TUTS Stage Sparkles with Heartfelt Hilarity and Whimsical Magic in 2023 Season Featuring The Prom and Roald Dahl’s Matilda The Musical

A feel-good musical that promotes allyship and a family-friendly blockbuster sensation take to the Malkin Bowl stage this summer

Images by Shawn Bukhari

Vancouver, BC — Theatre Under the Stars (TUTS) presents its hilarious and heartwarming 2023 season, featuring The Prom and Roald Dahl’s Matilda The Musical, on stage July 6-August 26, 2023, at Stanley Park’s scenic Malkin Bowl. From high school prom to elementary schoolyard, both musicals invite audiences to witness the power of kindness and inclusion in the fight for freedom to love and be loved. A Vancouver tradition since 1940, TUTS’ two-show subscription packs are on sale TODAY through May 17 (early bird single tickets on sale May 25).

“This summer, we look forward to continuing the annual tradition of spectacular theatre in our magical outdoor setting with our faithful and supportive TUTS audience, whether families, friends, or passionate theatre-goers,” says TUTS General Manager Kevin Woo. “This year’s season is full of heart, hope, mischief, and merriment, featuring two of Broadway’s smash hits: the big-hearted comedy, The Prom, and the fast-paced family adventure, Roald Dahl’s Matilda The Musical. Audiences will be moved by both musicals’ warmth and optimism – and their ultimate promise that love always prevails.”

Set at a small-town high school, The Prom masterfully balances unabashed hopefulness, heartfelt vulnerability, and hard-hitting hilarity. Desperate to improve their public image, four down-on-their-luck Broadway actors rally behind Emma, a teenager whose prom has just been cancelled because she planned to attend with her girlfriend. But their scheming quickly goes sideways, and they ultimately come to learn what everyone is searching for – a place to belong.

The Prom will be directed and choreographed by Tracey Power, who makes her TUTS debut. A revered director and choreographer, Power has worked with numerous theatre and opera companies, including Vancouver Opera, Bard on the Beach, Arts Club Theatre, Firehall Arts Centre, and Citadel Theatre.

Roald Dahl’s Matilda The Musical takes place in a small English village, where a brilliant little girl with a lively imagination is bullied by her self-absorbed parents and tyrannical headmistress. Through the strength of her whimsical storytelling abilities, she uses her newfound magical powers to ‘fight for the right to be a little bit naughty.’ With toe-tapping songs and outstanding dance numbers featuring a talented cast of young people, this family-friendly stage phenomenon is the perfect TUTS introduction for young audiences.

Also making her TUTS debut is Roald Dahl’s Matilda The Musical director Stephanie Graham. Graham’s directing credits include Chicago, Beauty and the Beast, and Mamma Mia for Globe Theatre and Anne of Green Gables for Thousand Islands Playhouse.

TUTS offers its two-show subscription pack – allowing audiences to secure their seats to both productions for one great price – on sale now through May 17. Subscriptions are $90 for adults and $60 for youth ages 5-12, and include premium tickets to both productions, souvenir programs, and exchange insurance for both nights.

Subscriptions are available by visiting tuts.ca or by calling 1-800-514-3849 until May 17. Early bird single tickets, from $20, will go on sale May 25.

Theatre Under The Stars’ 2023 season is presented by RE/MAX.

About Theatre Under the Stars (tuts.ca)
Theatre Under the Stars celebrates 83 years of theatre in 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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LISTING INFORMATION	TUTS presents The Prom and Roald Dahl’s Matilda The Musical
Dates:	July 6 to August 26, 2023 Previews: July 6-9, 2023 Opening Nights: July 11 & 12 All shows at 8pm, except on Fireworks Nights (July 22, 26 & 29) when shows begin at 7pm
Ticket prices:	Adult Subscriptions: $90 Youth Subscriptions (Ages 5-12): $60 Regular Tickets $30-$65 (On Sale June 21)
Address:	Malkin Bowl in Stanley Park 610 Pipeline Rd.
Box Office:	tuts.ca or 1-800-514-3849
Website:	tuts.ca

TUTS Presents Thrilling 2022 Season with Blockbuster Sensations Something Rotten! and We Will Rock You

A satirical rivalry with Shakespeare and Queen’s catalogue of electrifying hits will light up the stage at Stanley Park’s iconic Malkin Bowl

Something Rotten! – Photo by Emily Cooper

Vancouver, BC — Audiences will indulge in a hilarious love letter to Broadway and revel in a worldwide sensation of Queen’s most beloved rock-and-roll hits when Theatre Under the Stars (TUTS) presents Something Rotten! and We Will Rock You, running alternate evenings July 2–August 27, 2022, at Stanley Park’s scenic Malkin Bowl. A beloved Vancouver tradition since 1940, TUTS’ early bird tickets are on sale now through June 16. 

