Ten years ago I first saw Hamlet at The Stanley Theatre and I have been meaning to go back ever since. I’m not sure why it takes us years and years to explore some of the greatest (and non-touristy) portions of our region but taking in a show at this historical venue is a must for any and all.
Photo credit:
GusF on Flickr
Built in 1931 the theatre was “ultra-modern in every respect… …equipped with the latest for talking pictures and also a pipe organ.†[VancouverHistory] It was a landmark movie house until 1991 when it showed Fantasia for the last time. Closed for seven years and masterfully renovated to update its art deco style, it reopened as a 650-seat playhouse in 1998. “The restoration of the venue [received] a 1999 City of Vancouver Heritage Award.” [VancouverHistory]
In 1998 it became a venue for the Arts Club Theatre Company and took on the name, The Stanley Industrial Alliance Stage with the addition of new sponsors. Now in its 44th season, the Arts Club is as much a staple in the city as The Stanley and thanks to them, John and I were able to take in The Producers yesterday afternoon.
It was a treat to finally make it back to The Stanley and the show almost had the matinee crowd rolling in the aisles with its witty tunes, gags, and the amazing voices of the cast. It gave me the kickstart I needed to begin enjoying more of the arts in this town and with the Arts Club presenting Les Miserables next season, it certainly won’t be another ten years before I return to the theatre.
Update: You can view more of my thoughts on the production in my E!Online guest post: Arts (a)Live in Vancouver.
This afternoon six of us were guests of Playland; free to roam the rides, wolf down mini donuts and go crazy on the Corkscrew.
Even though the morning skies were grey, we all agreed that at least the lines would be short on a day when the probability of precipitation was high. This also meant that heat stroke was out of the question and our truly durable Gortex-like West coaster exteriors would be able to brush off any showers that might befall us.
I must admit, I was feeling adventurous and I went on the type of rides where people in the line up told tales of cars falling off tracks and gory dismemberment due to mechanic failures. I took on the Hellevator (which was included in our blogger special ride passes), the Wild Mouse (that left Biehler and I with battle scars) and the 50 year-old Coaster (where staying seated as instructed throughout the ride is an impossibility).
Photo credit:
Keira on Flickr
We played some games and while Keira did not win her giant jumbo stuffed animal she did get to fire off some rounds at the shooting gallery. We all walked away with something in the end or at least with some change in our pockets from not going completely nuts with balloon darts.
The food service was at the concession was slow but since we were in no hurry we didn’t mind terribly. The girls all found the best bang for our buck was the Kids Pak (for $7.50) which came with a corndog or hotdog, fries, a cookie, and a pop served in a plastic teddy bear. Word of caution on the bear cup though, the heads simply pop on and off and if you’re not careful you may accidentally decapitate your bear, spilling Sprite all over your own shoes.
Highlights of the day included the bumper cars, which left us all with permanent smiles on our faces – especially after exiting and re-entering the ride on succession due to the lack of other patrons lined up out front.
Photo credit:
Keira on Flickr
I was pretty happy that John had a good time since he really didn’t want to make the trek out there today. His laughter (that sounded like an excited Peter Griffin) could be heard with every twist and turn of the Scrambler. The Crazy Beach Party (the second time around) was the ride that finally did us all in after five hours of rushes and giggles.
A big thanks to Playland for having Keira, Amy, John Biehler, Jennifer, John and me out for a fun-filled afternoon. If you plan on going to Playland and it looks like the weather may not agree, I encourage you to go anyway as it’s still a great way to spend an afternoon with friends.
I am certain there will be many more photos coming through from everyone that was out today, including some wicked video by Biehler on the Hellevator and other rides. I’ll link all those posts n’ goodies up when they’re available.
John Biehler’s Flickr Photos and blog post
John’s Flickr Photos
Keira’s Flickr Photos and blog post
Jennifer’s Flickr photos and blog post
Welcome to Parks Month, a time where we should all be able to get out and enjoy what our city and province’s green spaces have to offer. To help us decide where to go and what to do, there is a website filled with suggestions – in fact there’s even one for every day in July.
14. Get back to nature – is there a better place in the world than BC for a multi-day backcountry hike, paddle or horsepacking trip?
15. Celebrate Parks Day, Saturday, July 15! There are events scheduled all over BC – find one near you at www.parksday.ca
16. Give Mother Nature a hand. Pitch in to clean up litter from a local park or beach. Can’t find an organized event? Call your park facility operator or park warden and offer to help plan one.
Locally we have Bog Days at Burns Bog July 26-27, and there are multiple hikes and walks that you can sign up for including the Discovery Waterfront Walk (from Cates Park to Panorama Park) Sunday July 20th.
There’s also the Outdoor Movie Spectacular Saturday, July 5th at Killarney Park and a walk in the Hastings Park Sanctuary Thursday, July 24 [Vancouver Parks]
Although the official July Is Parks Month website is outdated (by a few years) accurate information can be found on the Parks Day site (Canada Parks Day being Saturday July 19th, 2008). You can also check my Metro Vancouver Parks series for some suggestions and excellent guest posts.
America is pretty much my country-in-law. I married into America and it gave me a job and housed me during my stint in Boston a few years back.
In fact, America has always been rather nice to me and I think the nicest gift it ever gave me was my best friend and love of my life, John.
Happy 4th of July to all the American Bollwitts out there and everyone else – may it be filled with hot dogs, apple pie, and baseball – lots and lots of baseball.
After a patriotic week of carefree afternoons and sunny days it’s back to the event circuit next week and as usual, it seems like Vancouver’s meetup darlings all decide to come out within the same three-day span. I’ll have a full tech event recap on my Sunday night Techvibes column but until then here are two events of note.
On Monday I’ll be sponsoring the Vancouver Real Estate Technology Meetup event over at Ceili’s on Granville. They have a guest speaker scheduled and I’ll be cranking out the live blog over here for all those who cannot attend, and those who go and want to see notes and links afterward. This will be running in tandem with the Vancouver Young Professionals Meetup event.
My friend and Surrey brother DaveO [of happyfrog and Raincity] is spearheading the next NetTuesday Meetup over at Workspace. He’ll be leading a panel about Podcasting for Change with talent such as Rob Cottingham, Roland Tanglao, and John Bollwitt. Dave’s even put together a promo video to get everyone excited about the event.
I’ll be liveblogging both days stop by and say hi if you see me (Raul will be there too) or follow along online.
