SIX PLAYS TO SEE IN MAY
Spring is here with longer, warmer, drier days to lighten our moods. Theatre tends to follow, moodwise, with brighter-toned shows and musicals. My best bets for exciting theatre in May also include plays with more substance. Here are six:
MARY POPPINS
When: To May 12
Where: Massey Theatre, New Westminster
Tickets & Info: From $27 at masseytheatre.com
Although not among my personal favourites, Mary Poppins is a family-friendly classic with some memorable songs and an iconic title role. Royal City Musical Theatre's one show a year is always a top-notch extravaganza.
The leads in this gigantic cast include A-list talents Janet Gigliotti, Kirk Smith, Darren Burkett and Meghan Gardiner as Mary. Directed and choreographed by the great Valerie Easton.
THE LIFESPAN OF A FACT
When: May 2-12
Where: Studio 16
Tickets & Info: $25-$45; kindredtheatre.org/
Based on a true story, this serious American comedy about a journalist and the obsessive fact-checker who asks hundreds of questions about the article he's trying to publish resonates with many of today's issues around truth in journalism and “fake news.”
Jennifer Clement directs another sterling cast: Ben Immanuel, Loretta Walsh and Tal Shulman.
HOMECOMING
When: May 2-18
Where: The Cultch, May 2-12; Evergreen Cultural Centre, Coquitlam, May 14-18
Tickets & Info: From $29 at thecultch.com; from $16 at evergreenculturalcentre.com
One of our region's largest ethnic communities gets some theatrical attention in Kamila Sediego's premiere from Urban Ink.
The play follows three generations of Filipina women, moving between Canada and the Philippines, raising questions about home, homecoming and leaving home. Directed by Hazel Vezon.
THE FREEDOM OF THE CITY
When: May 3-19
Where: Jericho Arts Centre Tickets & Info: $35/$30 at vitalsparktheatre.com
Brian Friel's 1973 play set in Northern Ireland revolves around three innocent bystanders caught up in a protest march who take shelter in the Londonderry mayor's office and are somehow turned
into terrorists by the media and police. Another play with issues as fresh as today's headlines. Directed by Vital Spark Theatre's Joan Bryans.
GUYS & DOLLS
When: May 16-June 30
Where: Stanley Industrial Alliance Stage
Tickets & Info: From $39 at artsclub.com
Frank Loesser's classic Broadway musical set in 1950s New York is truly one of the greats.
With a wonderfully motley cast of characters and unforgettable songs — Luck Be a Lady, Adelaide's Lament, Sit Down You're Rocking the Boat — this show should end the Arts Club season on a very high note.
Ashlie Corcoran directs yet another strong cast including Jonathan Winsby, Chelsea Rose, Josh Epstein, Tenaj Williams and Madeleine Suddaby.
PADDLE SONG
When: May 24-June 2
Where: Firehall Arts Centre Tickets & Info: $30-$50 at firehallartscentre.ca
Daughter of a Mohawk father and English mother, Pauline Johnson was one of the most famous Canadian writers and performers of her era, reciting her poems and stories to large crowds across Canada from the 1880s until her death in Vancouver in 1913.
Cheri Maracle has been touring this highly praised one-woman show with music and songs for nearly a decade.