Red Rock Diner

I've heard of the Red Rock Diner musical for a while now and finally got the chance to go see it for myself last night! This ode to Vancouver and Hall of Fame DJ Red Robinson is a blast from the past, transporting you back to a more innocent time of soda shops and sock hops.

It's a performance piece that features a group of dancers and singers showcasing their moves and vocal chops to some golden oldies. It also depicts the rise of Red Robinson and how he brought popular music to the youth of Vancouver. If you're like me, and you enjoy musicals that have a storyline, the one here is pretty thin so you will have to think of it more as a cabaret / showcase of song and dance instead. It's highly enjoyable, and the actors are all stupendous!

The energy that these actors have to use for this stage spectacle is astounding. I was exhausted just watching them! They had people up in their seats, clapping along, dancing in the aisles! It's a fun and entertaining evening for everyone, and has now been extended to August 16!

Red Rock Diner is on now at the Granville Island Stage.

The Normal Heart

If you were lucky enough to catch the HBO screening of Larry Kramer's iconic Tony-award winning Broadway play, The Normal Heart, you'll know how important a story this is. It is a document of the AIDS crisis as it blew up in New York City in the early 1980s. The movie version has now been nominated for several Emmy awards, and now it's your chance to see this the way it was meant to be seen - live on stage at the theatre!

Ensemble Theatre Company brings the story to life at the Jericho Arts Centre, starting July 18th until August 16. You can purchase your tickets online here.

Vancouver TheatreSports

With the summer months mainly a dry spell when it comes to shows and performances in Vancouver, one can always count on the comedy stylings of TheatreSports, which has been around for 24 years! This is Vancouver's version of Second City, Chicago's improv school where future Saturday Night Live alum are farmed from.

Adding to their repertoire of improv shows, TheatreSports gives us TripImproviser, which "bring the highlights and lowlights of people’s travels to life in this interactive comedy, inspired by you and your travels. Watch the “worst trip ever” re-enacted onstage. Learn more about these exotic lands and people. Where will we end up? From city to jungle, bungee jumping to bird watching, the possibilities are endless because it’s totally improvised and totally unpredictable."

TripImproviser runs until August 30 at the Improv Centre on Granville Island.

Rewilding Vancouver

A few years ago I was walking to the skytrain over by Broadway and Commercial and went through the alleyway behind the McDonald's. I could've sworn I saw a rodent that looked positively radioactive scurrying into the ground. I didn't believe my eyes and was probably too grossed out by the whole thing that I've blocked it out of my mind and chalked it up to my imagination. 

However, if you go see the current exhibit at the Museum of Vancouver, you'll be quick learn that what I saw was in fact a reality. Did you know that Vancouver used to have red rats roaming about? Rewilding Vancouver "explores the city’s nature as it was, is, and could be."

Rewilding Vancouver is currently on at the Museum of Vancouver until September 1st. 

  

Show Tunes : The Pride Edition

It's that time of month again: Show Tunes night at 1181! This month we celebrate Pride with some rainbow-inspired clips that will be sure to get you in the mood for the upcoming Pride festivities!

July 11th, Friday night, 6-9pm at 1181 Davie Street!

This month we'll be raffling off some fun giveaways, including passes to the awesome Douglas Coupland exhibit on now at the Vancouver Art Gallery, passes to go see the Rewilding Vancouver exhibit on now at the Museum of Vancouver, and tickets to go catch the newest improv show TripImproviser on now at Vancouver TheatreSports!

And don't forget to "Like" the Facebook page for a chance to win some cool prizes! You can also RSVP to Friday's Show Tunes night over on the Event Page! See you Friday!

Symphony in the Park

Dare to travel outside of Vancouver just over to Burnaby's Deer Lake park to enjoy a free concert from the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra! Sunday July 13, 730pm-930pm.

"The Vancouver Symphony Orchestra performs its annual free outdoor concert showcasing the beauty of Burnaby’s Deer Lake Park. The crowd-pleasing program of light classics and popular favourites is always a coveted and not to be missed highlight of the summer!

Come early, bring a blanket and a picnic  and settle in for a wonderful evening with the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra. Just a reminder that parking in the vicinity is limited, so alternate transportation is recommended."

For more info, check out the website!

Dancing on the Edge Festival 2014

Starting tonight is Canada's longest running dance festival, Dancing on the Edge!

Celebrating its 26th year, the Dancing on The Edge Festival of Contmporary Dance "features over 30 different choreographies from more than 70 dance artists over 10 jam-packed days of dance!"

Venues include the Scotiabank Dance Centre, site-specific locations such as Portside Park and SFU Woodwards' Atrium, and of course, the Firehall Arts Centre!

Dancing On The Edge festival begins tonight and runs until July 12th!