Peter Pan, Pinocchio and pies—what’s happening in theatre in Vancouver in November

October 31, 2019

7 min read

Person in a blue uniform and white apron holding a notepad and pencil behind a counter with two pies and kitchen equipment in the background.

It’s an incredibly busy month in Vancouver’s theatre world. From Broadway hits (The Sound of Music, American Idiot, Waitress) to kids’ shows (Mary Jane Mosquito, Peter Pan) to experimental short plays (The Array: The Shape of the Universe), there’s a lot going on in local theatres. See below for a mostly complete listing. (Updated Nov 8 2019)

The Array: The Shape of the Galaxy (until Nov. 9 at 8 p.m., The Greenhouse Studio, 1885 Venables St.)—The inaugural run of a speculative fiction performance series, The Array features four short original works based on the motif of The Shape of the Galaxy, inspired by recent discoveries in astrophysics. (Tickets: $10/20/40 at upintheairtheatre.com)

Two people sitting back to back surrounded by swirling white light trails against a dark background.

The Incredible Adventures of Mary Jane Mosquito (until Nov. 10, Waterfront Theatre, 1412 Cartwright Street on Granville Island)—This new play by Canadian playwright Tomson Highway weaves music, song and Cree language into a story about Mary Jane, a mosquito who doesn’t have wings but can sing. With live music, puppetry and fanciful costumes, it’s recommended for ages four and up. (Tickets: adults $35, seniors/students $29, young people 3-18 years $18 at carouseltheatre.ca and 604-685-6217)

Two performers on a small stage with colorful backdrops; one wears a large puppet head and blue dress, the other sits wearing striped socks.

American Idiot (until Nov. 10, Centennial Theatre, 2300 Lonsdale Ave., North Vancouver)—Established and emerging actors and a professional band help bring this hit Broadway musical to North Vancouver’s Centennial Theatre. Based on the music of Bay Area punk band Green Day, the musical features singing and dancing suburban youth in a setting that is updated to evoke the current political climate. (Tickets: $25-45 at urp.ca and 604-984-4484)

Two people sitting on a black leather couch under stage lights, one with red hair and ripped jeans, the other with a gray vest and red sleeves.

Certified (until Nov 16, Vancity Culture Lab, 1895 Venables St.)—In this solo show, Alberta-raised comedian Jan Derbyshire turns the audience into a mental health review board to help determine her current state of sanity. Touchstone Theatre’s Roy Surette directs. (Tickets: $35/20 at tickets.thecultch.com and 604-251-1363)

Person in a blue checkered shirt holding a microphone under a bright circular light on a dark stage.

Kuroko (until Nov 17, Cultch Historic Theatre, 1895 Venables St.)—Local playwright and former broadcaster Tetsuro Shigematsu breaks from his past two semi-autobiographical works to delve into the worlds of virtual reality and “hikikomori”—a Japanese term for a growing class of young, mostly male recluses. (Tickets: from $26 at tickets.thecultch.com and 604-251-1363)

Person wearing virtual reality headset interacting with floating digital interface icons and holograms in dark environment.

Gametes (Nov. 19-23 at Studio 16, 1555 W. 7th Ave.)—Quebec-based company Les Biches Pensives present this comedy, which has enjoyed success in Eastern Canada. In it, two friends in their thirties find themselves on opposing ends of an argument when one of them finds out she’s pregnant (and that the child will be born with Down Syndrome). (Tickets: starting at $27.95 at seizieme.ca and 604-736-2616. English surtitles Tues, Wed, Thurs, Sat.)

Two people standing indoors against a purple wall, wearing black and white patterned clothing, looking in different directions.

The Sound of Music (until Jan 5 2020 at the Stanley, 2750 Granville St.)—The Arts Club’s Artistic Director Ashlie Corcoran directs this production, which stars Synthia Yusuf (Maria) and Jonathan Winsby (Captain von Trapp). (Tickets” from $39 at artsclub.com and 604.687.1644)

Person wearing a green and white traditional dress with arms outstretched and smiling against a plain background.

