Strut over to Cote St-Luc to catch an over-the-top performance of Cabaret by the Cote St-Luc Dramatic Society. As artistic director, Anisa Cameron remarked, This play is “an important piece which is relevant today.”

The plot is based on a novel by Christopher Isherwood and playwright Joe Masteroff’s story, and centers around a nightclub, the Kit Kat Klub, in 1930’s Berlin. While the fun life reigns inside, the Nazi uprising swirls outside. A performer at the club starts a relationship with an American writer who wants to write a book and has shown up in Berlin looking for a room. The star of the show, though, hands down, is the zealous Master of Ceremonies who commands all the action.

You must get over to see Craig Dalley’s performance as this Emcee. His suave, sexy, funny performance and professional stage presence carries the show. It is rare to give a top shout out to a Choreographer, but Alexa Gourd’s sensual, evocative, electric choreography allows the strong cast to strut the stage with an air of insouciance – and as precise as if they were on Broadway.

It’s fun to see the musicians playing, since even they are having a great time. Benjamin Kwong, Musical Director, is smiling and jiving through the whole show. The score and sound effects are right on. Loved it that John Kovac, playing Herr Schultz (really well!), is back in the theatre after 40 years. It’s never too late to return to your passions, and isn’t it wonderful that community theatre is here for us – especially one as good as this one.

Producer (and Mayor of CSL) Mitchell Brownstein pointed out that “in the theatre we can learn about people who are different, and that different people count.” Also that “we must be vigilant” and that the play “sends out a message of hope in the world if you try to make a difference, and that individuals can make a difference.”

He mentioned the Holocaust Education exhibit in the Cote St-Luc library during the play’s run. It refers to Righteous Gentiles, diplomats of many countries, who saved countless Jewish lives. The exhibit is a joint effort of the Montreal Holocaust Museum and Israeli Foreign Affairs led by Consul General of Israel for Quebec, David Levy.

Production Manager Jordana Dobski noted that the play (unlike the movie) makes the story of the boarding house owner, Fraulein Schneider, and her relationship to the Jewish fruit vendor a major plot line. Dobski says, this “un-acceptance of the others” is a lesson learned, and should be respected today.

So a shout out goes to teachers and schools out there who are reading this. The Cote St-Luc Dramatic Society is opening their doors during the day on Fridays for Matinees for students to witness and learn from Cabaret (14+ suggested).

So many lines in the show give warnings about things which are still happening today (think Bill 21?):

“One can no longer dismiss the Nazis” “They will take nothing away.” “Why can’t they leave as alone?” “Live and let live.” “What does politics have to do with us?”

The strong takeaway is that you have to make choices when you see injustice. What would you do?

Location: Cote St-Luc Library, 5801 Cavendish Blvd, Côte Saint-Luc, Harold Greenspon Auditorium
Dates: May 30-June 16
Price: regular admission $35, students and seniors $28
www.csldramaticsociety.com

Let’s start with the aim of the Teersi Duniya Theatre group itself, which is to highlight theater focusing on social justice. Different cultures get to take the stage, whether they be Indigenous, Palestinian, Israeli, Armenian, Rwandan, Iranian, Turkish or whatever. The theatre’s goal, as mentioned by their artistic director Rahul Varma, is that we are all one people and it takes stories of everyone else to see ourselves.  Varma says, “the only way to tell stories in a new way is to get new storytellers into the room”.

So Stephen Orlov’s story Birthmark is about families. In writing this, he was asking himself why Jews who founded Israel to end their centuries of oppression were now dispossessing another people that had lived there for centuries. Michelle Soifer, the director, says we have in this play, “two young adults filled with passion and drive…  and the chutzpah to do something about it”.

Canada as a nation is made up of many communities of people who may have been displaced by war and conflicts. Living here in Montreal we have Jewish and Palestinian cross currents. Though families  may have immigrated here and now raise their families in this safe haven, the memories of their living history or those of their parents will always shape them. The children get stuck between the two solitudes: perhaps the need to avenge their families’ past or to just ride along safely here for their future.

Though this is a story of the Israeli vs. Palestinian conflict, it raises the universal problem of parents or caregivers who live with a family member who thinks differently, or even perhaps might be mentally challenged or elderly, and the parent must learn to live with the pain of not being able to fix things (which they might have caused), or even change them.

Natalie Tannous gives a strong performance as a mother conflicted by secrets in the past and fears for her child ‘s future.  Howard Rosenstein is her gentler counterpart, with his own untold secrets and the consequences of not listening to a child. Stephen Spreekmester creates two very different characters, and does them well – one of an observant Rabbi and one of a tough RCMP officer.  Patrick Keeler  as Nelson, the Jewish child finding solace in religion, and Dalia Charafeddine as Karima secretly planning revenge for her parent’s death, give us two very realistic diametric opposites on both sides of this divide.

The simplicity of Sabrina Miller’s set design, using floor squares and wall hangings to identify rooms, walls and doorways was very effective.

We learn that words matter: why do we refer to the Israelis as extremists but the Palestinians as terrorists?

