Dog Sees God: Confessions of a Teenage Blockhead

Dates and Venue 16 & 17 July 2008, 8pm (18 July 7pm & 9.30pm; 19 July at 2pm & 8pm) | Havana Theatre, 1212 Commercial Drive

Reviewer John Jane

Like many regular followers of Charles M. Schulz’s comic strip “Peanuts,” I occasionally tried to imagine what would happen to Charlie Brown and his little sister Sally, Linus and Lucy Van Pelt, Peppermint Patty, Marcie, Schroeder and Pigpen if they were allowed to grow up. Bert V. Royal has evidently had the same notion, but unlike the rest of us has acted on his vagary in developing the curiously titled play: Dog Sees God: Confessions of a Teenage Blockhead. Full review

Back Kitchen Release Party
By Trevor Devall

Dates and Venue 19 June – 9 August 2008 @8pm | Granville Island Stage

Reviewer Susan Peake

A unique mix of Newfoundland foot stomping music together with a touching storyline as well as plenty of hilarious one-liners, this performance is a Canadian crowd pleaser regardless of your entertainment preferences. Full review

Annie Get Your Gun

Dates and Venue 9 July – 16 August 2008 @ 8pm | The Malkin Bowl in Stanley Park

Reviewer Susan Peake

Under the direction of the very accomplished, Shel Piercy, this “Annie” takes us to a place more politically correct than its original story. It is still dated, but, with issues that include women’s rights and Native American prejudices, we are reminded of how far we have come in attempting to level the cultural and gender playing field. Full review

Jesus Christ Superstar

Dates and Venue 9 July – 16 August 2008 @ 8 pm | Malkin Bowl, Stanley Park

Reviewer Ed Farolan

Gillian Barber's approach of updating the costumes was justified, although I felt there was some inconsistency. Some actors were dressed in modern costumes, but others weren't. The Pharisees, for example, dressed in ancient garb. If she wanted to be consisent in her "modern" approach, she should have dressed them in today's dress code.. Full review

Titus Andronicus

Dates and Venue 9 July – 19 September 2008 @ 8pm | Bard on the Beach Studio Stage Tent, Vanier Park

Reviewer J H Stape

This mounting relies on fine ensemble work, a marvellous sense of pacing, and to a balletic conception of the stage that pits Romans vs. Goths and family against family. Rarely mounted, Titus shines in this well conceived and well acted production. Chalk one up for the Bard on the Beach here: this is really good. Full review

The Tempest

Dates and Venue 26 June – 20 September 2008 @ 8pm | Bard on the Beach Studio Stage Tent, Vanier Park

Reviewer John Jane

In the play’s stunning opening sequence, Prospero the exiled Duke of Milan (played with wizardly dominance by Allan Morgan) slams his staff down hard on the stage floor indicating that it’s he who has conjured up the storm that brings Alonso’s ship reluctantly to the island’s shore. The afflicted vessel is simply, yet effectively represented by a heavy rope held up by the cast to form the ship’s bow, while the King’s courtiers and crew are tossed around the deck at the mercy of Prospero’s tempest. Full review

King Lear

Dates and Venue 11 June – 26 September 2008 @ 8pm | Bard on the Beach Mainstage Tent, Vanier Park

Reviewer Jane Penistan

“Every inch a king.” Christopher Gaze at the Bard on the Beach opening night of King Lear was every inch a king. James Fagan Tait directed a spectacular production of the tragedy. Accompanied by onstage live music, King Lear is set in “the-not-too-distant future.” Will those who are young and live to see this future, have compassion and understanding, rather than dissimulation, avarice, and love of power? Full review

Twelfth Night

Dates and Venue 27 May – 26 September 2008 @ 8pm | Bard on the Beach Mainstage Tent, Vanier Park

Reviewer Jane Penistan

The music and dancing in this production diffuse the atmosphere of the flapper era. Unfortunately, much of the play's lyricism and magic has been overwhelmed by the spectacle, cleverness, and entertainment, so that the production seems to lack warmth and feeling. This may well be rectified as the season progresses. Full review