A History of Motown

Vancouver, you only have  ONE WEEK left to catch the phenomenal and informative show A HISTORY OF MOTOWN on now at the Firehall Arts Centre!

I was lucky enough to attend last night with a sold-out crowd and had no idea what to expect. Was this going to be a jukebox musical of sorts? 

I couldn't have been more wrong. 

What began as an educational program that toured schools to enlighten kids with the sounds and stories of Motown, as well as information about society at that time, i.e. civil rights movement, racism, has now become a bona fide hit with the public! 

Creator and singer Krystle Dos Santos leads a full band and the audience on a journey into Motown. I learned so much from this show that I never knew before, like how Stevie Wonder went blind or just how important the Ed Sullivan Show was to many Black artists. The first act is Motown 101 while the second act dives deeper into its history and legacy. 

My favourite part was the segment detailing the rise and fall of The Supremes, highlighting Florence Ballard, all interspersed between verses and choruses of You Keep Me Hanging On. So well done! 

By the end of the show, everyone was on their feet and dancing, and you will be too! 

Go see this now and take everyone you know with you! And if you're connected to a school, she still does school shows so invite her already !!! 

A History of Motown is on at the Firehall until August 24. 

Theatre Under the Stars: LEGALLY BLONDE

I first saw Legally Blonde on Broadway in New York City with the original cast. Then I saw them on the  television broadcast on MTV. So when I attended the opening night of Theatre Under the Stars' production of Legally Blonde, imagine my delight when the show just happened to be totally stellar! Like, OMIGOD, OMIGOD YOU GUYS!! 

all photos by Emily Cooper

Abby Woodhouse should be renamed Abby POWERHOUSE because she does a monumental job as Elle Woods! She's got the comic timing, the vulnerability, and the pipes! Absolutely tremendous! 

Madeleine Suddaby also shines as the fan-favourite Paulette. The entire cast were fantastic, right down to the four-legged ones!! 

If you've never seen Legally Blonde before, you are in for a treat. The music and songs are witty and catchy AF. The storylines will have you laughing and guessing and maybe even tearing up at some points. It's just so excellent, that this review is one big rave. 

What you want is to go see it for yourself! LEGALLY BLONDE is on now at Theatre Under the Stars until August 16. 

Theatre Under the Stars: Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

 Now, if you know me, you know that I am not that keen on going to shows where I have to watch children sing and act. So when my friend really really wanted to go see Charlie and the Chocolate Factory the musical at Theatre Under the Stars this summer, I indulged her. And boy am I glad I did!

All photos by Emily Cooper.

It was a confection of fun last night at Malkin Bowl as the cast took the stage to bring us into the world of Charlie Bucket and Willy Wonka. With a simple monochrome set, I was at first disillusioned with what the night had in store for us, but by the end of it, I was definitely transported into another dimension, especially with that final scene. 

Well done to the Theatre Under the Stars actors and crew and everyone involved on this achievement that is sure to entertain people of all ages this summer. We brought blankets to keep us warm as the sun set behind the stage, and to keep in theme with the show, we had chocolates to snack on as well! 

The musical itself is smart enough to incorporate the iconic numbers of Pure Imagination and some Oompa Loompa songs. 

There's a ballet sequence that features Veruca Salt and a quartet of squirrels that was the most amazing fever dream I've ever had. 

Peter Ricardo's Willy Wonka is a friendlier and less manic take on the character, which appealed to me as he ebbs and flows with humour, sarcasm, and a paternal warmth. Jennie

Finally, Jennie Grenelle was a scene stealer with her delicious role of Mrs. Teavee, and had me in absolute stitches. 

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is on now on alternating evenings at Theatre Under the Stars at Malkin Bowl in Stanley Park, until August 16! 

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat

 Go, go, go, go!! 

Need I say more? The final show of the season at Metro Theatre is none other than Andrew Lloyd Webber's musical spectacular Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat! I saw the production with Donny Osmond back in the 90s so sure, I had some doubts. But this local production definitely has charm. If you've never seen the show or heard the music before, then you are in for a fun and catchy good time! 

First off, it's retold through the eyes of a 1970s variety show! Once you get used to that, then sit back and enjoy the ride. The singing is top notch, whether it's the Narrator (Ivania Delgado) or Joseph (Argel Monte de Ramos) or any member of the cast really. 