Location: Mai Centre, 3680 Jeanne-Mance
corner: Milton
Dates: Nov 3-18, 2018
Price: $17 – $25
Tel: 514-982-3386
www.m-a-i.qc.ca

Many of us enjoy a light read to while away a lazy summer afternoon. At the Hudson Village Theatre, you don’t even have to read to have fun – you can just listen and watch as four women meet, mingle and moan – and become a family of friends.

The director, Ellen David, takes this (Jessie) Jones (Nicholas) Hope (Jamie) Wooten delightful script and gently guides the dynamic quattro of actors as they learn “what is holding you back from one’s past and self-imposed limitations towards a compelling future”.  This could be any one of us.

The performers David chose are as well cast and strong as the four sides of a square. Randa Covington (Jane Wheeler) has defined herself by her work, and doesn’t know how to re-define herself beyond that. She tries to hold on to her safe proper business countenance, but is weighed down by feeling second best in her family. Marlafaye (Lisa Bronwyn Moore) gets the classic “dumped for a younger woman” part, so feelings of anger and rejection are keeping her from moving forward. “I swear the older you get the harder it is to jump start a new life”, she says.

Dot (Kathleen Fee), the oldest of the bunch, has just lost her husband, the only man she has known, and with whom she had planned to retire. She has no idea how to figure out what comes next. Her subtle acting is deliciously wonderful as she delivers many funny zinger lines. Paula Costain as Jinx moves and talks with the right zippy attitude to convince them, as their new “life coach”, to go (as David says)” beyond their comfort zone to a brave new world where they eventually find themselves”. Jinx reminds us that her older sister (now incapacitated with dementia) taught her that “it’s the happy in life that counts”.

The set by Jean-Claude Olivier is a comfortable porch, so the women have an informal place to gently and liquidly reveal their sagas. As this is a “Sipping Society”, drinking props (by Lea Robertson) were a fun challenge due to the many iterations of serving different kinds of alcohol. Marlafaye once toasted, “Girls, here’s to living single and drinking doubles”.

There were more costume changes than you would expect (by Elisabeth De Medeiros), creating a fashion show which helped define the scenes and the forward movement of their lives.

Jamie Wooten, one of the playwrights, was a writer for The Golden Girls, so the quality of their patter and the giggly one-liners is in the same genre of that hysterical show.  When Marlafaye sees Randa’s house for the first time she opines, “Yeah, sure is a pretty place. Everything’s so neat and clean. I’m not like that. Instead of cleaning my house, I just turn off the lights”.  When Randa comments on drinking mead, “This really isn’t so horrible”, Marlafaye responds, “The very words I said on my wedding night”. Marlafaye also says,  “Sex is like a brownie – when it’s good it’s really good. And when it’s bad….it’s still pretty good!”.

Andrea Romaldi, the artistic director writes, “friendships are our lifelines and support structures. Good friends cheer us, challenge us, bewilder us and irritate us, but ultimately they support and help us grow into our best selves”. Head out to Hudson and lift a glass to friendship.

Location: 28 Rue Wharf, Hudson, QC J0P 1H0
Phone: 450- 458-5361
Dates: til July 22
https://villagetheatre.ca/

Skyllas & Sunstrum is a high-end bathroom furniture and accessories brand whose products are made from natural resources like stone and semi-precious stone vessel sinks: sinks of river stone, petrified wood, teak, teak wood rot, onyx, marble, ceramic, porcelain, granite and concrete. The sinks are artistically fabulous.

They also feature custom-made, rustic premium quality teak wood bathroom vanities and recycled wood vanities which exude a modern, industrial or Scandinavian look. All of their furniture is made from quality Indonesian teak wood which is very resistant and rot-proof. They can create teak bathtubs and also sell benches and stools, decor, lighting and tables.

You can add matching bathroom accessories to your decor: cups, mirrors, soap dispensers, soap holders, toothbrush holders, towel racks or trays. They can sell you drains and faucets too.

All of their products are the result of responsible and sustainable exploitation of the resources used.

Go take a look at their showroom on Masson street or admire their on-line boutique. They ship everywhere in Canada and in the United States.

Location: 3830 rue Masson Montréal, H1X 1S8 / Google Map: http://bit.ly/2ak27uZ
Tel: 514-303-8244
Hours: by appointment
Metro: Station Pix IX
www.skyllassunstrum.com

When you want to revitalize your decor with new accessories, look no further than Décors Véronneau. To start with, they have an immense selection of plants and artificial flowers, along with the pots and vases for both indoor and outdoor foliage arrangements.

Their extensive lines of decorative items include: hand-painted paintings, wall hangings, creative mirrors, accent pieces, lamps, rugs and colourful throws and cushions.

Search no further if you are looking for that special something to make your room come alive: wall murals, trunks, sculptures, tables, colored wicker balls, rugs, animal skins rugs, clocks, candles and holders and even home fragrances.

With their expert design team, the company can help both residential and commercial customers with any indoor or outdoor projects. Advice is available on decorating, home staging or an entire renovation project.

