Theatre Under the Stars 2018: Cinderella and 42nd Street

Comments 1 by Rebecca Bollwitt

Vancouver’s legendary Theatre Under the Stars (“TUTS”) has announced that its 2018 summer season will include performances of Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella and 42nd Street. Fairytale wishes and show-biz dreams will come true this summer at Stanley Park’s scenic Malkin Bowl, running July 4th to August 18th, 2018.

Theatre Under the Stars 2018

TUTS Theatre Under the Stars 2018

Where: Malkin Bowl in Stanley Park (610 Pipeline Rd, Vancouver)
When: July 4th to August 18th, 2018
All shows at 8:00pm, except on Fireworks Nights, when shows begin at 7:00pm.

For more than 75 years, Theatre Under the Stars has brought soaring works of musical theatre to the crown jewel of Vancouver – Stanley Park. TUTS’ 2018 season offers two song-and-dance filled fables – one of a rags-to-riches princess who finds her prince charming, the other of an aspiring theatre star who gets her lucky break on Broadway.

Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella is a magical musical of dreams come true and happily ever after. The timeless enchantment of the fairy tale classic is given fresh life by the creators of The Sound of Music, South Pacific, and Oklahoma!. Brimming with wit and warmth, the TONY Award®- winning musical promises to transport the hearts of children and adults alike with Fairy Godmothers, glass slippers, and the triumph of true love.

42nd Street is Broadway’s big, brassy song and dance extravaganza. The story’s heroine is Peggy Sawyer. Fresh off the bus from small-town America, Peggy is just another face in the chorus line in Broadway’s newest, glitziest show; But when the leading lady gets injured, Peggy might finally get her shot at stardom.

Adapted from the cult classic 1933 film (which featured choreography from the legendary Busby Berkeley), the musical is a celebratory ode to the grandest movie musicals of yesteryear. 42nd Street is bursting with all-time classics, including ‘Lullaby of Broadway’, ‘Shuffle Off to Buffalo’, ‘We’re in the Money’, and the titular show-stopping, tap-dance spectacular.

TUTS will once again offer a two-show subscription pack – allowing audiences to secure their seats to both productions for one great price. On sale now through May 5th, subscriptions are $70 for adults, $50 for children & youth, and include Premium tickets to both productions, souvenir programmes, and exchange insurance for both nights.

Subscriptions are available online or by calling 604-631-2877 until May 5, 2018. Early bird single tickets go on sale May 15, 2018.

Follow #TUTS2018 on Facebook and Twitter for more information.

Tulip Festivals in the Fraser Valley: Abbotsford and Chilliwack

Comments 1 by Rebecca Bollwitt

There’s two times the tulip festival fun in the Fraser Valley this spring, with the legendary Tulips of the Valley Festival and the super fun Abbotsford Tulip Festival.

Looking for 2023 info? The Chilliwack Tulip Festival and the Abbotsford Tulip Festival are on NOW!

Tulip Festivals in the Fraser Valley

Tulips of the Valley Festival, Chilliwack

Tentative Opening Date: April 1, 2018
Where: 41310 Yale Rd, Chilliwack
Tickets: Buy online starting mid-March.

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Hosting their second year at a new location in Chilliwack. Leasing the tulip fields from a farmer in Chilliwack, Onos Greenhouses Ltd will open over 20 acres of tulip fields to the public, making it the largest tulip festival in Western Canada. While on the fields you will also be able to enjoy fresh Dutch Stroopwafels and different food offerings from some local food trucks. Stop by the store to buy your fresh cut greenhouse tulips, potted tulips and photo cards.

Agassiz Tulip Festival

Bloom – The Abbotsford Tulip Festival

Tentative Opening Date: April 9, 2018
Where: 36737 North Parallel Road, Abbotsford
Tickets: Buy online starting April 3rd.

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Featuring U-Pick Tulip Fields, tulip crown photo ops, tulip bouquet sales, food trucks, photo booths, covered picnic areas, children’s games, school field trips, and discounted locals nights for Abbotsford, Chilliwack, Langley and Mission residents.

