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 moreRaincity Theatre’s Cabaret seduces, mesmerizes, and chills
Kit Kat Klub dancers Vicente Sandoval, Cassandra Consiglio, and Joaquin Little in Cabaret. Photo credit: Nicol Spinola
The theatre world is obsessed with Cabaret. But even after seeing numerous productions and performing in one myself, it wasn’t until seeing Raincity Theatre’s version that I finally really understood the show. This production hits in all the right ways, getting to the heart of what Cabaret is all about. It’s an up-close-and-personal experience that provokes thought, rips at your emotions, and completely captivates you.
Read moreMatilda celebrates the wonder of childhood innocence and imagination
The cast of Matilda The Musical. Photo credit: David Cooper
Roald Dahl’s classic children’s tale, Matilda, has been brought to life in a dazzling production at the Stanley Industrial Alliance Stage. Presented by the Arts Club Theatre Company, the Tony Award-winning Matilda The Musical tells the story of a brave and hyper-intelligent young girl who dares to stand up for what’s right, including facing off against her villainous school principal. Arts Club’s version is a slick display of masterful storytelling, thanks to tremendous creativity and talent from the show’s artistic team and cast.
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 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 moreThe Book of Mormon sparkles with fresh, young talent and fun humour
The ensemble of The Book of Mormon. Photo credit: Julieta Cervantes
Our favourite Mormon boys and their pals are back in the Tony Award-winning musical comedy, The Book of Mormon, presented by Broadway Across Canada. This cheeky musical from the creators of South Park combines fun, adult humour with valid commentary and insightful perspectives on society – the perfect balance of lightheartedness and intelligence. And while this is the third touring production of the show, this version is as fresh as ever, pumped up with exciting, youthful talent.
Read moreTheatre Review: Little Women shines bright with talent and heart
There’s a hidden gem shining brightly at the Kay Meek Centre in West Vancouver. The show is Little Women: The Musical. But the shining gem is the magnificently talented cast and the wonderful care that has been taken by director Lalainia Lindbjerg and her creative team in bringing this show to life. And the star of the show, young Michelle Creber, delivers an exceptionally brilliant performance that should not be missed.
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 moreCinderella will sweep you away →
Rodgers + Hammerstein’s Cinderella is Broadway magic at its finest. This musical production of the classic story is an impressive display of artistry in all aspects. Its production values such as the costume, set, and lighting designs shine just as brightly as the cast of triple threat performers who gloriously sing and dance to Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein’s timeless score.
Read moreDon’t miss the ball – presale to Broadway Across Canada’s Cinderella begins this Friday
Who doesn’t love a classic fairy tale? As millennials, anytime anyone mentions a beloved fairy tale, we all seem to get super excited and exclaim, “I love <fill in name of story>!” This is probably because fairy tale memories take us back to our childhood days. A time period when life was simpler, a world of possibilities lay ahead, and no matter what kind of challenges we faced, we could dream.
Read more"The Phantom of the Opera" leads Broadway Across Canada's exciting 2017/2018 season
"The Phantom of the Opera" will open Broadway Across Canada's 2017/18 season. Image: Alastair Muir.
Broadway Across Canada (BAC) recently announced it's spectacular 2017/2018 season lineup, headlined by one of my personal favourite musicals, Andrew Lloyd Webber's The Phantom of the Opera. This will be a fresh new staging of the show, featuring a new set and choreography. This production has sparked a lot of buzz and we'll get to see it right here at Vancouver's Queen Elizabeth Theatre.
Read moreKayla James takes over Mary Poppins umbrella in style →
Stepping into the role of Mary Poppins is never an easy task. There’s the expectation to match or at least come close to reaching the standards of Julie Andrews. But in the Arts Club’s current remount of Disney’s Mary Poppins, actress Kayla James also had the challenge of living up to Sara-Jeanne Hosie’s acclaimed performances from previous seasons. Fortunately for audiences this holiday season, James is phenomenal as the iconic English nanny who flies through the sky with her umbrella and changes lives one household at a time.
Read moreThe Book of Mormon - The ultimate guilty pleasure
If you’ve been hearing shrieks of laughter coming from the Queen Elizabeth Theatre lately, it’s because The Book of Mormon is back in Vancouver. This nine time Tony Award-winning musical is wildly and inappropriately tickling the funny bone of YVR and it feels so wrong…and so right at the same time!
Read moreOur fav Mormon boys are back in town and they want to give you the book!
"The Book of Mormon" has returned to Vancouver and plays until September 4. Photo credit: Broadway Across Canada.
Our favourite boys are back in town! That’s right, The Book of Mormon, presented by Broadway Across Canada, is back in Van and so are some of the most adorable Mormon missionaries ever! And they’re on a mission to steal your hearts with their cuteness and killer song and dance skills.
Read moreTheatre Under The Stars casts a magical spell with Disney’s Beauty and the Beast
There’s something enchanted in Stanley Park this summer. It’s the stage production of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, presented by Theatre Under The Stars (TUTS). The beloved “tale as old as time” has cast a magical spell over the Malkin Bowl theatre in Stanley Park and you’ll want to catch it before the end of August.
Read moreTheatre Under the Stars disgraces West Side Story
West Side Story is an iconic American musical known for its powerful message and brilliant showcase of dance and music. Unfortunately, Theatre Under the Stars’ (TUTS) current production running at the Malkin Bowl in Stanley Park is so disappointing that it will break the heart of theatre fans.
Read more"Rock of Ages" is a blast despite a few letdowns
The Arts Club knows how to rock, and they’re currently heating things up at the Granville Island Stage with the Tony Award-nominated musical, Rock of Ages, directed and choreographed by Peter Jorgenson. And while the show isn’t the strongest effort I’ve seen from Arts Club, it’s still a pretty good time.
Read moreThe Arts Club’s "Billy Elliot" will be remembered as a stunning artistic achievement
It’s rare to experience a show that reaches out and truly touches the hearts of its audience in an electrifying and unforgettable way. The Arts Club’s production of Billy Elliot, which recently completed its run at the Stanley Theatre was just that - a theatrical masterpiece superbly brought to life through the use of dance, music, singing and the outstanding collaborative efforts of its creative team. And the driving force behind everything was the standout performance of the show’s young star, Nolan Fahey.
Read moreDisney’s NEWSIES inspires us to ‘seize the day’
Disney's NEWSIES is a sensational musical theatre experience that will blow you away with its phenomenal dancing, singing and acting. The show tells an inspiring story of how a community that was once told they didn't matter, stood up for their rights, 'seized the day' and made sure their voices were heard. NEWSIES is an incredible and uplifting experience you will not forget.
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