“We are thrilled to welcome audiences back to Stanley Park’s majestic Malkin Bowl this summer for a season of unforgettable musical theatre that will breathe new life into the TUTS stage,” says TUTS Board President Patrick Roberge. “Something Rotten! is a playful romp through Elizabethan England, filled with satirical comedy and big show stopping numbers and We Will Rock You is an electrifying rock concert and futuristic tale of freedom fighters, featuring Queen’s best loved hits. Both musicals will leave audiences aglow with love and laughter, uplifted with hope and pulsing with fistpumping adrenaline.”

TUTS’ 2022 season showcases two sensational musicals that epitomize all of the best qualities of the beloved theatrical genre: elaborate set design, dazzling costumes, and show stopping musical numbers. Something Rotten! hilariously follows two playwright siblings Nick and Nigel Bottom in the Renaissance era, whose dreams of writing a hit show are thwarted by Shakespeare’s wild success. A mysterious soothsayer foresees a new way forward for the brothers: Creating a brand new form of theatre – the musical! Set 300 years in the future, We Will Rock You tells the high-octane tale of two misfits, Galileo and Scaramouche, who rise up in their fight for freedom against the sinister world leader, Killer Queen.

An irreverent homage to Broadway, Something Rotten! is a whimsical satire that both celebrates and pokes fun at everything audiences adore about Broadway. With clever lyrics and a vibrant, colourful songbook, Something Rotten! warmly embraces the musical theatre genre and all of its absurdities, referencing such timeless classics as West Side Story, South Pacific, and Les Misérables. Full of love and playfulness, the production ultimately reminds us that the grass is not always greener on the other side.

Returning to the stage for his fifth TUTS season is Daniel Curalli (William Shakespeare), joined by Kamyar Pazandeh (Nick Bottom) and Vicente Sandoval (Nigel Bottom), as playwright siblings. Katie-Rose Connors returns after her debut TUTS performance in 2019, as Nick’s wife, Bea. Cassandra Consiglio – who recently starred with musical theatre legend Kristin Chenoweth and 2022 Academy Award-winner Ariana DeBose in Apple TV+’s Schmigadoon! – will make her TUTS debut as Nigel’s love interest, Portia. Jyla Robinson returns for her third TUTS season as soothsayer Nostradamus.

Award-winning director Rachel Peake will make her TUTS directorial debut, transporting audiences to the bustling London streets of 16th century England, layered with visual aesthetics reminiscent of the musical theatre heyday of the late 20th century. Peake has directed works for numerous theatre and opera companies, including Vancouver Opera, Citadel Theatre, Gateway Theatre and Persephone Theatre. Choreography is by Nicol Spinola, with Brent Hughes as Music Director, Shizuka Kai as Set Designer, Stephanie Kong as Costume Designer, Robert Sondergaard as Lighting Designer, and Bradley Danyluk as Sound Designer.

A breathtaking spectacle of Queen’s most iconic rock-and-roll hits and electrifying dance, We Will Rock You is packed with heartstopping numbers and a heartfelt underdog story that will leave audiences buzzing with hope. Having thrilled more than 16 million audience members worldwide, the musical features over 20 hits from the band’s legendary songbook including “Bohemian Rhapsody,” “We Are the Champions, and “Another One Bites the Dust.” A celebration of music and art, We Will Rock You shows us the power of banding together to fight for what is right.

Playing the lead roles of Galileo and Scaramouche are Danny Malena and Jessica Spenst, who both make their TUTS debuts. Steffanie Davis will return for her fourth TUTS season as the villainous Killer Queen and Jennifer Suratos for her fourth TUTS season as Bohemian Oz. TUTS will welcome for the first time Tim Howe as Killer Queen’s second-in-command (Khashoggi) and Tanner Zerr (Brit) and Simon Auclair-Troughton (Buddy), as members of the Bohemian rebel gang. Christopher King is Music Director, with Shay Kuebler as Choreographer, Robert Sondergaard as Set & Lighting Designer, Brian Ball as Costume Designer, and Bradley Danyluk as Sound Designer.

Also making her TUTS directorial debut is actor and director Saccha Dennis, who will enhance the incredible music and eclectic rock garb of We Will Rock You – which celebrates its 20th anniversary in 2022 – with contemporary thematic elements, infusing the show with commentary on climate change, gender fluidity and binarism, as well as modern pop references to Harry Styles, Justin Bieber, selfies, and Tik Tok. Dennis was most recently seen on stage in the hit musical Come From Away, and has toured across North America, most notably as a member of the first U.S. national tour of We Will Rock You in 2013/14. 

