Going out
Theatre An Evening With Sir Peter Ustinov. Lyric Theatre, Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts, Wan Chai. November 28-29, December 2-3, 8 pm. $480, $280. Urbtix on 734-9009.
Actor, director, novelist, playwright, producer and even the voice behind the guided tour at Beijing's Forbidden City: are there any bounds to this man's talents? Ustinov, who is in his 70s, dons his raconteur hat for four one-man shows. His varied career in show business (he has won two Oscars and played Agatha Christie's Hercule Poirot in two films, among other projects) has provided him with plenty of fuel for thought. Sources say his shows are a side-splitting experience, a combination of wit and wisdom.
Music Cyndi Lauper. Queen Elizabeth Stadium, Wan Chai, 8 pm. November 28-29. $480, $380. Urbtix on 734-9009.
The irrepressible Lauper is in town to rattle through her greatest hits and, to be fair, she has a tidy pile of them. Girls Just Want To Have Fun, Time After Time, True Colours and I Drove All Night are just some of the sing-along specials which have been grouped together on her latest album, Twelve Deadly Cyns ... And Then Some. The New York girl started with a band called Blue Angel in 1979 and began her solo career in 1983. Her penultimate album, Hat Full Of Stars, featured collaborations with Mary Chapin Carpenter and Rob Hyman. Ought to be a good night out.
Radio Free Hong Kong. Music Union, 1/F Comfort Building, 88 Nathan Road, Tsim Sha Tsui. November 29, 8.30 pm-11.30 pm. $30.
The guys from RFHK have found a new home and will be championing the cause for local bands with a live music slot every Tuesday. Highlights will include skiffle group Rough Lovers, folk/rock outfit Demeter, Black and Blue and Huh?!, who are well known on the live circuit. Sea Music (the company behind RFHK) is also planning another RFHK CD to follow up on the success of Volume One and will be scouting for new talent. Bands with original material who are interested in playing live can contact Sea Music on 368-3776 or Music Union on 312-2688.
Classical music Ivo Pogorelich. Sha Tin Town Hall. November 30, 8 pm. $320, $240, $160, $80. Urbtix on 734-9009.
Hailed as a genius by famed pianist Martha Argerich, Belgrade-born pianist Pogorelich has played at Carnegie Hall and with major orchestras such as the Berlin and Vienna Philharmonic and the London Symphony. His programme at Sha Tin will include four scherzos by Chopin and Pictures At An Exhibition by Mussorgsky. His work with young musicians, including the establishment of a Young Musicians' Fellowship in Croatia, led to his appointment as an UNESCO ambassador of goodwill, the first classical musician to receive this honour.
Boston Symphony Orchestra. Hong Kong Cultural Centre Concert Hall, Tsim Sha Tsui. December 2-4, 8 pm. $600, $450, $300, $150. Urbtix on 734-9009.
The Boston Symphony Orchestra, accompanied by the Tanglewood Festival Chorus, presents a mini festival of the work of Frenchman Hector Berlioz. The first evening features the Waverly Overture (Nuits D'ete and Symphonie Fantastique), the second night is the dramatic symphony Romeo And Juliet, and the third performance will be Requiem, Grand Messe Des Morts.
Dance La Chambre Blanche by O Vertigo Danse (Quebec). City Hall Theatre, City Hall, Central. December 2,3, 8 pm. $150, $120, $70. Urbtix on 734-9009.
The brainchild of Montreal choreographer Ginette Laurin, who trained as a gymnast, this company is known for its dynamic choreography and theatrical inventiveness. La Chambre Blanche (The White Room) examines the tensions among a group of people in a room which is mysterious and chilling but full of possibilities.
Cinema Trois Coleurs: Rouge. Hong Kong Exhibition and Convention Centre, Wan Chai. December 3. $40. Starring Irene Jacob and Jean-Louis Trintignant. In French with Chinese and English subtitles.
The third part of Krzysztof Kieslowski's trilogy (which included Bleu and Blanc) is a compelling tale about chance, destiny, compassion and, ultimately, brotherhood. Valentine (Jacob) is a young model who meets an older man, a retired judge, after she knocks down his dog. Although they are complete opposites - she is young, optimistic and involved; he is old, cynical and indifferent - they connect. Auguste, a younger man who has just qualified as a judge, lives across the street from Valentine and is deeply in love with a girl who delivers personal weather reports. The crusty old judge passes the time eavesdropping on his neighbour's phone conversations - including those of the weather girl. If you loved Bleu and Blanc, then Rouge is right up your alley. This is the opening film of the French Cinepanorama organised by the Alliance Francaise.
Photography Gun T'Sing Foh Ngan (The Eyes With Blazing Flame). Foyer, Hong Kong Cultural Centre, Tsim Sha Tsui. December 1-7. Free.
This annual exhibition from the Hong Kong Institute of Professional Photographers will include the work of 44 snappers, the largest project in the society's history. Images '95, the institute's creative annual, will be released to coincide with the exhibition and document the specific style and services available from each participating photographer.
