June is Shakespeare season in Vancouver, with Bard on the Beach opening multiple shows and a production of Julius Caesar on Granville Island. The Arts Club and The Cultch are closing their seasons with a bang. While the World Cup brings drama to the soccer pitch, here are six productions bringing comedy, tragedy, and world-class theatrical chaos to the stage.
The Producers
When: June 3-20
Where: Theatre in the Country, Langley
Tickets & Info: From $39.89 at theatreinthecountry.com
Mel Brooks turns 100 this month, so what better commemoration than a production of his mega-wacky, hilarious showbiz musical with its signature tune, Springtime for Hitler? Theatre in the Country is a well-kept secret for many in the city, a thriving dinner theatre in Langley with a full season of substantial shows. See the play with or without dinner.
The Merry Wives of Windsor
When: June 9-Sept. 19
Where: Sen̓áḵw/Vanier Park
Tickets & Info: From $30 at bardonthebeach.org
Bard on the Beach opens its season with one of Shakespeare's goofiest comedies: Falstaff, escaped from the Henry IV history plays, tries to seduce a couple of wives. Director Rebecca Northan sets the play in a Vancouver suburb. Mrs. Ford (Melissa Oei) and Mrs. Page (Jennifer Lines) are soccer moms in full FIFA spirit. Ashley Wright reprises the role of Falstaff from Bard's 2012 Merry Wives.
Sophie's Surprise 29th
When: June 10-28
Where: York Theatre
Tickets & Info: From $44 at thecultch.com
The Cultch closes its season with high-flying comedy and chaos from the U.K., a Cirque du Soleil-style extravaganza disguised as a surprise birthday party. And you may get to play Sophie! The show has been a multi-year smash at the Edinburgh Fringe, called "funny, sexy and breathtaking" (The Scottish Sun), "thrilling" (The Guardian), "spectacularly fun and smart" (Broadway World).
Tomatoes Tried to Kill Me But Banjos Saved My Life
When: June 11-14
Where: PAL Studio Theatre
Tickets & Info: $40 at westerngoldtheatre.org
Keith Alessi was a successful businessman when he was diagnosed with stage 3 esophageal cancer. In this modest, inspirational solo show, he tells the story of how it changed his life, turning him into an itinerant storyteller and banjo player. The show sold out off-Broadway and for three successive years at the Edinburgh Fringe. 100% of his ticket sales go to charities, this time to non-profit Western Gold Theatre.
Macbeth
When: June 11-Sept. 18
Where: Sen̓áḵw/Vanier Park
Tickets & Info: From $30 at bardonthebeach.org
Bard on the Beach also presents Shakespeare's tragedy of ambition and guilt. Munish Sharma stars as Macbeth in this classic production.
