The Cultch’s latest production is the world premiere of No Foreigners, about at the controversial issue of Chinese-Canadian immigration to Vancouver.This interdisciplinary work by local company Hong Kong Exile and Toronto-based fu-GEN Theatre, runs February 7 to 17 at the Vancity Culture Lab.
Read moreTheatre Review: 'Motown the Musical' reveals the story behind the music
Looking for some sizzle to warm up from the rainy winter weather?Motown The Musical is a hot blast of fun. Full of crowd-pleasing renditions of classic Motown tunes such as “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough,” “My Girl,” and “Baby I Need Your Lovin,” this musical bio on the life of Berry Gordy, the founder of the Motown record label, is burning up the Queen Elizabeth stage until February 11.
Read moreSuzy Kaitman: Former ballerina leaps to entrepreneurial success
Suzy Kaitman has taken extraordinary leaps in 2017. The former ballerina, who transitioned into becoming a fitness coach, opened her own studio, Ballet Lounge, in 2016 - but she faced tough roads ahead. Determined to succeed, she took serious action in 2017 and her drive and dedication has paid off. Read about her inspirational journey.
Read moreDance Review: Alberta Ballet's The Nutcracker is a stunning visual treat with solid dancing
Photo credit: Yin Yi
Ballet BC has graciously invited Alberta Ballet to perform its renowned production of The Nutcracker in Vancouver. This visually stunning production features all the opulence, majesty and grace that this classic story is known for. Complete with some stand-out dance performances, and accompanied by the magnificent Vancouver Symphony Orchestra, Alberta Ballet's The Nutcracker is a special holiday treat.
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 moreShannon Chan-Kent is the new Belle of Vancouver
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.
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