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May10

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Disney’s Mary Poppins Presale Link

Posted in: Events, Musical, Theater, Vancouver

Mary Poppins is bringing its own brand of Broadway magic to theaters across the country. The show features all the classic songs (including “A Spoonful of Sugar,” “Chim Chim Cher-ee“, and “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious“) as well as a few new tunes. With elaborate sets, eye-popping light displays, and show-stopping numbers, this Disney production will transport you to the Banks’ household on Cherry Lane as well as to the rooftops of London.

With four productions currently running on three continents, Mary Poppins is one of the biggest stage musical successes to emerge from London or New York in recent years. It’s won 44 major theatre awards around the globe, including Tony, Olivier, Helpmann and Evening Standard awards.

The entire original creative team has reunited to bring this magical story of the world’s most famous nanny to audiences around North America. The Mary Poppins North American Tour began has played to two million theatergoers in 34 cities so far.

Mary Poppins, a co-production of Disney and Cameron Mackintosh, opened on Broadway on November 16, 2006. Based on P.L. Travers’ cherished stories and the classic 1964 Walt Disney film, Mary Poppins features the Academy Award-winning music and lyrics of Richard M. Sherman and Robert B. Sherman.

The stage production has been created, in collaboration with Cameron Mackintosh, by Academy Award-winning screenwriter (and book author) Julian Fellowes. The Olivier Award-winning team of George Stiles and Anthony Drewe have composed new songs, additional music, and lyrics.

Below is a presale code and link for ticket purchases starting May 11 at 10 am. Note that this is not a discounted ticket offer, but rather a chance to get the best seats first.

Broadway Across Canada presents Disney’s Mary Poppins
Dates: Tuesday, July 17 through Saturday, July 21, 7:30 pm
Thursday, July 19 and Saturday, July 21, 2 pm
Sunday, July 22, 1 pm
Venue: Queen Elizabeth Theatre, 630 Hamilton at Georgia Streets, Vancouver

Presale Timeline: May 11, 10 am to May 13, 10 pm
Presale link
Presale code: UMBRELLA
May4

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The Arts Club Theatre: High Society

Posted in: Musical, Theater, Vancouver

[Todd Talbot and Jennifer Lines]

Snappy dialogue and Cole Porter tunes—such as “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?” and “True Love” abound in the sparklingly funny musical High Society.

Cole Porter’s music will liven the Stanley Industrial Stage as the Arts Club Theatre brings this production to Vancouver from May 10 to June 24.

Wealthy socialite Tracy Lord (Jennifer Lines) is planning a lavish second wedding, but which man will she marry? Her straight-arrow fiancé (Steve Maddock), an undercover society pages reporter (Daniel Arnold), or her dapper ex-husband (Todd Talbot)? Needless to say, it’s complicated—and Tracy has only hours to sort it out!

The stage musical High Society is based not only on the highly successful 1956 film starring Frank Sinatra, Grace Kelly, and Bing Crosby, but also on the 1939 play that inspired it, The Philadelphia Story. The latter was made into an Academy Award–winning film of the same name in 1940 and boasted the all-star cast of Katharine Hepburn, Cary Grant, and Jimmy Stewart.

The work of composer and musician Cole Porter (1891–1964) resonates throughout Western popular culture. His oeuvre includes countless pop standards and his musicals are often revived or reinvented on Broadway. Porter is recognized as a key contributor to the Great American Songbook with a flair for punchy, complex rhymes and rhythms. High Society incorporates the songs that Porter wrote expressly for the 1956 film, but also introduces some of his other famous works, such as 1927′s “Let’s Misbehave” and Red, Hot, and Blue’s 1936 hit “Ridin’ High”.

Arts Club Theatre’s Artistic Managing Director Bill Millerd (and High Society’s director) explained the songwriter’s enduring popularity: “Cole Porter was writing during the heyday of Broadway and movie musicals. His lyrics are witty and his music tuneful—a great combination. His songs also stand alone, perhaps made most famous by Frank Sinatra recordings with Nelson Riddle arrangements. Porter writes about subjects we can all relate to, which make his songs timeless.”

