Malkin Bowl, Photo: Shawn Bukhari
This summer, Theatre Under the Stars (TUTS) is celebrating universal themes of love, acceptance, and inclusion with its upcoming season on stage outdoors at the Malkin Bowl in Stanley Park from July 6 to August 26. Both of its sparkling musicals, The Prom and Roald Dahl’s Matilda the Musical, are hilarious and heartfelt Broadway comedies that celebrate the differences that make us who we are.
The Prom
Brianna Clark, Caitriona Murphy, Greg Armstrong-Morris & Anna Pontin, Photo: Emily Cooper
Set at a small-town high school, The Prom balances its earnest hopefulness with tender-hearted vulnerability in a hard-hitting package of hilarity. It opens with four, down-on-their-luck Broadway actors looking to make a drastic change in their lives.
Desperate to improve their public image, they search for a high-profile charitable cause to support and find Emma – a queer high school senior whose prom has just been cancelled because she planned to attend with her girlfriend. However, their scheming ways quickly go sideways as the group ultimately learns everyone is just searching for their own place to belong.
Matilda the Musical
Siggi Kaldestad & Jyla Robinson, Photo: Emily Cooper
This whimsical musical showcases the best elements of Roald Dahl’s iconic storytelling. Matilda the Musical is chock full of bravery, rebelliousness, and a sharp wit embodied by its title character who has gripped audiences for over 60 years.
Set in a small English village, a brilliant little girl with a lively imagination is ignored at home by her family and bullied at school. Through the hopeful strength of her unique imagination, she embraces her surprising magical powers. Featuring toe-tapping songs and lively dance numbers by a talented cast of young performers, the family-friendly stage adaptation is a great way to introduce TUTS to young audiences.
Brianna Clark, Anna Pontin, Siggi Kaldestad & Jyla Robinson, Photo: Emily Cooper
Special Performances
Relaxed Performance (July 24) – TUTS is partnering with the Canucks Autism Network to host a relaxed performance of Matilda the Musical. This performance is designed for anyone who may need a more casual environment to enjoy live theatre, including (but certainly not limited to) people on the Autism Spectrum, people with sensory or communication disorders, neurological disorders, or people with a learning disability. There will be a more relaxed attitude about how audiences experience the performance as guests are asked to be aware of other people’s needs to move or make noise.
Pride Night (July 31) – TUTS hosts its fifth annual official kickoff event for Vancouver Pride Week! Audiences will enjoy an uproarious performance of The Prom with all seat cushion and program donations from the night being matched in support of the Vancouver Pride Society.
Prom Dress-up Night (August 10) – Relive your own grad night in a fun and lighthearted way by joining TUTS’ own version of prom at a special staging of The Prom. Come dressed in your finest grad suit or dress for an evening of frivolity and “Zazz”. Be ready to dance in the aisles!
Malkin Bowl, Photo: Shawn Bukhari
Theatre Under the Stars celebrates 83 years of theatre as a beloved annual summer tradition in one of Vancouver’s most famous locations, Stanley Park, surrounded by Douglas Firs. More than your average night at the theatre, TUTS aims to weave a kaleidoscope of elements – from its idyllic setting and scenery to joyfully expressive performances – into a fun experience greater than the sum of its parts. It also emphasizes creating opportunities for young performers by fostering life-long relationships on the stage.
For tickets and a full schedule of performances, visit TUTS’ website. Earlybird tickets are available for only $20 until July 20.