Waitress (Nov 12-17, Queen Elizabeth Theatre, 630 Hamilton Street)— Jenna is a waitress and expert pie-maker who dreams of a way out of her small town and rocky marriage in this Broadway hit. Music a by seven-time Grammy nominee Sara Bareilles, a book by screenwriter Jessie Nelson (I Am Sam), choreography by Lorin Latarro (Les liaisons dangereuse) and original direction by Tony Award-winner Diane Paulus (Hair, Pippin, Finding Neverland) make this Broadway Across Canada presentation a show not be missed by lovers of musicals (and baked goods). (Tickets: at ticketoffices.com and 1-855-985-5000)

Person in a blue uniform blowing flour from cupped hands in a kitchen or diner setting.

Kismet (Nov. 13-16, Shadbolt Centre for the Arts, 6450 Deer Lake Ave., Burnaby)—From the media release: Ten years ago, four artists in their twenties traveled across Canada and interviewed one hundred people, aged 1 to 100, about their beliefs. Now, with four marriages, five kids, two parental deaths and two cross-country moves between them, the artists are in different places in their lives, with different concerns. They set out to find the surviving people and interview them again—10 years later —and with some new questions. What they discovered on the road is revealed in a complicated yet intimate portrait of change.” Produced by The Chop Theatre, which was founded in 2006 in Vancouver by current artistic directors Emelia Symington Fedy and Anita Rochon. (Tickets: $36/$15 at tickets.shadboltcentre.com and 604-205-3000)

A person holding a light source standing near a tree under a starry night sky.

The Double Axe Murders (Nov. 14-23, Studio B, Gateway Theatre, 6500 Gilbert Rd.)—A Canadian historical thriller that places three people, one of whom may be a killer, in a cabin in the woods during a cold, cold night. Based on true events, Berni Stapleton’s play is a psychological thriller steeped in Newfoundland folklore. Some violence and mature subject matter: recommended age 13+. (Tickets: from $29 at tickets.gatewaytheatre.com)

A person in period clothing with a shawl looks worried, another person blurred in the background in a rustic wooden room.

Macbeth (Nov 14-23, The BlueShore at Capilano University, 2055 Purcell Way, North Vancouver)—Taking a cue from Harry Potter, this student production brings out the themes of magic, power, and murder from the original. (Tickets: $22, $15, $11 at tickets.capilanou.ca)

Anon(ymous) (Nov 14-Dec 1, Studio 58, Langara College, 100 W. 49th Ave.)—Local playwright Carmen Aguirre directs this student production, a contemporary retelling of Homer’s The Odyssey. (Tickets: from $12.50 at ticketstonight.ca and 604.687.2787)

A person standing in stormy water holding a small boat model, looking up in the rain under a dark sky.

The Father (Nov 20-30, Vancity Culture Lab, 1895 Venables St.)—Newly formed theatre company The Search Party presents its debut production, The Father, a multi-award-winning play written by Florian Zeller. This production marks the Western Canadian premiere of Zeller’s work, a portrayal of the realities of living with dementia. (Tickets: from $25 online at tickets.thecultch.com or by phone at 604.251.1363)

Two adults with serious expressions looking out a window, one with white hair and beard, the other with long blonde hair.

East Van Panto: Pinocchio (Nov 20-Jan 5, 2020, York Theatre, 639 Commercial Dr)—Theatre Replacement’s hugely popular East Van Panto holiday series is back, this time telling the classic story of Pinocchio with all sorts of contemporary references and twists. The Cultch recommends East Van Panto: Pinocchio for ages five and up. (Tickets: from $26 at 604.251.1363 and thecultch.com)

Three people sitting cross-legged playing cards, two wearing donkey ear headbands and suits, one in a costume with a red hat and ruffled collar.

Peter Pan ( Nov. 23 – Jan 5, 2020, Waterfront Theatre, 1412 Cartwright St., Granville Island)—This adaptation of J.M. Barrie’s classic tale reimagines Peter Pan without the use of wires but “infused with spirited play, music, joy, and a pinch of fairy dust,” according to the media release. It goes on to say that the Toronto production “swept the Dora TYA Awards in 2018.” Recommended for ages four and older. (Tickets: $35, $29, $18 at tickets.carouseltheatre.ca or 604-685-6217)