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Improv Theatre on Granville Island

August 5, 2009 | Tips from Travellers > Vancouver, Theatre & Performing Arts
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My husband, 16 year old daughter and I are big fans of improv and had heard about TheatreSports “Laugh It Off" at the New Revue Stage on Granville Island.  We’d wanted to check it out for some time so decided to make a night of it after a family reunion dinner at Sandbar Restaurant. They had a lot to live up to since we’re fans of “Whose Line is it Anyways”, but it definitely met the mark.  We were extremely impressed and the talent was comparable to that of the tv show.  In fact, it almost seemed that it was scripted, but of course that wasn’t the case. They involved the audience in coming up with ideas for the skits which made it even more fun.  I’m in awe of these guys (and gals) for being able to think on their feet and come up with great lines and ideas so quick.  I don’t know how they do it, but it’s impressive and certainly entertaining.   

The show was reasonably priced and tickets could be purchased at the door.  I was surprised that there were a number of empty seats.  The theatre is licensed so you can enjoy a glass of wine while watching the show.  Shows are normally Friday and Saturday nights at 9:30 pm, but they also have other similar improv performances to choose from.  We’ll definitely be going again.

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Posted by Cindy, Vancouver at 10:55 AM

"TOMMY Can You Hear Me?"

August 4, 2009 | Tips from Travellers > Prince George, Theatre & Performing Arts
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 My two little cousins dance for Judy Russell’s Enchainement School of Dance, so when I told my mother I was coming to Prince George to visit for the long weekend last Tuesday, she bought an additional ticket and she, myself and her friend Paula were off to the Prince George Playhouse to see The Who’s TOMMY: A Rock Opera.
It was a different experience than the ones I have had in the past (the cousins weren’t in this one, and there were only several familiar faces), this one was a musical, not simply a generous helping of exquisitely performed dances I was used to, but it was a great example of diversity, both in the performance format and the performers themselves. The technical aspects of the musical were incredible: the musicians were flawless, the entire company was well-synchronized and the effects at the beginning for the overture made it seem like watching a movie.
Having extensive experience in theatre myself, I was pleased to see such a smooth transition from dance to musical, and had a great time watching the performance. Watching a Judy Russell performance is one of the little treats I love about going home, and the original twist on the weekend was a welcome change of pace.

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Posted by KristinNBCT, Fort St. John at 10:20 AM

2009 Sicamous Follies Five - WOW!

July 9, 2009 | Tips from Travellers > Penticton, Theatre & Performing Arts

Last night I had the pleasure to attend the VIP opening night of the 5th season of SS Sicamous Follies (Five).  It was spectacular!  The talent they have brought in for this musical montage is truly impressive.  They performed non-stop for more than two hours to a packed house.  As if the talent wasn't enough, the venue, on the historic SS Sicamous paddlewheeler steam ship, added an abundance of flair to the show. 

The show consisted of brief excerpts from classic musicals from the early 20th century right up to some of today's most famous songs.  The range of the cast was tested thoroughly and they came through with flying colours.  A bonus was the intermittent sketches performed by Glen Cairnes, manager of the SS Sicamous, who displayed a comic talent I didn't know he possessed. 

Very impressive show and an absolute must-see!

For more details go to: http://www.tourismpenticton.com/events/

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Posted by Aaron , Vancouver at 10:55 AM

Bachelorette continues in Whistler

June 15, 2009 | Tips from Us > Whistler, Theatre & Performing Arts
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Last week we saw Bachelorette Jillian sizing up the Bachelors in Vancouver, British Columbia. This week, the group is in Whistler, BC -- a great mountain village and a key venue for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games.

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Posted by HC, Vancouver at 05:16 PM

Chemainus is the place to be this summer

August 1, 2007 | Tips from Us > Chemainus, Theatre & Performing Arts
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Within an hour of downtown Victoria, I can be strolling around the small town of Chemainus and while probably best known for being the world’s largest outdoor gallery, I discovered it has a whole lot more in the works this summer. This year marks the town’s 25^th anniversary since its first mural was painted and there are several activities going on to celebrate.

