Jay Shah
DevOps\Aerospace Engineer & Journalist
Hello hello, music and theater aficionados! Welcome back to another thrilling update from your favorite Vancouver arts & theatre enthusiast. After immersing ourselves in the timeless tales of Shakespeare at Bard on the Beach and getting lost in the soul-stirring melodies of Johnny Cash, we’re now diving into the captivating world of :
Theatre Under the Stars!
I had the pleasure of attending two incredible productions that brought the magic of live theater to life under the stars at the beautiful Malkin Bowl in Stanley Park; the whimsical and heartwarming “CATS!” and the vibrant and joyous “SCHOOL OF ROCK!” , based on the hit film starring local legend Owen Wilson‘s best friend Jack Black
OH WOW!
At Chinatown’s Mini Night Market and Film Night
Wilson’s been spotted recently all around Vancouver, especially around my favorite area in Chinatown, at an event hosted by SaveChinatownYVR!
(TUTS) has been a beloved Vancouver tradition for years, offering spectacular open-air productions that combine the magic of live theater with the natural splendor of Stanley Park. This season is no exception, promising unforgettable performances that will captivate audiences of all ages.
For those who’ve been living under a rock (or perhaps just haven’t been around feline-inspired theatrics), Cats invites us into the whimsical world of the Jellicle Cats, who gather for their annual ball to determine which among them will ascend to the Heaviside Layer.
The energy doesn’t stop with Cats. TUTS also presents School of Rock, a high-octane celebration of rock music and youthful rebellion. Based on the popular film, this musical follows Dewey Finn, a down-on-his-luck rock musician who transforms a class of uptight private school students into a rock band. With catchy tunes, energetic performances, and a message about finding one’s voice, School of Rock offers a thrilling contrast to the more whimsical world of Cats.
One of the great perks about this setting is that you won’t have to worry about going hungry! The venue features multiple concession stands offering a variety of classic theater snacks. Whether you’re craving popcorn, candy, or a classic hot dog, there’s something to satisfy everyone’s taste. They even serve coffee to keep you warm as the evening cools down.
So, join me as we delve into these fantastic shows and explore what makes TUTS’s summer lineup a must-see experience. 🌟🎭✨
For more details and ticket information, visit the Theatre Under the Stars website.
“CATS”
“Come one, come all to the Jellicle Ball, where the moonlight guides a parade of whimsical cats to their annual gathering“
A Feline Fantasy Reimagined
First up, we have the mesmerizing “CATS,” a beloved Broadway classic that has enchanted audiences for decades. Beneath the stars in Stanley Park, the charm of this classic was undeniable. From the moment the Jellicle cats emerged from the dumpster, I was hooked by the creative set design, innovative costumes, and the dazzling choreography that made this production truly memorable.
One of the longest-running and most beloved musicals in Broadway and West End history, it takes on a fresh new life at TUTS this season. With unforgettable tunes like “Mr Mistoffelees,” “Macavity: The Mystery Cat,” and the all-time favorite “Memory,” along with the cast transports us to a magical world of feline enchantment.
Speaking of the cast, the standout performance for me was Sarah Lane as Grizabella, whose rendition of “Memory” was nothing short of heart-wrenching. Her powerful and emotional delivery left me in awe, reaffirming the timeless appeal of this musical.
What truly sets this production apart is Ashley Wright‘s direction, infused with his trademark energy and meticulous planning. Having directed for notable companies like the Freewill Shakespeare Company and Studio Theatre, Wright brings a rich tapestry of experience and passion to this show. His direction, combined with a talented cast and innovative design, ensures that this Cats is both nostalgic and refreshingly new.
Adding another layer of brilliance is Julie Murphy. Originally from Edmonton, Julie holds degrees in Education and Drama from the University of Alberta and is a certified actor-combatant with Fight Directors Canada. She seamlessly blends traditional elements with innovative twists, creating a vibrant, energetic performance that captures the essence of each character. Her meticulous attention to detail and passion for her craft shine through every movement. Her choreography strikes a perfect balance between honoring the original and adding new spins, showcasing the exceptional talent of the cast.
The costumes, designed by Donnie Tejani, were a highlight. In a nod to the Vancouver summer heat, the traditional skin-tight bodysuits were replaced with stylish, character-specific clothing. Each costume enhanced the personality of its feline character, from Munkustrap’s theatre usher outfit to Rum Tum Tugger’s rocker denim.
The set design, inspired by Lauchlin Johnston, transformed the stage into a vibrant alleyway with moving boxes and a giant dumpster, setting the perfect stage for the cats’ playful antics.
Next up is :
“SCHOOL OF ROCK”
“Get ready to rock out in the ultimate classroom experience, where a down-on-his-luck rock star finds his true calling teaching a group of straight-laced students how to live their rock ‘n roll dreams!“
Volume Up. Curtain Up. Class is in Session.
“”
Based on the hit film, School of Rock follows Dewey Finn, a wannabe rock star who, after being kicked out of his band, finds himself as a substitute teacher at a prestigious prep school. What starts as a scheme to earn quick cash turns into a journey of transformation as Dewey introduces his students to the world of rock and roll, turning them into a formidable band.
The pre-show performances from School of Rock Vancouver were a fantastic warm-up for the main event. The energy these young musicians brought to the stage was contagious—talk about raising the roof before the show even started! If you missed the fireworks night on July 27th or the closing show on August 24th, you missed out on some truly electrifying performances
A high-energy musical that delivers a powerful punch of rock and roll with a heartwarming story of self-discovery. Under the summer skies at Stanley Park, this electrifying production captivated the audience from the first chord to the final encore.
