Date Idea: Watch Beauty and the Beast and West Side Story Under the Stars

Sourced from TUTS

Sourced from TUTS

Theatre Under the Stars (TUTS) is set to launch a brand new season, which the not-for-profit theatre company is calling the “Summer of Love.”

From July 6 to August 20, Vancouver’s TUTS will be running two well-known and swoon inducing musicals on alternating nights: Disney’s Beauty and the Beast and West Side Story. My boyfriend and I will be definitely going to at least one of the shows! 

I personally adore musical theatre. The songs, the dancing, and the grand expressions of emotion are always thrilling to watch. And if you haven’t been to TUTS, you’re in for a romantic treat. The shows take place at Malkin Bowl, an outdoor stage in scenic Stanley Park, where TUTS first began performing in 1940. The stars above in the night sky and the surrounding Douglas fir trees add further magic to the performances. It’s the perfect opportunity to cozy up to your date (packing a blanket to share is a great idea) and enjoy the show.

Photo Credit: Tim Matheson

Photo Credit: Tim Matheson

2015 was TUTS’ must successful year, with more audience members attending than ever before. The company is hoping to top this record with the return of last year’s popular directors, Shel Piercy (Oliver! in 2015) for Beauty and the Beast and Sarah Rodgers (Hairspray) for West Side Story.

The musicals are two of my favourites. I’ve seen Disney’s Beauty and the Beast in cartoon movie and musical form, and am really curious to see TUTS’ rendition of it.

Sourced from TUTS

Sourced from TUTS

Based on the well-known fairy tale, Disney’s version of the story introduces the audience to Belle, an independent young woman in a stifling provincial town, who longs for more in her life. She soon meets the Beast, a once self-absorbed prince who has been cursed until he learns to love and receive it in return. Expect all the songs from the movie, plus more, as well as elaborate sets and costumes. Singing teapots and candlesticks will also make appearances.

West Side Story is a beguiling and heart-rending musical classic from the 1950s, created by Leonard Bernstein, Arthur Laurents, and Stephen Sondheim, with beloved numbers like “Somewhere,” “Maria,” “I Feel Pretty,” and “America.”

Sourced from TUTS

Sourced from TUTS

Taking the tragic Shakespearean love story Romeo and Juliet as its inspiration, it depicts two rival gangs in the streets of New York City. Watch as the star-crossed lovers, Tony and Maria, struggle to reconcile their hearts with familial pressures.

One thing’s for sure, romance will be in the air this summer at TUTS! Shows begin at 8pm (except for Fireworks Nights, July 23, 27, and 30, when shows starts at 7pm), with tickets ($30-45) available on-line or at 1-877-840-0457.

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