Upcoming Theatre Performances for Spring and Summer

By Madison Smart

A number of wonderful theatre productions that are sure to dazzle the senses alongside the warm weather are happening within the next few months in the Lower Mainland. A great way to enjoy the sunlit season (or escape the heat), here are some notable shows in the culture forecast.

Broadway Across Canada is currently on tour, and on May 23rd, the Queen Elizabeth Theatre will come alive with the iconic musical, Cats. The award winning show that tells the tale of a momentous and extravagant night when a group of cats convene for their annual ball returns to Vancouver with the songs we all know and love, as well as its original costume and set designs. Cats has been adapted, however, for a modern audience with all new choreography by Andy Blankenbuehler that is not to be missed.

Cats runs from May 23rd – 28th at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre, 630 Hamilton Street, Vancouver. For times and tickets, see here.

In July the Queen Elizabeth Theatre will welcome Broadway Across Canada once more for Disney’s Aladdin. Another magical show that is sure to entertain, the stunning set and dazzling costumes promise to bring the lovable characters and the timeless adventures they go on (all because of three wishes) to life.

Aladdin runs from July 25th – 30th at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre, 630 Hamilton Street, Vancouver. For times and tickets, see here.

The Arts Club Theatre Company’s production of Beautiful: The Carole King Musical hits the Stanley Industrial Alliance Stage starting June 8th. Audiences can expect to hear her classics and learn about the star’s rise to fame through the telling of her true life narrative. Not only a solo artist, King was a prolific songwriter for various groups in the 50s and 60s, something not known to many. Join the cast to celebrate the story of Carole King and her music from June 8th – August 6th.

The Stanley Industrial Alliance Stage, 2750 Granville Street, Vancouver. For times and tickets, see here.

Bard on the Beach returns to Vanier Park with their signature flair for comedic mischief and lush language. This time out, the staple series gives Shakespeare a mod haircut with a 1960s-inspired production. Packed with songs from the Beatles, you’d be surprised how well the Fab Four’s tunes can carry a multiple-act story arc. There’s a good chance this run will sell out, so be sure to get your tickets ASAP!

As You Like It runs from June 8th – September 30th on the BMO Mainstage, 1695 Whyte Avenue, Vanier Park.
For times and tickets, see here.

Heading over to Granville Island, you can catch the Arts Club Theatre Company again on the Granville Island Stage performing Million Dollar Quartet. Inspired by Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis and Carl Perkins and their famous impromptu jam session, this musical will transport you into the 50s, featuring the classics from these rock and roll artists.

Million Dollar Quartet runs from June 22nd – August 6th at the Granville Island Stage, 1585 Johnston St, Vancouver. For times and tickets, see here.

While on Granville Island, you can stop by Arts Umbrella’s beautiful new building to watch their Expressions Theatre Festival and Expressions Theatre Intensive Showcases. AU’s Pre-Professional Theatre Program and Yearlong Intensive students present their year’s long work. This year’s program includes The Boxcar Children, Hummingbird, Jasper in Deadland and The Secret Garden. As part of the festival, there is also the intensive showcase, which includes Whodunnit?, Annie Kids, The Addams Family – Young@part Edition, and more. This is a fantastic opportunity to watch the next generation of performers.

For dates, times and tickets of the Expressions Theatre Festival, see here. 

For dates, times and tickets of the Expressions Theatre Intensive Showcases, see here. 

All shows take place at the Jack and Darlene Poole Theatre at Arts Umbrella, 1400 Johnston Street, Vancouver.

Bez Arts Hub in Langley welcomes Little Dipper Theatre’s production of Wild Light in June. Little Dipper Theatre Co. pushes young emerging artists to create and explore their artistry and support the theatre culture in the Fraser Valley. This season the company brings to life a captivating production surrounding true events of British Columbian lighthouse keepers off the coast of Prince Rupert B.C. 

Wild Light runs from June 8th – 17th at Bez Arts Hub, 20230 64 Ave #102, Langley, B.C. For times and tickets, see here.

Finally, taking place at the intimate PAL Studio Theatre in downtown Vancouver, Western Gold Theatre presents The Importance of Being Earnest (A Trivial Comedy for Serious People). For three days only, catch the stellar cast (that celebrates the unique talents of senior professional theatre artists) as they perform the classic play by Oscar Wilde. A satirical comedy of Victorian ways, this show will surely keep you on your toes and your bellies full of laughter.

The Importance of Being Earnest runs from June 2nd – 4th at PAL Studio Theatre, 300 – 581 Cardero St, 8th floor, Vancouver. For times and tickets, see here.

Queen Elizabeth Theatre: Take the Expo Line Skytrain to Stadium Chinatown Station, it’s only a 3-minute walk from there!
The Stanley: From downtown, take the #10 Granville bus until you get to 12th Avenue
The Arts Club Granville Island Stage: From downtown, take the #50 South False Creek bus to Anderson Street
Bard On The Beach: From Waterfront Station, take the #50 South False Creek bus to Fir Street, then walk 10 minutes toward the water!
Arts Umbrella: From downtown, take the #50 South False Creek bus to Anderson Street
Bez Arts Hub: From Surrey Central Station, take the #503 Fraser Hwy Exp/Aldergrove bus to 64th Ave, then transfer to the #364 Langley Centre bus and disembark at 202 Street
PAL Studio Theatre: Take the Canada Line or Expo Line Skytrain to Waterfront Station, it’s about a 10-minute walk along the water from there!

To easily plan the route for your next artistic outing, you can use the TransLink Trip Planner.