What’s happening in Vancouver theatre in September (updated)

Cast of The Shipment, coming later in September to the Firehall Arts Centre. Jens Kristian Balle photo.

Well of course there’s the Vancouver Fringe Festival. From Sept. 5-15, the multi-limbed monster will be gobbling up most of the oxygen in the local theatre scene. There is however lots of other productions happening, especially towards the end of the month. Read on. (Note: this post has been updated Sept. 4 2019)

A Tender Thing (Sept. 6-29 at Jericho Arts Centre, 1675 Discovery St.)—Sarah Rodgers directs United Players’ production of A Tender Thing, a play written by British dramaturge Ben Power. In it, Romeo and Juliet didn’t die but lived into old age. Power uses Shakespeare’s own words to create a new piece. Denyse Wilson and Troy Skog (Shaw/Bard), returning to the stage after a 20-year hiatus, play the parts. (Tickets: $23-$29 at unitedplayers.com or at the door)

Denyse Wilson and Troy Skog portray an aging Romeo and Juliet in A Tender Thing.

Mother of the Maid (Sept. 13-Oct 5 at Pacific Theatre, 1440 W 12th Ave.)—Pacific Theatre presents Jane Anderson’s play about the 15th-century life of Isabelle Arc, mother of Joan, a daughter seeing visions of Saint Catherine. It’s the Canadian premiere of the play, which starred Glenn Close on Broadway and received positive reviews (New York Times: “A triumphant blend of sharp sense and passionate sensibility.”). The Pacific Theatre production features a cast of seven, full period costumes, and directing by Kaitlin Williams (last year’s Jessie-nominated run of Kim’s Convenience). (Tickets: $20-36.50 at pacifictheatre.org and 604.731.5518)

Mother of the Maid.

Rent (Sept 17-22 at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre)—20th anniversary tour of the popular rock musical, which premiered in 1996. (Tickets: starting at $47.50 at ticketmaster.ca and 1-855-985-5000)

The cast of Rent. Photo credit Carol Rosegg 2018.

Pride (Sept. 20 – 22 at Massey Theatre, 735 Eighth Ave. New Westminster)—Written and performed by veteran stage actor Allan Morgan, the play follows his path as he begins to understand and accept his sexuality and recalls the connections and inner conflicts between his life and the Gay Pride movement. According to the media release, “It is the story of one person’s journey through homophobia – both internalized and societal – toward the light of acceptance and love.” (Tickets: $15 at ticketsnw.ca and 604-521-5050)

Antony & Cleopatra (Sept. 26-Oct 13, Studio 58 at Langara, 100 W. 49th Ave.)—More Shakespeare! This time, students in the nationally renowned professional theatre training program at Langara College’s Studio 58 present a production of Shakespeare’s Antony & Cleopatra featuring gender reversal. It features choreography by Tara Cheyenne Friedenberg. (Tickets: ticketstonight.ca or 604- 684-2787)

The Shipment (Sept. 25-Oct. 5 at Firehall Arts Centre, 280 E. Cordova St.)—Firehall Arts Centre kicks off the season with The Shipment, a comedy that explores racial attitudes. Witten by Korean-American Young Jean Lee gave herself the challenge of writing a show about black identity. (Tickets: from $20 at firehallartscentre.ca)

Après le Déluge: The Buddy Cole Monologues (Sept. 19-21 at Cultch Historic Theatre, 1895 Venables St.)—Former Kid in the Hall Scott Thompson returns with one of his most beloved characters. (Tickets: from $26 at tinyurl.com/buddycole)

Scott Thompson.

Herringbone (Sept. 24-Oct. 6 at Anvil Centre Theatre, 777 Columbia Street, New Westminster)—Patrick Street Productions presents Canadian playwright Tom Cone’ one-man cabaret musical. Set in 1929, the Off-Broadway hit tells the tale of eight-year-old George, who is taken under the wing of a vaudeville veteran, becomes possessed by the spirit of his mentor’s vengeful partner, and suddenly shows a remarkable talent for dancing. Peter Jorgenson and Luisa Jojic alternate performances. (Tickets: $27 – $36 at ticketstonight.ca or 604-684-2787)

Away with Home (Sept 27 & 28 at Scotiabank Dance Centre’s Faris Family Studio Theatre, 677 Davie Street)—Miscellaneous Productions, Vancouver’s hip hop theatre boot camp, presents Away with Home. Director Elaine Carol works with youth to draw from their own personal experiences for a piece that explores issues of immigration, racism, mental health, bullying, maturation, family, victimization, identity, and belonging. Contemporary and hip hop dance, neo-soul and hip hop music, Taiko drumming, image theatre, performance art, and performance poetry are combined in the two performances. (Tickets: $12 at brownpapertickets.com and $15 at the door)