Whale Watching with San Juan Cruises

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Disclosure: Review — This is not a paid post. Views are my own. My experience was compliments of Bellingham Whatcom County Tourism. Please review the Policy & Disclosure section for further information.

I always love the opportunity to get out on the waters of the Salish Sea but on a crisp October morning last year, I was particularly excited. My friend Laura and I were meeting up with San Juan Cruises at the Bellingham Alaska Ferry Terminal to board the Victoria Star, one of five vessels in the company’s fleet. We joined a group of other guests for a full day Deluxe Whale Watching Tour.

Whale Watching with San Juan Cruises

Whale Watching with San Juan Cruises

The fully narrated tour departs from Bellingham Bay, where you’ll learn about the city’s origins as you sail towards the San Juan Islands. I’m fairly familiar with their Gulf Island cousins across the border, but it was great to hear the history of Lummi Island, Sinclair Island, Blakely Island, Cypress Island, Orcas Island, Shaw Island, and Lopez Island which were all introduced as we passed by.

MAP Whale Watching with San Juan Cruises

We spent the morning winding through the channels’ emerald waters, waves lapping at rocky shores of forested islands, some with their own airplane runways, and others home to cabins with well-appointed seaside patios, complete with Muskoka chairs. Continue reading this post ⟩⟩

Richmond Cherry Blossom Festival

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The 2nd annual Richmond Cherry Blossom Festival celebrates the arrival of Spring and blooming of the cherry blossoms.

When: Sunday, April 8, 2018 11:00am to 4:00pm
Where: Garry Point Park, Richmond
Admission: Free and open to the public

Richmond Cherry Blossom Festival 2018In Japan, cherry blossoms are known as sakura, which are a special flower to the people and the country. The cherry blossom signifies a time of renewal and the cycle of life. Two weeks after the peak of the cherry blossom’s bloom, the pedals begin to fall.

The cherry blossom celebration includes picnics under the cherry trees with food and drinks, shared with friends and family—this is a tradition known as hanami which translates to “watching blossoms,” and can be traced back hundreds of years.

The Richmond Cherry Blossom Festival is set amongst 255 Akebono cherry blossom trees at Garry Point Park, on the mouth of the Fraser River. The festival will feature a day of traditional Japanese music and dance performances, delicious food options and fun activities as celebrated in Japan.

Food Options

Visit the Matsuri Tent where traditional bento boxes and green tea will be sold from Takaya. There will also be a few Japanese inspired food trucks and Pajo’s Fish & Chips will be open too.

Activities

The festival will have two stages in the Sakura Tent and Kuno Tent programmed with traditional Japanese dance, Taiko drumming and other talented musicians.

For more information, follow the City of Richmond events team @FunRichmond for more information.

HMCS Discovery Open House and Free Boat Rides

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HMCS Discovery will be opening Deadman’s Island in Coal Harbour to the public for guided tours and free boat rides in the harbour on March 24th. Deadman’s Island is only open to the public ever few years! This is a rare opportunity to explore this historic property and learn more about the local Navy presence in Vancouver.

HMCS Discovery

HMCS Discovery Open House

Where: HMCS DISCOVERY (1200 Stanley Park Drive)
When: Saturday, March 24, 2018 from 10:00am to 3:00pm
Tickets: FREE! Simply register online in advance here »

HMCS Discovery will have many events taking place at Deadman’s Island throughout the day, including boat rides, specific information about the trades of the Naval Reserve, and the recruiting bus.

HMCS Discovery LogoThe event will also feature the Canadian Army Reserve and the extended Naval family:

  • Seaforth Highlanders of Canada
  • 39 Service Battalion
  • 39 Combat Engineers
  • Royal Canadian Sea Cadets
  • Navy League Cadets
  • Vancouver Naval Museum

Misty Morning

Attendees must have a government-issued photo ID (minors may attend with a parent or guardian who has an ID). Boat rides are on a first come first served basis. Be sure to RSVP to take part in this exclusive event!

Follow the HMCS Discovery on Facebook and Twitter for more info.