Theatre Under the Stars Proudly Announces Week-Long Hold Over of Critically Acclaimed 2017 Season

Seven performances added in fourth official extension in TUTS’ 70+ year history

Due to overwhelming demand, Theatre Under the Stars’ (TUTS) hit productions of Mary Poppins & The Drowsy Chaperone will extend their runs by one week. With seven newly added performances, audiences can now see these high-flying adventures at Stanley Park’s picturesque Malkin Bowl (on alternating evenings) through to August 26, 2017.

TUTS’ production of Mary Poppins, the iconic family musical, has been named, “an exuberant hit that soars in the great outdoors” by The Georgia Straight and “a family night out bursting with joy and colour” by Vancouver Presents.

The first-ever TUTS presentation of The Drowsy Chaperone, a riotous Broadway sensation, has been called, “flat-out, full-on fun” by Westender and “graced with talent galore” by Vancouver Sun.

“We are profoundly grateful to see first-time TUTS-goers and loyal fans come out in droves to see Mary Poppins and The Drowsy Chaperone, ” says Naveen Kapahi, TUTS Board President. “As we extend our performance run for the historic fourth season in a row, we feel wonderful optimism in this community’s appreciation and desire for musical theatre, as well as the ever-growing love and support for TUTS. It is our great pleasure to add seven performances for our patrons, giving them seven more opportunities to take in this cherished annual tradition.”

TUTS’ 2017 season offers a supercalifragilistic classic and an uproarious ode to golden age glam:

Mary Poppins, one of the most popular Disney movies of all time, captures hearts in a whole new way. The irresistible story and unforgettable songs are back, as everyone’s favourite nanny swoops in to teach the Banks family a lesson or two about love & imagination.

Practically perfect favourites like ‘A Spoonful of Sugar’, ‘Chim Chim Cher-ee’, and ‘Let’s Go Fly a Kite’ come to life in the cherished musical – complete with brand-new dance numbers and spectacular stage-craft.

Making her TUTS debut as Mary Poppins is Ranae Miller who is joined by Victor Hunter (Bert), returning following his hilarious portrayal as Lumière in 2016’s Beauty and the Beast. Mr. & Mrs. Banks are played by Russell Roberts and Lalainia Lindbjerg-Strelau. Nine-year-old TUTS newcomer Nolen Dubuc performs as Michael Banks alongside 11-year-old Lola Marshall (Jane Banks) taking part in her third TUTS production.

This performance is directed by Shel Piercy and choreographed by Nicol Spinola, with musical direction by Wendy Bross Stuart.

The Drowsy Chaperone is bursting with show-stopping song and dance. This Canadian musical parody & five-time Tony Award-winner whisks audiences away on a Jazz Age journey of love, laughter, and libation.

Alone in his modest, one-bedroom apartment, a musical theatre fan puts on his treasured cast recording. As the record spins, the colourful & chaotic characters of a fictitious 1928 musical spring to life – filling his living room with all manner of movie stars, gangsters, divas, and more.

Starring as Man in Chair is five-time Jessie Award-winner Shawn Macdonald who takes the stage with TUTS newcomer and lauded actor Caitriona Murphy (The Drowsy Chaperone) as well as Shannon Hanbury, who makes her ninth TUTS appearance as Janet van de Graaff. Joining them are Stuart Barkley (Robert Martin), Blake Sartin (George), and Dimitrios Stephanoy as the Latin lothario Aldolpho.

Directed by Gillian Barber, The Drowsy Chaperone features choreography by Shelley Stewart Hunt, with musical direction by Kevin Michael Cripps.

About Theatre Under the Stars (tuts.ca)

For more than 75 years, Theatre Under the Stars has brought soaring works of musical theatre to 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

Mary Poppins & The Drowsy Chaperone

Dates:

July 7 to August 26, 2017

Performances alternate evenings

All shows at 8pm, except on Fireworks Nights, when shows begin at 7pm.

Ticket prices:

$30 – $49

Address:

Malkin Bowl in Stanley Park

610 Pipeline Rd.

Vancouver, BC