Tag Archives: performance

Cook Your Life with MayMay Chan at Gateway Theatre

image001I was contacted by the Communications Coordinator from Gateway Theatre, located in Richmond BC. She invited me to see a a complimentary show called Cook Your Life that took place from September 17 – 19, 2015 during their Gateway Theatre Pacific Festival.

The show featured MayMay Chan who cooked live on stage while doing a comedic solo skit about love and relationships, and how they have parallel similarities with food. It was the first of its kind that I had seen and it was interesting to watch.

CYL-20140110_MayChan_Dress0033_smallThe show incorporates a 4-D theatre approach where the audience can not only just see and hear, but also smell and taste (for those lucky as some food samples gets passed around) to enhance the theatre experience.

MayMay is not only a performer, but a cook as well with her own cooking channel in Hong Kong. She performs in Cantonese as 
the two screens on each side of the stage, showed the surtitles in both Chinese and English.

She was very lively and energetic. She spoke quickly, which made the subtitles seem to lag way behind. She threw in a lot of improv, especially during when she would invite some of the audiences up to help her with cooking and such. Although it wasn’t an usual situation where I would be surrounded by people talking in a language where I was clueless, I did feel a slight disconnect, or an outsider feeling. My Chinese friend understood only Mandarin, so he was as clueless as I was.

At the end, he didn’t quite enjoy it as he didn’t like all the whining and girlie-talk that he couldn’t relate to. Although the surtitles were quite limited for the amount of actual talking May Chan actually did, I did however understand the main just of the story, and as a female, could relate to the relationship issues she brought up. Her insightful analogies between food and love and was intriguing.

Its always so interesting to see one person play so many different roles, and be convincing. What’s always even more credible is that she also created, produce, and directed the show as well.

As for the theatre venue itself, parking costs 1 hour $2.50, 2 hours $5 and so on. No inbetween times. But it is free after 9pm. There were helpful ushers and friendly staff with freebies for facials at this particular event.

Thank you Gateway for a unique experience!

www.gatewaytheatre.com

Celebration of Lights

Every summer, about 400,000 people gather along the shores of English Bay to watch the fireworks by 3 competing countries. This year, it’s UK, Canada and Thai.

On the night of the fireworks, be sure to arrive early. Although the fireworks start at 10pm, the beach is already full of spectators around 8pm when I usually go every year. Bring a mat or trap unless you’re ok with standing in the back or sitting in sand. A blankie or hoodie is a good idea, since it will cool down fast near the waters! Deck of cards or tablet with games to keep yourself and friends busy will make the time go by much faster. Be prepared to go and lineup at the outhouses early if you need to go. The wait is usually about 10-15 minutes.

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Everyone’s come out to check out the fireworks!

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Serena Ryder performing on stage!

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This year for the first time, they have the performance stage facing the beach to keep everyone entertained. For the first fireworks (UK -  July27th ), we had Serena Ryder perform!

The firework is usually 20-25 minutes long. The theme for UK, not surprisingly was James Bond. It was interesting since I knew the theme songs they were playing, even the old ones since I have been going through the James Bond collection, watching one every Friday. (I think I’m still at 1989, the 16th film…lol) Because a lot of the songs have a slow and mellow music, the fireworks was a bit dull and unimpressive at times. But overall, it was a good performance. Great to be near the water in front row seat! You will have to put up with sand flying around as people walk around you, and smell of pot.

Once the fireworks are over, don’t even bother packing up and leaving for at least 15 minutes. Do NOT go to Davie and Denman entrance – or that area for that matter. I made the mistake the first few times that I went, only to end up in a jam, and people pushing and becoming impatient. It can be scary at times. You never know what those waves can do. People who are shorter are literally swept off their feet, and parents will have to watch out for little kids who may get trampled. Instead, head a bit down the beach toward Sunset beach and walk down Beach avenue instead. The traffic there is much smoother.

I am not sure how the transit is, but I can only imagine it’ll be chaotic. Expect to wait long hours…I knew some people who gave up on taking transit and ended up walking several hours home to Burnaby.

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The Boom Boom playing!

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Red Bull Air Race pilot Pete McLeod during Air Show with his Edge 540 Aircraft

Check out the next fireworks on Saturday Aug 3rd – it’ll be Thailand! Happy watching! :D

Entertaining:      Cost for Admission/Food: N/A

Atmosphere:      Location: