I can’t believe that June is already over! You know what that means? Summer is in full swing. With summer comes some amazing outdoor events happening in and around Vancouver. One of our personal favourites is Theatre Under The Stars, held annually in the Malkin Bowl at Stanley Park. Last year we had the pleasure of seeing both Oliver & Hairspray and suffice to say, my theatre loving heart stood still. We were blown away by the talent, set designs and shows! This year, Theatre Under the Stars (TUTS) invites audiences to fall in love this summer with two of my favourite stories – Disney’s Beauty and the Beast & West Side Story!
The 2016 season starts July 6 – August 20, 2016, on alternating evenings audiences will be swept away by two classic love stories. One, a beloved fairytale brimming with magic and mystery, and the other an electrifying story of forbidden love in the unforgiving streets of 1950’s New York. All in an amazing immersive outdoor theatre, TUTS offers a unique way to enjoy the theatre that is sure to delight any musical theatre lover.
“The summer of 2015 was our most successful on record: We welcomed more audiences out to the Malkin Bowl than at any point in our long history,” says Naveen Kapahi, TUTS Board President. “We are therefore thrilled to announce the return of both of last season’s muchcelebrated directors! Shel Piercy will follow-up his beloved Oliver! with the Disney classic, Beauty and the Beast; and Sarah Rodgers, who created 2015’s infectiously fun Hairspray, will direct West Side Story.”
TUTS’ 2016 season features two of Broadway’s most universally acclaimed, smash-hit musicals:
Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, a classic favourite for all ages is one of the first Disney film ever to make the leap to stage! This show follows Belle, a young woman in a provincial town, and the Beast, a young prince transformed by a wicked spell. If the Beast can learn to be loved, the curse will end and he will be restored. But time is running out!
A feast for the senses, the treasured production is abundant with lavish sets, sumptuous costumes, and spectacular musical numbers, including all of Alan Menken and Howard Ashman’s songs from the Academy Award-winning film, as well as new songs by Menken and Tim Rice. Making his TUTS debut is bass-baritone Peter Monaghan as the Beast, performing alongside Jaime Piercy as Belle.
West Side Story is a dynamic re-imagining of Romeo and Juliet in the turbulent streets of 1950’s New York. As turf war rages between two rival gangs, a pair of star-crossed lovers find themselves caught in the middle – and tragically wrenched between two worlds.
The beautiful, passionate, and heartbreaking work was created by the dream team of Leonard Bernstein, Arthur Laurents, and Stephen Sondheim. Jerome Robbins’ kinetic, explosive choreographic style remains intrinsically tied to the musical and to its exhilarating songbook, which includes such gems as “Cool,” “America,” “I Feel Pretty,” and “Tonight.” Matt Montgomery and Coquitlam native Jennifer Gillis – both in their TUTS debut – will star as Tony and Maria.
2016 Season Information
Shows: Disney’s Beauty and the Beast & West Side Story
When: July 6 to August 20, 2016, all shows start at 8:00pm, except for Fireworks Nights, when shows begin at 7pm. Performances alternate evenings.
Where: Malkin Bowl in Stanley Park – 610 Pipeline Rd. Vancouver, BC. Free parking available on site.
Tickets: $30 – $45, grab yours through the Box Office: at 1-877-840-0457 or online at tuts.ca
Is anyone else excited for this season? I can’t wait to see West Side Story, and Helisa will be heading out to see Beauty & The Beast! Last year, we were first timers.. now I feel like we’re lifers.
A few tips if you are planning to visit TUTS for the first time:
- You are welcome to bring in your own snacks, but they also have snacks and dinner available on site. Looking for an adult bevvie? They have those too.
- Bring a blanket, it can get a bit chilly outside.
- If you are wearing flipflops, I highly recommend packing some socks jusssst in case.
- Pack the bug spray! Mosquitos are out in full force, and covering up and using bug spray will make it a bit more enjoyable of an experience.
- You can bring your own cushion, or they are available for rent on site. It makes the chairs a bit more comfortable for the show
Now, with all of that out of the way… who’s ready to WIN? One lucky fan is going to win 4 tickets to the 2016 show of their choice! Perfect chance to experience TUTS for the first time with someone new, or to kick off your summer! Entering is easy! Make sure that you leave a comment for EACH ENTRY. If you leave them all on one, you will only be eligible for one entry. All entries are confirmed.
How to enter:
- LIKE British Columbia Mom & Theatre Under the Stars on Facebook (1 entry each)
- Follow British Columbia Mom & Theatre Under the Stars on Twitter (1 entry each)
- SHARE The Giveaway using one of the buttons below (1 entry per share, daily)
- Tweet This: [Tweet “RT: @TutsVancouver returns for 2016 with the summer of love + Enter to #WIN a 4pk of tickets! “]
Contest ends July 11, 2016 @ 12:00pm, open to residents of British Columbia who are able to attend the show. Winner will have 24 hours to claim their prize and will be notified by a reply comment and an email. Good luck!
