January 2021 begins
with political fireworks
But let’s not overlook some online theatrical goodies
By Byron Toben
As it did in much of 2020, the U.S. elections continue to grab the airwaves and hence our eyeballs. This coming week promises some big splashes.
January 5
The Georgia Senate Run-Off takes place.
Will record early voting, even in the face of last-minute illegal reduction of polling stations, replace the two Republican seats in play with Democrats?
January 6
Swearing-In of Congress
What will happen inside the Congress when Vice president Pence performs the ceremonial role of presiding over the count of the already certified electoral votes of the 50 states?
The U.S. Capitol building where Congress convenes – Image: Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Will the promised disruptive motion by one Republican Senator and one Republican House representative result in Pence rejecting some state results (not authorized to do so in constitution or laws) at worst? Or hours of delay with divisive talk about unproven widespread voter fraud before final swearing-in takes place at best?
What will happen inside the Congress when Vice president Pence performs the ceremonial role of presiding over the count of the already certified electoral votes of the 50 states?
More dramatically, what will take place outside the Congress, where Cry Baby Trump has called for massive demonstrations to deny the credentials of the swing states by the Proud Boys, etc.?
* * * * *
On a more sedate level, some streamed entertainment projects continue, certain indefinitely and others with specific dates.
Continuing indefinitely
Morro and Jasp Clown Cabaret
Highlighted here in an earlier article, the Cabaret continues with past and new acts across Canada.
Colleen Curran’s Kitty Calling
Also earlier highlighted here, Colleen Curran’s Kitty Calling will continue to make its twelve 2020 episodes available online. New ones will be churned out every 3 weeks or so in 2021 as “Pandemic Do-Gooder” Kitty continues to ring and cheer up (?) shut-in Bernice to discuss our new normal life, all enhanced by cameo appearances of others. Lots squeezed into these 3-minute delights.
On January 6
The Midnight Court
Bloomsday Montreal, the largest James Joyce “Ulysses” celebration in the world outside Ireland, keeps its pre-June visibility in mind with a dramatic reading of this 18th-century play, which touches on some contemporary themes, arranged by and featuring actress Kathleen Fee and directed by Elsa Bolam. Do I want to see this? Yes, Yes, I do, I cry, Yes!
The Midnight Court will debut live at 2 pm and be recorded for repeats on days TBD.
Until January 10
Felix Stussi’s Jazz Lab, which began on December 28, continues until January 10. Musicians include pianist leader Felix Stussi, on sax and flute Jean Derome, on bass Normand Guilbeault and on drums Pierre Tanguay. Tickets are $ 16.82 (taxes and service charge incl.)
https://lepointdevente.com/billets/jazzlaborchestra
Until January 11
The Montreal Museum of Fine Arts continues its streamed exhibition of famed Quebec abstract artist Jean-Paul Riopelle, which opened on December 1, until January 11. The MMFA has had several Riopelle exhibitions over the years. This one focuses on indigenous influences.
Feature image: Felix Stussi, courtesy of Felix Stussi.com
More articles from Byron Toben
Byron Toben, a past president of The Montreal Press Club, has been WestmountMag.ca’s theatre reviewer since July 2015. Previously, he wrote for since terminated web sites Rover Arts and Charlebois Post, print weekly The Downtowner and print monthly The Senior Times. He also is an expert consultant on U.S. work permits for Canadians.
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