Cole Porter’s High Society
Dates: May 10 to June 24; Tuesday, 7:30 pm; Wednesday to Saturday, 8 pm; Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday matinées, 2 pm
Venue: Stanley Industrial Alliance Stage, 2750 Granville Street, Vancouver
Tickets: $29 to $70, including tax and fees; available either online or by phoning 604.687.1644

Photo courtesy of David Cooper.
Apr30

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Bard: The Taming of the Shrew

Posted in: Events, Theater, Vancouver

[Lois Anderson, John Murphy in The Taming of the Shrew. Photo credit: David Cooper]

Shakespeare’s romantic romp, The Taming of the Shrew, shines a comic spotlight on the pleasures and misadventures of the search for the perfect partner. Beautiful Bianca has no shortage of admirers, but she can’t marry until her headstrong sister Kate finds a husband. Along comes fortune-seeking Petruchio who sets out to capture the heart of the fiery-spirited Kate. Petruchio and Kate face off in a crackling battle of wits, while three enthusiastic suitors launch their own devious campaigns as they vie for Bianca’s affections.

Petruchio then sets out to tame his new bride, with the help of his sidekick Grumio (Kayvon Kelly). While Kate and Petruchio engage in a lively battle of wits, three hopeful suitors vie for Bianca’s affections: Lucentio (Anton Lipovetsky), optimistic favourite Hortensio (Kevin Kruchkywich) and the elderly but wealthy Gremio (Shawn Macdonald).

While Lucentio poses as a schoolmaster, his servant Tranio (Kyle Rideout) assumes the role of his master. When confirmation of the promised dower is needed, a traveller (Craig Erickson) successfully pretends to be Lucentio’s father until the real Vincentio (Duncan Fraser) arrives. Adding to the shenanigans is a local tailor (Ian Butcher), a widow (Susan Coodin), Baptista’s servant Biondella (Colleen Wheeler) and Petruchio’s servant Curtis (Bob Frazer).

For this Bard on the Beach season opener at the BMO Mainstage, set designer Kevin McAllister has created a pastoral Arcadian landscape with elements that harmonize with the stage’s natural Vanier Park backdrop. Mara Gottler’s costumes add strong, bright colours to the production’s Empire-era, Italian-influenced setting.

The Taming of the Shrew
Dates: May 31 to September 22
Previews: May 31, May 31, June 1, 2, 3, 5, 6
Celebrating Red & White: wine tasting event following the 3 pm matinee and before the 8 pm show on August 18
Venue: BMO Mainstage, Vanier Park, Vancouver
Tickets: $40 (evenings); $21 to $33 (previews and matinees); $30 Youth (6 to 25 years old)
All adult evening tickets are priced at $36 for June
Ticket prices include reserved seating and HST; purchase tickets either online or via phoning the box office at 604.739.0559.
Apr24

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Touchstone’s Shelter From The Storm

Posted in: Events, Theater, Vancouver

[Lindsay Winch, Kyle Jespersen]

Shelter From The Storm will close Touchstone Theatre’s 2012/13 season. The latest Flying Start project, Shelter provocatively explores Canadians’ changing relationship to Americans escaping war in our country. Already an award-winning play, Shelter is sure to turn heads for both its content and the strong voice of local young playwright Peter Boychuk.

Rick was one of thousands of young men who sought refuge in Canada to escape the Vietnam draft. When he takes in a traumatized young American soldier, Rick begins to understand how much our country has changed in forty years. Set in Tofino, BC, Shelter from the Storm is a play about love and loss that questions our notions of courage and cowardice.

Directed by Katrina Dunn, the design team includes Pam Johnson on set, Adrian Muir on lights, Jeff McMahon on sound and Farnaz Khaki-Sadiq on costumes. Touchstone’s 2011/12 Season explores the role of both the dissident and the provocateur in society. Shelter adds one final unflinching discussion to the season’s investigation, and has recently won second prize in the 2011 Uprising National Playwriting Competition.

