a ~ 46 - Wednesday, November Eintertainment Actress for her From Page 45 left field; it was a modern- day Hollywood rags-to- riches fairy tale; but more correctly it was the recogni- tion of a natural singing tal- ent that went beyond the norm and slipped between the cracks of the usual routes to the top. Josile Rabu “*} never dreamed I'd end up on stage. I knew a lot of people in amateur ‘theatre and they’d all told me their various theatre horror stories, and 1’d decided well that’s not for me.” .On the strength of Rabu’s vocals, Piaf, Her Songs, Her Loves, sold out City Stage for a year. The production later travelled to Calgary, Alberta and Phoenix, Arizona. It was heralded with rave reviews wherever it played. Rabu, who thought her Edith Piaf would be the ex- tent of her theatrical career, scored subsequent roles in Goodnight Disgrace and Cabaret. Delivering . tall drinks to loud businessmen has long since faded into Rabu’s past. The 27-year-old Win- nipeg-born singer is now touring behind, Joelle Rabu in Concert, a new produc- 20, 1985 - North Shore News sings supper tion featuring a cross-section of songs from different musical eras and different musical styles interpreted by Rabu and delivered with the passionate vocals that have become her signature. Though it retains one or two Piaf songs of the hundreds Rabu has spent a life submerged in, the show, she says, is an attempt to move from the shadow of her in- spiration and stake out her own musical territory. Working with such musi- cians as Douglas Dodd, Charlie Knowles, Reg Block and John Gray of Billy Bishop Goes to War, Rabu has come up with a showcase of songs she says ‘‘reach deep into the heart. Songs that retain the poetry of the lyric, that European flare that is slowly disappearing fram today’s music.”’ A four-song Rabu EP re- corded in Vancouver on the local Goldrush label was released in April. Her next recording venture will be an album with songs recorded in five different languages, two of which will be sung in Esperanto, the so-called universal language. With bookings through to 1988, the sparkle of a career Jaunched on a lucky break and a magnificent voice con- tinues to dazzle all who come into contact with it. Rabu, herself remains an- chored in the realities of life before fame. “T sing because I love it, when it becomes work then I will quit.”” Rabu will bring her new Production to North Van- couver’s Centennial Theatre Friday and Saturday night. Ticket information: 988- 6166. Treat yourself to a chocolate extravaganza VANCOUVER'S finest chocolateers will all be assembled under one roof for the Vancouver Christmas Chocolate Extravaganza, November 21-24, The combined fantasies of every Vancouver chocolate lover will become a reality upon entering the Robson Square Media Centre for this fourth annual tribute to the world’s olvest and most delicious weakness — choco- late! From truffles to chaco- Jate-dipped strawberries, from nanaimo bars to choc- olate nougat, from bon bons tO creations as yel unnamed, the booths at the Extrava- ganza will be overflowing with tantalizing morsels to please every palate. . And since even the most ardent chocoholic can’t con- sume chocolate continuously {although many have tried, with varying degrees of suc- cess), other amusements will abound. Some of Vancouver’s most renowned chefs will be on hand demonstrating how to make their favorite choc- olate creations; chocolym- pics -— chocolate baking competitions for the young and the not-so-young, the amateur and the professional — will make a return ap- pearance; a chococino bar will provide a relaxing change of pace; entertain- ment will be provided and door prizes will add further excitement every day. The grand prize to be awarded is a trip for two to Air Canada’s Endless Summer in Hawaii. The Vancouver Chocolate Extravaganzs isthe brain of and major fundraiser for Carousel Theatre, Van- couver’s family threatre company. Each dollar raised by the Extravaganza helps Carousel perform for 500 school children every week and thousands of families on weekends and evenings. Tickets are $2 in advance and $3.50 at the door, with discounts available for seniors and children. The Extravaganza will take place at the Robson Square Media Centre. The hours are 5 3 p.m, November 21 and 22, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. November 23 and 12-5 p.m. oan November 24. For further information please contact Maureen Verkaar, 272-2479, Picture, if you will, Fiji, Picture mile after mile of sunswept beaches, tropical breezes and water that changes colour from cobalt to turquoise. Picture yourself there; for 14 glorious days and 12 breath- taking nights. Picture yourself staying at the fabulous Mocambo Hotel, In addition to taking care of land transfers, they'll provide you with a complimentary day cruise. . Now picture yourself getting there ° > T= in style with Continental's -. * Juxurious service featuring in- 25 credibly ¢ comfortable sheepskin seats, compli- ‘ mentary bar service and Continental's LR famous “Pub in the Sky.” Now picture all of this for the same | price as Hawaii, Continental Airlines and 33 “Fraveland brings you Fiji. For the same price — as Hawaii. From just $1488. From Vancouver. Nice picture, isn’t it? Some conditions and restrictions do F apply: You must purchase your ickets at Y= least 21 days in advance, with the duration ih We = orn of your stay from . 9 days to 6 months. Subject to change and g government approval, senses: Other restrictions apply. ue } Call your travel agent and ask about ‘Traveland’s Fiji. pe CONTINENTAL AIRLINES ASUS. Cittes * Mesico * Canada * South Pacific * Mieronesés + Hiawati «The Bar East “Round trip flygts via connecting service.