Metro Theatre

Sinners by Norm Foster

When & Where January 24 to February 15, 2025; evenings Thursday to Saturday at 8pm, Sunday matinees on Jan. 26; Febr. 2 and 9 at 2pm | Metro Theatre, 1370 Marine Drive SW.

Director Angie McLeod Set Designer Kathleen Hilton Lighting Designer Kelsey John Torok Costume Designer Ella Hurley Sound Designer May Goddard Properties Sahara Roset Board Operator Krista Kienapfel Intimacy Coordinator Alina Quarin Stage Manager Dek Green

Reviewer Christian Steckler

The initial success of Sinners propelled Norm Foster to a level of fame which has made him Canada’s most produced playwright. He skillfully uses clever expressions in dialogue, ironically reflecting the action and circumstances of the characters. And his ability to twist and turn situations to build suspense, creates a play that is engaging and fun to watch, despite the fact that it involves murder.
Full review

 

 

Broadway Across Canada
Beetlejuice book by Scott Brown and Anthony King, music by Eddie Perfect

When & Where January 21- 26, 2025, evenings at 7.30pm, plus Sat & Sun matinees at 2pm | Queen Elizabeth Theatre

Director Alex Timbers Choreographer Connor Gallagher Music Director Andy Grobengieser Scenic Design David Korinsl Lighting Design Kenneth Posner Costume Design William Ivey Long Sound Design Peter Hylenski Projection design Peter Nigrini Special Effects Design Jeremy Chernick Stage Manager Brant Sennett

Main Cast: Beetlejuice Justin Collette Lydia Madison Mosley Barbara Megan McGuiness Adam Will Burton Charles Jesse Sharp Delia Sarah Litzsinger

Reviewer John Anthony Jane

The stage version differs substantially from Burton’s original film. Danny Elfman’s score is replaced by Eddie Perfect’s serviceable Broadway style songs and the title character role has been expanded to take in the story’s narrator who addresses the audience directly – mostly through the songs. Full review

 

Gateway Theatre
Lionel Bart’s OLIVER!
A musical adaptation of Charles Dickens' Oliver Twist

Where & When December 12, 2024 - January 4, 2025, 7:30pm evenings + 1pm matinees | Gateway Theatre, 6500 Gilbert Road, Richmond

Director Josh Epstein Music Director Sean Bayntun Choreography Nicol Spinola Set Design Ryan Cormack Lighting Design Sophie Tang Costume Design Donnie Tejani Manager Mandy Huang

Reviewer John Anthony Jane

There were some praiseworthy performances by theatre veterans as well as energetic performances by promising newcomers. Indeed, Oliver! is very much an ensemble piece – one of the reasons why it has been a popular project for high schools and dramatic arts colleges. Full review



United Players

It's a Wonderful Life: On the Air by Peter Church

When & Where Nov. 29 - Dec 22, 2024; Thurs , Fri and Sat at 8 pm, Saturdays Dec 7 & 21, and all Sundays at 2pm | Jericho Arts Centre,

Director Sarah Rodgers Technical Director Phil Miguel Set Design Sheila White Musical Director Christopher Lam Lighting Design Kougar Waltbasi Costume Design Mara Gottler Choreography Shelley Stewart Hunt Stage Manager Maddy Woodley

Reviewer John Anthony Jane

Peter Church’s stage adaptation may provide an interesting conceptualization in its setting, however, it is, by and large faithful to Frank Capra’s original film version, that had James Stewart playing everyman unsung hero George Bailey as the main protagonist. It is easy to see why the story has endured; it is one of hope and redemption .... Full review

 


The Cultch in association with Theatre Replacement

East Van Panto: Robin Hood by Jivesh Parasram and Christine Quintana

When & Where November 20, 2024 – January 5, 2025, evenings 7pm + matinees Sat & Sun at 2pm| York Theatre, 639 Commercial Drive

Director Anita Rochon Composer & Musical Director Veda Hille Choreography Amanda Testini Set and Properties Designer Lauchlin Johnston Costume Designer Alaia Hamer Lighting Designer Sophie Tang Sound Designer Brad Danyluk Scenic Illustrator Cindy Mochizuki Head of Props Heidi Wilkinson & Flying Fox Prop Shop Head of Wardrobe Sarah Sosick

Reviewer Shakeela Begum

The East Van Panto continues to bring its signature blend of local satire and whimsical fun with this year’s production of Robin Hood. A playful and lighthearted satire, the show delivered plenty of laughs and music at the York Theatre while weaving in deeper themes that resonated beyond the humor. Full review



Pacific Theatre

The Hobbit Based on the book by J.R.R. Tolkien Adapted by Kim Selody, with additional dialogue by Tim Carlson & Peter Carlone

Where & When Wed. to Sun November 13 - December 21, 2024 evenings and matinees at various times | Pacific Theatre

Director Laura McLean Set Design Alaia Hamer Lighting Design Jonathan Kim Sound Design MJ Coomber Costume Design Stephanie Kong Props Coordinator Stephanie Elgersma Stage Manager Julia Lank

Reviewer Elizabeth Paterson

JRR Tolkien’s much-loved tale of adventure and fantasy has inspired a wealth of film and drama adaptations, a modern literary genre and games - video games, board games and role-playing games. In this spirit, Kim Selody's adaptation of the novel for the stage has been adapted again for a small cast of two humans and a cast of trolls, elves, goblins, a dragon, a spider, a wizard,13 dwarves and, of course, a hobbit.......Full review

Metro Theatre
Billy Bishop Goes to War by John MacLachlan Gray in collaboration with Eric Peterson

Where & When Thurs to Sat November 9 - 30, 2024 evenings 8pm + Sun matinees at 2pm | Metro Theatre, 1370 Marine Dr SW, Vancouver

Director Gerry Mackay Music Director Gordon Roberts Lighting Design Stephen Bulat Stage Managers Ella Bulat & Veda Maharaj
Performer Damon Calderwood Piano & vocals Chris Robson

Reviewer John Anthony Jane

Over the course of a two and a half hour show, Calderwood brings charisma and a degree of pathos to the myriad of characters that even includes Bishop’s benefactor Lady St Helier. Calderwood manages to exercise his dramatic range effectively.....Full review