CALENDAR
STAGE COMEDY/CABARET MIA - Mixed Improv Arts
In this winner-takes-all contest you won’t see a ‘Peruvian necktie’ or a ‘Rubber guard’ but you will see opponents face off in a fierce competition of wits for who can win the most laughs. • The Improv Centre, 1502 Duranleau St., Granville Island • Thursdays, 9:15 p.m. • From $10.75, 604-738-7013, vtsl.com/
Moist Mondays
Creative modern drag, a lot of laughs, not-so-serious art and sometimes even a little glamour. Performances by your host, and Vancouver’s reigning Empress 47 Misty Meadows-Gurl as well as a different cast of incredible local talent every single week. • XY, 1216 Bute St. • Every Monday, 11 p.m.-2 a.m. • $5, xyyvr.com/
Tyrant Studios: Summer Lounge Series
Operated by Seven Tyrants Theatre. The Summer Lounge Series offers a variety of professional music and comedy shows each week. • Saturday Comic Strip: June 30: Fatima Dhowre, and Erica Sigurdson with Headliner John Cullen, a charismatic performer and modern-day renaissance man who brings his vast experiences as a high school teacher, world-ranked curler and drummer • Tyrant Studios, 1019 Seymour St. (above the Penthouse Nightclub) • $18, SevenTyrants.com
Pearle Harbour’s Chautauqua
Chautauqua is an immersive extravaganza: part cabaret, part tragicomedy, part Tent Revival, part Drag. There’s music, sing-a-longs, puppet shows and even an exorcism. • The Cultch, 1895 Venables St. • June 28-30, 8 p.m. shows, 4 p.m. on Jun 30 • $25, plus service fee, 604-872-1861, pitheatre.com/pearle-harbour
Molly’s Comedy Cabaret
It’s her party and she’ll sing if she wants to. Join Molly for a birthday bash as she celebrates two birthdays — hers and Canada’s. You are invited to clap, dance and sing along to your favourite songs from Pop, Motown and Broadway. Opening Act - Enjoy the musical stylings of Vince Dimano. Stage management by party animal Austin Obiajunwa. • XYYVR Nightclub, 1216 Bute St. • June 30, Doors 7 p.m.; Show 8 p.m. • Pay what you can, 604-392-3462, missmollywilson.com
David Cross
Acclaimed comedian returns with his new stand-up comedy tour, Oh Come On! Emmy Award winner and Grammy Award nominee David Cross is an inventive performer, writer, and producer on stage and screens both big and small. • Vogue Theatre, 918 Granville St. • July 4 • $45.50, ticketfly.com
DANCE
Moducs Operandi Show 2018 An evening of Contemporary Dance and Dance on Screen works performed by Modus Operandi 2017/18 artists. Featuring new creations by Kate Franklin and Paras Terezakis, and a restaging of Shay Kuebler’s work Annex, commissioned by the 2017 American Dance Festival. • Scotiabank Dance Centre, 677 Davie St. • June 29-30, Jun 29: 8 p.m.; Jun 30: 3 p.m. & 8 p.m. • $20 adult; $12 children + seniors • outinnerspace.ca/mo/ modus-operandi/news-events/
Small Stage Summer Dance Series
iExperience live, outdoor dance performances like you’ve never seen before. Join Small Stage as they bring to life all the ways dance connects us. Kicking off the Summer Dance Series is a dance celebration in the alley between CB2 and Shenanigans off Robson Street at noon on July 1. Experience live, outdoor dance • Free, smallstage.ca
MascallDance OW
Jennifer Mascall’s new choreographic work aims to crack open the relationship between sound and movement. Enter the wild world of OW — by turns loud, tender, explosive and hilarious, a realm where unpredictability is the only certainty. • MascallDance, 1130 Jervist St. • July 4-14 • $20/$28, 604-689-0926, owmascalldance.com.
THEATRE Mamma Mia!
