Update: March 25, 2020 a statement from the TUTS Board:

A Message to Our Community

We would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to you all for your unwavering support of Theatre Under the Stars (TUTS) and for all you have done and continue to do to support the organization. These are difficult and unprecedented times. After considering every possible measure and eventuality, it is with heavy hearts that we announce the cancellation of the 2020 TUTS season: Disney’s Beauty and the Beast and Hello, Dolly! 

All of us here at TUTS send our heartfelt wishes to you and those affected by the extraordinary circumstances surrounding the COVID-19 virus.

Cancellation of the 2020 productions is one way we can prioritize the safety of our audiences, artists, crews, staff, and volunteers, while supporting our city and those working on the front lines to help flatten the curve. These measures will also ensure that TUTS remains strong and healthy as an organization, returning to Malkin Bowl in 2021 with the presentation of fantastic shows that you – our beloved audience – anticipate year-over-year. 

If you are a 2020 TUTS subscriber and current ticket holder, we have a couple of ticketing options available to you. This information will be forthcoming before end of day today (March 26). Thank you for your patience. 

We remain extremely grateful for your continued love and support of TUTS – together we will manage through the challenges ahead. We look forward to seeing you all next season where our artists, crews, volunteers, and staff will return – stronger than ever, thanks to your support. 

Please stay in touch. You can do so via our social media channels: Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. 

Stay well and be safe, 

TUTS Board

80th Season of TUTS Presents Disney’s Beauty and the Beast and Hello, Dolly!

For the 80th season of TUTS audiences will be enchanted with presentations of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast and Hello, Dolly! on alternate evenings July 4–August 29, 2020, at Stanley Park’s Malkin Bowl. Celebrating a milestone 80 years in Stanley Park, Theatre Under the Stars (“TUTS”) has become a summer mainstay of Vancouver cultural calendars since it was established in 1940. 

Where: Malkin Bowl in Stanley Park (610 Pipeline Rd, Vancouver)
When: July 4–August 29, 2020
Tickets: Two-show subscription packs are on sale TODAY through May 1, 2020. TUTS’ two-show subscription pack allows audiences to secure their seats to both productions for one great price. Subscriptions are $80 for adults, $50 for children and youths, and include Premium tickets to both productions, a souvenir programme, and exchange insurance for both nights. Subscriptions are available until May 1st by visiting tuts.ca or by calling 1-877-840-0457.

A tale of true love, Disney’s Beauty and the Beast follows the enchanting story of Belle, a young woman imprisoned by the Beast. She’s a small-town girl with big dreams and he’s a selfish prince transformed by a wicked spell. Can the Beast learn to love and be loved in order to break the curse? He must race against time to find out. Filled with some of the most memorable songs, including Be Our Guest, Human Again, and the titular Beauty and the Beast, this romantic production reminds audiences of the power of love. Following on the success of his direction in 2016, Shel Piercy returns to direct the beloved spectacle, injecting a host of new, exciting surprises. Fans will remember the magic of his most recent TUTS directorial extravaganza in 2019, Mamma Mia!

In Hello, Dolly!, audiences join meddlesome matchmaker Dolly Levi as she travels to Yonkers, New York to find a wife for the curmudgeonly “half-a-millionaire” Horace Vandergelder. Dolly’s romantic schemes soon entangle Horace’s two clerks and a lovestruck young artist. As she busies herself finding mates for the suitors, Dolly realizes it’s her turn to find her own perfect match. One of the most entertaining musical comedies of all time, Hello, Dolly! is a beguiling romp in the universal search for love, with numbers such as Put On Your Sunday Clothes, Ribbons Down My Back, and of course the show-stopping Hello, Dolly! The talented Tracey Power makes her TUTS directorial debut this summer, although Vancouver theatre-goers will be familiar with her critically acclaimed direction in Chelsea Hotel: The Songs of Leonard Cohen and her playwriting from the recent musical Miss Shakespeare.

In 1940, Theatre Under the Stars started when a group of local theatre people formed to produce professional quality musicals during the summer.  Since then, TUTS has been a Lower Mainland tradition, delighting generations of locals and tourists alike under the stars in the pastoral outdoor setting of historic Malkin Bowl in Stanley Park.

For more information follow Theatre Under the Stars on Facebook and Twitter.

CelticFest Vancouver has already begun with a series of events and concerts and it will culminate this weekend with a ceilidh, choir, and community event in Downtown Vancouver.

Due to the COVID-19 outbreak, these events have been cancelled for 2020.