We Will Rock You – Photo by Emily Cooper

SPECIAL EVENTS AT TUTS 2022:

Relaxed Performance Monday, July 25

This year TUTS is proud to partner with the Canucks Autism Network to host a relaxed performance of Something Rotten! A Relaxed Performance is designed for anyone who may need a more casual environment to enjoy the theatre, including (but certainly not limited to) people on the Autism Spectrum, people with sensory or communication disorders, neurological disorders, or people with a learning disability. We will have a more relaxed attitude about how our audience experiences the performance and ask all audience members to be aware of people’s needs to move or make noise.

We Will Rock You Sing-Along Night Wednesday, August 3

Feeling like “[You] Want to Break Free?” Blending the excitement of a musical with the electricity of a concert, join us for a special We Will Rock You Sing-along Night on August 3 for some fist-pumping, foot-stomping fun. Featuring more than 20 hits from QUEEN’s discography, “We Will Rock You” arrives at the Malkin Bowl having rocked more than 16 million audience members around the globe! Come sing your heart out dressed like your favourite rock stars for this special evening of rock-and-roll. 

Early bird tickets are now available through June 15, starting at $20. For tickets and further information, visit tuts.ca

Theatre Under The Stars’ 2022 season is presented by RE/MAX.

About Theatre Under the Stars (tuts.ca)
Theatre Under the Stars celebrates 81 years of theatre in 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.

LISTING INFORMATION	TUTS presents Something Rotten! and We Will Rock You
Dates:	July 2 to August 27, 2022 Performances alternate evenings Previews: July 2-5, 2022 Opening Nights: July 7 & 8All shows at 8pm, except on Fireworks Nights (July 23, 27 & 30) when shows begin at 7pm
Ticket prices:	Early Bird Tickets (through June 16): $20-$55 Regular Tickets (starting June 17): $30-$65
Address:	Malkin Bowl in Stanley Park 610 Pipeline Rd.
Box Office:	tuts.ca or 1-800-514-3849
Website:	tuts.ca

TUTS Presents High-Flying, Vibrant 2019 Season with Mamma Mia! and Disney’s Newsies

Top Row L-R: Image of Lori Zondag as Tanya and Caitriona Murphy as Donna in
Mamma Mia! with Adam Charles as Jack and Caleb Lagayan as Race in Disney’s
Newsies.
Bottom Row L-R: Image of Sheryl Wheaton as Rosie in Mamma Mia! with Graeme
Kitagawa as Mush in Disney’s Newsies Photo by Lindsay Elliott (http://www.lindsayelliott.com)

The irresistible songs of ABBA and a rousing tale of the 1899 newsboys’ strike to ring out in Stanley Park’s scenic Malkin Bowl

Audiences will bathe in the warmth of a Greek island and witness a fight for what’s right this summer, when Theatre Under the Stars (TUTS) presents Mamma Mia! and Disney’s Newsies, running alternate evenings July 5–August 17, 2019, at Stanley Park’s glorious Malkin Bowl.

A beloved Vancouver tradition since 1940, TUTS’ early bird tickets are on sale now through June 15. “Last year, more than 40,000 musical theatre fans came through our gates and we hope to welcome even more in 2019 with two fabulous productions that will leave audiences buoyant with cheer,” says TUTS Board President Naveen Kapahi. “This summer is all about inspiration, with two musicals that will lift hearts in entirely unique ways. Mamma Mia! may very well be the most joyful musical ever created, bringing love and light to everyone who experiences it. Disney’s Newsies is a fiery true tale of conviction, where a scrappy group of underdogs sets spirits aflame by standing up and fighting for what is right.”

TUTS’ 2019 season offers two stunning musicals: one that tells the lighthearted tale of a mother and a daughter who embark on a hilarious quest to discover the identity of her true father; the other tells the stirring account of a ragged band of newspaper boys and street urchins who strike for fair pay and humane working conditions in 1899 New York City.

L-R: Image of Keira Jang as Sophie, and Caitriona Murphy as Donna in Mamma Mia! Photo by Lindsay Elliott (http://www.lindsayelliott.com)

Set on a Greek island paradise where the sun always shines, box office record-breaking Mamma Mia! brims with non-stop laughs, explosive dance, and the magic of ABBA’s hit songs: ‘Dancing Queen,’ ‘Take a Chance on Me,’ ‘Super Trouper,’ ‘SOS’ — and the list goes on! More than 60 million people the world over have fallen in love with the characters, story, and music that makes Mamma Mia! The ultimate feel-good show.

Playing the lead role of Sophie Sheridan is Keira Jang, returning for her fourth TUTS season. Her mother, Donna Sheridan, will be played by Caitriona Murphy, backed by the rest of the Donna and the Dynamos band — Sheryl Anne Wheaton (Rosie) and Lori Zondag (Tanya). Starring as the three possible father figures are TUTS veterans Stefan Winfield (Harry Bright), Matt Ramer (Bill Austin), and Peter Monaghan (Sam Carmichael), who was last seen as the Beast in the 2016 production of Beauty and the Beast.