The smash-hit musical based on the songs of ABBA. An island paradise in Greece sets the stage for the ultimate feel-good show. A daughter’s quest to find her biological father before her wedding brings together three men from her mother’s past. Filled with ABBA hits, this uproarious and fun-loving musical will have you dancing in your seat. Presented by the Arts Club Theatre Company. • Stanley Industrial Alliance Stage, 2750 Granville St. • May 10 until July 8 • From $29, 604-687-1644, artsclub.com
Once
An enchanting guy-meets-girl musical. A Dublin street musician is struggling through heartbreak and frustrated with his songs when he chances upon a girl who challenges him to go for his dream. • Granville Island Stage • Until July 29 • From $29, 604-687-1644, artsclub.com
Camelot the Musical
Will Princess Guinevere be the best thing that ever happened to Arthur or the downfall of an empire? In a world where might is right, King Arthur has a revelation that could set the world on a path towards a fair and just land for all while taking on his biggest challenge yet: women. • Deep Cove Shaw Theatre, 4360 Gallant Ave., North Van • June 15-30 • $20/$18, 604-929-3200, deepcovestage.com
I Am Not a Girl
Transgender narrative is brought to the forefront of independent theatre. The story of Erica, born into a large family in the 1970s who questions who Erica is, including her gender. Erica faces the gauntlet of the physical, emotional, psychological and spiritual challenges of becoming Eric. • The Cultch Vancity Culture Lab, 1895 Venables St. • June 21-26
This is Now:
A Canadian Musical Premiere
This play follows the unique relationship of Sarah and Emily as they stumble in and out of each other’s lives over the course of 25 years. One anxious workaholic, one impulsive free-spirit, and one spontaneous road trip; a story about the paths we choose and the people who change us. • 1555 W. 7th Ave • Until June 30 • Minimum $15 suggested donation, facebook.com/ events/124516508410656/
Acceleration
How do we come to terms with what we’ll never know? It’s 2011. The world’s top physicists are searching for the Higgs boson, the famous missing piece in our model of the universe. Graduate student Elise, who is struggling to piece back her own world in the midst of unsolved questions, joins the search. But what we’re looking for and what we find aren’t always the same thing. A brand new play by Stone’s Throw Productions. • Pacific Theatre, 1440 W. 12th Ave. • June 27-30 • $12, 604-731-5518, pacifictheatre.org
My Funny Valentine
Haunting, moving, and at times strangely comedic, playwright Dave Deveau’s award-winning play examines the ripple effect of hatred in a community and cracks open the greater humanity of a town trying to heal. Directed by Cameron Mackenzie and produced by Zee Zee Theatre. • Centre Stage at City Hall, 13450 104th Ave., Surrey • June 28 • $25-$35, tickets.surrey.ca, 604-501-5566
Romeo and Juliet
Bard in the Valley presents Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet with a martial arts twist. The story of star-crossed lovers is set 300 years in the future when the polar ice caps have melted and the climate has changed drastically. Many wars and territorial skirmishes have reduced the population to a near feudal state. This is where we find that town, Verona, has been placed under strict martial law. Capulet, a majority land owner in the area tries to lead by example: strength in solidarity. His household still feels protective against the encroaching Montague family. • The lawn in front of Fort Langley’s historic community hall, 9167 Glover Rd:• Jun 29-Jul 1, 7 p.m., free. Chairs will be set up at all venues, and there is a concession. Audience members are welcome to come early, bring a blanket or lawn chairs and a picnic and spread out on the lawn in front of the stage. Donations are welcome to help cover production costs. • bardinthevalley.com
FILM Near Dark
Vancouver filmmaker Karen Lam introduces Kathryn Bigelow’s cult thriller Near Dark. Her Stories series spotlights Kathryn Bigelow’s breakthrough vampire movie, a cult favourite since it saw the light of day back in 1987. Near Dark clearly influenced the likes of From Dusk Til Dawn and Twilight. • VIFF, 1181 Seymour St. • June 28, 7:30 p.m. • viff.org
American Animals
The most audacious art heist in U.S. history should probably be left to the professionals. But why do criminal masterminds get to have all the fun? Such is the misguided rationale of this outrageous caper’s ringleader (Evan Peters) whose self-belief trumps self-preservation. As this blundering anti-hero and his cohorts draw inspiration from movies in their bid for infamy, Bart Layton (The Imposter) evokes Rashomon as he stirs subjectivity and suspense into an intoxicating cinematic cocktail. • Vancity Theatre, 1181 Seymour St. • June 29 until July 5 • viff.org
Grease Sing-a-Long (40th Anniversary Screening)
