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Dance galore, Darby Mills, movie night, and Shrek The Musical Jr. take CPAC stage in June

Through musical and visual storytelling rocker Darby Mills brings her true story to the stage June 7

The Cowichan Performing Arts Centre turns up the heat just in time for the first month of summer with an eclectic mix of events for all lovers of the arts this June.

From a musical adventure with everyone's favourite lovable ogre, and his pals in Shrek Jr. The Musical to dance recitals galore, the true musical story of Canada's Scream Queen Darby Mills and a night at the movies will keep reeling in lovers of the arts all month long.

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On June 1, start off the first month of summer on the right foot with Warmland Dance as they celebrate 11 years of excellence through movement with their 2025 Showcase, featuring sizzling dance moves from across all levels, and genres. Dancers grace the stage at 2 p.m. Regular tickets are $38, or $18 for seniors, students, and children. 

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On June 6 at 1 and 6 p.m., join the junior students of Queen Margaret's School and shriek with laughter as they bring the adventures of everyone's favourite lovable ogre Shrek, his loyal bud Donkey and Princess Fiona as they navigate a heartwarming tale of friendship, bravery, and embracing what makes us unique. This musical features beloved characters, and toe-tapping tunes. Note the matinee performance on June 6 is a school performance, and only Rows K-P will be available to the general public. Tickets are $25, and $15 for students, children, and teachers. Look for the full article in The Citizen.

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On June 7 at 7:30 p.m., rock fans will want to pin down some tickets, and head down to the Cowichan Performing Arts Centre to experience Darby Mills True Story. 

Mills, who is the original front-woman of the popular '80's rock band The Headpins, has sold millions of records worldwide and earned herself three Juno nominations. Presented by Darby Mills Project, Canada's Queen of Scream brings a show blending live rock performances with cinematics and storytelling as she takes audience members on a musical and visual journey over the span of her 48-year career. Backed by a powerhouse live band, Mills takes audience members on an electric ride of rock and roll with chart-toppers from the The Headpins as well as classics from artists such as Janis Joplin, Nazareth, The Allman Brothers, Led Zeppelin, and more. Tickets are $49. 

“This show is my life in music — the highs, the struggles, and the songs that bring it all together,” said Mills

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On June 8 at 2 p.m., spend an afternoon getting lost in the rhythm as Judy Hogg’s Celtic Rhythm Dancers present Time, Tempo & Rhythm with dance pieces across multiple genres and levels. Tickets are $27, and $20 for children. 

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Celebrate 70 years of beautiful movement and dance with Carlson's School of Dance as they grace the stage with their two year-end recitals on June 13 at 6 p.m., and June 14 at 2 p.m., where students ranging from terrific to tots to amazing adults will showcase their skills in the genres of ballet, jazz, tap, hip hop and more. Tickets are $32, and $20 for students and children. 

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Get in step and get to know the students of Adagé Studio a little better as they present 'This Is Us'.

With performances on June 20 at 6 p.m., and June 21 at 12 p.m., Adagé's year end recital will show off the students' skills across all levels and genres. Tickets are $33, and $20 for children. 

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On June 22 at 2 p.m., brighten up your afternoon with LT Dance Studio as they present their year-end dance recital 'Bring The Light'. Their year end performance will have students of all ages showcasing their dance moves across all genres. Tickets are $30, and $20 for children. 

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On June 23 at 7 p.m., come down and see what Reel Alternatives has cooked up on the big screen as they present All Stirred Up.

This comedy takes place in a remote village somewhere on the border between Quebec and the United States. The plot thickens like a stew when the unyielding customs officer Sonia confiscates the contents of the car belonging to Victor, a French chef living in New York and in need of recognition. 

Tickets are $17, and all proceeds got to Cowichan Hospice. 

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To purchase tickets for shows, go to cowichanpac.ca or call the Cowichan Ticket Centre at 250-746-2722, or visit in person in the lobby of the Cowichan Community Centre on James Street in Duncan.



About the Author: Chadd Cawson

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