It’s that time of year again! Theatre Under the Stars has been a summer tradition here in Vancouver since the 1940s, and we always look forward to attending summer night musical performances in the open air ampitheatre at Stanley Park’s Malkin Bowl.
I’m really excited about this year’s line up! Playing from July 7 to August 19, 2017, the TUTS 2017 season will feature a pair of Broadway blockbusters sure to get Vancouver audiences in the musical swing of things! The first is an iconic family musical starring an ever so enchanting nanny; the second is a riotous Broadway sensation and tribute to the Roaring Twenties.
Mary Poppins
Mary Poppins, one of the most popular Disney movies of all time, captures hearts in a whole new way. The irresistible story and unforgettable songs are back, as everyone’s favourite nanny swoops in to teach the Banks family a lesson or two about love and imagination.
Practically perfect favourites like ‘A Spoonful of Sugar’, ‘Chim Chim Cher-ee’, and ‘Let’s Go Fly a Kite’ come to life in the cherished musical – complete with brand-new dance numbers and spectacular stage-craft.
Making her TUTS debut as Mary Poppins is Ranae Miller who is joined by Victor Hunter (Bert), returning following his hilarious portrayal as Lumière in 2016’s Beauty and the Beast. Mr. & Mrs. Banks are played by Russell Roberts and Lalainia Lindbjerg-Strelau. Nine-year-old TUTS newcomer Nolen Dubuc performs as Michael Banks alongside 11-year-old Lola Marshall (Jane Banks) taking part in her third TUTS production. This performance is directed by Shel Piercy and choreographed by Nicol Spinola, with musical direction by Wendy Bross Stuart.
This iconic family classic will also feature a furry cast member sure to charm every child at the show. Meet Willoughby, the neighbour’s dog, played by this practically perfect Brussels Griffon!
The girls loved last year’s Disney’s Beauty and the Beast performance, and they’re eagerly anticipating this year’s opening night for Mary Poppins on July 11. They’ve been practicing their “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious” all week. Bring on the show!
The Drowsy Chaperone
Showing on alternate nights, The Drowsy Chaperone is bursting with show-stopping song and dance. This Canadian musical parody & five-time Tony Award-winner whisks audiences away on a Jazz Age journey of love, laughter, and libation.
Alone in his modest, one-bedroom apartment, a musical theatre fan puts on his treasured cast recording. As the record spins, the colourful & chaotic characters of a fictitious 1928 musical spring to life – filling his living room with all manner of movie stars, gangsters, divas, and more.
Starring as Man in Chair is five-time Jessie Award-winner Shawn Macdonald who takes the stage with TUTS newcomer and lauded actor Caitriona Murphy (The Drowsy Chaperone) as well as Shannon Hanbury, who makes her ninth TUTS appearance as Janet van de Graaff. Joining them are Stuart Barkley (Robert Martin), Blake Sartin (George), and Dimitrios Stephanoy as the Latin lothario Aldolpho. Directed by Gillian Barber, The Drowsy Chaperone features choreography by Shelley Stewart Hunt, with musical direction by Kevin Michael Cripps.
This saucy tale contains cheeky innuendo & tongue-in-cheek content that may not be appropriate for little ones, so hubby and I are looking forward to leaving the kids with the babysitter and enjoying a night out for ourselves!
About the TUTS 2017 Season
Visit the TUTS website to learn more, and connect with Theatre Under the Stars on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Win 4 Tickets to Mary Poppins!
I’m so pleased to offer one of my local readers the chance to win 4 tickets to TUTS this summer. Enter in the giveaway widget below. This giveaway is open to anyone who can pick up the tickets and attend the show at Malkin Bowl in Stanley Park, Vancouver, Canada. All the winner’s entries will be verified. The winner will need to pick up their tickets from the PR office in Vancouver.
Click here to check out my other open giveaways and be sure to like me on Facebook!
I would bring my friend, Nancy, to see Mary Poppins. TUTS is a fun summer event.
I would take my daughters and their Grandma with me to see Mary Poppins – we’d all love it so much!!
I would bring my friend Heather K to see Mary Poppins. What a fun summer night out!
My friend Judie is coming to visit from Boston and I know she would love to see this!
I woul take my friends!
I’d bring my husband, my parents and our new baby!
I would love to take my kids to see Mary Poppins!
I would take my daughter with me to see Mary Poppins. She is 8 yrs old.
I’d take my mom to see Mary Poppins…we go to TUTS every year!
My 5 years old dauther love Marry Poppins just like her mom. I would definitely take her to the show … would be her theatre initiation??????Wish my luck ?!!
***Spelling–> daughter
I would love to take my kids to see Mary Poppins.
I bet my sister-in-law would love the show!
I would take my son, he loves Mary Poppins!
The whole family would love to see the show
I would give the tickets to my lifelong friend Doug who has been my friend for over 25 years and besides being a beautiful friend, he is an amazing father too!! He deserves it?
I would absolutely take my daughter and granddaughters! What a wonderful experience and something special for “what I did on my summer vacation” when school is back in!
I’d take my wife and kids. They’d love it!
There is something magical about theater al fresco.Our local company does at least 3 different productions during good weather.Love it!