost - 7 member cast song & Dance. A new musical. Queer, sinfully original where a Trump-like administration struggles to control Eden - (Lil Sis) - 3 women about e-mails on a plane? - **I was at the back, couldn't hear but looked intriguing (Not the name of play). Looked interesting though - Motherhood The Musical - 2 women troupe singing about the devastation of breasts after before & after giving birth. "Motherhood is for Life" I could relate - for real - Sam's Clam & Oyster Bar - 3 person troupe musical singing to oysters including seafood, romance, mythological madness & a sea of laughs - Genesis - 3 person troupe Drama about creating the perfect play - Gums an Accidental Beach Prequel- It's an accidental Beach #2 musical from last year which was a fun show full of laughs. Oiler fans will love it. Can't wait to see it - Alberta Hospital for the Insane - A giant Tiki mask which from a distance looks like one person parody. Split personality here we come. From the 1930's Ponoka hospital about mental illness & the hospital - Spotlight's Shadow - 2 person music drama during the Ziegfeld era about 2 women in love but have to contain it to the outside world - Lost Sock Rescue Society - 2 person society to find lost socks comedy - I laughed my socks off - Bomb - Canadian Premiere 4 person show highlights a Doctor, patients with anxiety issues & experimentation - Speed - A 40's radio Drama "Silence of the Lambs" - quite authentic with an old fashioned microphone. Very entertaining - Final Girl - 1 person Musical - warning gory, talking about revenge & dismemberment at high school & how to stay alive. Put out by the same creators of Krampus which we saw last year - This is a definite go to - Dead in the Water - 1 person plus cat playing the piano musical. Edmonton based British actor & musician - Bump & Grind Burlesque - "House of Hush" As we were at the back I didn't realize someone was actually on stage on the floor so unfortunately I can't comment. I did however see their show at KDays & Burlesque costumes were fabulous - Rat Academy 2 - Gnaw & Order - The last two Rats in Alberta. Very funny and lots of audience participation. They were a hoot
The guest speaker promoted ATB all the way to 2027. Blonde Ale will be donating proceeds to Fringe Volunteers. And, if you want to reach out into the Community you too can become a monthly donor. The Power of Stories and Gathering Keep it Rocking!
Live Previews - Free for All in ATB Park August 15 - Friday 6:30pm August 16 - Saturday 6:30pm August 17 - Sunday 6:30pm