Christopher King is a famed local director of stage work in Vancouver, so having him mount this production at the Metro is a complete treat for all involved and for anyone who gets to catch a showing! 

Joseph is on now at The Metro Theatre until June 8. 

Meeting

 ITSAZOO and Pacific Theatre (with support of Neworld Theatre) present a visceral, unflinching examination of group therapy in the world premiere of Meeting, taking place May 14 to June 7, 2025 in a real-life meeting room at the Chalmers Heritage Building (1440 W 12th Ave) – home to Pacific Theatre. Marking the playwriting debut of actor and writer Katherine Gauthier, Meeting invites audiences to join five participants of the support group, ‘Co-Dependents, Love and Sex Addicts Anonymous’ in an immersive, fly-on-the-wall experience, as the group grapples with the dark corners of stigma, trauma, and trust.

(Left to right): Sebastien Archibald, Carmela Sison, Kaitlin Williams, Chris Lam, Marcus Youssef 

Tickets available here. 

Arsenic and Old Lace

 Metro Theatre has brought back the classic play Arsenic and Old Lace with an "eccentric cast of murderous old ladies, an inebriated plastic surgeon, a Boris Karloff lookalike, bumbling cops, a delusional Teddy Roosevelt, and two hapless young lovers caught in the chaos. For fans of old Hollywood charm with a dash of devilish dark humor, it’s the perfect theatrical treat."

Props should be given to the actors portraying Mortimer and the two Aunts, as they really stood out on the stage! And the set design itself was another impressive feat from the Metro Theatre company. 

Arsenic and Old Lace is on now until April 26 ! 

We Are Boy Band

 I was kind of expecting a musical when I attended the premiere of We Are Boy Band at Langara's Studio 58 this past weekend. But a musical, it was not. Rather, it was a dissection of the boy band industry told through modern dance vignettes, voiceovers, and music mash-ups of some of your favourite boy band numbers. 

It's a commentary on the similarities that each boy band has in common and the way that the music industry churns them out, like manufactured objects on a conveyor belt. My favourite number was the slow-motion shirts blowing in the wind section. Humorous, observant, and poignant, We Are Boy Band is an exciting experimental theatre piece that's taken a foothold in Vancouver now until April 6. And you'll want it that way! 

Get your tickets here! 

Wonderful Joe

 Well, if you don't already have a ticket for Ronnie Burkett's Wonderful Joe at the Cultch by now, then you are out of luck, as the show has completely sold out its run! 

Ronnie Burkett needs no introduction in these parts. If you've never gone to one of his shows, then you need to get with the program and grab a ticket as soon as they go on sale, as many Vancouverites seemed to have done! They've caught on to his remarkable talent as an artist and puppeteer. 

In Wonderful Joe, Burkett takes a break from the antics and hi jinx of his Daisy Theatre cabaret to return to a more linear story that will make you laugh and also break your heart. My first introduction to Burkett was his show 10 Days on Earth, which had a profound sadness to it, and I'm thrilled to see a bit of that melancholy heart brought back here in his latest outing. 

Wonderful Joe is on at the Cultch until February 23 and is sold out. 

Heathers: The Musical

Dear Diary, quelle surprise! Studio 58's production of Heathers The Musical at Langara is just so... VERY. 

I was fortunate enough to catch the premiere of this show in NewYork on Broadway where they had electric blue Liquid Drano shots for sale at the bar. Alas, Langara does not serve booze, otherwise that would've been a fun addition to what is already a fully entertaining night out! 

If you're not familiar with the cult 80s classic, this is the original Mean Girls but darker - I'm talking guns, suicide, and school bombings. A standout for me was Evan Andersen Sterns as the moody bad boy, J.D. He is charming and cute in Act One, and spirals into psychopath manic territory by the end, while dragging along Saidi Mader's Veronica with him. 

Normally with musicals, I find Act One to be the stronger half. But with this show and production, it's actually Act Two that has some serious stand out moments. When Carol Chu as Heather McNamara gets a shot in the limelight, she takes it and runs away with it. Her mini solo was a delightful surprise. But then with the 11 O'Clock number is Stella Jack-Rennie, who in true 80s fashion removes her dumpy eyeglasses to reveal a beautiful soul underneath as her Martha Dunnstock character takes flight in a touching and sombre suicide song, that left the audience gasping as the lights went out. 

Apparently this is the 5th time that Heathers The Musical has been done in our fair city! I had no idea. If you too had no clue, and wanted to see this show, then there's no better spot to go than Studio 58! 

