Theatre Under the Stars (TUTS) injects a delightful dose of magical entertainment into summer with Mary Poppins & The Drowsy Chaperone, running July 7 - August 19, 2017 at Stanley Park's picturesque Malkin Bowl. On alternating evenings, audiences can indulge in these high-flying adventures - one, an iconic family musical starring an ever so enchanting nanny; the other, a riotous Broadway sensation and tribute to the Roaring Twenties.
"Last year was our most successful summer on record - more than 45,000 guests passed through our gates!" says Naveen Kapahi, TUTS Board President. "In 2017, we will build on this momentum by putting our patrons in the talented hands of two of the Lower Mainland's most celebrated directors. Shel Piercy will follow-up last summer's epic Beauty and the Beast with Mary Poppins; and we are thrilled to welcome Capilano University's theatre luminary
GillIan Barber as director of The Drowsy Chaperone."
TUTS' 2017 season offers a supercalifragilistic classic and an uproarious ode to golden age glam:
Mary Poppins, one of the most popular Disney movies of all time, captures hearts in a whole new way. The irresistible story and unforgettable songs are back, as everyone's favourite nanny swoops in to teach the Banks family a lesson or two about love & imagination.
Practically perfect favourites like 'A Spoonful of Sugar', 'Chim Chim Cher-ee', and 'Let's Go Fly a Kite' come to life in the cherished musical - complete with brand-new dance numbers and spectacular stage-craft.
Making her TUTS debut as Mary Poppins is
Ranae Miller who is joined by Victor Hunter (Bert), returning following his hilarious portrayal as Lumière in 2016's Beauty and the Beast. Mr. & Mrs. Banks are played by Russell Roberts and Lalainia Lindbjerg-Strelau. Nine-year-old TUTS newcomer Nolen Dubuc performs as Michael Banks alongside 11-year-old Lola Marshall (Jane Banks) taking part in her third TUTS production.
This performance is directed by Shel Piercy and choreographed by Nicol Spinola, with musical direction by Wendy B
Ross Stuart.
The Drowsy Chaperone is bursting with show-stopping song and dance. This Canadian musical parody & five-time Tony Award-winner whisks audiences away on a Jazz Age journey of love, laughter, and libation.
Alone in his modest, one-bedroom apartment, a musical theatre fan puts on his treasured cast recording. As the record spins, the colourful & chaotic characters of a fictitious 1928 musical spring to life - filling his living room with all manner of movie stars, gangsters, divas, and more.
Starring as Man in Chair is five-time Jessie Award-winner Shawn Macdonald who takes the stage with TUTS newcomer and lauded actor Caitriona Murphy (The Drowsy Chaperone) as well as Shannon Hanbury, who makes her ninth TUTS appearance as
Janet Van De Graaff. Joining them are Stuart Barkley (
Robert Martin), Blake Sartin (George), and Dimitrios Stephanoy as the Latin lothario Aldolpho.
Directed by
GillIan Barber, The Drowsy Chaperone features choreography by Shelley Stewart Hunt, with musical direction by
Kevin Michael Cripps.
About Theatre Under the Stars (
tuts.ca)
For more than 75 years, Theatre Under the Stars has brought soaring works of musical theatre to the crown jewel of Vancouver - Stanley Park. So much more than just a night at the theatre, TUTS interweaves a kaleidoscope of elements - setting, scenery, concessions, and quality art - into a fun, encompassing experience that is much greater than the sum of its parts.
Nestled among awe-inspiring Douglas Firs, the company is uniquely suited to Vancouver and reflects some of the city's most collectively embraced values: exuberance, expression, nature, and youth. The latter is especially important to the organization, as it is not only a presenter of shows, but a creator of opportunities for young performers. The number of careers and life-long relationships with art fostered on the Malkin Bowl stage are countless.
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