A Visionary Direction
Under the direction of Tracey Power, School of Rock takes on a new dimension. Power, known for her work with productions like The Prom and Hey Viola!, infuses the show with a dynamic approach that celebrates the music and message of the original film while adding fresh twists. Her direction highlights the importance of passion and individuality, perfectly aligning with the show’s themes.
Electric Performances and Rocking Talent
The youth performers in this production bring both talent and authenticity to their roles. They don’t just act; they play their instruments live, adding an extra layer of excitement to the show. Crosby Mark as Zack on guitar, Mya Forrest on bass, Fumi Okochi on keyboards, and Casey Trotter on drums showcase their impressive skills, making every musical number a highlight.
Colin Sheen takes on the iconic role of Dewey Finn with infectious energy and charisma. He channels the character’s rebellious spirit and zest for life without mimicking Jack Black’s iconic film performance. Instead, Sheen brings his own flair to the role, blending humor and rock energy into a performance that’s truly his own.
Emma Love shines as Principal Rosalie Mullins, showcasing her remarkable versatility with a range of musical styles from Mozart to rock. Her performance adds depth to her character, revealing a softer side beneath her strict exterior.
Matthew Rossoff’s choreography brings a burst of energy to the stage. With a wealth of experience spanning Broadway, Off-Broadway, and major productions across North America, including NEWSIES and SPONGEBOB THE MUSICAL, Rossoff knows how to blend traditional musical theater elements with inventive moves that capture the essence of rock ‘n roll. His choreography in School of Rock is both playful and precise, allowing the young performers to shine while staying true to the musical’s energetic spirit.
Stephanie Kong’s costumes are another standout feature. As a Vancouver-based costume designer with credits like Beautiful: The Carole King Musical at the Arts Club Theatre and Something Rotten! at TUTS, Kong brings her award-winning design expertise to this production. Her costumes cleverly mix character-specific details with practical elements suitable for Vancouver’s summer. From the rebellious rock attire to the more formal school uniforms, each costume enhances the personality of its character, contributing to the show’s vibrant visual appeal while ensuring the cast stays comfortable under the summer sun.
Power’s vision is complemented by Jennifer Stewart’s set design inspired by Lauchlin Johnston, which creatively utilizes elements like rock-band posters and moving panels to evoke the vibrant world of the show. The transforming elements—from a cluttered apartment to a pristine school—create a lively backdrop for the high-energy performances.
Personal reflections & Final thoughts
As I reflect on this summer’s Theatre Under the Stars experience, it’s clear that both CATS and School of Rock left a lasting impression on me, each for different reasons but both deeply resonating in ways that connected to my broader journey through the arts this year.
CATS was pure enchantment from start to finish. There’s something timeless about this musical that continues to captivate audiences, and seeing it under the stars at Stanley Park added a magical layer to the experience. The choreography, like the dance elements in Measure for Measure, told a story beyond the lyrics, transforming the stage into a mystical playground for the Jellicle cats. Watching Sarah Lane’s heart-wrenching performance of “Memory” brought a wave of emotion, much like the unexpected depth I encountered in the GAME PROJECT (cheesecake!). Both reminded me of the power of performance to evoke feelings and memories, pulling us into the narrative in a way that’s both personal and universal.
On the flip side, School of Rock was a blast of energy that left me feeling invigorated and inspired. Colin Sheen’s portrayal of Dewey Finn was every bit as rebellious and passionate as you’d hope, but it was the young cast that truly stole the show. Their live instrument performances brought an authenticity that was impossible to ignore, much like the raw power of Cash’s music in Ring of Fire. There’s something about watching young talent shine that reminds you of the limitless possibilities that come with passion and perseverance—an idea that also resonated in Bach Untamed, where classical music was reimagined with a fresh, global twist.
Both productions, though vastly different in tone and style, shared a common thread: the transformative power of the arts. Just as CATS reinvented a Broadway classic with innovative design and choreography, and School of Rock re-energized the rock musical genre with youthful exuberance, these shows reminded me of how art continually evolves, finding new ways to connect with audiences. This was something I also witnessed in Measure for Measure, where dance became a metaphor for deeper themes, showing how creativity can breathe new life into even the most established works.
Experiencing these performances in the natural beauty of Stanley Park was a reminder of the unique atmosphere that outdoor theatre brings. There’s something special about watching a story unfold under Vancouver‘s open sky, surrounded by the sounds of nature—it makes the connection between performer and audience that much more intimate and immediate. It’s similar to how the urban landscape played a crucial role in the GAME PROJECT, where the setting itself became a part of the narrative.
As this season of Theatre Under the Stars wraps up, I’m left feeling a deep appreciation for the creativity and dedication that went into these productions. Whether you’re drawn to the mystical allure of CATS or the rock ‘n roll spirit of School of Rock, these shows offered something for everyone, proving that the arts have an incredible ability to both entertain and inspire.
If you haven’t had the chance to experience these productions yet, I can’t recommend them enough. There’s a certain magic in seeing live theatre in such a beautiful setting, and it’s an experience you won’t want to miss.
So, gather your friends and family, and join us for a magical night under the stars. Whether you’re a longtime fan of live theater or new to the TUTS experience, these performances promise to create lasting memories. Don’t miss out on this summer’s spectacular lineup at TUTS! 🌟🎭✨
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© Theatre Under the Stars Musical Society 2024
One response to “Under Vancouver’s Stars: Jam with ‘School of Rock’ & Unleash the Magic of ‘CATS’ at Theatre Under the Stars”
[…] also mirrors the city’s knack for storytelling through spaces; from the stunning stages of Theatre Under the Stars to the city itself via The GAME PROJECT. For those seeking to close out the year with a heart full […]