Upstage - I Think I'm Fallin': The Songs of Joni Mitchell

A GREAT PLACE TO READ ABOUT GREAT THEATRE · OCTOBER - NOVEMBER 2023

VOLUME 8 / ISSUE 2

“One of the best performances we’ve seen anywhere—including Broadway.”

Onstage October 31 – November 26

Hello!

Welcome back to the Belfry and our production of I Think I’m Fallin’: The Songs of Joni Mitchell.

This production features three actors from our original 2016 production - Jonathan Gould, Linda Kidder, and Anton Lipovetsky along with newcomers Hannah Mazurek and Chelsea Rose.

It is a real treat to bring this stirring

B4Play (In-person + Online)

Michael Shamata and Gregor Craigie Photo by Don Craig

tribute to one of our greatest singer-songwriters back to the

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 28 AT 11 AM

Belfry.

BMO Studio Theatre, 1291 Gladstone Avenue

As always, we look forward to

Our live talk show hosted by CBC Radio’s Gregor Craigie and featuring artists

seeing you at the theatre.

from the upcoming show, along with experts from the community, has been designed to provide insight into each Mainstage production.

Panelists include Actor and Musical Director Anton Lipovetsky & Co-creator

Land Acknowledgement The Belfry Theatre is on the land of the

and Director Michael Shamata.

Each event is held the Saturday before Opening, is free to attend, live streamed on Facebook, and is available as a podcast on our website.

People, known today as the Esquimalt and Songhees Nations. The people have been keepers of this land for millennia and we offer

B4Play is ASL Interpreted.

To reserve your free tickets, please call our Box Office 250-385-6815.

them our respect and gratitude for our presence on this territory.

is produced four times per year and can be found at branches of the Greater Victoria Public Library, the Belfry and online at issuu.com/belfrytheatre. If you would like a digital copy please drop us a line at hello@belfry.bc.ca.

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I Think I’m Fallin’: The Songs of Joni Mitchell is generously supported by

Tickets 250-385-6815 / tickets.belfry.bc.ca

BELFRY THEATRE 1291 GLADSTONE AVENUE VICTORIA, BC V8T 1G5 WWW.BELFRY.BC.CA

Upstage is supported by

MY LIFE WITH JONI MUSICAL MAN ABOUT TOWN ROBERT HOLLISTON ON THE MAGIC OF JONI MITCHELL Linda Kidder and Jonathan Gould in I Think I’m

I RE M E M BE R MANY THING S AB OU T LIFE DU RING THE

Fallin’ - The Songs of Joni Mitchell created by

album, Ladies of the Canyon. Of course I knew

SUM M E R OF 1979: preparing my move to Vancouver

a few songs from the earlier records, but only

David Cooper / Cory Sincennes - Set & Costume

as a full-time UBC music student; working during

Designer / Alan Brodie - Lighting Designer

tangentially, and probably in recordings by Judy

the day at the Inter-Cultural Association (and

Collins (note to potential Joni fans: it’s a rite of

during the evenings for what is now Pacific Opera

passage to learn to prefer Joni’s recordings of her

Victoria); practicing (when time allowed) and

early material to anybody else’s). I loved that album

partying (time always allowed). And most of all

and knew every song by heart, but other musical

haunting our local record store daily, waiting for

interests took over and that was that, which means

the release of Joni Mitchell’s newest album, Mingus.

that such iconic releases as Blue and Court and

I remember the day it arrived: I bought the vinyl

Spark more or less passed me by. For a while ....

Michael Shamata and Tobin Stokes / Photo by

album (for home), the cassette (for work), and the new issue of Rolling Stone which had a photo of Joni on the cover and the (now-legendary) interview with Cameron Crowe inside. Went back to work, shut the door, sat at my desk, listened and read. Was baffled a bit by the melodies, lyrics, and sound - at first. But by the third listening was absorbed, impressed, entranced, astonished, still maybe a bit baffled but starting to sing along. It occurred to me then that perhaps no artist in the history of popular music had gone through so many changes, explored so many styles - and done all of it so convincingly, so beautifully, so well - in so brief a span as a mere decade.

My introduction to Joni Mitchell came about in junior high school when I got to know her third

Full Joni fandom struck in the summer of 1978, when a friend introduced me to Miles of Aisles, Joni’s first live album. As I could afford them, I bought all the others, listened closely and really got to know her songs, lyrically and musically.

And as I wanted to know about this multifariously gifted human being, I read as much as I could find about her.