CelticFest Vancouver Ceilidh

When: Friday March 13, 2020 doors at 7:00pm
Where: Hellenic Community Centre 4500 Arbutus Street, Vancouver
Tickets: Available online now, kids 12 and under free.
Details: This family-friendly event features many talented Celtic Performers. Fun, participatory, called-dances will be taught throughout the night or you can just leap about and boogie to yer own beat! Family-friendly event. Mama’s Fish and Chips truck will be there.

Vancouver Welsh Men’s Choir

When: Saturday, March 14, 2020 at 7:30pm
Where: Christ Church Cathedral (690 Burrard St, Vancouver)
Tickets: Available online now
Details: Vancouver Welsh Men’s Choir will lift the roof with their mix of traditional Celtic music and modern songs.

St. Patrick’s Family Day Event

When: Sunday, March 15, 2020 from 1:00pm to 6:00pm
Where: šxʷƛ̓ənəq Xwtl’e7énḵ Square (north Vancouver Art Gallery plaza)
Tickets: FREE! No tickets required. View Facebook event »
Details: The square will be taken over by a Stage with a full day’s line-up, as well as a Kid’s Craft tent, (Tír na nÓg) and a Market Tent (an Margadh) with local businesses and organizations showcasing their fundraisers and upcoming events, as well as Irish & Scottish Language groups there to teach you some words and phrases. There will be a tent hosted by the Irish Families in Vancouver group who will have their own crafts, Irish temporary tattoos, face painting and more.

A portion of the square will be transformed into a beer garden sponsored in part by Red Truck Brewery & Main Street Brewery. The BC Branch of the Irish Wolfhound Club of Canada will have some of these gorgeous dogs to meet and greet. You’ll also have the chance to learn some GAA with the ISSC on site, there to show you how to hold a hurl and throw a sliotar! Consul General of Ireland, Mr Frank Flood will open the festivities.

More Events

March 15, 2020: The Kay Meek Arts Centre will host Dervish
March 22, 2020: Rogue Folk Presents  The Altan Irish Trad Band
March 27-28, 2020: The Celtic Tenors Join the VSO

Follow CelticFest Vancouver on Facebook for more info.

An evening of dinner, dancing, and adorable puppies – all for a cause! PADS presents the For the Love of Dog Gala at the River Rock on Saturday.

For the Love of Dog Gala

Where: River Rock Casino Resort (8811 River Road, Richmond)
When: Saturday, March 14, 2020at 6:00pm
Tickets: Available online now $125

Enjoy the company of adorable PADS puppies, music from Dr. Strangelove, hosts Clay and Karen from JRFM, and an exciting live auction.

Proceeds benefit PADS (Pacific Assistance Dog Society).

PADS service (mobility and PTSD) and hearing dogs provide life-changing independence to those with physical disabilities other than blindness. Their accredited facility dogs work with community professionals, such as teachers, RCMP and psychologists to help support healthy communities.

PADS achieved full accreditation from Assistance Dogs International (ADI) in 2002. ADI is the international body that sets standards for assistance dog training, placement and client care. Members of ADI meet regularly to share ideas and conduct business regarding educating the public about assistance dogs, advocating for the legal rights of people with disabilities partnered with assistance dogs, and the setting of standards and establishing guidelines and ethics for the training of these dogs. ADI has a comprehensive accreditation system and members have to be regularly assessed to ensure they meet the high standards expected of assistance dog programs.

Win Tickets

I have a pair of tickets to give away to the gala, here’s how you can enter to win :

• Leave a comment on this post (1 entry)
• Click below to post an entry on Twitter

I will draw one winner at random from all entries at 9:00am on Thursday, March 12, 2020. UPDATE the winner is Nicole!

It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Macaron Day in Vancouver 2020 is happening on March 20th, with funds raised for local causes while showcasing the deliciously chewy and sensationally sweet confections.

Macaron Day in Vancouver 2020

Update: Unfortunately due to the COVID-19 outbreak, some locations will be closed.

Where: Thierry Cafe (1059 Alberni St, Vancouver)
Cause: St. Paul’s Foundation. Dear to Chef Thierry’s heart, St. Paul’s changed his life when he was diagnosed with a heart condition known as cardiac hypertrophy. A successful surgery in 2016 turned his health around and has made him eternally thankful for all the care he received from the dedicated team of doctors and nurses. As in years past, partial proceeds of all macaron sales will benefit St. Paul’s Foundation.

