The best way to cool off in Vancouver amid this summer heat is to treat yourself to Broadway Across Canada’s Frozen. Under the direction of Michael Grandage, this stage adaptation of the iconic 2013 Disney animated film is as spectacular an experience as one would expect, with jaw-dropping effects and scenic, lighting, and costume designs. But it’s the show’s inspirational messages about sisterhood and inner strength that make this experience truly impactful and unforgettable.
Read moreKinky Boots joyfully struts its stuff, celebrating inclusion and authenticity
The cast of Arts Club Theatre’s Kinky Boots. Photo credit: Moonrider Productions.
Broadway sensation Kinky Boots has kicked its way into the Stanley Theatre and my opinion of this production is: Shantay, you stay! (as RuPaul would say). Presented by Arts Club Theatre and under the wise direction of Barbara Tomasic, this staging of the Tony Award-winning musical offers high-energy, wit, poignancy, and above all else, an uplifting and inspirational message.
Read moreEmotional narrative and heartfelt music delivered in Once
Once, the 2012 Tony Award-winning musical, is a gem of a show, and thanks to Renegade Arts Co, Vancouver audiences are being treated to a taste of this work. This production is a bare bones production, but the hard-working and talented company and creative team have tried their best to deliver every ounce of quality from this show. Despite its limited resources, this production succeeds in embodying the emotions and spirit of Once.
Read moreMasterful storytelling paints a dark, intriguing tale in Terminus
Terminus, a one-act play written by Mark O’Rowe, is a black comedy told through multiple monologues performed by the show’s three characters. Throughout this series of monologues, each character helps paint the story of a dark, fateful night in Dublin that dramatically changes many lives. This production, presented by Jeb Beach and Associates, and directed by Shane Savage, is an interesting 90-minute storytelling experience that leaves you a little more on edge each time a character finishes their monologue and the next one begins.
Read moreArts Club brings holiday spirit back to the stage with reimagined version of A Christmas Carol
The recent opening of Arts Club Theatre Company’s Dolly Parton’s Smoky Mountain Christmas Carol marked the return of main stage theatre to Vancouver since COVID-19. And what better way to re-ignite the stage lights of the Stanley Theatre than a masterful blend of creative staging, technical design, and live performances. The result is musical theatre magic that we’ve been deprived of for far too long.
Read moreThe Hunger Moon treats audiences to 4 interesting and intimate plays
Presented by Vancouver theatre company Ordinary Productions, The Hunger Moon: An Evening of Short Plays – allows audiences to enjoy four very creative plays, both in-person and online. I enjoyed watching all the plays, as I found the concepts for each quite unique.
Read moreThe House at Pooh Corner invites kids to help out at Carousel Theatre for Young People →
Victor Mariano, Tom Pickett, and Advah Soudack star in The House at Pooh Corner. Photo credit: Tim Matheson
As the world continues to rapidly change, one thing that remains timeless is the loving bond between Christopher Robin and his bear, Winnie-the-Pooh. Their friendship is universally loved because it celebrates the curious, inquisitive nature of childhood and the unrestrained imagination that accompanies it. Carousel Theatre for Young People’s production of The House at Pooh Corner is a tender tribute to the beloved Winnie-the-Pooh stories, and provides young audience members with the unique opportunity to experience these stories firsthand from the perspective of Christopher Robin.
Read moreA strong cast takes Steel Magnolias up close and personal →
The company of Steel Magnolias. Photo credit: Rochelle Elise
Delicate but unbreakable is the theme of Steel Magnolias, a play that celebrates the joys of friendship and laughter, underlined by the strength of female courage. In its debut show, Boone Dog Productions has nicely brought to life Robert Harling’s compelling story, which many people may be familiar with from the film version. This production tells the tale in a way that is touchingly intimate, and that radiates sincerity.
Read moreFun and visually pleasing BEEP passes along important sustainable-energy messages for kids →
Some of the cast of BEEP. Photo credit: Sia Duff
How do you adjust to changes to your schedule and environment? How do you deal with strangers who are different from you? These are the questions raised in BEEP, a fun, visually pleasing children’s play from Australia’s Windmill Theatre.
Read moreStudio 58's Urinetown makes a splash with strong singing and comic timing →
Ivy Charles is a blast as the jaded Penelope Pennywise in Urinetown. Photo credit: Emily Cooper
In Urinetown, public-urinal authoritarian Penelope Pennywise proclaims “It’s a privilege to pee.” And Studio 58’s production of the Tony Award–winning show, under the direction of Courtenay Dobbie, is a privilege to watch. Performed by Langara College’s acting students, this impressive production rivals any professional version out there. The show features well-timed comedy, polished singing and movement, and an energetic spark that drives the performance.
Read moreArts Club's Noises Off is a three-part free fall into divinely crafted chaos →
A tight ensemble nails the comedic clockwork of Noises Off's farce. Photo credit: David Cooper
Good things come in threes. And so does great comedy. The Arts Club Theatre Company’s production of Noises Off is a hilarious farce about putting on a play, and the train wreck that can erupt when you combine personal misunderstandings, jealousies, and romantic affairs gone wrong. And in keeping with the rule of three that says a trio of events can achieve ideal comedic effect, the action in Noises Off happens in three acts—a three-part free fall into divinely satisfying chaos.