[Lindsay Winch, Kyle Jespersen, Peter Hall]

Flying Start is one of Touchstone’s programs in association with Playwrights Theatre Centre and the Firehall Arts Centre. The program provides a stage to new playwrights who have yet to be professionally produced. The selected play is developed over a period of two years, culminating in a small scale, fully professional showcase production. The playwright receives a $6,000 stipend, funded by the Vancouver Foundation, to support their writing work.

Shelter From The Storm
Dates: June 1 to 9, 8 pm; June 2, 3, and 9, 2 pm; Wednesday, June 6, 1 pm
Venue: Firehall Arts Centre, 280 East Cordova Street, Vancouver
Post-show Talkback: Tuesday, June 5, 8 pm
Free Preview: Thursday, May 31, 8 pm
Tickets: Available both online and via phoning 604.689.0926

About the Playwright
Peter Boychuk recently completed an M.F.A. in Playwriting at the University of Victoria under the tutelage of Governor General’s Award-winning playwright Joan MacLeod. His one-act plays include Afterglow, Fortunate Son, winning a Stanley Mills Purchase Prize, Honourable Mention in the Canadian National Playwriting Competition, and Best of the Fest at ACToberfest 2007; and Chainmail Bikini, which premiered at the Calgary Fringe Festival. Boychuk works across BC as a freelance director and dramaturg.

All photos courtesy of Pink Monkey Studios.
Apr20

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Reviewed: God of Carnage

Posted in: Events, Theater, Theater Reviews, Vancouver

[John Cassini, Vickie Papavs, Shauna Black, Oliver Becker]

What happens when two couples meet to discuss their 11 year old boys’ fight turned into a couple of broken teeth? This meeting of four distinct characters forms the backbone of God of Carnage, currently playing at the Vancouver Playhouse Theatre.

Although the couples decide to allow their two children to settle the matter by way of a meeting that evening at Michael (Oliver Becker) and Veronica (Shauna Black) Novak’s home, this never winds up being shown on stage. What happens is a chaotic romp through each character’s descent into their own personal madnesses, volatilities, and obsessions.

[John Cassini, Vickie Papavs]

The stage is set inside the Novak’s modern home, where Alan (John Cassini) and Annette (Vickie Papavs) Raleigh are invited to meet, share Veronica’s homemade clafouti (“is it a cake or a tart”?), and arrive at an agreement. The domestic turmoil that ensues about midway through changes each character dramatically for the rest of the play. I was reminded many times of last year’s Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? (Arts Club Theatre), where alcohol-infused dialogues also transform two couples into nasty renditions of their original selves.

[Shauna Black, Oliver Becker]

Themes of humanity, anger, loss of patience, and family are strong; the four actors are all excellent and visit their range of emotions beautifully.

I’d hoped (though not part of the script) that the two boys would finally appear on stage, to see how the four characters might have instilled their traits onto their offspring. After all, the play’s main drive is the two boys and how they will remedy this matter.

[John Cassini, Vickie Papavs]

I found the choice of opening and closing number tune (The Black Eyed Peas’ “I Gotta Feeling“) curious. Was this CTV, a 2010 Winter Olympic Games, or God of Carnage moment?

God of Carnage was originally performed in 2006 in Zürich, two years later performed in Paris starring Isabelle Huppert and Eric Elmosnino. It was translated into English by Christopher Hampton at around that time. Playwright Yasmina Reza (who also wrote the 1995 hit comedy, Art) is behind this 75 minute, one act play.

[Oliver Becker, Shauna Black]

God of Carnage, originally a co-production between the Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre and the Vancouver Playhouse Theatre, performs through May 5 at the Playhouse Theatre and is presented by Vancouver Civic Theatres. Visit the website for details and ticket information. This production will close off Vancouver Playhouse Theatre’s season as the company’s operations wind down, handing the theatre baton to Vancouver Civic Theatres.

