This fall, as life gets a little sedate and nights get more than a little cooler, add some cultural activities into your schedule by planning a few nights out at the theatre. Numerous musicals and plays are coming to town, covering a variety of genres and eras. Here are a few notable selections hitting town this fall.
La Cage aux Folles (November 26 to December 24)
For those looking for a little music in their life, La Cage aux Folles will leave you singing a few tunes post-theatre. This Tony Award-winning musical is the story of Georges and his family, who own a flashy nightclub in Saint-Tropez. Georges’s son becomes engaged to a rather conservative fiancée and when the pair bring her parents home to meet Georges and his partner, a glamorous singer, the family struggles to keep their once-tight bonds. Currently, the Vancouver Playhouse Theatre still has a few 2 for 1 nights available.
Margaret Atwood’s The Peneopiad (October 20 to November 20)
Billed as “the untold story of the original desperate housewife,” this Stanley Industrial Alliance Stage production might be the play to see in order to get in touch with your feminine side (and confirm that you’re happy to be male). Based on the myth behind Homer’s The Odyssey, writer Margaret Atwood brings a contemporary spin to an ancient tale. In this version, Penelope, the wife of the hero Odysseus, tells her side of the story. Penelope struggles with an absent husband, a troubled teenage son, and a meddling mother in law, which would make any housefrau jumpy; but where the original tale portrayed her as weak and fragile, here she is interesting, strong and cunning.
Buddy – The Buddy Holly Story (September 27- November 20)
With reviews that include words like electric, unstoppable, remarkable and killer performance, this rock musical is seeing audiences everywhere dancing in their seats. This story of the rock legend showcases the list of hit songs that everyone is sure to know the words to, including “Peggy Sue,” “Not Fade Away” and “Oh Boy.” On tour throughout British Columbia.
The Crucible (September 29 to October 16)
Set in the 17th century town of Salem, this classic Arthur Miller play follows the trials of witches and tells the story of a community riddled with fear and religious extremism. Studio 58 is the theatre training program at Vancouver’s Langara College; the cast includes both students and alumni, giving you the opportunity to check out talent both established and up-and-coming.
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Image courtesy of B Rosen.
I’ve never been to Vancouver, I should go!