The revelation of hearing, within a span of one summer, Blue, For the Roses, and Court and Spark is something I can’t adequately describe: this was songwriting, singing, and music making at the highest possible level, but as sophisticated as it was, it was also moving. I mean solar plexus, emotionally moving.

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By the mid-1970s, Joni was using more sidemen in her recordings, some of them culled from a local group known as L.A. Express (her

Why I Chose This Play

accompanying band on Miles of Aisles). Individually they enlivened

I loved co-creating this show with Tobin Stokes in 2016—and was

and enriched the sound of the above-mentioned albums as well

extremely proud—and moved—by the result. Given its enormous

as Joni’s first live release, but writers and critics were confused. Was

popularity, we have always planned to revive it at some point—and

this jazz? Was it still pop? Was a former folkie becoming too “L.A.?”

seven years between productions seemed like a long enough wait.

How are we supposed to choose a category for someone who keeps changing??

I wish I could say that I chose it because of Joni Mitchell’s recent return to the concert stage—along with the Gershwin Prize for Songwriting she

The 1975 release of The Hissing of Summer Lawns established once

received—but that was an extremely happy accident—! Happiest of all

and forever that Joni Mitchell was an artist who answered to nobody.

because Joni’s health is so improved—and a new chapter in her career is

Lyrically, her subject matter seemed to move from personal revelation

unfolding—!

to social commentary. Musically, she continued to explore new

I am thrilled that the Belfry is helping to celebrate “Joni’s renaissance”—!

sounds and different genres, most strikingly using a recording of the African Drummers of Burundi many years before “world music” began influencing California-based pop music. Joni’s follow-up album, Hejira, usually ranks higher in the overall popularity stakes, and it’s a magnificent achievement in an entirely different, and different

—Michael Shamata, Artistic Director

Cast & Creatives

sounding, way. For the first time since Clouds (1969) there were no piano songs, and the familiar players in the back-up band were now joined by the iconic bassist Jaco Pastorius, who, along with Joni’s own guitar sound, most defined this album’s unique sound-world.

And then there’s Don Juan’s Reckless Daughter. In my opinion, you can’t be a Joni fan if you don’t love this album. (OK, you can, but I’ll

Jonathan Gould

Linda Kidder

Anton Lipovetsky

CAST MEMBER

CAST MEMBER

CAST MEMBER & MUSICAL DIRECTOR

Hannah Mazurek

Chelsea Rose

Michael Shamata

CAST MEMBER

CAST MEMBER

CO-CREATOR & DIRECTOR

never stop trying to convert you.) Among the back-up players on Don Juan we encounter for the first time in Joni’s work the name Wayne Shorter of Weather Report. Almost 40 years on, I LOVE this very daring, also very polished album. Much reviled at the time, Don Juan caught the attention of the great jazz bassist Charles Mingus.

[Long before the release of Don Juan’s Reckless Daughter, Joni was talking about the influence of jazz musicians on her work: Miles Davis, of course, but also Billie Holiday and Edith Piaf.]

So, back to the summer of 1979. A small notice in the Victoria Daily Times that I almost missed: Joni Mitchell at the Pacific Coliseum.

September 2, 1979 – a show that has now been immortalized on an album (called by Rolling Stone “one of a half dozen or so truly great live rock albums”) and a video: Shadows and Light. Opening the

Tobin Stokes

Cory Sincennes

Alan Brodie

CO-CREATOR

SET & COSTUME DESIGNER

LIGHTING DESIGNER

concert was the a cappella vocal group The Persuasions, and Joni was backed by a now-legendary band: Jaco Pastorius, Pat Metheny, Lyle Mays, Michael Brecker, Don Alias. I’ve heard Joni live twice since then but this concert was and remains one of the top five concert experiences in a lifetime of concert-going. And a great way for Joni Mitchell to cap a decade of extraordinary musical evolution.

Keith Houghton

Jeremy MacLeod

Treena Stubel

ASSISTANT LIGHTING DESIGNER

SOUND DESIGNER

CHOREOGRAPHER

Dianne Woodrow

Jamie Anderson

STAGE MANAGER

APPRENTICE STAGE MANAGER

Robert Holliston is Head of Keyboards at the Victoria Conservatory of Music and is Curator of Public Engagement at Pacific Opera Victoria. He taught The Life and Career of Joni Mitchell for the University of Victoria’s Continuing Studies.

LIVE & VIRTUAL EVENTS Our round-up of events happening at the theatre over the next four weeks.