 

Beyond meandering through town to view the 38 murals while enjoying my favourite ice cream, I can hit the Wednesday night market where a great selection of local crafts and produce can be found. Waterwheel Park is a great place to hang out at any time of day! (By the way, for those directionally challenged (that’d be me), it is comforting to know painted footprints help direct people through the self-guided mural tour plus you can pick up a map at the Visitor Centre).

 

The Chemainus Festival Theatre is running “Murder on the Nile” and “Anything Goes” as well as shows for kids such as Munschworx. I love this theatre because while it continually produces quality, professional performances, its small size creates an intimate atmosphere with every seat seemingly the best in the house. A bonus this year is the free outdoor performances until early September called, “The Chemainus Revue” that depict the history of the town. There is always something going on in Chemainus this summer!

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Posted by Christian, Vancouver at 07:49 PM

Jazz in Vancouver - The Cellar

June 28, 2007 | Tips from Us > Vancouver, Theatre & Performing Arts
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It's the annual Vancouver Jazz Festival. My friend Abdulla invited me to go see and hear Zapato Negro, an Afro Cuban, Latin jazz band at the Cellar restaurant and Jazz club. They were fantastic. The Cellar is a great place for a meal and some good music. They have all kinds of great musicians all the time.

The cellar is located at 3611 West Broadway, a 15 minute cab ride from downtown. But what I would do is take the afternoon to stroll along the beaches of Kitselano to Jericho Beach and walk to the Cellar for some dinner and great music. You can cab it home after.

 

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Posted by William, Vancouver at 04:08 PM

Vancouver Symphony Orchestra Sleepfest

December 3, 2006 | Tips from Us > Vancouver, Theatre & Performing Arts
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Last month, I attended an evening at the Orpheum to listen to the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra. Sorry it has taken so long to write about it, but…yawn, I am still a bit sleepy from the event.

I purchased tickets to the first of the new Horizons series. Here is what the VSO had to say about the concerts: “The brand new Horizons series explores music that is cosmopolitan, bold, and adventurous.” Don’t get me wrong, I love the VSO. But except for the charisma of Maestro Bramwell Tovey, I would have to say the evening was anything but cosmopolitan and bold. The only adventure I had that evening was walking along Granville Street to get to the theatre.

In all fairness, despite not getting what I expected, the music was beautifully played. Just like a lullaby.

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Posted by Susan, Vancouver at 12:00 AM

Boca del Lupo

July 14, 2006 | Tips from Us > Vancouver, Theatre & Performing Arts
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If you find yourself in Vancouver's Stanley park late one evening, and suddenly a crowd of 100 emerges from the forest and a man comes crashing down from the tops of the trees, don't worry... you've only stumbled across Vancouver's newest midsummer ritual. Boca Del Lupo is one of Vancouver's outdoor theatre experiences, and this summer they're performing The Shoes that were Danced to Pieces, a roving play that unfolds in the canopied forest of Stanley Park. My husband and I went to the opening performance last night and had a great time. I went not knowing what to expect and was charmed by the light and tongue-in-cheek tale, of 10 princesses who emerged from their bedroom each night with their shoes in tatters. A hapless 'poor guy' takes on the task of discovering what happens, even though he is under threat of beheading by the daddy-king if he doesn't discover the truth ("Harsh," as the princesses say). I loved it. Even a little light rain and a few pesky mosquitos (complimentary bug spray can be found at the check-in table) didn't dampen the audience's spirit, as we were drawn into the story. The whole crowd was invited to troop into the princesses' "bedroom" to help solve the riddle, while kids as young as one and two (and as old as 62) enthusiastically yelled helpful advice to the 'poor guy'. If you're interested in going, move quickly: this season's performances are almost sold out, and a handful of additional shows have just been added (and are sure to go quickly as well). Keep an eye on their website, because future seasons will likely be as much fun... and as popular. And if you're interested in other outdoor theatre in BC, check out Bard on the Beach and Theatre Under the Stars, both in Vancouver, and Armstrong's