Clear skies and warm temperatures make for a great theatre season. Head indoors into the A/C or outdoors for some arts and entertainment under the stars. Whether it’s a Disney classic or dance festival, the stage will be as busy as the rest of Vancouver this summer. Behold the list of the hottest arts shows to check out before Labour Day.
Dancing on the Edge Festival
30 choreographers, 10 days and over 70 performances make up this sprawling celebration of contemporary dance, now in its 27th year. This year’s festival features artists such as Paul-André Fortier, Heather Dotto and Cai Glover.
- When: July 2 to 11
- Where: Various venues. See link below.
- More Info: Dancing on the Edge
Oliver!
Carly Ronning and Nathan Piasecki in Oliver! Photo Credit: Tim Matheson.
The classic Dickens novel takes the stage to follow the famous orphan Oliver Twist on his misadventures through foggy London.
- When: July 11 to August 22
- Where: Malkin Bowl, Stanley Park
- More Info: Theatre Under the Stars
Hairspray
Erin E. Walker in Hairspray. Photo Credit: Tim Matheson.
Set in 1962 Baltimore, Hairspray is a bright, colourful tale of one girl’s dream to dance on TV and the racial tensions that complicate the era.
- When: July 10 to August 21
- Where: Malkin Bowl, Stanley Park
- More Info: Theatre Under the Stars
VINES Art Festival
Vines Art Festival is an opportunity for artists and the community to tangle and grow together through a day of outdoor exploration. Visual artists describe the land; performers build on this description – all to connect artistic visions with the community.
- When: August 22
- Where: Trout Lake, Vancouver
- More Info: VINES Art Festival
A Nude Hope: A Sci-Fi Burlesque Adventure
Photo: Geekenders Facebook / Zemekiss Photography
Described as ‘Star Wars meets Moulin Rouge and the Muppet Show’, this show has the lovable Geekenders combining the irreverence of musical theatre and vaudeville with tasteful and fun striptease.
- When: July 8 to 19
- Where: Waterfront Theatre, Granville Island – 1412 Cartwright Street, Vancouver
- More Info: Brown Paper Tickets
Ensemble Theatre Festival
Photo: Ensemble Theatre Company Facebook
This year’s festival features a trio of compelling shows: “The Children’s Hour,” “Frost/Nixon” and “‘Tis Pity She’s a Whore.”
- When: July 6 to August 8
- Where: Jericho Arts Centre – 1675 Discovery Street, Vancouver
- More Info: Ensemble Theatre Company
The Lovers Cabaret presents: Six Word Stories
The innovative format debuting here features choreographers creating a 15-20 minute piece in their favourite style of dance, ranging from contemporary ballet to hip hop to salsa, following a six word story.
- When: July 9 to 11
- Where: Rickshaw Theatre – 254 East Hastings Street, Vancouver
- More Info: The Lovers Cabaret
Disney presents: The Lion King
Photo Credit: Joan Marcus.
The monumentally successful Broadway adaptation of Disney’s classic film graces the kingdom of Vancouver for a short time only.
- When: On until July 12
- Where: Queen Elizabeth Theatre – 649 Cambie Street, Vancouver
- More Info: Broadway Across Canada