Heathers The Musical runs until February 16.  

The Height of the Storm

There is a gem of a show playing right now at a gem of a theatre over on the West side. 

I have been a fan of Florian Zeller's writing for awhile now, having read several of his novels translated from the French. When I heard that United Players of Vancouver had secured the rights and were going to mount a production of his play The Height of the Storm, I was definitely intrigued. 

It's been a while since I've seen anything at the Jericho Theatre, so what a great welcome back this was! Wonderfully directed by Adam Henderson, the show nails it on every detail, from the set design to the lighting to the sound. All the actors are just fantastic as well. 

The story is slightly murky, making the audience work for the viewing. It blends memory with the present, dementia with reality. At 80 minutes with no intermission, the show is a welcome addition to Vancouver's theatrical landscape. 

How lucky are we that the opportunity to see a wonderful production of  a Florian Zeller play is right at our doorstep? 

The Height of the Storm is on now until February 9. 

East Van Panto: Robin Hood

 I don't even know how to review this year's East Van Panto: Robin Hood, because it was SO GOOD. 

Stella Jack-Rennie, Munish Sharma, Hayley Sullivan, Sewit Eden Haile, Carol Chu

I was lucky enough to attend last week and brought along the perfect person to watch it with me, cause we both work in a library. Basically, libraries were one of the main things under attack in this year's show, thanks to the evil villain "Prince Ken" which I'm pretty sure everyone in Vancouver knows who that is referring to! 

It's not just libraries he wants to privatize, but also Trout Lake park. A timely jab about the dismantling of the Parks Board hit a little too close to home but was well-placed. With only three weeks to tech and rehearse the show, this production is a bonafide good time from start to finish. 

Steffanie Davis

Steffanie Davis downright steals the entire show as Toni the Pony. Last year she was impressive as Belle, but as one of this year's villain, she downright shines. Or as the kids these days might say, she ate!! 

Mark Chavez

Mark Chavez also returns in multiple roles, and delighting in every single one of them. My favourite was his turn as a Robobrarian. 

Hayley Sullivan & Munish Sharma

Finally, Munish Sharma as Little Jaan seems relatively reliable and safe for most of the show, until we reach Act 2 and its eleven o'clock number, when he gets a turn to solo. People of Vancouver, when this man opens his mouth to sing.... the most beautiful sound in the world will be gifted upon your ears. Why were they hiding this the entire time??? Our jaws dropped. What a gorgeous sublime voice! Sing on maestro, sing ON!

Veda Hille

And the songs this year are fun and current! Of COURSE they had to do some Chappell Roan. Perhaps a song from BRAT would've been just that one more cherry on top but kudos to Veda Hille for reimagining popular hits to fit this homegrown story. 

Go catch these superstars and the rest of the stellar cast of East Van Panto: Robin Hood, on now at the York Theatre until January 5!! 

(all photos by Emily Cooper)

Billy Bishop Goes to War

 I was lucky enough to observe Remembrance Day weekend last week with the premiere of Billy Bishop Goes to War, on now at the Metro Theatre. 

Damon Calderwood plays an immense 18 characters in this near-one person production of Billy Bishop Goes to War. Pianist Chris Robson lends a hand with some characters but is also supplying the live soundtrack to this Canadian-born musical. 

I'd always heard of this show, but had never had the opportunity to go see it until now. I don't know if other productions are also as minimalist as this one, but it works with the storytelling and Calderwood's transformations from character to character are seamless and you will be absorbed into the storytelling in no time. 

Billy Bishop Goes to War is on now  until November 30 at the Metro Theatre. 

The Woman in Black

 If you're seeking something spooky this October, you might want to check out what's happening at the Metro Theatre with its current production, The Woman in Black.  

Bernard Cuffling does double duty as director and actor in this production alongside Daniel Merlo, both of whom do a stellar job at bringing dread to the stage. It's not the kind of show that's full of tricks and treats, but more of a sit around the campfire telling a ghost story vibe. 

Certain images will remain with you long after you've left the theatre, a testament to the show's ability to haunt. 

The Woman in Black is on now at the Metro Theatre until November 2 !

The Play That Goes Wrong

The Metro Theatre has launched their latest season starting off with the slapstick comedy The Play That Goes Wrong! I was very excited to see this, as I have heard about it in New York but never got the chance to see it, until now! 

