Matilda The Musical

I was reluctant to go see Matilda the Musical because I don't normally enjoy children singing in shows. However, the current production at the Stanley Theatre is just ridiculous and fun! Based on the Roald Dahl novel, the show centers around a strong willed little girl named Matilda who is out battling terrible parents and an evil headmistress at her school.

The actors and the production value are splendid here. Standouts for me included Alison MacDonald as Miss Honey, bringing a warmth and wisdom to the role, and John Ullyatt as Miss Trunchbull, wowing the crowd with his brilliant comedic performance.

I would say that the show is definitely geared towards kids, but adults who are young at heart will enjoy this show as well.

Matilda is on at the Stanley until July 14th!

Bernadette Peters and Len Cariou

For Broadway buffs like myself, it was a magical musical weekend here in Vancouver!

It began on Thursday night when Bernadette Peters was the featured guest at a Vancouver Symphony Orchestra concert. She was downright magical. The concert was a good 90 mins but it simply flew by. She did a lot of Sondheim and some surprises too, including Peggy Lee's Fever. At 71 years of age, Ms. Peters was superb and sublime.

She was also performing again on Saturday night at Deer Lake Park in a FREE concert! She stepped in for Queen Latifah at the last minute when Latifah came down with strep throat. Her show isn't really designed for a free concert in the park in Burnaby. There were families there, dogs running around, picnics taking place. If everyone there were Broadway babies, then sure it would've been perfect. But it was a mishmash of an audience that may or may not have appreciated the legendary Bernadette performing for them.

Also doing a show this past weekend was Len Cariou, the actor who originated the role of Sweeney Todd! He was performing in the Annex theatre which is a cute hidden little spot on Seymour street. Len's show, combined Shakespeare soliloquies with show tunes. For Len, it was the perfect marriage, and the space was so intimate, it was a great way to witness his talents.