B4PLAY (IN-PERSON + ONLINE)

Belfry Librarian The wonderful librarians at the Greater Victoria Public Library have compiled a list of books and videos to help you get even more out of our production of I Think I’m Fallin’: The Songs of Joni Mitchell.

BMO Studio, 1291 Gladstone Avenue SATURDAY, OCTOBER 28 AT 11 AM

Our live talk show hosted by CBC Radio’s Gregor Craigie and featuring artists from the upcoming show, along with experts from the community, has been designed to provide insight into each Mainstage production.

Panelists include include Actor and Musical Director Anton Lipovetsky and Co-creator and Director Michael Shamata.

Each event is held the Saturday before Opening, is free to attend, live streamed on Facebook, and is available as a podcast on our website.

B4Play is ASL Interpreted.

To reserve your free tickets, please call our Box Office 250-385-6815.

TALKBACK THURSDAY (In Person) THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 16 FOLLOWING THE PERFORMANCE

On the third Thursday performance during the run of each show, most (usually all) of the actors return to the stage to answer your questions and provide insight into the play you have just experienced. These Q & A sessions last approximately 20 minutes.

COMMUNITY THEATRE NIGHTS FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 17, AND FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 24 AT 8 PM

The community theatre night is an opportunity to celebrate diversity, inclusion, and accessibility by doing what we like to do most, enjoying theatre!

50 Years: The Story of Woodstock Live: Relive the Magic, Artist by Artist

by Julien Bitoun (2019) As the Years Go By…: Conversations with Canada’s Folk, Pop & Rock Pioneers

by Mark Kearney (2017) Girls Like Us: Carole King, Joni Mitchell, and Carly Simon--and the journey of a generation

by Sheila Weller (2008)

If you would like to participate in or attend a Community Theatre Night, please contact matilde.cervantes@belfry.bc.ca

Into the Mystic: The Visionary and Ecstatic Roots of 1960’s Rock and Roll

by Christopher Hill (2017)

AFTERPLAY

Joni Mitchell: In Her Own Words

by Malka Marom (2014)

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 17, AND FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 24

The opportunity to discuss a piece of theatre after you have seen it can enhance your experience of the play.

Joni Mitchell: The Joni Mitchell Sessions by Norman Seeff (2018)

A community facilitator hosts Afterplay, but they are not there to answer questions or to offer expert information. The goal of Afterplay – and the thrill of it – is that the conversation is audience-to-audience.

Morning Glory on the Vine: Early Songs and Drawings

by Joni Mitchell (2019)

VOCALEYE SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 19 AT 2 PM (IN PERSON EVENT WITH TOUCH TOUR & SOCIAL AFTER)

Reckless Daughter: A Joni Mitchell Anthology

by Barney Hoskyns (2016)

Reckless Daughter: A Portrait of Joni Mitchell

by David Yaffe (2017) The Complete Poems and Lyrics

by Joni Mitchell (1997) The Greatest Album Covers of All Time by Barry Miles (2005) The Music of Joni Mitchell

by Lloyd Whitesell (2008) The Words and Music of Joni Mitchell

by James Bennighoff (2010) Will You Take Me As I Am: Joni Mitchell’s Blue Period

by Michelle Mercer (2009) Albums by Joni Mitchell available at GVPL: Blue (1971) Clouds (1969) Court and Spark (1974) For the Roses (1972) Ladies of the Canyon (1970) Hejira (1976) Night Ride Home (1991) Shine (2007) Song to a Seagull (1968)

For patrons with low or no vision, we offer one VocalEye performance during most Mainstage productions. Trained Audio Describers provide descriptions of the visual elements of the show, allowing people with low vision to enjoy the theatrical experience without missing any of the details. More information at the Box Office.

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SPOTLIGHT ON SUPPORTERS:

Peter & Helen Malcolm

Belfry Supporters Peter & Helen Malcolm.

Photo by Jutus Lowry

Helen and Peter are big Joni Mitchell fans and one of their favourite

steadfastly purchased subscriptions for online programming. Peter

songs by her is Both Sides Now. The Malcolms have experienced life

points out that every single play does not have to be to his personal

from both sides—both sides of the Georgia Straight anyway, having

taste, confessing that even on that odd occasion when he finds

been raised on the lower mainland where they met at a friend’s

himself staying past intermission more for Helen’s sake, he’s still glad

wedding, then moving back and forth between here and there a few

he came out.

times.