Photos courtesy of Bruce Monk.
Apr18

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Arts Club Theatre: 2012-13 Season

Posted in: Events, Music, Theater, Vancouver

[The cast of Ride the Cyclone]

The Arts Club Theatre Company recently announced its upcoming 2012/2013 season, and the shows are both exciting and varied for a company just one year shy of a golden anniversary.

All three venues – the Stanley Industrial Alliance Stage, the Granville Island Stage, and the Revue Stage – will offer a combined 14 productions that will include premieres by three Canadian playwrights. Three more productions will tour across the province.

[Dream Girls]

According to Executive Director Howard R. Jang, “The Arts Club is heading into our 49th season stronger than ever thanks to our ever-increasing number of loyal subscribers and sponsors. We are fortunate to have many longtime public and private partnerships and supporters that contribute to our long-term sustainability. I am thrilled with the immense diversity of programming over our three stages—there is truly something for everyone to love. For our 49th season, the Arts Club continues its strong tradition of producing shows that are sure to delight.”

[Ted Dykstra and Richard Greenblatt of 2 Pianos 4 Hands. Photo courtesy of Mirvish Productions]

A variety of affordable season ticket packages (as well as single tickets) are now on sale via phone (604.687.1644) and online.

The complete 2012/2013 line-up:

Stanley Industrial Alliance Stage
September 6 to October 7
Clybourne Park | A comedy of race and real estate by Bruce Norris

October 18 to November 18
 She Stoops to Conquer | A bawdy romp by Oliver Goldsmith

November 29 to December 23
 White Christmas: The Musical | Music and lyrics by Irving Berlin

January 24 to February 24, 2013
Boeing-Boeing | Marc Camoletti’s mile-high comedy; translated by Beverley Cross and Francis Evans

March 14 to April 14, 2013
 2 Pianos 4 Hands | An unforgettable duet in the key of laughter; written, starring, and directed by Ted Dykstra and Richard Greenblatt

May 9 to July 7, 2013
 Dreamgirls | The Motown musical; music by Henry Krieger

[Arts Club Theatre’s 2009 cast, White Christmas: The Musical. Photo by David Cooper]

Granville Island Stage
September 27 to October 27 
Master Class | A diva holds court; by Terrence McNally

November 26 to December 29
It’s a Wonderful Life | The holiday heart-warmer returns; by Philip Grecian, based on Frank Capra’s classic film

January 17 to February 16, 2013
Ride the Cyclone | A musical thrill ride; music and lyrics by Brooke Maxwell and Jacob Richmond; book by Jacob Richmond

April 4 to May 4, 2013
 My Turquoise Years (Premiere) | Memoir of a Canadian girlhood; by M.A.C. Farrant

June 20 to August 17, 2013
 Avenue Q | The Broadway musical for adults; music and lyrics by Robert Lopez and Jeff Marx, book by Jeff Whitty

Revue Stage
October 11 to November 3
The Unplugging (Premiere) | In the future, only the past can save you; by Yvette Nolan

November 22 to December 22
 SantaLand Diaries | True confessions of an elf; by David Sedaris

February 28 to March 23, 2013
 How Has My Love Affected You? | A family memoir by Marcus Youssef

On Tour (Metro Vancouver and throughout the province)
October and November
Do You Want What I Have Got? A Craigslist Cantata | Your personal ads, set to music; by Bill Richardson and Veda Hille

January and February, 2013
Henry and Alice: Into the Wild | Michele Riml’s hilarious sequel to Sexy Laundry

February and March, 2013
 The 39 Steps | Hitchcock meets hilarious; adapted by Patrick Barlow, from John Buchan’s novel and Alfred Hitchcock’s movie
Apr18

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100 Saints You Should Know

Posted in: Events, Theater, Vancouver

[Rebecca deBoer]

Oh, we of little faith. Meet Theresa, a former wild girl turned freelance maid who has been struck with the surprising desire to learn how to pray. She tries to learn how from Matthew, a faithful priest who has been struck with the realization that he is no longer able to pray, and so he runs to his long-suffering mother Colleen – a woman who can’t not be a hostess. Pack in Theresa’s daughter, Abby, a classic troubled teen whose motto seems to be apathy and shock value (no surprises there), and Garrett, the grocer’s son who likes long walks with a flask.

