Like millions of young girls, Shannon Chan-Kent grew up watching Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, and dreamed of one day playing Belle. Guess what? Her dream has come true and she's now starring as Belle in Arts Club Theatre Company's production of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast. I recently interviewed her to get an inside look at how she got to where she is today.
Read moreMichela Fiorido: All-star team player in law, sports and life
Whether protecting client privacy rights or helping her team on the basketball court, you can count on Michela Fiorido. Once intent on working in law enforcement, this young Vancouverite realized you can apply law to anything you're passionate about - and she has.
Read moreThe best holiday shows to check out in Vancouver this Christmas →
The holiday season has arrived and some familiar faces have returned to Vancouver’s theatre and arts scene. Whether you’re looking for some great entertainment to enjoy with your family, friends or significant other, here’s a rundown of some of the top theatre, dance and musical performances in and around Vancouver this holiday season. Cheers!
Read moreTheatre Review: Solo Collective Theatre’s Satellite(s) is lost in space
There’s a lot of confusing elements about Solo Collective Theatre’s latest work, the two-act play Satellite(s) by Aaron Bushkowsky. The script is arguably the worst I’ve ever seen performed in professional theatre; there’s no focus to the storyline, the characters literally ramble, and on top of all everything, there’s a lot of very weird elements. Additionally, the play decides it’s a musical at the end, when the actors abruptly start singing. This hot mess of a show genuinely made me feel uncomfortable and embarrassed for everyone involved.
Read moreTheatre Review: Jersey Boys is a riveting biography →
Broadway Across Canada's presentation of the Tony Award-winning musical Jersey Boys is a riveting and spectacular biographical telling of the rise and aftermath of 1960s’ music icons, Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons. Told from the perspectives of all four members throughout the years, Jersey Boys is a heartfelt account of the exciting, yet emotionally turbulent ride of each of the members, set to sensational performances of the group’s timeless songs.
Read moreDance Review: Program 1 defines Ballet BC’s stature as a world-class artistic treasure
Ballet BC dancers Livona Ellis, Emily Chessa and Alexis Fletcher in Cayetano Soto's "Eight Years of Silence". Part of Ballet BC's latest work, "Program 1". Photo credit: Michael Slobodian.
There’s a common theme underlying Ballet BC’s season-opening work, Program 1. This exquisite offering of two pieces, Eight Years of Silence and B.R.I.S.A., is defined by the personal journey of overcoming personal demons. Whether by confronting one’s own fears or finding the courage to break away from your comfort zone, Program 1 is a remarkable display of artistry, embodied by the incredibly talented Ballet BC dancers, who combine superb technique and versatility into world-class contemporary dance.
Read moreTheatre Review: 13: The Musical brings fresh verve to familiar teen archetypes →
Mean girls, jocks, freaks, and geeks—the struggles of adolescence always seem to come with these familiar characters. Bring on Tomorrow Co.’s production of 13: The Musicalintroduces us to a new generation of these archetypes in a story about the teenage fight for social acceptance and the true meaning of friendship. It’s also the perfect vehicle to showcase an impressive array of local teenage talents who individually and collectively deliver outstanding performances.
Read moreRyan Kubeska keeps his cool in a hot real estate market
Ryan Kubeska is undoubtedly one of the top real estate agents in Vancouver. In his seven years in the industry, the 27-year-old has continually turned heads with his impressive sales - while doing it all with his trademark swagger and charm. Read about his journey to success and what motivates him to slay. This is the second installment of my new series, "Slaying it: Vancouver's top young professionals".
Read moreJersey Boys presale: Book your tickets for the Broadway smash hit coming to Vancouver
For this weekend only, buy your tickets to Jersey Boys before tickets go on sale to the public. Presented in a riveting documentary style and enhanced by the electrifying legendary songs of The Four Seasons, Jersey Boys is an exhilarating musical theatre experience. Winner of four Tony Awards, including the 2006 Tony for Best Musical, Jersey Boys is a story about learning life lessons, friendship and resilience. Catch this musical phenomenon in Vancouver at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre from November 14-19, as part of Broadway Across Canada’s 2017/2018 season.
Read more2GuyWithKnives are cooking up success
The first in my series, Slaying it: Vancouver's top young professionals. 2GuysWithKnives are more than what their name suggests. True, the two guys, Sergio Pereira and Patrick Carr, use their knives to create delicious yet nutritious meals delivered to their customers’ homes. But the entire effort takes more than just knives. Sergio and Patrick have used their hearts and passion in helping others to build a successful service enjoyed by hundreds of people in the Lower Vancouver mainland.
