As the upcoming weekend lingers on the horizon, here are a few happenings around Montreal this Thursday, May 9, that might help ease you into Friday.
See also
- Ryan Reynolds trolls fans by tweeting link to 'leaked' Detective Pikachu movie
- Drone footage captures progress of historic new mural in Montreal (VIDEO)
- Health Canada drastically reduces blood donation ban for gay men
- Prince Harry and Meghan Markle reveal the name of their royal baby
Carmen – Opera de Montreal
Renowned filmmaker Charles Binamé directs a talented young cast of Canadian actors and musicians, many of whom are from Montreal.
The classic opera show, created by French composer Georges Pizet, is presented in four acts at the timeless Salle Wilfrid-Pelletier theatre.
When: Thursday, May 9
Time: 6:30 pm – 10:30 pm
Where: Salle Wilfrid-Pelletier, Place des Arts
Price: $45 – $170, available online
Montreal Sketchfest
Things have gotten sketchy in Montreal — in a good way.
The 14th edition of Montreal Sketchfest returned to the city at the beginning of May for 10 days of live sketch comedy and laughs.
The Montreal Sketch Comedy Festival is an annual celebration of sketch comedy assembled by Le Nouveau International, a not-for-profit arts company that resides at Theatre Ste. Catherine.
Since its inception in 2006, the festival has welcomed over 300 troupes from all over the world.
When: From now until May 11
Time: Varying times
Where: Theatre Sainte-Catherine, Café Bar and Montreal Improv
Price: $15 – $65, available online
Cirque du Soleil: Alegria
If the opera doesn’t entice you, how about some Cirque du Soleil?
Alegria, which was first performed by Cirque in 1994, stole the eyes and ears of more than 14 million spectators. Performed under a traditional Big Top tent, the show made its way to 255 different cities over 19 years of touring, until its last performance in 2013.
The show is back in Montreal tonight and mixes the high energy acrobatics which Cirque du Soleil is famous for with a “rallying theme for change, hope, and optimistic renewal.” The cast is made up of more than 50 performers and musicians, all renowned internationally for their craft.
When: Thursday, May 9
Time: 8 pm
Where: Big Top, Old Port – Jacques-Cartier Quay, de la Commune Street Est
Price: $150 – $412, available online
21 Swings
Spring isn’t going to be the only thing in the air this week as Montreal’s musical swing exhibition has returned to the Quartier des Spectacles.
The interactive, music art installation, 21 Swings, will have Montrealers feeling like kids again as guests can swing back and forth, creating musical melodies.
The 21 Swings (or Balançoires) installation was custom-made for the Promenade des Artistes in the Quartier des Spectacles. The work was created by Daily tous les jours, in collaboration with animal behaviourist Luc-Alain Giraldeau from UQAM and Radwan Ghazi Moumneh, the installation’s composer.
When: From now until May 28
Time: 10 am – 12 am
Where: Promenade des Artistes, Quartier des spectacles
Price: Free
Jeux d’échecs géants
Montreal is going to be enlarging a classic hobby this month for you to check(mate) out.
Four giant, playable, chess sets are returning to the Quartier des Spectacles from now until May 31 and it’s free to play.
The giant boards consist of all the required pieces to play an official game and each piece is made out of a light plastic that’s easily moveable.
Sure, it might be a little more difficult to strike your opponent’s queen emphatically, but that’s all part of the fun.
The outdoor chess sets will work on a first come, first served basis as there’s no registration or sign-up required.
When: From now until May 31
Time: 10 am – 8 pm
Where: Corner of Ste. Catherine and rue Jeanne Mance
Price: Free
Follow Channels and Categories