Theatre Under the Stars Announces Week-Long Hold Over of Magical 2018 Season

Due to overwhelming demand, Theatre Under the Stars’ (TUTS) hit productions of Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella and 42nd Street will extend their runs by one week. The seven newly added performances will run on alternating evenings at Stanley Park’s picturesque Malkin Bowl through August 25, 2018.

Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella has been called “perfect” and TUTS’ most “seamlessly well-produced show” by local critic Colin Thomas. The Vancouver Sun highlights the “richly satisfying” production and its “stellar cast who appear to enjoy every moment as much as the audience does.”

The presentation of 42nd Street contains “incredible feats” of choreography writes Vancouver Presents, and The Georgia Straight notes that “…it’s nice to see a new generation of talented performers breathe new life into such a treasured piece of musical theatre.”

“We are extremely grateful for the continued support demonstrated by our loyal fans and first-time goers to this season’s productions of Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella and 42nd Street,” says Naveen Kapahi, TUTS Board President. “This is an unprecedented fifth consecutive year of extending the performance run, and we are deeply heartened by the community’s steadfast commitment and love for musical theatre. It is our great pleasure to add seven performances, providing seven more opportunities for patrons to enjoy this cherished summer tradition.”

The 2018 season offers two spectacular song-and-dance tales that recall the magic of Fairy Godmothers and the Golden Age of Broadway:

Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella is a musical of dreams come true and happily ever after. The timeless enchantment of the fairy tale classic is given fresh life by the creators of The Sound of Music, South Pacific, and Oklahoma! Brimming with wit and warmth, the TONY Award-winning musical promises to transport the hearts of children and adults alike with Fairy Godmothers, glass slippers, and the triumph of true love.

Making her TUTS debut is Mallory James as Cinderella, performing alongside fellow newcomers Tré Cotten as Prince Topher and Laura Cowan (Marie, The Fairy Godmother). Joining them is Caitlin Clugston who plays Cinderella’s stepmother (Madame), and Amanda Lourenco and Vanessa Merenda who star as stepsisters Charlotte and Gabrielle, respectively. Michael Wild, who returns to TUTS for his fourth season, plays Prince Topher’s advisor, Sebastian.

This performance is directed by Sarah Rodgers and choreographed by Nicol Spinola, with musical direction by Brent Hughes.

42nd Street is Broadway’s big, brassy song-and-dance extravaganza. The story’s heroine is Peggy Sawyer. Fresh off the bus from small-town America, Peggy is just another face in the chorus line in Broadway’s newest, glitziest show; but when the leading lady gets injured, Peggy might finally get her shot at stardom.

Adapted from the cult classic 1933 film (which featured choreography from the legendary Busby Berkeley), the musical is a celebratory ode to the grandest movie musicals of yesteryear. 42nd Street is bursting with all-time classics, including ‘Lullaby of Broadway,’ ‘Shuffle Off to Buffalo,’ ‘We’re in the Money,’ and the titular show-stopping, tap-dance spectacular.

Making her TUTS stage debut as the story’s heroine, Peggy Sawyer, is Paige Fraser who stars alongside Jessie Award-winner Janet Gigliotti as stage diva Dorothy Brock. Talented actor Blake Sartin (Billy Lawlor) returns to TUTS following his hilarious portrayal as George in 2017’s The Drowsy Chaperone. Also on stage is TUTS newcomer Lucy McNulty (Maggie) and Andrew Cownden (Julian), who returns for his third season.

Directed by Robert McQueen, 42nd Street features choreography by Shelley Stewart Hunt, with musical direction by Christopher King.

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.