Helen and Peter became donors to the Belfry because they like

Helen, a schoolteacher and librarian, is credited with introducing

attending the theatre together and believe Victoria should support

Peter to theatre and the arts and making him a more cultured man.

its own professionally produced theatre. In addition to cash

That is fortunate—especially as Peter found himself serving on

contributions, they also became in-kind auction donors over several

Sidney City Council for a few years, and then as a Mayor of Sidney

years, at the initial request of past Belfry Board Member Gloria Back,

in 1976, before career opportunities called them back to Vancouver.

donating Scotch to the Belfry’s annual Crush fundraiser. We were only

Peter’s wide-ranging career in finance included working with

too glad to assist with downsizing Peter’s collection – which at one

individual clients in trusts, wills, estates, investments, insurance, and

point was up to 290 bottles displayed on custom-built shelving in

income tax. At one point he worked for the well-known Vancouver

their former home! Peter was surprised at how valuable some of his

businessperson and philanthropist Milton Wong.

Scotch had become over the years, and says he has never regretted

Helen has also looked at theatre from both sides of the footlights. Her

giving up any of these rare bottles to raise funds for the Belfry.

mother was a community theatre performer and Helen had an early

The Malcolms point out that more people who can easily afford to

love of acting herself. She very much enjoyed volunteering for a walk-

come out to live theatre in Victoria should consider doing so. And the

on role on the Belfry stage in Michael Shamata’s hit production of the

“pay-what-you-want” model we have implemented in recent years to

musical The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee.

ensure accessibility means that the vast majority can now afford to

The Malcolms have been Belfry patrons since they made their permanent move back to Victoria in 2002. They enjoy subscribing as it “gives them a discipline” rather than the risk of missing shows and they appreciate the Belfry’s flexible exchange policy. Now that

do just that We are hoping this production featuring the songs of Joni Mitchell will introduce newcomers who will over the years come to appreciate the Belfry as much as the Malcolms have.

—Susan Stevenson, Director of Development.

they have downsized to a nearby apartment, they like walking to the theatre and appreciate the 7:30 p.m. start time on Tues/Wed/

For information on contributing donations or donations-in-kind to

Thurs evenings. They enjoy the comfort of the renovated lobby and

the Belfry, contact Kate Barry and Susan Stevenson at development@

the opportunity to talk with acquaintances who they wouldn’t see as

belfry.bc.ca.

often otherwise.

The best way this couple can describe their taste in theatre is “eclectic.” Some of the productions they have most enjoyed include the touring production of Bears by Matthew MacKenzie, as well as learning about lighting in Itai Erdal’s memorable tribute to his late mother, How to Disappear Completely. During the pandemic, they Tickets 250-385-6815 / tickets.belfry.bc.ca

Did you know that we accept tax-receiptable donationsin-kind to our auctions of all manner of unused goods – including but not limited to alcohol? This year Crush+ runs November 13-19 and will include many pre-holiday shopping gifts of all sorts. www.belfry.bc.ca/crush

Calendar

DECEMBER 2 – 23, 2023 – HOLIDAY SHOW

I Think I’m Fallin’: The Songs of Joni Mitchell

BIDDING OPEN N O V E M B E R 1 3 - 19 , 2 0 2 3

PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE

October 31 – November 26, 2023 Tuesdays – Thursdays at 7:30 pm Wednesday Matinees at 1 pm (November 8, 15 and 22) Fridays & Saturdays at 8 pm Saturday Matinees at 4 pm Sunday Matinees at 2 pm Audience Engagement Schedule B4PLAY (In-person + Online) Saturday, October 28 at 11 am

FINE WINE TRAVEL EXPERIENCES DINING & GIFT CERTIFICATES JEWELRY

TALKBACK THURSDAY

Thursday, November 16 following the performance COMMUNIT Y THEATRE NIGHTS

Friday, November 17, and Friday, November 24 at 8 pm VOCALEYE

Sunday, November 19 at 2 pm

How to buy tickets By telephone

Visit belfry.bc.ca/tickets

Please have your

and buy your tickets online, anytime.

as well as the date and time of the performance you wish to attend.

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Online

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An Online Auction Benefitting the Belfry Theatre

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Drop by our Box Office.

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DECEMBER 2 – 23, 2023

I THINK I’M FALLIN’: THE SONGS OF JONI MITCHELL PUBLIC FUNDERS

Belfry Theatre 1291 GLADSTONE AVENUE VICTORIA, BC

V8T 1G5

SEASON SPONSORS