July 5th, 1959 was the opening day of the Queen Elizabeth Theatre in downtown Vancouver and a few weeks later Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II personally gave it her name. The venue accommodates 2,781 patrons and over the years it has hosted some of the world’s greatest plays, musicals, operas, ballets and concerts. 1957, excavation […]

Director Rachel Ditor’s interpretation of The Merchant of Venice is probably one of the best productions I’ve ever seen at Bard on the Beach Shakespeare Festival, now in its 22nd season. Ditor clearly translates the text into fantastic direction for her actors, all of whom give outstanding performances. The story follows Bassanio (Charlie Gallant) who […]

The 29th annual Jessie Richardson Theatre Awards, celebrating the very best in Vancouver theatre, are taking place tonight at the Commodore Ballroom. As I did last year, I am sponsoring a live blog of the awards ceremony in order to show support and promote our city’s lively community. The ceremony will begin around 6:45pm and […]

Broadway Across Canada presents Mamma Mia! in Vancouver this August from the 16th to the 21st. The hit broadway musical that gets the audience dancing in the aisles is one of the best feel-good shows around. Mamma Mia! combines ABBA’s greatest hits with an enchanting love story filled with laughter, family, and friendship. There is […]

Despite everything that has happened in Vancouver on June 15th, we must remember that there are many wonderful things about this city, like good people producing good art. And though everyone might feel like cocooning in their homes for the next couple of days, I urge you all to get out and see some theatre […]

I’m always fascinated by people who have gained a great deal of mastery in one creative discipline and then dare to venture into another—only to become hugely successful in that field as well. Such is the case and story of Vancouver director Rob Leickner. Photo credit: Michelle Kim who met up with Rob at Gene […]

I’ve always been a fan of taking theatre outside the theatre and seeing what happens and next week the Metro Parkade on Pender Street (between Burrard and Thurlow) will be the site of a great collaboration between nine different theatre companies in Vancouver — (Yes, a Parkade! Theatre in a Parkade). Bridge Mix 2011 is […]

Cirque du Soleil is returning to BC but this time the iconic blue and yellow tents won’t be setting up along False Creek. Their latest show Dralion will be performed out at the Abbotsford Entertainment & Sports Centre. The show’s name is derived from its two emblematic creatures: the dragon, symbolizing the East, and the […]

This Friday marks the opening a play written by one of my favourite Canadian playwrights, Daniel MacIvor. Never Swim Alone is the story of two childhood buddies engaged in a verbal sparring match refereed by a girl in a blue swimsuit. The play is produced by year-old Hardline Productions, started by Studio 58 graduates Sean […]

The Jessie Richardson Theatre Awards (the “Jessies“) celebrate the best in small and large theatre productions in Vancouver. Yesterday the nominees for the 29th annual awards ceremony were announced based on performances during the 2010 season. The Arts Club Theatre Company is leading the pack with over 30 nominations in the Large Theatres categories and […]