“Kate Fodor’s achingly truthful drama discerns the faint outlines of hope in a universe of lost connections.”
– Time Out

Vancouver’s Pacific Theatre is proud to present its season finale, Kate Fodor’s 100 Saints You Should Know, developed by Chicago’s renowned Steppenwolf Theatre. This is a tale of five souls attempting a relatively simple task: to live life being true to the person they were meant to be. Turns out it’s not that simple.

[Chris Lam, Katherine Gauthier]

Featuring an ensemble cast of both emerging and bright new actors, 100 Saints You Should Know is directed by award-winning Anthony F. Ingram, who quipped, “It’s tons of fun working with actors who are at the beginning of the career and so full of talent and potential. I’m starting to realize I’m a veteran of the stage – what a thought!”

[Chris Lam, Joel Stephanson, Rebecca deBoer, Kerri Norris, Katherine Gauthier]

The rest of the cast includes Kerri Norris (Jesus Hopped the ‘A’ Train), Katherine Gauthier (King Lear), Joel Stephanson (Godspell), Rebecca deBoer (A Bright Particular Star), and Chris Lam (The Mystery of Edwin Drood).

100 Saints You Should Know
Dates: May 4 to 26: Wednesday to Saturday, 8 pm; Saturday matinee 2 pm
Venue: Pacific Theatre, 1440 West 12th Avenue (at Hemlock Street) Vancouver
Tickets: $16.50 to $29.50 (not including HST); available either online or by phoning 604.731.5518.

Special showings:
Friday, May 3: Pay-what-you-can preview
Thursday, May 11: Artist talkback

Photos courtesy of Emily Cooper.
Apr14

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Lost Gospel Ensemble: The Meal

Posted in: Music, Theater, Theater Reviews, Vancouver

[Lucien Durey, Corban Murdoch]

Candles are lit one by one as a small group of musicians play off to the side of the stage. A large table forms the centerpiece of the set. And for the next hour, we are transformed into a song cycle of gospel music that tells a story before and after The Last Supper.

Rick Maddocks’ The Meal is a short-run (three nights only) guest production on now at the Pacific Theatre. I caught the 10:30 late show last night with my husband, giving us the perfect opportunity to drown our sorrows from game two of the Stanley Cup playoffs. Four talented singers – John (Lucien Durey), Mary Magdalene (Jody Glenham), Thomas (Rick Maddocks) and Judas (Caleb Stull) – sit at a long dining table, mics in hand, singing and acting with passion while packing in a variety of musical styles. All 17 songs were written by Maddocks, with one exception, a collaboration between he and Justine Gabias (“This is No Room for Doubt“).

[Jody Glenham as Mary Magdalene]

The lighting was simple, and very effective, incorporating a collection of five lamps, spots, and smoke, to match both the mood and intensity of the songs.

[Rick Maddocks, Jody Glenham, Lucien Durey, Corban Murdoch]

Vancouver’s Lost Gospel Ensemble is a secular group that challenges the boundaries of gospel music. It features four singers and a dynamic trio of drums, bass and organ, drawn from local indie pop, folk, alt-country and jazz scenes. I really enjoyed the collection of songs, especially “Fire, Sword and War“, a number in the second act that allows all four to beautifully harmonize and sing with conviction and passion.

There’s an eight piece choir in the background, set off from the centre of the stage, that chime in from time to time, and are sometimes lit, other times remain in the dark.

A waiter occasionally enters the scene, filling the glasses with wine, plates with bread, even handing out percussion instruments at one point. During the second act, he starts to clean up the table, signifying the end of the meal, which is never actually included in the production. The songs are inspired by the Gospels of John, Thomas, Judas and Mary Magdalene, as well as Luis Buñuel’s film The Exterminating Angel.

