November 21, 2008
Printed by the Review
Live, from Queen Street
It’s Fort Erie’s Gypsy Theatre, eager to be part of downtown Niagara Falls
Posted By JOHN LAW , REVIEW STAFF WRITER
It didn’t take long for the deja vu to hit John Dalingwater and Bernadette Feeney.
Nearly 20 years ago, during a lousy economy, they refurbished an old building in downtown Fort Erie into a new theatre.
Here they are again, fixing up an old downtown building, opening a new theatre, dealing with another recession. Only this time -like the gypsies they’re named after -they’re on the move.
In May, the Niagara theatre company will open a sister stage in Niagara Falls at the former Seneca movie theatre on Queen Street. (more…)
November 17, 2008
CliftonHill.com launches Niagara Falls Vacation Sweepstakes and Instant Win Contest
Sweepstakes and Instant Win Game Prizes Include a Getaway Package to Niagara Falls, Tickets to the Niagara SkyWheel, Discounts Towards Hotel Rooms, plus More.
Niagara Falls, Ontario November 17, 2008 — Celebrating the the Magical Winter Season in Niagara Falls, CliftonHill.com has launched an all new Vacation Sweepstakes Contest and Instant Win Game. The contest welcomes both Canadian and American residents to register for a chance to win valuable travel prizes.
After registering for the contest, you will be entered into a Grand Prize draw for a chance to win a Niagara Falls vacation package; this includes a two-night stay at the Comfort Inn Clifton Hill hotel, $30 voucher for Kelsey’s Restaurant, 2 Fun Passes for 6 great attractions and breakfast each morning.
Whats even more exciting is that you will also get to play the interactive “Spin to Win” game for a chance to win instant prizes like: passes to the Niagara SkyWheel or great room discounts at the Comfort Inn Clifton Hill hotel.
This unique contest opportunity is only open to residents of Canada and the United States and is available for a limited time.
Click here to learn more about this contest:
http://www.niagarafalls-fun.com
About Clifton Hill, Niagara Falls:
Clifton Hill is Niagara’s world famous street of fun by the Falls, offering a great variety of attractions, restaurants and shopping for everyone. It is considered to be one of the most vibrant and colorful tourist areas in Niagara Falls, Canada. For more information please visit CliftonHill.com, the official website.
November 10, 2008
Printed by the Review
Festival lights the sky
A MAGICAL START TO CHRISTMAS
Posted By JOHN LAW , REVIEW STAFF WRITER
It didn’t feel a lot like Christmas, but the Winter Festival of Lights made the most of it on a rainy opening night Saturday.
Under a steady downpour, a soggy crowd at Queen Victoria Park sat through an hour of speeches, Christmas carols and magic acts before Disney favourites Goofy and Pluto flipped the switch to officially open the 26th annual festival.
At that point, everyone dropped their umbrellas to check out a city transformed. For the next two months, more than a million visitors are expected to take in more than 120 animated displays and three million lights, making this one of North America’s biggest illumination festivals. (more…)
November 9, 2008
Printed by the Review
The History Of Sherman Zavitz
Saturday Special How the city’s past ‘became a real passion’ for a soft-spoken writer
Posted By JOHN LAW
You might assume some things about Sherman Zavitz, the city’s official historian. He’ll then correct you. Politely, as always.
One: He’s so low-key and reserved, he has never been in trouble in his life.
Wrong. He once got a detention in school. Maybe twice.
Two: He’s so calm and collected, he has never had to raise his voice.
Wrong. During his 35 years as a teacher, he had to “lay down the law” a few times. But he never yelled.
“You get the best out of kids when they’re not in fear of you,” he says.
Three: He actually paid attention instead of goofing off in history class. OK, you got him there. (more…)
November 7, 2008
Printed by the Review
Festival set to shine lights across city
Posted By RAY SPITERI , REVIEW STAFF WRITER
Music, magic and Walt Disney characters will be the order of the day this weekend in Niagara Falls as the Winter Festival of Lights kicks off its 26th year.
Opening ceremonies take place Saturday with a free outdoor stage show in Queen Victoria Park.
Beginning at 5 p. m., the festival of lights choir, under the direction of the Ontario Conservatory of Music, will sing a selection of holiday classics.
Greg Frewin, regarded as an international grand champion of magic, will perform, as well as Seussical featuring “Cat in the Hat” and “Horton Hears a Who,” and the Smudge Fundaes with the Winter Festival of Lights mascots, The Misty Kids. (more…)
Printed by the Review
Grand Dinner Theatre has new home -and great view
Posted By JOHN LAW , REVIEW STAFF WRITER
Christmas has come early for the Niagara Falls Grand Dinner Theatre.
