Daily Dose — New Year at the Capitol Theatre Brings Bill Usher to the Stage
By Ari Lord
A New Year of creative performances kicks off at the Capitol Theatre on Saturday, January 13th with Bill Usher’s show, ‘The Good Getting Older Tour.’
Usher, from Golden, will be joined on stage by Nelson’s Holly Hyatt, Vancouver’s Paul Pigat, and Toronto’s Steve Briggs.
“Usher has developed a rare gift of communicating ‘good-getting-older’ life experiences into lyrics that are relatable and universal,” Kyla Hurst, Box Office Manager of the theatre told Hall Printing Daily Dose reporter, Ari Lord.
“He brings an elder’s perspective that is not common in today’s indie folk/pop music by crafting lyrics that are direct in expressing matters of the heart sung upon melodies that are simply beautiful.”
For nearly 20 years, Usher has been an Artistic Director and has been presenting shows, so now it’s his turn to do the art himself again as he is retiring from his role as Executive & Artistic Director at Golden’s Kicking Horse Culture and is heading out on tour.
“I’ve put on hundreds of shows. I put my touring career on hold for the last close to 20 years. There are 14 songs that we’re performing. The stories come from the perspective of being an elder or senior, looking back at a career, at a life, from that perspective,” says Usher.
Usher’s tour begins next week and says audiences can expect a fun and thoughtful show.
“There is a lot of joy in the show, humour and fun. I like to have fun on stage. A lot of the stories are putting the songs in context. It’s about what happens to people when they get older and reflecting on a life lived with story and song. In some respects, it’s a memoir.”
But the show is not just aimed solely at seniors.
“Older people in the audience, in their 60s and 70s, really see a lot of resonance in this show and for their children in their 30s, 40s and 50s,” says Usher.
The tour kicks off with two nights in Golden, Revelstoke, the Capitol in Nelson and then to Oliver.
Tickets are $30 for adults and $27 for 30 and under.
Usher moved from Toronto to Golden, BC in 2002. He has had a 50+ year career as a musician, writer, performer and producer. He loves to create and coach.
“I coach artists and arts groups,” says Usher.
Watch a trailer for the show here.
Or check Usher’s website here.
Also this month, young Capitol audiences can expect an informative show by Nadine Tremblay, ‘G-Rated: a Musical Puppet show.’
This is an educational show about puberty, identity, confidence, LGBTQ2SIA identities, boundaries and consent.
“G-Rated is intended for students aged 10-13, two performers will work seven colourful puppets in this 60-minute show. The overall aim is to introduce basic language to start conversations around topics that require some finesse,” says Hurst.
The show introduces these themes in an approachable medium with relatable characters and catchy tunes.
Tickets are $10.
January’s events follow a very successful and busy December at the theatre.
“Panto was a great success,” says Hurst.
“The audiences had a great time the cast had an amazing time. The two young actors who played the titular roles did an incredible job. They worked so hard and it showed. As Stage Manager, I was so impressed with their dedication, as well as the dedication of the whole cast.”
To buy tickets for January events click here.