Read moreTheatre Review: 'The Sound of Music' tells inspiring tale of humanity and integrity
Broadway Across Canada’s The Sound of Music is an extremely powerful commentary on hope, humanity and the inner strength to do what is right, no matter the road ahead.
Read moreVancouver Fringe Festival review: Cry-Baby the Musical
When teenage bad boy (with a sensitive side) Wade “Cry-Baby” Walker meets suburban sweetheart Allison Vernon-Williams, sparks fly and 1950s Baltimore is turned upside down.
Read moreTheatre Review: Theatre Under The Stars’ Mary Poppins adds a humanistic quality to the Disney classic
Mary Poppins (Ranae Miller) and Bert (Victor Hunter) lead the ensemble. Photo credit: Tim Matheson
Theatre Under The Stars’ (TUTS) version of Mary Poppins, currently lighting up the stage of the Malkin Bowl in Stanley Park, offers classic Broadway pizazz, while also adding a humanistic quality to the well-known story.
Read moreTheatre Review: A star is born: Shannon Hanbury shines in The Drowsy Chaperone
Shannon Hanbury steals the show in Theatre Under The Stars' production of "The Drowsy Chaperone". Photo credit: Tim Matheson
Summer is in full swing and so is Vancouver’s iconic Theatre Under The Stars. One of the two Broadway musicals gracing the stage of the Malkin Bowl in Stanley Park this summer is the Tony Award-winning musical, The Drowsy Chaperone. And while there actually is a character in the show called the Drowsy Chaperone (played by renowned actress Catriona Murphy), make no mistake – this production belongs to a glorious triple threat sensation by the name of Shannon Hanbury. She is absolutely dynamite in this show and the price of admission is but a small price to pay to watch this new star slay.
Read moreTheatre Review: The Phantom of the Opera is a timeless display of theatrical magic
The company of The Phantom of the Opera. Photo credit: Alastair Muir
The phantom is back in Vancouver and he’s had a fabulous makeover. Broadway Across Canada’s new touring version of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s The Phantom of the Opera keeps the essence and spirit of the original production alive, while making things fresh and exciting for audiences. The show is a stunning spectacle of brilliant performances, visuals, staging and of course, music.
Read moreEnjoy some Disney magic in Stanley Park this summer →
From the sweeping cityscape of London, to the jazzy glitz of the roaring ’20s, Theatre Under The Stars (TUTS) is bringing Broadway sizzle to Vancouver this summer.Considered a favourite annual tradition by many, TUTS presents full-scale Broadway musicals every summer in the majestic setting of Stanley Park. This year, TUTS is presenting the Disney classic, Mary Poppins, as well as the five-time Tony Award-winning show The Drowsy Chaperone.
Read moreBard on the Beach adds sexy Italian style to Shakespeare →
Get out the sunscreen, sunglasses and your fave summer attire, because Bard on the Beach is starting to heat things up. Celebrating its 28th season, this beloved Shakespeare festival, known for its fresh takes on the Bard’s classics, will be transporting audiences to Italy all summer long. All four of its headliner shows have been set in the land renowned for wine, art and romance. Much Ado About Nothing, The Winter’s Tale, The Merchant of Venice and The Two Gentlemen of Verona will captivate audiences with passionate Italian flair.
Read moreTheatre Review: Hand to God is a sinisterly hilarious experience →
There’s always been something creepy about the puppet and puppet master relationship. For example, the concept of the ventriloquist dummy who gains a mind of its own has always been disturbing. But the idea of a boy whose hand puppet becomes possessed by the devil in a Texas church is next level creepy. Combine that frightening theme with outrageously sexual and contemporary humour and you have yourself a winning show.
Read moreDance Review: Coastal City Ballet’s Giselle is an authentic gem
Diego Ramalho and Ana Paula Oioli in Coastal City Ballet's "Giselle". Photo: David Cooper
Giselle is one of the world’s most beloved classical ballets. But since Vancouver is such a contemporary-focused city, it’s rare to see a live production of Giselle. Thankfully, Coastal City Ballet has brought this iconic ballet to life and has done a fine job. Showcasing some outstanding young talent, Coastal City Ballet’s Giselle is also very polished and well-packaged with attractive set, lighting and costume designs.
Read moreFormer 'The Hills' star chainsaws his way to success at Art! Vancouver →
Artists from around the world are getting ready to showcase some unique and innovative pieces at Art! Vancouver. This annual celebration of art will grace the Vancouver Convention Centre from May 25-28. One of the featured artists will be local BC boy, Ryan Cook, who uses chainsaws and a variety of hand tools to turn raw wood into unreal sculptures.
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