The company brings back an old favourite in a new location this weekend, kicking off the next era for the award-winning theatre.
Tom Dudzick’s Christmas play “Greetings” won a Niagara Misty Award when it was last staged in 2001 at Queenston Heights Restaurant. Only appropriate it’s the first show at Edgewaters inside Queen Victoria Place, says co-owner Diane Harris-Wakeling.
“We’re over the moon,” she says. “We thought it was only fitting that we do our first show at the new venue with our all-time favourite (show).”
Harris-Wakeling, along with husband Cam and business partners Peter Borys and Ron Shafir, purchased the Niagara Grand Dinner Theatre last year. Shortly after receiving the keys, a new home became necessary when the Niagara Parks Commission decided to close the Queenston Heights Restaurant during the winter month (more…)
Printed by the Review
Skyline giant
New 60-storey hotel towers above city
Posted By RAY SPITERI , REVIEW STAFF WRITER
It dwarfs everything in the city.
And proponents claim it’s the tallest of its kind in Canada.
Standing at nearly 60 storeys (about 550 feet), the latest addition to the Hilton Hotel even looks down on the Skylon Tower.
The first of a two-phase redevelopment of the Fallsview Boulevard complex began in January 2007 and is slated for completion in April 2009.
It includes about 500 new guest rooms on 43 storeys, says senior project manager Chris Hawkswell.
The tower is attached to the existing 36-storey Hilton structure opposite the Niagara Fallsview Casino Resort. A 15- storey hotel in the centre connects the two towers.
“From my understanding, it’s going to be the tallest hotel in Canada and it’s obviously, right now, the tallest building in Niagara Falls,” says Hawkswell. (more…)
November 6, 2008
Printed by the Review
Parks, businessman spar over boat tours
Georgia man wants to replace Maid of the Mist
Posted By COREY LAROCQUE , REVIEW STAFF WRITER
An Atlanta, Ga. businessman wants to bust up Maid of the Mist’s monopoly on boat tours and is upset the Niagara Parks Commission dismissed his interest in replacing the historic tour company.
But parks commission management said he’s “full of hot air.”
It’s the second time this year a private company has claimed it was turned away by the parks commission after asking about how to take over the lease the Maid of the Mist Steamboat Co. has with the parks commission.
The secretive way the parks commission awards contracts prompted local businessman Bob Gale, a member of the commission, to file a complaint with Ontario’s integrity commissioner in the summer. It’s still under investigation. (more…)
November 4, 2008
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They’re back from the ’70s
‘We came up from nothing’ Legendary duo Cheech and Chong play Falls casino
Posted By JOHN LAW REVIEW STAFF WRITER
One jokes that it’s all about paying his legal bills. The other says it’s about alimony.
Their fans simply say it’s about time.
Whatever the reason Cheech Marin and Tommy Chong decided to bury the hatchet, the legendary comedy team’s “Light Up America and Canada Tour” has been a hit since it launched in Ottawa on Sept. 5.
Maybe because everything seems strangely familiar, says Marin. When Cheech and Chong launched their stoner schtick in the late 1960s, America looked a lot like it does now.
“It’s exactly the same situation as when we first started,” he says, on the line from Los Angeles. “Unpopular president, unpopular war, economy in chaos. You just substitute Nixon for Bush and it’s the same.
“Cheech and Chong has sort of transcended every age category, every ethnic category, every economic category. It’s like … who likes butter? Everybody likes butter! It has nothing to do with how you think.” (more…)
November 3, 2008
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Classic rockers ringing in new year at falls
Supertramp’s Roger Hodgson, Kim Mitchell headline popular concert
Posted By JOHN LAW REVIEW STAFF WRITER
Classic rock will ring in the new year in Niagara Falls. Just like last year.
Former Supertramp singer Roger Hodgson and Canadian cornerstone Kim Mitchell will headline the annual free New Year’s Eve concert at Queen Victoria Park.
Young country singer Justin Hines rounds out the lineup, announced last week by the Niagara Parks Commission, who will once again partner with the city, the Fallsview Tourist Area, Ontario Lottery Gaming and other private sector businesses.
Last year’s New Year’s Eve had an ’80s flavour with Honeymoon Suite, Loverboy and Dennis DeYoung of Styx.
It was one of the most well-received New Year’s shows in years.
The combination of Mitchell and Hodgson will keep the oldies vibe going.
Mitchell had a strong run in the ’80s with Canadian rock hits like “Go For Soda,” “Patio Lanterns” and “Rock and Roll Duty.” (more…)
