Alyson Eng

It’s been roughly six years since one of the most outrageous Broadway musicals to exist graced the Queen Elizabeth Theatre. Courtesy of Broadway Across Canada, THE BOOK OF MORMON returned to the Vancouver stage this week for a series of performances playing from November 12 to 17. A combination of both satire and song, audiences were taken on a wild musical theatre ride that elicited irrepressible laughter and feeling.

Very few bands have made a mark on the Canadian music scene quite like The Tragically Hip. From their early roots in Kingston, Ontario to winning the hearts of millions across Canada, The Tragically Hip have become more than just a band, but rather a national treasure. 

In just a few short years, 8-member Filipino girl group, BINI, has done the unthinkable. Starting from humble beginnings, BINI has risen to the top of the music scene in the Philippines dominating the charts and earning the title of the “Nation’s Girl Group.”

Last weekend, Grammy Award-winning singer, songwriter, and producer, TEMS, brought her “Born In The Wild” tour to a sold-out crowd at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre in Vancouver, BC. With the release of her debut album, “Born In The Wild” in June of this year, TEMS brought many of the songs from this album to life on stage.

Lower Mainland Vancouver and Richmond based CTORA Theatre will bring the whimsical world of Willy Wonka to life on stage with the musical production of CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY next month.

JERSEY BOYS reinforces the transformative power of musical theatre. Extending beyond the confines of the traditional theatre experience, JERSEY BOYS stays genuine and authentic to The Four Seasons by digging deep into their story. Alongside the electrifying and dynamic musical numbers is raw emotion, depth, and relatable moments. JERSEY BOYS is proof that great storytelling and music never go out of style.

SCHOOL OF ROCK was a fun musical to watch, perfect for a family night out to enjoy theatre. The show’s entertainment value was high leaving a lasting impression on the audience members in attendance. Appealing to both adults and children, SCHOOL OF ROCK will draw you in with its moments of humor and meaningful impact of its story.

Currently touring across North America, FROZEN has finally reached Vancouver, BC with a run at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre from July 9th to 21st. Featuring the well-known songs from the first FROZEN movie with a few dozen new numbers, the show was absolutely enchanting and filled to the brim with that indescribable “Disney magic.” 

This summer, the Arts Club brings the hustle and bustle of the streets of New York to the Vancouver stage! GUYS & DOLLS presented by the Arts Club in Vancouver helps us remember what it’s like to take a chance on both life and love. 

The first show of Avril Lavigne’s Greatest Hits Tour played last week at Rogers Arena in Vancouver, BC to a sold out crowd. With Vancouver being her first show of the new tour, the excitement was high and a strong sense of nostalgia lingered in the air.

Presented by Royal City Musical Theatre, MARY POPPINS brought the timeless tale to life in New Westminster’s Massey Theatre this week for their opening night. Bringing audiences into the world of imagination, MARY POPPINS kept the carefree whimsy and wonder of childhood alive.

Last week, SEXY LAUNDRY, a play about love and marriage opened at the Granville Island Stage in Vancouver. Presented by the Arts Club and written by local playwright Michele Riml, this contemporary Canadian comedy brought out all of the emotions in the audience ranging from laughter to tears.

This month, I had the pleasure of attending Amber’s concert tour stop in Vancouver, BC and chatting with Amber on behalf of BroadwayWorld. Reflecting on both her recent “No More Sad Songs” tour as well as her career past and present, it was clear that her journey as an artist was about more than just her music.

This week, the touring production of HAIRSPRAY presented by Broadway Across Canada made its stop in Vancouver. Playing at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre from April 2nd the 7th, the musical made an indelible mark in Vancouver theatre as a truly memorable and energetic show. 

On February 27th, South Korean girl group, H1-KEY debuted their new single, “Deeper.” The song, “Deeper” is a slow rock song with a very modern feeling. The lyrics describe a self-healing journey after a breakup. The song reinforces the theme of never giving up during difficult times and emits a very uplifting sound upon first listen.

Hailing from Japan’s pop music scene, Vicke Blanka is a singer, songwriter, and composer that has captured the hearts of a worldwide fanbase with his music transcending both genre and cultural boundaries and infectious personality that embraces his true self without any limitations.

CHOIR BOY is the latest musical to grace the Stanley Industrial Alliance Stage in Vancouver, BC. Presented as a co-production between the Arts Club and the Canadian Stage, this drama/musical will play from January 25th to February 25th.

From February 21st to March 10th, SUNRISE BETTIES, a play inspired by Vancouver’s 1970s street gang crisis will take the stage at Vancouver’s Russian Hall. Putting the spotlight on a part of the city’s history that has been widely forgotten/ unknown is a bold move made by ITSAZOO’s Playwright-in-Residence, Cheyenne Rouleau.

To celebrate the success of the music from the Netflix film, 'A Beautiful Life,' musician CHRISTOPHER embarked on a world tour to bring its music to his fans across the world. The “A Beautiful Live” world tour began last September and will continue its North American leg this year starting in San Diego, CA.

MEAN GIRLS couldn’t have come to Vancouver at a better time. Donning the same iconic story and famous one-liners used in the 2004 cultural touchstone movie, MEAN GIRLS is everything you would expect and more, all wrapped up in a Broadway musical form.