Vancouver Shows | Unique Lives & Experiences

RT. HON. Michaelle Jean

Don't miss this rare public appearance by Canada's first female Commander-in-Chief of African descent, Madame Jean as she speaks passionately about her life and career. Born in Haiti, she immigrated to Canada in 1968 fleeing the dictatorial regime of the time. Throughout her career - from journalism to politics - she has captured the hearts and minds of Canadians and people around the world with her compassion, her grace and her representation of our vast and diverse land. Currently the UNESCO Special Envoy for Haiti, Madame Jean will share her unique perspective on her life, family and her vision for Canada. Don't miss this illuminating and remarkable story. An evening with Michaelle Jean will make you feel proud to be Canadian.

MARLO THOMAS

THAT GIRL was the first series on television to portray an independent single woman living alone. As the star and producer, Marlo Thomas was a positive role model for women everywhere. As a multiple award winning actress, author, and social activist, Marlo Thomas was recently inducted into the Broadcasting and Cable Hall of Fame. Whether it is as a guest star on the hit TV series FRIENDS, as the producer of LEAP OF FAITH, as the founding director of the Ms Foundation for Women - carrying on the life's work of her father, Danny Thomas, for the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, or as the wife of Phil Donahue, this woman reveals herself to be so much more than THAT GIRL we knew so well. She will entertain you and make you laugh at her unique life experiences.

Clara Hughes

Clara Hughes is one of the biggest stories to ever emerge in Canadian sports. She is the only Canadian athlete in history to win both medals in cycling at the 1996 Olympic Summer Games and in speed skating at the 2002 Olympic Winter Games. But what many of us didn't know is that she has battled deep depression to get where she is today. She has even made her story public to create a more open dialogue for Canadians suffering from mental illness. Clara will speak from the heart on how perseverance, determination and leadership makes a winner! Clara is an Officer of the Order of Canada and was recently inducted into Canada's Sports Hall of Fame. Clara Hughes is without a doubt one of Canada's greatest National Treasures.

Jamie Lee Curtis

Jamie Lee Curtis was born in the spotlight. She is the daughter of screen legends Tony Curtis and Janet Leigh. She has appeared in over 64 films including, FREAKY FRIDAY, A FISH CALLED WANDA, TRUE LIES and most recently, YOU AGAIN. Jamie has also written several children's books selling over 2 million copies. After so many years in the limelight, Jamie Lee is less focused on Hollywood these days. She prefers spending time with family -- her husband actor Christopher Guest and her two children Annie and Thomas. Jamie likes to spend time helping charities - specifically those with lesser-known causes like: Children Affected with AIDS. Come get to know the real Jamie Lee Curtis and her views on Hollywood, family and aging gracefully.

Connie Chung

An award-winning investigative reporter and one of the most recognizable faces on American television, Connie Chung has been a powerful force in the news industry for more than 35 years. The first Asian American and only the second woman to serve as nightly news anchor on a major TV network (The CBS Evening News), Connie Chung has received innumerable accolades for her work, including three national Emmy Awards, a Peabody Award and the Edward R. Murrow Award. At 38 she married broadcaster Maury Povich. After attempting In-Vitro Fertilization they happily adopted a son. Connie's advice to women who are trying to do it all: "you can't juggle it all, ... You don't have to be perfect. Share your duties with your husband and Chill a Little!"

The Centre in Vancouver for the Performing Arts

Unique Lives & Experiences is bringing some of the most dynamic and influential speakers to The Centre in Vancouver for Performing Arts for our 18th exciting season of talk theatre entertainment. Our goal at Unique Lives & Experiences is to showcase inspirational stories with a unique perspective, told by some of the greatest icons in our society. Personalities who encourage us to refresh, revisit and reflect upon our own views. We feel that the 2012 Vancouver line-up truly meets this goal. It is a special pleasure and privilege to present these five extraordinary speakers to you.