The production is silliness to the infinite degree, and you will definitely find yourself laughing out loud. But wait, the show doesn't pause during intermission. Here's a hot tip: leave your seat! If you hang out in the lobby, you may see one of the characters wandering about. Even better, if you go outside for some fresh air, you'll see a couple of characters marching back and forth. The fun never ends! 

The physical comedy in the show was astounding, and at some points, downright dangerous! Definitely a sight to behold. 

Make it to the Metro Theatre early too, so you can go upstairs and enjoy their newly renovated lounge! It's a place I would definitely go and just hang out at, especially if they have that live piano player going in the corner. 

The Play That Goes Wrong is on now at the Metro Theatre until October 5! 

An Adaptation of The Wizard of Oz

Strap on your ruby red slippers and get ready for a Wizard of Oz like no other! Adult dance studio Passion and Performance is bringing this beloved classic to the stage at the historic Cultch Theatre on August 8. 

Picture it: the Tin Man, a stud with moves that could melt your heart; the Lion, strutting their stuff on Davie Street with a mane that won’t quit; and the Scarecrow, a laid-back stoner who’s always one step ahead of munchkin curfew. Dorothy? Oh, she’s a shy yet wild child at heart from Squamish, ready to take on the Emerald City. And watch out for the Wicked Witch of West Van – she’s got style for days and a laugh that could curdle almond milk. But that’s not all – Glinda the Good Witch floats in with glamor and grace, spreading glitter and wisdom wherever she goes. A vision in sequins and pleasers, she’s the guiding light through this Oz adventure.

Tickets are almost sold out, get them now! 

Theatre Under the Stars: SCHOOL OF ROCK

Full disclosure: I am not a huge fan of watching children sing in musicals. Does that make me a terrible person? Probably. It's just not my cup of tea, so sue me. 

With that being said however, I was wowed by the kids in Theatre Under the Stars' School of Rock musical and I will tell you why and how I got there. 

The people I attended the show with LOVE the movie School of Rock, on which the musical adaptation is based. I had no idea this too was an Andrew Lloyd Webber vehicle until last night. When the show began, I found the pacing of things to be a bit off. This could just also be my bias against musicals based on movies. Not a fan of those. 

TUTS 2024. Colin Sheen, with members of the youth cast in School of Rock. Photo by Emily Cooper

Colin Sheen holds down the fort as the main character Dewey Finn, portrayed memorably on screen by Jack Black. Colin can sing, dance, play instruments, and literally anchors the whole show as he is in almost every scene. Also he has to work with children? I pity the fool. But stay with me here, as I stayed with Colin and the kids and went on this journey that warmed my heart and had me in tears by the end of the evening...

Closer to the second half of Act 1 and definitely all of Act 2, I was engaged and invested. If you're not familiar with the storyline, Dewey Finn is an out-of-luck musician who winds up "teaching" at a prestigious private school - except he's faking his identity and pretending to be his best friend, who is an acclaimed teacher while Dewey has no business in front of a classroom. He leads the kids into learning about rock music and hopes to enter them into a local Battle of the Bands. 

 

TUTS 2024. Colin Sheen, with members of the youth cast in School of Rock. Photo by Emily Cooper

The audience at opening night was feisty, and I hope that continues for this production throughout the summer. The energy of the crowd really helps feed what's going on up on the stage. From the start of the program when the emcee shouted out Kiss lyrics: "I wanna rock and roll all night...!" 

To which the crowd promptly called back: "... and party every day!" 

 TUTS 2024. Colin Sheen, with members of the youth cast in School of Rock. Photo by Emily Cooper

The audience participation did not stop there, and I am not even counting all the cheers and applause that the performers got whenever they played their instruments. Yes, that's right. These CHILDREN are playing live instruments right there on the stage in front of you! There's no air guitar! That's real guitar!  Those are real drums and keyboards and bass! COME ON. 

Near the end when they are announcing the winner of the Battle of the Bands, the entire audience was up in arms chanting out SCHOOL OF ROCK! SCHOOL OF ROCK! 

TUTS 2024. Colin Sheen, with members of the youth cast in School of Rock. Photo by Emily Cooper

If you want a rockin' night out that will have you laughing and crying and cheering on the underdog, then go see SCHOOL OF ROCK at Theatre Under The Stars, alternating nightly with CATS all summer until August 24. 