If you’re lucky enough to have gotten tickets for the remaining two shows today (2 pm matinee; 8 pm evening), consider it a blessing. It’s beautifully performed, showing the range of talent in this city.

Images courtesy of Robert Dewey.
Apr11

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Welcome to Harlem! at Calabash

Posted in: Dance, Dining, Events, History, Music, Theater, Vancouver

“Come on down to our speakeasy. The music is sweet and everything good to eat!”

Rooted Theatre Productions is proud to present “Welcome To Harlem! Celebrating The Renaissance”. Produced by Marsha Regis and Tanya Cromwell and directed by Marsha Regis, these two unique events will take place later this month at Gastown’s Calabash Bistro. The popular Gastown eatery will transform into a speakeasy, providing the new theatre company the chance to serve up a soul food buffet with music, poetry, dance and more.

[Chattanooga Choo Choo film still. Rooted Productions image.]

“Welcome to Harlem! Celebrating the Renaissance” is the second production created by actor/director/producer Marsha Regis for Rooted Theatre Productions, whose mandate is “Sharing universal stories through the lens of the Black experience.” This Vancouver based black theatre company will bring you back to the 1920s and 30s for a musical and poetic ride through the Harlem Renaissance.

Rooted Theatre Productions began as a play reading group. In between rehearsing and performing, the group meets monthly to read plays by black playwrights.

Regis and Cromwell have assembled a talented group of actors for these special performances, including Daren Herbert, Candus Churchill, and Tom Pickett. To add to the celebration, dancers and musicians will make the two performances both evenings to remember.

Welcome to Harlem! Celebrating the Renaissance
Dates: Sundays, April 22 and 29
Venue: Calabash Bistro, 428 Carrall Street (between Hastings and Pender)
Tickets: Available online for $30 (6 pm soul food buffet and show) and $15 (7:30 pm show only)
Apr11

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Broadway Across Canada: CATS

Posted in: Dance, Musical, Theater, Theater Reviews, Vancouver

CATS is back for a five day run at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre. I attended last night’s opening, to a packed house of both new patrons and seasoned veterans of the production’s decades of successful touring. While the story doesn’t exactly follow on a linear path, this two hour (with one intermission) show can be seen as 19 mini rock operas. With cats.

Cats premiered in New York’s West End in 1981, moving to Broadway a year later. It’s won numerous awards and is the second longest-running show in Broadway history, after The Phantom of the Opera.

The stage design, lighting, and choreography are all top notch. Colourful and detailed sets bring both the dance company and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s music to life. The songs revolve around the different cats on stage. The musical styles range from rock to ballads, pop to electronic. In other words, as varied as the cats themselves. Cats are introduced by the opening number’s “Jellicle Songs for Jellicle Cats“. After this point, it’s best to enjoy the beautiful voices of standouts such as Melissa Grohowski’s Grizabella the Glamour Cat, and Clinton James Sherwood’s fabulous dancing during his own number, “Macavity“. Answering the question, What is a jellicle cat? takes a back seat.

Another creative outburst in the show occurs when Skimbleshanks (Louie Napoleon) appears with the dance company. Out of nowhere, a train’s wheels, front, and light are assembled from parts on the stage. The cats form the train’s movement while Skimbleshanks fondly recalls his days of being in charge of the night train to Glasgow.

Kudos to John Napier, set and costume designer. Next to Richard Stafford’s direction and excellent choreography, Napier’s was the most demanding job and exceeded expectations.

This is an adventure into the cat’s world. Cats are celebrated for their prowess, sultriness, past heroic adventures, and ex-glamour days. Once the show came to a close, the audience was on their feet, leaving with the remnants of “Memory“, the show’s banner song.

CATS is a family-friendly musical romp that will make for an evening of light entertainment. It’s great escapism.

CATS performs through April 15 at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre. Visit Broadway Across Canada online for ticket availability.

All photos courtesy of Joan Marcus, 2010.