The Pearl Company

The Naked Ballerina: A three week series of dance, theatre, and music!
Two shows per night throughout. All shows start at 8:00pm. $20 /$15 students/seniors/un(der)waged.

Naked Ballerina: Sarah Murphy-Dyson: Every night throughout this impromptu run! “Discover the darkness behind the curtain, as the former Royal Winnipeg Ballet first soloist & Gemini Award winner brings you backstage into her world of blood, sweat and secrets. Illusions of perfection onstage and off are shattered as she seeks the courage to expose her truth to herself and the world.” Glenn Sumi, Now Magazine   “…a heartbreaking performance in this almost autobiographical story of a dancer coming to terms with the pain of being perfect. Murphy-Dyson’s script was compelling stuff and her stunning performance rocked The Pearl Company nightly.” Gary Smith, Hamilton Spectator. What more is there to say?  The two quotes above say it all. This fabulously compelling story is an audience favourite and was named one of the top shows of 2015.

Back from the Brink: Aaron Berger: Friday, October 7. 8:00pm. $15 / $10 students/ seniors/ un(der)waged. Sharing stories can change the way we see and experience ourselves, others and the world. “Back from the Brink” is a play that tells the true life story of award winning speaker, Berger’s, healing journey back from a failed suicide attempt at the brink of Niagara Falls. Making peace with the past, singer/songwriter and actor, Berger is following his dream of inspiring others to see their interconnectedness. Link to video of personal story and this project: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wYQY_8JyEic
Followed by Aaron Berger & The Blue Stars: “I think music is a way of life…. It colours and shapes the experiences of my life every day. I believe music has the power to open doors into the heart of the universe and that my songs are prayers for peace and understanding.”  The Blue Stars are: Aaron Berger, James Gizzie, Johnny Albers, Matthew James, Nathaniel Goold, T.J. Rogers… and you!  Aaron’s music is available to listen to and download here: www.aaronberger.bandcamp.com

Murphy-Dyson/Santucci: Pas de Deux: September 24, 30. October 1, 8.  An exceptional blend of choreography and improvisation from two major talents in their fields. Gary Santucci plays his original compositions for solo guitar; Sarah Murphy-Dyson dances. Sarah is known for both her dancing and acting chops! Gary Santucci (Flamenco, Classical & Jazz Guitar Artist) has become a consummate musician whose repertoire spans numerous genres. Among his awards is Best Classical Musician 1982 [Hamilton Wentworth Council of the Arts],  The City of Hamilton Arts Award for Music 2004, and together with Barbara Milne, The City of Hamilton Arts Award 2008 for Lifetime Achievement.  Listen: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LzKBk4LxbRU

Shari Vandermolen & David Brideau: Saturday May 5.  Doors: 7:30pm. Show: 8:00. Tickets: $20. Shari Vandermolen is a renowned vocalist and award-winning performer in Hamilton and the Greater Toronto Area who has been entertaining audiences for 15 years with her Quartet, Trio or 5-piece band Quarter to Nine.  She is also the lead vocalist for the 10-piece jazz combo SwingLine.  On May 5th Shari brings her powerful and impressive vocal stylings back to the Pearl Company for a more intimate evening of song with jazz guitarist David Brideau, James Gannett on bass and Vince Waters on drums.  “…hear Vandermolen make jelly of your emotions with her voice and her art… one example is Stormy Weather… I barely weathered that storm intact.”  – View Magazine
David Brideau is a Canadian jazz guitarist, composer, and teacher who has been an active musician for over 15 years. A Hamilton native, and honours graduate from the Mohawk Jazz program, David has played all around the GTA with his own group, the David Brideau Trio and Quartet, as well as being prominently featured in groups with Michael Morobito, Amber-Leigh Palka, and Lauren Perreira among others. He studied under jazz greats Bob Shields, Pat Collins, Kim Ratcliffe, and Mark Ucci and is currently continuing his studies at McMaster University. David often composes his own standards, and released the sold-out EP “Addicted To You” in 2016. He is a recipient of the Dave McMurdo Music Bursary, the Antony Roberts Music Bursary, and the Richard Newell Memorial Scholarship.
Ticets: https://www.ticketscene.ca/events/21098/