At Bard on the Beach until September 24, 2016
This Bard production is a foot-stomping hoot and about as far from traditional as you can go. If you think you hate Shakespeare, check this one out.
Amber Lewis (Mistress Ford) and Katey Wright (Mistress Page) in The Merry Wives of Windsor. Credit: David Blue
At The Firehall Arts Centre until July 25, 2015
Apart from how engaging – and often funny – Quelemia Sparrow is, one of the most exciting aspects of O’wet/Lost Lagoon is that it’s a breakthrough for westcoast First Nations women playwrights. The production is so northwest coast you can smell the smoked salmon and salt air.
Quelemia Sparrow in O’wet/Lost Lagoon
At The Shop Theatre until July 2, 2016
At the preview it was all I could do to stop myself from clambering out of my seat at the finale and joining the “be-in” onstage.
Julien Galipeau, Alex Gullason and Jacob Woike in HAIR: THE MUSICAL
At Bard on the Beach until September 21, 2016
Coltish. That’s the best word to describe Hailey Gillis who plays Juliet in Shakespeare’s timeless tale of star-crossed lovers at Bard on the Beach.
Andrew Chown (Romeo) and Hailey Gillis (Juliet) in Romeo and Juliet. Credit: Emily Cooper and David Cooper
At the Jericho Arts Centre until June 26, 2016
With power, wealth and territory at stake, Henry II and Eleanor of Aquitaine’s family was not a happy family but it certainly was an intriguing one. Full of intrigue.
Marilyn Norry as Eleanor and William MacDonald as Henry II in The Lion in Winter. Credit: Nancy Caldwell
At The Firehall Arts Centre until June 11, 2016
Do people really talk like these characters? Not in my circle of witty, articulate friends. But Jen (Claire Hesselgrave) talks like she’s scripted by someone very smart, funny, hip, and totally up-to-date on pop culture.
Sebastien Archibald and Claire Hesselgrave in How To Survive An Apocalypse. Credit: Emily Cooper
At The Firehall Arts Centre until May 28, 2016
I don’t often review short two or three-day festivals but the SHIFT One Act Festival is irresistible with its tagline: EMPOWERED WOMEN, EMPOWERING WORDS.
Mily Mumford and Sean Harris Oliver in Fall-Out Picnic
At Pacific Theatre until June 11, 2016
This Pacific Theatre production succeeds in spite of the play’s difficult material thanks to stellar performances.
Katharine Venour and Julie Casselman in W;t. Credit: Damon Calderwood
At The Warehouse (3681 Victoria Drive) until May 22 (2PM matinees on May 21 and 22) and May 25-29 (matinees on May 28 and 29)
Revolutions only asks that you put your expectations aside, open your mind and let it be blown away.
Sean Marshall Jr. in Revolutions. Credit: Jay White
At The Stanley until July 10, 2016
As the curtain rose on opening night of Billy Elliot, I was actually choked up knowing how excited a handful of youngsters on the Stanley stage were. Some of them were making their Arts Club debut (and probably their professional debut) that night.
Kristi Low, Avril Brigden, Arta Negahban, Julia MacLean, Taylor Dianne Robinson and Nolan Fahey. Credit: Mark Halliday