SIX SPECTACULAR SUMMERTIME SPECIAL EVENTS AT BARD ON THE BEACH

 

Throughout the months of July and August, Bard on the Beach Shakespeare Festival delivers great entertainment in addition to its four plays, with special events and activities for every taste. From Fireworks nights to concerts and glimpses behind-the-scenes, here are six unique special events at Bard this summer.

1.     Bard-B-Q & Fireworks – July 23, 27 & 30

Enjoy a performance of The Merry Wives of Windsor or Othello, followed by a hot salmon BBQ dinner and dessert, and on-site entertainment including the internationally-acclaimed Dowco Triumph Street Pipe Band. The evening peaks with a private view of the Celebration of Light fireworks display. Events begin at 5pm on Saturday July 23, Wednesday July 27 and Saturday July 30. Tickets from $95.

 

2.     Family Nights – July 6, August 3 & 31

Before performances of The Merry Wives of Windsor or Romeo and Juliet, the Bard Village opens 30 minutes early for family-friendly activities including arts and crafts with Luminous Elephant and photos in the PIXSTAR photo booth. 30 minutes before the performance begins there’s a Mainstage Tent Talk, an exclusive activity designed just for kids and their families. Special package pricing offered. July 6 & August 31 (Merry Wives) and August 3 (Romeo and Juliet).

 

3.     Salon Series – July 18, August 29, September 5 

Discover the secrets of what it takes to bring a Shakespeare play to life. Hear from play directors and set and costume designers in a lively on-stage presentation, as they give a taste of the wonderful world of theatre production. Then network with fellow theatre-goers and panelists in the Bard Village. Events take place on July 18, August 29 and September 5.

4.     The Vancouver Symphony Orchestra: Live at Bard – July 11 & 18 

Back by popular demand, the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra entertains against the beautiful backdrop of the BMO Mainstage. On Monday July 11, Tania Miller conducts Beethoven, Rossini and Tchaikovsky, with soloist Albert Seo, cello (a VSO School of Music Concerto Competitions winner). On Monday July 18, enjoy Mozart, Mendelssohn and Ralph Vaugh Williams, conducted by VSO Assistant Conductor William Rowson; the soloist is violinist Nicholas Wright.

 

5.     Exploring Shakespeare – July 16 & August 13 

Join Simon Fraser University’s Paul Budra as he delivers in-depth explorations of Bard’s 2016 Shakespeare productions.  Audience members will have a chance to ask questions as they receive fascinating insights into this season’s plays. Saturday mornings at 11am. Explore Othello on July 16 and Pericles on August 13.

6.     Opera and Arias: The Magic Flute – August 29 & September 5 

Thrill to a performance of Mozart’s beloved opera, The Magic Flute, performed as a costumed concert by the rising stars of the UBC Opera Ensemble, directed by Nancy Hermiston. They’re joined by members of the Vancouver Opera Orchestra, conducted by Leslie Dala. Matinee and evening performances, Monday August 29 and Monday September 5.

 

For more information on these and other special events at Bard on the Beach, please visit the special events section on the Bard website, or contact the Bard Box Office at 604-739-0559. Group pricing is available for many events.

 

Bard on the Beach is Western Canada’s largest professional Shakespeare company and its Artistic Director is Christopher Gaze. It presents its annual summer festival in Kitsilano’s Vanier Park, adjacent to Vancouver’s downtown core. Bard productions are staged in modern theatre tents on the waterfront against a stunning backdrop of mountains, sea and sky. Play performances run Tuesdays through Sundays, special events on select Monday evenings. All evening performances start at 7:30pm; matinees begin at 2pm on select weekends and weekdays.

The performance schedule and full Festival details can be found on the Bard website at bardonthebeach.org. For more information and tickets, call 604-739-0559 or (toll free) 1-877-739-0559 or order online through the Bard website.  #Bard2016