Where: Bon Macaron (2823 W Broadway, Vancouver)
Cause: $5 from every box of six macarons sold on March 20th will go to the BC Children’s Hospital Foundation. They will also be hosting a contest in Vancouver and Victoria so follow on Twitter here for details.

Where: Ladurée (1141 Robson St, Vancouver)
Cause: $1 from every macaron sold on Macaron Day will be donated to the BC Children’s Hospital Foundation. Be it one macaron, a dozen, or more, macaron-lovers are encouraged to visit any of Ladurée Vancouver’s three locations on Macaron Day to help fundraise for BCCHF.

Where: Mon Paris Pâtisserie (4396 Beresford St, Burnaby)
Cause: 50% of proceeds from Mon Paris Pâtisserie’s macaron sales on Friday, March 20th will be donated to Variety BC. In celebration of this delicate French cookie, Elena is also introducing a new spring inspired macaron, Sakura Strawberry with distinct flavours of cherry blossom and strawberry.

Where: J’Adore les Macaron
Cause: Chef Connie from J’adore les Macarons is donating $20 from each student’s fee to benefit BC Women’s Hospital. These will include any new bookings made during March 20-30. The classes can be for future dates until the end of 2020. Macaron baking classes are great for birthday gifts, anniversary presents, bridal showers and even corporate team building events. See below for more details about the classes.

Macaron Day History

Macaron Day was founded in France (le jour du macaron) by Pierre Hermé years ago. It’s a day to celebrate the colours of spring with a bright palette of treats. Macaron Day events will be happening overseas, in New York, and in Toronto. Over the last few years it has become a Vancouver tradition as well.

Macarons (not to be confused with macaroons) are meringue-based confections commonly filled with buttercream or jam with a delicate soft and crunchy outer shell. All you need to do is visit a participating “Macaron Day” bakery or cafe on March 20th and you’ll be given a macaron and be invited to make a donation their chosen charity.

Do you know of any more locations? The list will be updated as offerings and specials are announced.

“First things first, let’s get you a warm cookie.” Is possible to receive a sweeter greeting than that after walking for 20 minutes in the rain? I had just arrived at the new Fresh St Market Vancouver House and my senses (and tummy) were already being pampered.

Fresh St Market Vancouver House

Located at Pacific and Howe (1423 Continental St), in the newly coined Beach District, Fresh St Market opened the doors to its very first Vancouver location a month ago. During the ceremonial affair, they donated $5,000 to the Greater Vancouver Food Bank and cut the ribbon on the 15,000 square foot space that includes a licensed 50-seat restaurant, the Fork Lift Kitchen & Bar.

After picking up my warm cookie at the bakery section, I was given a tour of the space where the company’s “70 percent fresh and 30 percent grocery” mission is well on display. Stacks of produce, a steamy hot bar, fully stocked deli with grab and go options, a cheese bar – a CHEESE BAR – a station to create your own nut butters, 100% sustainable seafood counter and more.

Along the way, I spotted some of my favourite local brands like Two Rivers Meats from North Vancouver and One Arrow Bacon from Vancouver, a selection from Lepp Farms and Mt Lehman Cheese in Abbotsford, Oyama Meat Co. from Granville Island, and Spice Mantra Curries from Surrey. Coffee with your cookie? The cafe serves up cups from Lion’s Bay Coffee Company.  

At Fork Lift Kitchen & Bar I discovered what is quite possibly the best fried pickle I’ve had in Vancouver, the widest cheeseburger, and Fresh St. Fries (with French grey sea salt, mesquite smoked salt, rosemary salt or black truffle salt).

The burger looks GIANT but it’s actually easy to eat since it’s smashed, Chicago-style, which leaves the patty thin but full of flavour in its bed of cheese.

To wash it down, there’s a selection of local ciders and wines available, along with Healthy Hooch Kombucha from Abbotsford, to enjoy during your stay as well.

Want to know more? Follow Fresh St Market on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Giveaway

I packed a lot into my Fresh St. visit but you’ll find there’s even more packed away in this giveaway! I have a $50 gift card PLUS a fully loaded gift bag to give away — I barely had enough counter space to display it all:

Here’s how you can enter to win:

• Leave a comment on this post (1 entry)
• Follow Fresh St. Market and Miss604 on Instagram (1 entry)
• Click below to post an entry on Twitter

I will draw one winner at random from all entries on Thursday, March 12, 2020 at 12:00pm. UPDATE the winner is Karen!