Mumford & Sons

Oh, the pure sex of Marcus Mumford. Combine this with amazing lyrics, Red Rocks, and an awesome crowd and you get this...


I can't stop watching.

My Drowsy Chaperone

This blog is dedicated to my husband, Kyle.

It's always tough being the guy in the shadows, especially when you're usually competing for a spotlight. It's hard being home alone three nights a week for months on end; spending Sundays afternoons at home doing the chores by yourself. Not seeing the person you share your life with and forgetting to tell them stories from your day. Missing moments together.

But, when you know that person will eventually take to the stage and create unbelievable magic 5 nights a week for a month (plus matinees on Saturdays!) it's worth it.

Last night I was able to share the latest creation, "The Drowsy Chaperone" at Langham Court Theatre among a group of friends.


Many people have commented on how amazing this show is, as well as how great Kyle is:

Kyle Kushnir does a wonderful job as a likable musical queen. His catty asides are softened by an endearing giggle. It's certainly a linchpin performance.
http://www.timescolonist.com/entertainment/Chaperone+oodles+small+stage/6032054/story.html


As the needle falls, the fourth wall shatters and the musical comes to life around him.
http://www.saanichnews.com/entertainment/137503043.html


Kushnir's flamboyant spirit and endearing laughter captures the audience's imagination at once, bringing them along for a wonderfully entertaining escape from the dreary days of the real world.
http://www.mondaymag.com/entertainment/138083963.html


Top marks go to leads Kyle Kushnir (Elizabeth Rex) as the cheeky charming Man in Chair
http://cvvmagazine.com/the-drowsy-chaperone-a-gay-old-time-john-threlfall/


Better than Bob Saget
http://www.cbc.ca/ontheisland/reviews/2012/01/24/the-drowsy-chaperone/


My good friend Mary asked if I felt nervous and excited for Kyle because he is just so good.
[Mary -- I'm paraphrasing!]

I feel as nervous for Kyle before a show as I did when I was in the start gate for a downhill race, waiting for the gun during a triathlon or before a final exam in university. But, I know he is talented so it's a good nervous.

Last night, waiting on my chair, there were flowers and a card from Kyle. I won't share what it said, but I will tell you that I felt the exact same way about him.

For me, I always knew he was great. Not just on the stage, but in life. He's full of many amazing talents. I'll always have a few that I feel are just for me (not like that...). He's an amazing cook, a thoughtful friend, and a level-headed sparring partner for discussing 'points of view', among others.

For me, the quiet nights alone we're all worth it. They always are.
I'm married to a star and I wouldn't want it any other way.

Just promise me that you'll come visit us when we have to move closer to the bright lights of Broadway.

Movember

It wasn't going to happen, but now it is. Inspiration came from a great commercial I saw on TV tonight.



Then, a quick search on YouTube, and once again Google Chrome made me smile and gave me goosebumps.



Reasons for doing this:
1. I look like Freddie Mercury with one.
2. It helps raise awareness.
3. It helps raise money for prostate cancer.
4. I want to make the hipsters feel awkward.

So, if you can spare a dime or two, head over to my page; or, find another friend with a page and give it to them!

http://mobro.co/BrianCant

Remember, cancer sucks. Big time.

Me, as Freddie Mercury in 2010.

Bullying

We were all bullied. Some more than others. I certainly was. Mrs. Cant was what kids called me in grade 3. I got called gay and fag in high school by Jennifer Richardson ALL the time.

Yep. That's right. I named a person. So what? I'm sure she's grown up, by now. If she ever reads this blog, I'm sure she'll likely either a.) feel bad or  b.) feel right. Either way, I don't really care.

Rick Mercer's rant from yesterday about bullying. I think he says it all, so no need for me to elaborate...

Halloween-ie!

Oh Halloween! How much do I love thee? So many fun memories from so many fun, amazing nights!

2007 - Indiana Jones
This was our first year at Chris' annual Halloween party. We had so much fun! It's so hard to believe, but I barely knew this amazing group of people!

Looking for adventure!

Me and my new friend (and her girls).

Our group of ruffians (Vicky Pollard, Pirate Wench, Army Guy, and Indiana).

2008 - Mormons

Kind of a lame-o costume year, but we managed. Thus began a theme of going in a group for costumes, even if this group was 2. 

Can we tell you about this new religion type thing?

She was the 'it' girl at the party in 2008...

Take me home!

2009 - Stray Cats (or The Cats Who Couldn't Make it on Cats)
This was by far one of the best Halloweens EVER! The makeup was a blast to wear, I got to channel my best Tom Brady, and I got into a fight with a tree (it won). 

Tom Cat, Hello Kitty, Liza Meowie, Snagglepuss.

Kisses, or purrs?

Getting closer to that fight with the tree.

2010 - French Courtiers
First rented costume...we were either obnoxious or amazing (depending on what mood you were in). Note how Phil is our older brother...

Oh mon dieux!

Au chante

Bisous!

2011 - STAY TUNED! It's going to be amazing!

Thankful

With one of my favourite holidays - Thanksgiving - fast approaching, I've been thinking over the past few days of what I'm thankful for. While I could go on and on about all the things I'm truly thankful for, I'll leave it at a few.

I'm thankful for Kyle. He makes me laugh every day. He makes me smile. He makes me happy.

I'm thankful for my parents. They make me want to try harder.

 

I'm thankful for my brother and sister-in-law. They make me feel blessed to have such great siblings.

I'm thankful for my close group of friends. They make me realize how important it is to have people you love take part in the rich experiences of life.

 

 
 
 
 
 
 

I'm thankful for my job. I get to go to work each day and create things I can be proud of. I also get to meet some very interesting and entertaining people!

 

I'm thankful for many other things. I could go on.

Basically, I'm thankful that I'm so lucky.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Back to school!

If you're too school for cool... Kyle's least favourite line from Pink's awful song, "raise your glass" or whatever it's called always makes me shudder. Then, I think about school.

I've been thinking a lot about back to school this past week.

I used to loathe/love the last day of summer. No more suntanning, cards, tubing, wakeboarding, mischief. Time to wear the new clothes and crack open the new note books and pens. It was over and beginning all at once.

Side note: does anyone else remember wearing the new jeans and shirt to school only to realize that it was still 30 degrees out and sweat stinks...a lot?

Tomorrow is the first day. The first day back. The first day of the last year of their education. The firsts could go on and on.

For me, it's just another day now...

But, all this baby talk and raising a family talk has got me excited again for the inevitable (I hope, we hope) first day of ... kindergarten, school, elementary school, middle school (I shudder at that thought), high school, and post-secondary school.

I can't wait to walk our son/daughter to school on their first day. I can only imagine how much fun it was for my parents to do that with me. I remember being excited, but I don't know if I actually was...maybe I want to remember being excited and I was in fact, terrified. Regardless, I still remember being walked to school...being shown the way.

I hope that, this time, I'll be excited for them, even though I'm sure I'll be terrified! I can't wait to show them the way, as best as I can.

I can't wait for their first day of school, whenever it is.

I'll be the proudest dad on the block. Well, we'll be the proudest dads on the block.