Sample Conducts Olympiad's Beyond Eden at the Playhouse

Hall of Famer Bill Sample has been busy these days, taking up the role of music director for the Playhouse Theatre Company's last production of Dirty Rotten Scoundrels and now for it's latest run - Beyond Eden - which features Tom Jackson and John Mann.

The show is part of the 2010 Cultural Olympiad and is a co-production with Theatre Calgary and runs from January 16 to Feb. 6th.

Hall of Famer Arngrim Passes at 81

Thor Arngrim, who served as personal manager to the likes of Liberace and Debbie Reynolds, died Dec. 16 in Vancouver of complications from Parkinson's disease. He was 81.

Arngrim also handled the careers of such actors as Susan Anton, Peter Jurasik and Michael Ontkean and also those of his children -- Stefan Arngrim ("Land of the Giants") and Alison Arngrim ("Little House on the Prairie").

Arngrim also was an actor, performing in the original 1956 Broadway production of "Tamburlaine the Great" directed by Tyronne Guthrie and in the 1964 Tony-winning production of "Luther" that starred Albert Finney and was produced by David Merrick.

The native of Regina, Saskatchewan was married to Norma Macmillan (the voice of Casper and Gumby, among many others) until her death in 2001. He founded the famous Totem Theatre of Vancouver in 1951.

His two children survive him. Donations in his memory can be made to AIDS Project Los Angeles, where he volunteered for many years; to PAL Vancouver (Performing Arts Lodge); or to the Parkinson Society of British Columbia.

Jann Arden Named "Vancouver Favourite"

At her Wednesday, November 18th performance at Queen Elizabeth Theatre, Canadian singer songwriter, Jann Arden was honoured as a “Vancouver Favourite” by the BC Entertainment Hall of Fame. Presenting the prestigious award, which includes a plaque on the wall at the Orpheum Theatre, was BC Entertainment Hall of Fame President Elizabeth Ball and local personality, Red Robinson, Vice President of BC Entertainment Hall of Fame.

Previous recipients of the award, which honours local and international entertainers who have left lasting impressions on the hearts of Vancouverites through frequent visits to the city, include Harry Belafonte, Nana Mouskouri, Yo-Yo Ma and B.B. King.

An entertainment icon, Jann Arden has sold millions of albums worldwide, performed on countless stages and continues to keep audiences laughing night after night. November 18th is the first of two intimate evening performances at The Queen Elizabeth Theatre on Jann’s 2009/2010 cross Canada tour.

Check out her full bio here >>>

BC ENTERTAINMENT HALL OF FAME BRONZE PLAQUES INSTALLED ON GRANVILLE ST.

Vancouver, BC
– Elizabeth Ball, President of the Board of Directors
of the B.C. Entertainment Hall of Fame, announced
“We’re gleaming on Granville Street!”

On Monday, The B.C. Entertainment Hall of Fame installed the Stars for beloved band leader Dal Richards and Ball, the first of many new bronze plaques in the renewed Granville Street Project!

Dal placed a signed saxophone reed under his plaque, and even did a little impromptu playing for passersby.

The beautiful new permanent bronze plaques are a wonderful way to acknowledge the fine contributions made by remarkable performing artists in British Columbia. Both local citizens and tourists alike appreciate the opportunity to learn more about the rich history of British Columbia’s entertainment industry.

The B.C. Entertainment Hall of Fame honours British Columbians who have made an outstanding contribution to the entertainment industry here, in Canada and abroad. The Hall was inaugurated in 1994 and currently includes almost 300 inductees. The Hall features the STARWALK along Granville near the Orpheum, the Ticketmaster-sponsored Starwall Gallery and the Pioneer Plaque in the Orpheum lobby, scholarships for students,and the member’s website.

For a complete list of members, check the STARWALK icon on the Orpheum website at vancouver.ca/theatres. The B.C. Entertainment Hall of Fame is a non–profit society funded by donations from the public, from our tours and annual productions in the Orpheum Theatre.


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For more information, contact: Steve Duncan, Media Contact
604-788-8340
srduncan@shaw.ca

Stars Return To Granville Street

In a formal ceremony in front of the Orpheum, brand new, brighter stars have been re-installed along Granville, Vancouver's Theatre Row. Several old plaques were lost and damaged as a result of recent major renovations on the street.
Here's a clip of the proceedings from CBC News:

Granville Mall walk of fame stars reinstallation

Pat Trudell Gone At 90

Well-known Vancouver performer and musician Pat Trudell passed away on July 2nd, 2009. Over the years, Pat appeared on many CBC Radio and Television programs including The Jack Cullen Show (Radio Special, 1954), Harmony House (1955-1956), A Hatful of Music (1960), and Come Listen Awhile (1963-1964).

Thanks to Jack Bennest for letting us know about this.

Follow the link below for a full biography:

http://bcehof.blogspot.com/2009/07/trudell-pat.html

Gail McCance Passes Away

Born December 18, 1924 in North Vancouver, passed away peacefully June 16, 2009. Predeceased by brothers Jack, Larry, and Ed. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Patricia, daughter Gaye, sister Terry, sister-in-law Joan and many nieces, nephews and friends. Gail will long be remembered for his work here and worldwide in theatrical design, TUTS, VOA, film, TV and also as a renowned Watercolourist. A memorial was held Saturday, July 4 at St. Catherine's Anglican Church, North Vancouver. In lieu of flowers Donations may be made to St. Catherine's Church or the St. Catherine's Liturgical Arts Group.

For a full biography, f0llow the link below.
http://bcehof.blogspot.com/2009/07/mccance-gail.html