Bard on the Beach has taken on a modern rendition of The Merchant of Venice this year. Helmed by Nigel Shawn Williams and starring Olivia Hutt (Portia), Charlie Gallant (Bassanio), and Warren Kimmel as Shylock, the Merchant focused on the difficult themes of intolerance and patriarchy over it’s comedic attributes. Continue reading
Bard on the Beach Shakespeare Festival continues its 28th season with The Two Gentlemen of Verona. Directed by Scott Bellis, Shakespeare’s early romantic comedy is a lively tale of friendship, love and loyalty, with two very funny clowns and a loveable Basset hound that just might steal the show! The Two Gentlemen of Verona plays on the Howard Family Stage from June 29 to September 17. Continue reading
Bard on the Beach Shakespeare Festival continues its 28th season with a provocative interpretation of The Merchant of Venice. Playing on the Howard Family Stage from June 22 to September 16, the production shines a spotlight on themes that are particularly relevant in 2017, including religious prejudice and discrimination and the use and abuse of power.
Good grief! The cherished holiday classic comes to the stage in a lively musical adaption, complete with a live jazz trio. A Charlie Brown Christmas is at the Waterfront Theatre this Christmas to delight families with the wit, warmth and music of the beloved Peanuts special. Join Charlie Brown on his quirky journey as he tries to direct the school Christmas pageant. With some help from his friends and a ragged little tree, Charlie Brown discovers the true meaning of the season.
Bard on the Beach Shakespeare Festival continues its 26th season with a musical adaptation of Love’s Labour’s Lost. The play will run Tuesdays through Sundays from June 19 to September 20 on the Howard Family Stage, in the 270-seat Douglas Campbell Theatre Tent in Vanier Park.
It’s Chicago in the 1920s and Ferdinand, “The King” (Jay Hindle) controls the illegal liquor and gambling trade on Chicago’s South Side. He has decided to give up all vice (especially women) and turn his popular speakeasy, Navarre, into a scholarly retreat for three years. His two friends, Berowne (Josh Epstein) and Dumain (Daniel Doheny) agree to swear an oath to give up vice as well. The three men amuse themselves by enjoying the antics of Don Armato (Andrew McNee), Ferdinand’s Italian house guest, and Costard (Andrew Cownden), the resident comedian. Don Armato has fallen in love with Jaquenetta (Dawn Petten), a flapper at Navarre, and is distressed when he and his page Moth (Lili Beaudoin) find her alone with Costard. Ferdinand’s scholarly resolve is put to the test when his arch-rival’s daughter, Princess (Lindsey Angell), arrives at Navarre with Rosaline (Luisa Jojic) and Katherine (Sereana Malani), two of her closest friends. Ferdinand, Berowne and Dumain immediately fall in love with the women, but conceal their feelings because of their oath. When Berowne has Costard deliver a love letter to Rosaline, his feelings for her are revealed. It is not long before the three friends concoct a plan to pursue the ladies. Meanwhile, Princess and her friends learn of the men’s intentions and decide to have some fun of their own. Holofernes (Ben Elliott), Boyet (Anna Galvin) and Dull (Jeff Gladstone) also join the cast in this rip-roaring world of speakeasies and jazz. The party is in full swing!
Marshall McMahen brings the realm of gangsters and secret jazz halls to life with his scenic design, paired with Rebekka Sɸrensen-Kjelstrup’s rich, detailed costumes and Adrian Muir’s lighting design. The lively period is highlighted through Valerie Easton’s choreography and with fight direction from Nicholas Harrison. Under Ben Elliott’s musical direction, members of the Company perform jazz favourites in a live onstage band. Daryl Cloran, Artistic Director of Western Canada Theatre, makes his directorial debut at Bard this summer with his unique interpretation of the play, with the help of Apprentice Director Melissa Oei.
Performance details for Love’s Labour’s Lost are as follows:
• Previews: June 19, 20, 24, 25; OPENING NIGHT: Friday, June 26 at 7:30pm
• Runs Tuesdays through Sundays, June 19 to September 20, on the Howard Family Stage in the Douglas Campbell Tent
• Plays in repertory with Shakespeare’s Rebel which begins previews July 2
• Talkback Tuesdays July 7, 21, August 4 & 18 – Q&A session with members of the Love’s Labour’s Lost cast following the performance
Ticket prices for 2015 include all applicable fees and taxes and begin at $26. The Global BC Youth Price is also available. Early booking is recommended for best seat selection; many performances sell out in advance. Full pricing information, the performance schedule and site and event details are on the Bard website at bardonthebeach.org. To book tickets, call the Bard Box Office at 604-739-0559 or (toll free) 1-877-739-0559 or order online through the Bard website.