Read moreLa Bohème soars with poignancy and heartbreaking beauty
France Bellemare and Ji-Min Park star in Vancouver Opera’s La Bohème . Photo credit: Tim Matheson
La Bohème is the one of the world’s most enduring love stories and operas of all time. And love is definitely in the air in Vancouver Opera’s (VO) beautiful staging. This production is a larger-than-life vintage postcard of Paris, set for the most part in the 1920’s. André Barbe’s Parisian set of cafes and shops lining a bustling city street, is complemented by his period costumes and Guy Simard’s luminous lighting, altogether painting a superb vision. And the first-rate cast performances, accompanied by VO’s exquisite orchestra under the direction of conductor Judith Yan, make this telling of La Bohème an excellent artistic work.
Read moreAnnie offers great ensemble performances and visuals, but lacks magic overall
Camryn Macdonald (centre) with the company of Annie. Photo credit: Emily Cooper
As the snow continues to fall in Vancouver, it seems fitting that Align Entertainment’s current offering is the Tony Award-winning musical, Annie, which not only beckons the sun to come out tomorrow, but also takes place at Christmas. And while a lot of effort has gone into putting on this ambitious musical, which involves a sizeable cast, gorgeous sets and costumes, a full orchestra, and two dogs (who alternate in the role of Sandy), this production doesn’t quite hit the mark. The issues lie mainly with comic timing and dialogue delivery, and a lack of vibrancy from some of the leads.
Read moreThe Illusionists deliver dazzling tricks with fun and humour
If you’ve felt something different in the air this week in Vancouver, you’re right. Because there’s magic in the air, thanks to Broadway Across Canada’s production of The Illusionists – Live from Broadway, which opened on Tuesday night at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre. This highly impressive show delivers dazzling tricks in a fun and personable way.
Read moreDisney's Beauty and the Beast rides on renewed energy and strong voices →
From the first rose-petal fall to the joyous finale, the Arts Club’s production of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast glows with the story’s message of love and forgiveness, infused with fresh elements. Originally staged in 2005 by director Bill Millerd, this production has evolved to stay relevant to audiences.
Read moreThe Enemy pits economic prosperity against ethics and environmental concerns →
Paul Herbert, Jenn Griffin, Sharon Crandall, and Agnes Tong in The Enemy.
Is the majority always right? That’s the question that the The Enemy appears to ask at first. Adapted and directed by artistic producer Donna Spencer, from Henrik Ibsen’s 1882 An Enemy of the People, the play examines tensions between ethics and public interest. The Enemy does a nice job of transplanting Ibsen’s story into a contemporary setting that B.C. audiences can relate to. However, the play could benefit from some refinement, as the dialogue feels a bit unnatural, and there are a few too many extraneous pieces.
Read moreBeautiful: The Carole King Musical glows with inspirational storytelling
Beautiful: The Carole King Musical gets to the heart of what I love the most about musical theatre – it takes you on a character’s journey and combines acting, music, dance, and theatrical magic to tell a captivating story. It tells a simple story – but it’s a moving story nonetheless and the show’s star – the incredible Sarah Bockel – is dynamite.
Read moreAlign Entertainment’s A Christmas Story is a heart-warming treat of musical theatre magic
Photo credit: Emily Cooper
The holiday season has begun and Align Entertainment is on the ball, with its slick, fun-filled production of A Christmas Story: The Musical. Based on the classic 1983 film, the musical version features an excellent score by Dear Evan Hansen’s Benj Pasek and Justin Paul. The stage version definitely succeeds in capturing the same quirky humour and sweet family-life sentiment as the film. Align Entertainment has put a lot of hard work into this show – and the quality of this production sparkles like Christmas lights.
Read moreBallet BC’s opening program a blend of risk-taking and reviving a fan favourite
Ballet BC opened its season this past week with Program 1, featuring three ballets with distinctly different styles. One of these ballets was an internationally acclaimed work from iconic choreographer William Forsythe. The second piece was a world premiere, set to the music of Jimi Hendrix. The third – and strongest – piece was a gorgeous remount of a ballet originally set on the company in 2011. It’s no surprise then that this piece, Petite Cérémonie, fits the company like a glove, and was likely the most memorable ballet of the night among audiences.
Read moreThe Merry Widow sparkles with attitude and charm
The company of Vancouver Opera’s The Merry Widow. Photo credit: Tim Matheson
Vancouver Opera has outdone itself with its dazzling production of Franz Lehár’s The Merry Widow. This lighthearted operetta, written by Franz Lehár, will be a delightful treat for many theatre fans. It features dynamite performances, and some of the most spectacular sets and costumes I’ve ever seen onstage. But the heart of this production is the masterful craftsmanship of director Kelly Robinson, and choreographer Joshua Beamish.
Read more