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Circle Game gives new life to Joni Mitchell classics

Circle Game | Firehall Arts Centre | January 12 – February 9, 2019 | On tour around the Lower Mainland February 14 – March 26, 2019

Joni Mitchell’s songs are full of classic themes of love, environmental consciousness, and social justice. In this marathon musical, her songs have been updated and reimagined with new arrangements or musical styles, and sometimes with new narrative interpretations. Mitchell’s words still retain a great deal of relevance for today’s generation, and Circle Game reminds us of her wisdom.

Mrs. Krishnan knows how to throw a damn good party

Mrs. Krishnan’s Party | Indian Ink Theatre Company | The Cultch’s Culture Lab | January 15 – February 3, 2019

Dancing, delicious daal, and a damn good party. In Mrs. Krishnan’s Party, you aren’t just watching the fun; you’re part of it. Her boarder, James (Justin Rogers), has invited us all over to celebrate Onam. It’s a traditional Indian harvest festival that is, as James describes it, like Christmas, Easter, and Diwali all in one.

The Full Light of Day is innovative, ambitious

The Full Light of Day | Electric Company Theatre | Vancouver Playhouse | January 7 – 12, 2019

This is the most innovative piece of theatre I’ve seen in a long time. The integration of beautiful film elements, suspenseful plot, tense family dynamic, and brilliant cast made for a spectacular production. Ambitious and immersive, this is theatre that’s pushing the art form in new and exciting directions.

Mary (Gabrielle Rose) is an aging matriarch of a wealthy family who feels that she must face her husband’s corrupt past and reject it wholeheartedly before she dies. In an act of redemption, she banishes him from her deathbed and comes to terms with her self-imposed ignorance.

The Illusionists prove seeing isn't always believing

The Illusionists | Broadway Across Canada | Queen Elizabeth Theatre | January 15 – 20, 2019

It’s flashy, daring, it’s unexpected. The Illusionists live from Broadway combines five of the world’s top illusionists, each a specialist in their own area, as they join forces for this massive production. Colin Cloud brings his mind-reading prowess, Jonathan Goodwin is a daredevil who isn’t afraid of anything, An Ha Lim is the top manipulator in the world, Darcy Oake performs grand illusions such as disappearances and levitation, and Adam Trent is The Futurist specializing in creative, interactive magic.

Musical adaptation of It's a Wonderful Life has no wings

It’s a Wonderful Life | Patrick Street Productions | Gateway Theatre | December 6 – 31, 2018

It’s difficult to remake a classic, especially a well-loved classic. There is the pressure to not stray too far from the original, yet the expectation to provide something new or to enhance the story or emotional impact in some way. Peter Jorgensen has adapted It’s a Wonderful Life as a big-band musical, and, while it’s a unique take on a tired classic, it doesn’t feel quite right.

An East Van Panto to top them all

East Van Panto: Wizard of Oz | Theatre Replacement | The Cultch’s York Theatre | November 28, 2018 – January 6, 2019

Political jokes, silly costumes, and hyper-local content always make for a great time at the East Van Panto — but this year’s edition might just be the best yet. The re-written pop songs are hilarious, the set and props are spot on, and the jokes are full of local and political references.

Mortified's unconventional setting provides an otherworldly backdrop to a difficult story

Mortified | Studio 58 and Touchstone Theatre | Studio 58 at Langara College | November 15 – December 2, 2018

Girl moves to new town. Girl meets boy. No…girl meets man. Man takes advantage of girl. Girl struggles to come to terms with this experience and, as an adult, is still affected by the abusive relationship and his power over her.

Emily Jane King plays Girl, the unnamed 14-year-old who falls for Ty (Isaac Mazur). As an adult, she (Lindsay Angell) runs into Ty (Ian Butcher) in a mall food court and decides to try and talk to him about what he did to her.

Empire of the Son is a masterful, intimate story of the power of family relationships

Empire of the Son | Vancouver Asian Canadian Theatre | Gateway Theatre | November 8 – 17, 2018

Tetsuro Shigematsu has created an autobiographical masterpiece that is a tribute to his father and a beautifully crafted piece of theatre about the power of family relationships.

He chronicles his life as one of five children, including a twin sister, who would all bathe together growing up on Montreal. He spent his teenage years as an anarchist skateboarder and had a complicated relationship with his father, Akira. Neither of them shared their feelings, but they usually came to a silent understanding. Although he vowed to be nothing like his father, he ended up on CBC radio, just as his father was.

Backbone is a stunning display of gravity-defying acrobatics

Backbone | Gravity and Other Myths | The Cultch | Vancouver Playhouse | October 30 – November 4, 2018

With effusive energy and a playful sense of humour, this Australian troupe performed death defying feats and beautifully choreographed acrobatic sequences. A live band accompanied them with lively beats, and there was never a dull moment with a busy stage and jaw-dropping acts.

Kill Me Now is tragicomic and full of complex themes

Kill Me Now | Touchstone Theatre | Firehall Arts Centre | October 13 – 27, 2018

What do you do when you have a special needs son to take care of, but end up needing care yourself? Brad Fraser’s darkly funny play is tragic and comic all at once. In moments of despair, a witty line suddenly breaks the tension and you can’t help but laugh.