Over the years Décors Véronneau has built a wonderful reputation designing artistic and majestic Christmas decorations. Go in and meet the holiday specialists in this city.

Call upon one of their designers/decorators to create a unique & personal setting to suit you. Whether it be for Christmas trees, wreaths, garlands, custom creations, decorations, goblins or original ornaments, Véronneau is the place to shop. Décors Véronneau also offers delivery and installation services. Just inquire!

Their Boxing Day sale has already started, so take advantage of the savings. They are selling selected Christmas merchandise at 50% off right now.

Locations: Laval, 2965 Boul. Le Courbusier H7L 3M3 (450-680-1989), Terrebonne, 1200 Ave Yves-Blais J6V 1P7 (450-585-555?); Grandby, 922 Rue Principale J2G 2Z4 (450-991-1554); Quartier DIX30, 8240 Boul.Leduc J4Y 0K7 (450-678-5060)
www.veronneau.com
FB: https://www.facebook.com/decorsveronneau/?ref=ts
Twitter: www.twitter.com/veronneaudeco

It’s great to have a place to head to where you know you can always score unbelievable deals. It is an added bonus, that it is the first time that they appear in Quebec. Lucky us!

This liquidation outlet specializes in overstocks, clearances and liquidated inventory. Since stock changes weekly, you never know what you will find at amazing prices.

This is a sampling of what they are offering in their flyer this month. Keep your eyes peeled to this page as their flyer will change monthly, as they receive new inventory.

– Thorogood Security work boots for $50 (reg. price $245)
– Miss Sixty jeans for $35 which could have run up to $299, Also Killah, Energie
– Ice Skates: Graf  Bolero 301 Girls’ Figure skates $39 instead of $100, Boys’ Supra Tyke $49 instead of $129, and Men’s Supra 635S for $150 instead of $380
– Vero Moda, Jack Jones, Only, Bench clothes at rock bottom prices
– Men’s and Women’s leather jackets for only $60 (reg. price $550)
– Miss Sixty ladies shoes in sizes 7 or 7-1/2 for $30
– Leather wallets $1
– Laminated pictures $3
– Russell sports clothing
– Men’s golf shoes
– 300, 500 , 800 Thread count sheets
– Leather jackets starting at $60 – Canadian Made

Location: 5850 Metropolitan Blvd E St. Leonard QC H1S 1A7
Corner: Between Lacordaire and Langelier
Tel: 514-259-7117
Hours: Mon-Wed closed, Thurs & Fri 10-9, Sat 10-5, Sun 11-5

Q1: When something old breaks, you might wonder “where do I go with this?”. First of all, should we get it repaired, rather than buy a new one?

Older items were made better. Craftsmanship was so far superior. There was beauty in that hand work. An old lamp would have had real brass covering the socket instead of being painted or plated. Insides of clocks were as beautifully made as the outside. Workmanship was meant to last and be passed down from generation to generation. We are losing contact with our past when we don’t keep things from our parents and grandparents.

Q2: What if we have an object that is cherished, valuable, or memorable and it breaks, is there any one around that can still fix expensive items?

Well unfortunately as I rewrite my Smart Shopping Montreal book each year,  most of the master craftsman in the repair section are dying out and there aren’t many the younger generation taking over. When you find them, expect to pay a decent price for the years of training, time involved, and the artistic nature of this service.

Q3:  Can you recommend some of these craftsmen?

Whenever something old breaks and you’re wondering “where do I go with this?”, Mr. Fixit was always the place to head to. Repairs and restoration to china, crystal, antiques, lamps, paintings, clocks, carved soapstone, porcelain, ivory, alabaster, marble and objets d’art are cheerfully taken care of. They still might be able to fix older small electrical appliances and antique radios. For the last 56 years they’ve been fighting obsolescence and winning!

Location: 4652 boul. Decarie, Snowdon
Corner: ch. Cote St-Luc
Phone: 514-484-8332
Hours: Mon-Fri 9-6, Sat 9-5
www.themrfixit.com

Minas Studio d’Art is a repair depot which handles everything from crystal, china, glass and porcelain repairs to antique lamps and oil paintings. Some of the other reparable items they do are: Inuit art, wood carvings, metal art, ivory, gold leaf and even papier-mâché. Expect to pay a fair price for the years of training, time involved and the artistic nature of this service. Evaluations of antiques is available.

Location: 7364 ch. Cote St-Luc, Cote St-Luc
Corner: Robert Burns  514-485-9222
Hours: Mon-Thurs 8-6, Fri 8-5, Sat 11-2
www.minasart.com

A T Art Restoration is two craftsman who are used by antique dealers in the city. The husband and wife  team can repair all sorts of things at their workshop at home: china, figurines, paintings, frames, marble, statues, bronze, vases, porcelain, ivory, woodwork and more.

Phone: 514-521-9561
Hours: Mon-Fri 9-6

Q4: Any final comments?
Anyone out there who love to fix things. We need talented people to keep up these trades. Call these businesses.