Lantern Procession

 I miss the days of Illuminares, put on by the now-defunct Public Dreams Society. I remember heading to Trout Lake for the Summer solstice and being immersed into a magical land of fairies and sirens singing in the trees, while being surrounded by a plethora of creative home-made lanterns. 

That's why I was intrigued to find out that they do still have a lantern celebration in the summer at Trout Lake, so I ventured out last night to attend it. Instead of a full on festival, it's a procession, led by a joyful band of musicians and lantern-folk. Everyone jostled behind them, as we all made our way around the lake, following our pied piper of the night. 

Theatre Under the Stars: Matilda

The thought of going to a musical where much of the singing is done by children terrifies me. The only show I would go to willingly would be Annie, based on the strength of the songs. Plus they have Miss Hannigan! 

So when I learned that the alternate show at Theatre Under the Stars this year was going to be Matilda, I was not overly thrilled. But hey, give them a chance right? And boy am I glad I did!

If I was hankering for a dose of Miss Hannigan, well I got it in spades with Matilda's headmistress, Miss Trunchbull, played by Jyla Robinson. Add in a pair of hilariously child-hating parents, played by Victor Hunter & Madeleine Suddaby, and you've got a winning recipe for a terrific family night out! 

Siggi Kaldestad does a fantastic job portraying the lead character, Matilda, and brings new inspiration to young actors everywhere. 

Much like the counterpart show this season, The Prom, there is also a Netflix movie version of this musical, and it too falls flat in comparison to seeing it live, especially outdoors under a shimmering summer sky. 

Matilda is on now at Theatre Under the Stars until August 26! Don't miss out! 

 

Theatre Under the Stars: The Prom

 I was very hesitant to go see The Prom at Theatre Under the Stars for two reasons. One, I had seen the movie The Prom on Netflix and thought it was terrible. I had friends tell me they've seen the Broadway production and that it was way better than the movie adaptation. Okay, fine. 

The second reason is that I remember Theatre Under the Stars from many years ago when I would go to a show and be disappointed, though I have heard that they have gotten a lot better since the days I used to attend. 

Opening night on Tuesday for The Prom was filled with excitement. It was a lovely summer evening. The perfect one really to go out and catch an outdoor musical theatre production. Ambiance, check. 

When the show began, I still had my reservations. The material itself wasn't strong, at least not for an opening number. But then the leads all came out, including Caitriona Murphy as divalicious Dee Dee Murphy. 

The story revolves around a group of New York actors continually failing and flailing on Broadway, who take it upon themselves to do a good deed in order to get audience approval. Their good deed turns out to be a teenage lesbian trying to take her girlfriend to the school prom in smalltown, Indiana. Anna Pontin charms as the teenage lesbian. 

By the end of the show, I was a complete recruit. I thoroughly enjoyed the musical The Prom, and this production from Theatre Under The Stars was of the highest calibre. It was funny and touching and everyone in the show was talented and gave it their all. Keep an eye out for a backflip that will leave you gawking in awe. 

Pride in Vancouver is coming up and this celebratory show about fighting for LGBTQ2+ rights is the perfect way to kick off the season. And you're outdoors in this lovely summer weather, watching a musical underneath the night sky! How perfect is that?! 

The Prom is on now at Theatre Under the Stars at Malkin Bowl in Stanley Park, alternating with the musical Matilda, now until August 25th! Don't miss out! 

Dirty Laundry

Up from down under is the theatre / circus / drag troupe Briefs Factory International with a show that's been six years in the making! Landing at the York Theatre is their piece, Dirty Laundry. 

Instead of clowns, you've got hilarious drag queens. You've also got some spectacular circus acts to witness as well, from a cheeky Aussie juggler to a literal sword swallower. 

Honestly, I could not stop smiling for the entire show! I was wowed and delighted and at times, terrified. I screamed and kicked my feet in pure enjoyment as well as disbelief! 

Tell all your friends, cause I've already told mine! Go see DIRTY LAUNDRY now! It's on at the York Theatre until June 25. What better way to celebrate Pride month!? 

Unexpecting

Touted as being a play about modern motherhood, I wasn't quite sure I was keen to go see Unexpecting, on now from Zee Zee Theatre. As someone who is not a parent, let alone a mother, would I be able to relate to this show? 

Turns out, the plot revolves around that time in your life when you're about to make big life-changing decisions such as, "Should I take a risk and follow my dreams or go for stability?" Now that I could relate to! 

We are introduced to a lesbian couple who are in the midst of a pending adoption. One woman is up for a big life altering job promotion, while her wife is torn between being a successful sellout commercial artist and staying true to her artistic visions. Throw in a young pregnant lawyer who is uncertain about whether or not to give up her child for adoption, and a scene-stealing best friend (played by Melissa Oei), and you have a recipe for some good old fashioned lesbian drama with top notes of slapstick comedy! 

And the set is intricately designed, transporting you from a Vancouver loft to a night out at a trendy restaurant. All in all, Unexpecting was an unexpected fun night out!  A perfect treat for Mother's Day!! 

Unexpecting is on now at Studio 16 (1551 West 7th Avenue) until May 21st.

Raven

A trio of German women are currently owning the stage down at the York Theatre with their show Raven, a circus performance on the regrets of motherhood. 

Wait, what? A circus with a storyline? I was intrigued to see how this was going to go and was extremely impressed with this piece. We are treated to scenes that involve a contortionist who elevates body dysmorphia to a whole new level or a laundry-folding session turned into a party for one. There are moments dealing with judgement when it comes to being a mom. The main thorough line is that high-wire balancing act of juggling motherhood with a career, the guilt of being seen as selfish and not a good maternal figure. 

There is so much in this tightly packed show runs; it an hour with no intermission. You will find humour, joy, and sadness, alongside daring feats of circus performance, in this reflective and entertaining show sure to make you gasp and sigh and smile. 

Raven by Germany's still hungry is on now at The York Theatre until April 30. 

Chor Leoni explores mental health and music as a tool for healing in 'The Turning'

 "Chor Leoni and its star ensemble The Leonids celebrate strength and vulnerability in The Turning: Chor Leoni & The Leonids, on stage at St. Andrew’s-Wesley United (1022 Nelson Street) on May 11, 2023 at 7:30pm. This concert is one highlight of the annual VanMan Summit – a gathering of more than 200 singers of all ages for a full week of mentorship, rehearsals, and performance with Chor Leoni and The Leonids. The week culminates in the VanMan Summit Concert on May 13, 2023 at 7:30pm at the Chan Centre for the Performing Arts.

  

The Turning features commissioned and existing works that explore mental health and wellness, allowing audiences to experience music as a healing force - Chor Leoni’s guiding tenet of transformation through music. One highlight of the concert will be the world premiere of Sarah Rimkus’ The Watcher of the Wood, a deeply personal and poetic exploration of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), performed by Chor Leoni, The Leonids, and its Emerging Choral Artist Program.

  

Chor Leoni, and by extension its choral music, has long been a place of support and acceptance for its members and audiences. These two events will create joyful spaces for singers and audiences of all gender identities to experience music as a powerful agent of holistic healing, driven by a spirit of collective vulnerability and strength."

 

For tickes to The Turning, check out the Chor Leoni website.

Tickets also available for the VanMan Summit Concert.