Returning to the director’s chair is Shel Piercy, who will transport audiences to a sunny world of romantic hijinks and musical memories. Fans will fondly remember his previous directorial extravaganzas: Beauty and the Beast and Mary Poppins. Choreography is by Shelley Stewart Hunt, with Wendy Bross Stuart as Music Director, Francesca Albertazzi as Set Designer, and Christina Sinosich as Costume Designer.

L-R: Image of Caleb Lagayan as Race, Vinny Keats as Ensemble Member, and
Nathan Piasecki as Ensemble Member in Disney’s Newsies. Photo by Lindsay Elliott (http://www.lindsayelliott.com)

A soaring spectacle of powerful song and high-kicking dance, Disney’s Newsies is packed with nonstop thrills and a timeless message for the whole family. At the turn of the 20th century, New York City had its papers delivered by an army of ragged orphans and runaways called ‘newsies.’ But when newspaper owners raise distribution prices at the newsies’ expense, this band of misfits unites to strike against the unfair conditions. Filled with inspiring songs such as ‘King of New York,’ ‘Santa Fe,’ and ‘Carrying the Banner,’ this Disney film turned Tony Award-winning Broadway hit inspires everyone to seize the day!

Returning to the TUTS stage for the first time in more than 10 years is Adam Charles (Jack Kelly), joined by Daniel Curalli (Davey Jacobs) and Jordyn Bennett (Les Jacobs) playing sibling newsies and close confidantes. Jovanni Sy makes his TUTS debut as publishing magnate Joseph Pulitzer and Julia Ullrich returns for her third season as a young journalist (Katherine Plumber) who reports on the newsies’ strike. Christopher King is Music Director, with Albertazzi as Set Designer, and Sinosich on Costume Design.

The talented Julie Tomaino will make her TUTS directorial debut with this incredibly moving show, and will also be choreographing the musical. Long-time followers will recall her stellar choreographic direction in the previous TUTS productions of Hairspray and Shrek: The Musical.

SPECIAL EVENTS AT TUTS 2019:

SPECIAL EVENTS AT TUTS 2019:

Pride Night Monday, July 29
TUTS is thrilled to host its third annual Pride Night, the official kickoff event for this year’s Vancouver Pride Week. Audiences will enjoy all the moxie and magic of Mamma Mia! as well as some fabulous fun in the photo booth and the chance to learn about the week’s upcoming celebrations. All seat cushion and programme donations from the night will be matched by TUTS in support of the Vancouver Pride Society.

Date Night at Mamma Mia! Wednesday, July 17 AND
Date Night at Disney’s Newsies Wednesday, July 24
Audiences are invited to snuggle up with their sweetie under the stars for Date Nights at TUTS. An evening of outdoor theatre always makes a delightful date, but these are particularly perfect nights to come in pairs with buy one, get one deals and some extra romantic perks and photo-ops! Patrons will also be able to enjoy an exclusive date night discount of 10% off at Prospect Point Bar & Grill to make this night extra special.

Mamma Mia! Super Fan Sunday Sunday, July 21
This smash hit musical sparkles in Stanley Park all summer, but TUTS has an extra special evening of sequins, spandex, and sing-alongs in store for the ABBA-solutely obsessed! Mega fans are invited to dress in their best Mamma Mia! inspired attire — be it full 70s spandex, Greece-ready beachwear, or just a touch of sparkle — and belt out a selection of their favourite tunes along with the cast! The evening will also feature a costume contest, cast photo-ops, and more fabulous fun.

Super Monday Monday, August 5
A long-standing tradition at TUTS, Super Monday offers audiences the chance to wrap up their long weekend under the stars with a soaring song-and-dance spectacular and stellar savings! All tickets for the Disney’s Newsies performance on August 5 are $10 off and TUTS patrons will also receive 10% off at Stanley’s Bar & Grill, just across from Malkin Bowl.

About Theatre Under the Stars (tuts.ca)
Theatre Under the Stars celebrates 79 years of theatre in 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.

LISTING INFORMATION	Mamma Mia! and Disney’s Newsies
Date:	July 5 to August 17, 2019 (performances alternate evenings) Previews: July 5–8, 2019 Opening Nights: July 9 (Mamma Mia!) + July 10 (Disney’sNewsies) All shows at 8pm, except on Fireworks Nights, when shows begin at 7pm
Ticket Prices:	Early Bird Tickets (through June 15): $25–$50 Regular Tickets (starting June 16): $30–$55
Address:	Malkin Bowl in Stanley Park 610 Pipeline Rd. Vancouver, BC
Box Office:	tuts.ca or 604-631-2877
Website:	tuts.ca