This summer, the 2023 Early Music Vancouver Summer Festival (previously named the Vancouver Bach Festival), will showcase the achievement of women composers, librettists, and performers of the past and present. Running July 27 to August 5 at various venues including SFU Goldcorp Centre for the Arts and The Orpheum Annex, the theme for this year’s festival is WOMENinSIGHT. The festival will kick off with the world premiere of The Queen of Carthage, co-produced by Early Music Vancouver (EMV) and re:Naissance Opera. I recently interviewed Marisa about her involvement with this show and what audiences can expect.
Read moreBeehive roars with girl power and genuine heart
First Impressions Theatre’s production of Beehive: The 60’s Musical is an enjoyable celebration of the decade’s popular American female music artists as well as the social change that defined the era. Directed and choreographed by Kailley Roesler, and musical directed by Gordon Roberts, this two-act song-and-dance revue is worth seeing not only for its iconic songs but also for the sensational talent onstage. There are a number of young women who dazzle with rousing, heartfelt performances.
Read morePeter Pan Goes Wrong in all the right ways
The only thing as enjoyable as watching perfection is watching a complete train wreck. Arts Club Theatre Company’s production of Peter Pan Goes Wrong is as wacky and chaotic, as it is intelligent and polished. Only a production this thought out and meticulously put together can produce such an uproarious, “disaster” of a show. The two-act play is a hilarious delight, and includes a couple of emotionally uplifting subplots as well. And on top of all that, this show is as visually pleasing as it is funny.
Read moreBlockhead celebrates the childhood wonder inside us all
Zac Williams stars in Blockhead. Photo credit: Vancouver Fringe Festival
No matter how old we get, the little kid in us never disappears. While they may get buried and overshadowed by our never ending life issues and concerns, there’s part of us stays innocent and genuinely curious. Written, directed, and starring Zac Williams, Blockhead is a one-act play that sweetly commemorates childhood perspective, and the anxieties and over contemplation we love to thrust upon ourselves.
Read moreConstellations examines the infinite possibilities life holds
TheatreGarden’s production of the one-act play Constellations by Nick Payne, offers the concept of a multiverse, where parallel existences allow us to have infinitely different lives while still being the same person. Directed by Ricardo, this intimate two-person show features fine performances by Marie Isserman and Connor Riopel, and is an interesting experience.
Read moreCarousel Theatre for Young People's Peter Pan flies high on low-tech magic
The cast of Peter Pan. Photo credit: Tim Matheson
The story of Peter Pan has captivated the imaginations of children for generations. And despite the many different interpretations of J.M. Barrie’s story over the years, Carousel Theatre for Young People has found a unique and refreshing way to tell this beloved tale.
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Iconic ballet reimagined in today’s social media-driven world in @giselle
Photo credit: Craig Foster
Have you ever been ghosted by someone you were into? Isn’t it ironic how we can still feel so isolated in an era where we’re all connected digitally? Joshua Beamish/MOVETHECOMPANY has taken the iconic classical ballet Giselle, and reimagined it in today’s social media-driven world with @giselle, featuring top dancers from across North America.
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