The Importance of Being Earnest photo by David Cooper
The tone is anything but earnest in Oscar Wilde’s beloved farce that examines the theme of triviality and skewers Victorian social conventions. The Importance of Being Earnest runs until Apr. 15 at the Stanley Industrial Alliance Stage.—Sheri Radford
Stylish stores and cool eateries line the 11th to 15th Avenue stretch of this upscale neighbourhood
By Jennifer Patterson & Amanda Peters
Pottery Barn Kids
Serious Fashion
Rich colours set the tone at Boboli, a high-end shop with clothes from designers such as Giambattista Valli and Issey Miyake. Head next door for more fancy dress at the attached Max Mara. Hit up Anthropologie for the coveted clothing, accessories and whimsical home decor. Fashionable femmes pop by Violet for items both cute and comfortable.
Artistic Flair
Catch a performance by some of Vancouver’s best thespians at the Stanley Industrial Alliance Stage. Fans of the static arts visit Winsor Gallery to see pieces by Emily Carr University graduates along with works by established North American artists. Bau-Xi Gallery is the perfect place to peruse contemporary fine art by internationally acclaimed Canadian artists including Joseph Plaskett and Anthony Redpath.
A Taste of the Town
Join the throng of locals at Vij’s and indulge in mouth-watering Indian cuisine. This always-busy restaurant doesn’t take reservations but it’s worth the wait. If you’re tight on cash and time, grab a table next door at sister spot
Smoked sablefish at West. Photo by Tracey Kusiewicz
Rangoli for a more casual take on the same fabulous flavours. Award-winning West caters to theatregoers with a special pre-theatre dinner menu available nightly until 6 p.m. Spice up the day with Cajun and Creole cuisine at Ouisi Bistro. With its relaxed atmosphere and private patio, there’s no better place to enjoy the comforting flavours of the Louisiana bayous.
Happy Homes
Buy colourful quilts, accessories and gadgets galore for your favourite tot at Pottery Barn Kids. Whether a veteran of the kitchen or a novice at the oven, you’ll find everything you need to make that perfect dish at Williams-Sonoma.
Photo of Jennie neumann and Jay Brazeau in Hairspray by David Cooper
Big, bright and bouncy, this popular musical also has heart. It tells the story of pleasantly plump Tracy Turnblad, whose fondest desire is to dance on The Corny Collins Show—and maybe win the heart of dreamboat Link Larkin and achieve racial integration in 1960s Baltimore at the same time. Catch all the fun at the Stanley Industrial Alliance Stage (May 7 to Jul. 10).—Sheri Radford
Get into the holiday spirit with Irving Berlin's White Christmas. Photo by David Cooper
Singing, tapdancing and—of course—that Academy Award–winning title song all add up to some old-fashioned Christmas fun. Recapture the joy of the Bing Crosby–Danny Kaye film in this lively production at the Stanley Industrial Alliance Stage (Dec. 4 to Jan. 2). But don’t delay: tickets to last year’s run sold out quickly.—Sheri Radford
Musician Jim Byrnes
Tie on a red ribbon for Starry Night, celebrating its 25th anniversary this month. The annual variety show benefits the Shooting Stars Foundation in support of local HIV/AIDS charities; this year’s line-up includes BC pop artist Andrew Allen and local blues musician Jim Byrnes (pictured). Get into the groove at the Stanley Industrial Alliance Stage (Nov. 15).—Kristina Urquhart
The 39 Steps, a whirlwind take on the Alfred Hitchcock film of the same name, is performed by four actors. Photo by by David Cooper
You’ve never seen Hitchcock like this before: the master of suspense’s classic film is performed live, almost verbatim, by four actors. One portrays the lead character, one plays the trio of love interests, and two perform more than 100 other characters—everything from villains to children to the occasional inanimate object. Catch all the craziness at the Stanley Industrial Alliance Stage (to Nov. 21).—Sheri Radford
Tear the Curtain! photo by Brian Johnson
Is it a film? Or live theatre? This unconventional new show at the Stanley Industrial Alliance Stage is a bit of both, which is fitting, since the theatre itself started life as a movie theatre but then was converted to a live theatre. Catch the world premiere of this bold film noir production (Sep. 9 to Oct. 10).—Sheri Radford
Vancouverite Eric McCormack stars in Glengarry Glen Ross. Photo by David Cooper
Eric McCormack may be best known for his eight-year stint on Will & Grace, but around here he’s simply the guy next door—part-time, at least. Like many locals, he moved to Vancouver after falling in love with the city on a visit. This summer McCormack takes to the stage in his adopted hometown, playing unscrupulous salesman Ricky Roma in David Mamet’s masterpiece set in a cutthroat real estate office. At the Stanley Industrial Alliance Stage (to Aug. 22).—Sheri Radford
Photo of Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story by David Cooper
Just try to keep your toes from tapping during this lively show that explores the musical genius of Buddy Holly, one of the original pioneers of rock ‘n’ roll. “Not Fade Away,” indeed. At the Stanley Industrial Alliance Stage (to Jul. 11).—Sheri Radford
Mrs. Dexter and her maid, Peggy. Photo by David Cooper
Mrs. Edith Dexter’s life is filled with troubles: her husband, who recently ran off with her best friend; her home, which is about to be sold; and her difficult children. Peggy Randall, Mrs. Dexter’s maid, is about to retire with a small pension and the wrong man. This new play by Joanna McClelland Glass explores the intertwined lives of two very different women. Mrs. Dexter and Her Daily plays at the Stanley Industrial Alliance Stage (to Feb. 7).—Sheri Radford
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Stay, Dine, Do