Summer isn’t summer without a little Summer Lovin’, Grease-style. And there’s no better way to experience your all-time favourite movie musical than with a big screen Grease Sing-a-Long. All ages welcome, costumes encouraged. • Rio Theatre, 1660 E. Broadway • June 29 and June 30, 7:30 p.m. • $18/$22, riotheatre.ca
COMMUNITY FOOD/DRINK UBC Farm Farmers’ Market
Enjoy UBC Farm produce grown steps from the market stalls, treats and crafts from our vendors, music, free Farm tours and so much more. • UBC Farm, 3461 Ross Drive • June 2 until Oct. 27, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. • ubcfarm.ubc.ca/ food-production/farm-markets/
Dinner in the Sky Canada
A spectacular 360-degree view of Vancouver. Rise above the city for lunch and dinner where Chef Ambassador Ned Bell and Executive Chef Evan Elman will be using first-class ingredients and serving dishes that are inspired by the most recent trends. • 415 W. Esplanade, North Van • Until July 29 • dinnerintheskycanada.com Port Moody Firefighters 41st Annual Pancake Breakfast Off duty members will be flipping pancakes, showing off our Fire Trucks and other fun events - all for Charity! • Inlet Centre Fire Hall, 150 Newport Dr., Port Moody • June 30 and July 1, 8 a.m.-noon • portmoody.ca
FORUMS/TALKS
Women’s Voices in the Americas A filmmakers’ panel that provides a different, intercultural perspective of the Americas told using women’s voices. Speakers include Ana Cruz Navarro (Mexico), Jill Sharpe (Canada), and Marilyn Norry (Canada). • UBC Robson Square, 800 Robson St. • July 4, 6:30-9 p.m. • $10, 604-566-0999, carnavaldelsol.ca
KIDS/FAMILY Playland at the PNE
The return of Vancouver’s most thrilling rides, the sweet smell of mini doughnuts, and a summer’s worth of fun for the whole family. • Hastings Park, 2901 E. Hastings St. • May 5 until Sept. 9 • pne.ca/playland/
Family Movies at the Library
Coco: Despite his family’s generations-old ban on music, young Miguel dreams of becoming an accomplished musician like his idol Ernesto de la Cruz. Desperate to prove his talent, Miguel accidentally finds himself in the stunning and colourful Land of the Dead. June 29, 3:30-5:15 p.m., Renfrew Branch • Free, vpl.ca/events
Bard on the Beach’s Young Shakespeareans Summer Theatre Camps and Teen Workshops
Bard on the Beach announces the return of its annual Young Shakespeareans Summer Theatre Camps and Teen Workshops. Registration is now open. Children and teens from ages 8 to 18 will receive coaching by professional actors from Bard on the Beach. • July 3 until Aug. 31 • bardonthebeach.org/education/community/young-shakespeareans
Kanada Kids Day Camp
Give your child a chance to explore a regional park in depth with the knowledgeable park interpreters. Spend the day outside learning about local plants and animals through hands-on activities and conservation projects. Ages 8-12. • July 4: Branch Out: The Secret Lives of Plants • Kanaka Creek Regional Park, Maple Ridge • July 4 until Aug. 22, 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. • $30/$35, registration required (by phone only), 604-432-6359, metrovancouver.org/
MISCELLANEOUS Playland Nights
Playland Nights returns with dedicated, adults-only attractions and entertainment. With an expanded foot print, multiple bars, several DJs simultaneously spinning music on-site, unforgettable performances and VIP experiences, there’s no better way to kick off your weekends this summer. • PNE, Hastings Park, 2901 E. Hastings • June 22 until July 27, Fridays, 7 p.m.-midnight • $31, ticketleader.ca, pne.ca
International Sailor Moon Day
Join fellow Moonies for the ultimate celebration of our favourite heroine’s birthday. Hosted by Van Expo. Part of the proceeds will be given to WAVAW Women’s Rape Crises Center. www.wavaw.ca; 604-255-6344. All ages. • Holiday Inn, 1110 Howe St. • June 30, 1-11 p.m. • vanexpo.ca
OUTDOORS/ FITNESS Grouse Mountain Summer Fun
Fun-filled summer days return to Grouse Mountain with activities including the World Famous Lumberjack Show, the awe-inspiring Birds in Motion Demonstration, thrilling five-line Mountain Zipline Adventures, and scenic helicopter tours above the North Shore Mountains. • Grouse Mountain, North Van • grousemountain.comTrade-shows/Shopping
ENVIRONMENTAL/ EDUCATION Discover Derby & Brae
Discover the rich wonders of these parks in a series of walks and presentations by noted naturalists and historians. • Derby Reach and Brae Island Regional Parks • June, July, September • Free, registration required, www.drbipa.org
Nature Watch by Canoe
Dip your paddle in the calm backwater of the Fraser River and enjoy a nature tour by canoe. Ages 13+ • Deas Island Regional Park, Delta • July 4 until Aug. 1, 6-9 p.m. • $21.25, registration required, 604-432-6359, metrovancouver.org/events
Wild Wednesdays at the Surrey Nature Centre
Drop in for a mid-week break and try out a variety of guided and self-guided activities in the park. • July 4, 11, 18, 25, Aug. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 • Surrey Nature Centre at Green Timbers Park, 14225 Green Timbers Way, Surrey • July 4 until Aug. 29, 4:30-7:30 p.m. • surrey.ca/ culture-recreation/26850.aspx