Obsession, Jealousy, And Music Take To The Stage At The McPherson Playhouse

Online, February 23, 2012 (Newswire.com) - For over thirty-seven years Victoria's Kaleidoscope Theatre has been the driving force behind Vancouver Island's most beloved theatre experiences for young people and their families, reaching an audience of over 8,000 young people each year. For young artists, Kaleidoscope is a launching pad - providing professional support, training, and experiences to develop their vision and craft through our various workshops, productions, and Performing Arts Studio classes.

With cuts to provincial gaming grants and job action by BC teachers effecting mainstage ticket sales, Kaleidoscope Theatre has been faced with a grueling task to find funds to support their mission without effecting the quality of programming offered. "This labour action is causing a ripple effect and depriving young people of a very valuable experience of going to the theatre to see great work that is educational and transformative", artistic director Roderick Glanville says on ticket sales to the company's recent production of A Midsummer Night's Dream which saw a 3,200 attendance decrease in school ticket sales alone due to BC teacher job action.

Amadeus marks the 15th Annual Fundraising Gala for Kaleidoscope Theatre, previously called Lawyers On Stage, and the company hopes to raise a much needed $50,000 to help offset rising operating and programming costs due to cutbacks in arts funding. General admission for Amadeus includes a reception, a silent auction, and raffles at each of the two performances. All funds raised will support Kaleidoscope Theatre's programming for young people, helping to create original, innovative, relevant theatre experiences that stimulate and inspire young people and their communities.

When your hard-earned fame has been surpassed by a brilliantly gifted, potty-mouthed golden boy, what else can you do but smile to his face while secretly plotting his downfall? Amadeus, winner of seven Tony Awards â€' including Best Play â€' and the Academy Award for Best Picture, depicts the flamboyant genius of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart as seen through the eyes of his desperately jealous contemporary, composer Antonio Salieri.

The Award-winning, thrilling, and wickedly sharp play, Amadeus is a fictional story, set in the late 18th century, inspired by the historical circumstances of the artistic and personal rivalry between Viennese court composers Antonio Salieri and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Close to death and fearing that God has abandoned him, Salieri confesses his rage, envy, vengeance and regrets. The complex world of religious faith, moral standards, genuine inspiration, and artistic expression are illuminated through a series of theatrical flashbacks seen from Salieri's perspective. Salieri's scandalous and spellbinding tale culminates when the righteous ambitions of a mediocre musician are focused on the tragic destruction of a man graced with heavenly genius, Mozart. 


Featuring a large 35 person cast led by Artistic Director Roderick Glanville as Salieri, with Pat Rundell as Mozart, Candace Woodland as Constanze, and Barry Bowman as Joseph II.

This towering story of greed, obsession, and guilt has been hailed as "gripping and fascinating" with "delicious wit." The Washington Post said this brilliant play is "a rich theatrical experience you're likely to repeat for many a year."

Established in 1974, Kaleidoscope Theatre is Vancouver Islandʼs only resident professional theatre company offering professional theatre and programming for the whole family. Kaleidoscope has created and produced more than 90 original plays / original adaptations for young audiences. It is the only professional theatre company on Vancouver Island offering programs designed specifically for youth and families, with full production values. Kaleidoscope has performed to over 2.5 million people around the world.

Amadeus is sponsored in part through generous support from Doug Lee and Associates and Kaleidoscope Season Sponsor Thrifty Foods. Kaleidoscope acknowledges the support of: The CRD Arts Development Committee, BC Gaming Policy and Enforcement, BC Arts Council; Times Colonist, Island Parent Magazine, Monday Magazine, CTV Vancouver Island, and Metropol Industries.

Tickets for Amadeus can be purchased through the Royal McPherson Box Office #3 Centennial Square 250.386.6121 for $62.00(includes all applicable taxes and service charges). All proceeds go to supporting Kaleidoscope Theatre.

"The best theatre in Canada is happening in young people's theatre. It's the most original, most inventive, the freshest work being done. It communicates directly to all audiences and it's time Victoria public has a chance to see this work". - Elizabeth Gorrie; Kaleidoscope Founding Artistic Director