Theatre Under the Stars: CATS

TUTS 2024. Left to right_October Penningroth, Owen CB Scott, Jaren Guerreiro, Colton Bamber, Anna Smith. Photo by Emily Cooper

I'm a cat person. I'm also a musicals guy. I kinda low-key hate the CATS musical. I saw it when I was in my teens and had no idea what was happening. I do love the song Memory, however. 

Over the years, CATS has grown on me. Perhaps, like a cat, I just needed to warm up to it. The score is familiar. I sang Mr Mistoffelees with my Grade 7 class in elementary school. And of course, there's the movie version. I saw it in the theatre and was still slightly confused, even though I knew what the plot was supposed to be now. I am excited about the "ballroom" themed vogueing CATS remount happening in New York right now, aptly subtitled The Jellicle Ball. 

So when Theatre Under the Stars announced they were doing CATS as one of their shows this year, I was a bit unenthusiastic. But then I attended on opening night... 

 TUTS 2024. The cast of CATS. Photo by Emily Cooper

Maybe it's age and I've been around long enough, but this production was the most I've ever understood the plot in the times that I've seen the show. I knew exactly what was going on! So kudos to the direction on this for being able to successfully translate to the stage a show that can be quite polarizing. 

CATS is a dance show, and TUTS has done a superb job in delivering a purr-fect evening of entertainment for the whole family. For any newbies who may go to the show not knowing what to expect, all you need to know is that on this special night, one cat gets chosen to be "reborn" and they are all vying for that spot. 

 TUTS 2024. Sarah Lane as Grizabella. Photo by Emily Cooper

And then the moment that everyone was waiting for: Memory. When Grizabella takes the stage, to deliver this iconic number, she does not disappoint. With the stars in the evening sky sparkling above you, the smoke machine and dimmed lights on the stage, the performance of Memory is literally everything. Go see CATS for that alone. But don't forget about the tap dancing cockroaches, the comedy relief of Bustopher Jones, the earworm of "Macavity's not there!" and the sensuality of Rum Tum Tugger. 

 TUTS 2024. The cast of CATS. Photo by Emily Cooper

All of these ingredients come together to create a purr-fect production! CATS is on tonight at Theatre Under the Stars and alternates with School of Rock until August 23. 

A Case for the Existence of good theatre in Vancouver

At 80 minutes with no intermission, is a wonderful production happening right now at the Pacific Theatre. "A Case for the Existence of God" is a two-hander performance, previously shown on Broadway and now how lucky are we to have the chance to see it here in Vancouver? 

 Keith a mortgage broker and Ryan is a down on his luck guy looking for a break. The two are single fathers, one a White heterosexual recently left by the mother of his child, and the other a Queer Black man who is trying to adopt the child he has been fostering. 

Actors Kwesi Ameyaw and Rob Salvador are spellbinding in this as we witness their interactions, whether it's rediscovering past trauma, revealing secrets, or a night of drunkenness. The two are just hypnotic and the audience is on the edge of their seats waiting to see what will happen next. 

 A Case for the Existence of God is on now at the Pacific Theatre until June 9!

The Papa Penguin Play

 Looking for fun for the whole family? Check out the world premiere of The Papa Penguin Play, co-presented by Carousel Theatre for Young People, Vancouver International Children's Theatre, and Zee Zee Theatre. 

Designed for children ages 3-8 and their families, this visually spectacular show is a celebration of queer families through a lovable penguin family – and their friendly Zoo Keeper – celebrating their penguin chick Hedgie's first birthday.

The Papa Penguin Play runs May 15 - June 2 at the Waterfront Theatre. 

Parifam

Presented by Medusa Theatre and Vancouver Asian Canadian Theatre, The Cultch kicks off its Femme Festival with Parifam. 

Written by Aki Yaghoubi, Parifam takes us into the world of Parifam, our lead character who is in the midst of balancing her artistic endeavours with her professional architectural work. Her friend Ramak wants to film a documentary on her and her work, but there is an underlying sense of trauma that Parifam is battling with. 

We are introduced to her son and husband, who tiptoe around her when they're not in the middle of a melodramatic argument. There are flashbacks to Parifam's own mother's trauma, but things are quite unclear as the lights go down on Act One. 

The set design by Parjad Sharifi is impressive. But the teasing mystery in Act One isn't clear enough to make audience members really feel engaged enough to want to find out what happens next.

Parifam runs now until April 14 at The Cultch.