Kaila Symone Crowder in Hairspray, Photo: Jeremy Daniel/Broadway Across Canada
Spring theatre season usually means big stage musical and dance performances perfect for the whole family to enjoy. Vancouver has a rich cultural and entertainment scene and hosts big stage shows every year. World-class theatre and arts festivals like Bard on the Beach, PuSh, and Vancouver Fringe are among the many big-ticket cultural events the city is known for.
Spring Theatre
Dancing with the Stars Live @ Queen Elizabeth Theatre – Mar. 11 & 12
Dancing with the Stars Live, Photo: Chris Almeida/Faculty Productions
This live performance is back on tour to heat things up in a dazzling, high-energy production. This year’s all-new stage show features your favourite professional dancers from the hit competition series performing glittering new numbers, as well as some of the unbelievable showstoppers featured in season 32 of the popular reality show.
Disney in Concert: The Sound of Magic @ Orpheum Theatre – Mar. 16 & 17
Image: Disney Concerts
Enjoy this live symphonic celebration of classic Disney music! Your favourite characters and soundtracks from Walt Disney Animation Studios and Disney Parks come to life on the concert hall stage and big screen in this live-to-film concert never seen before.
Performed live by the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra, this new concert takes you on a magic carpet ride through the most memorable song, musical score, and movie moments of the first hundred years of The Walt Disney Company, including Peter Pan, Moana, Aladdin, The Jungle Book, Frozen, The Lion King, Fantasia, Encanto, and more.
Shen Yun @ Queen Elizabeth Theatre – Mar. 20-25
Photo: Shen Yun
Embrace traditional Chinese culture through this reflection of its rich spiritual heritage. Travel back to the magical world of ancient China and experience a lost culture through the art of classical Chinese dance. Shen Yun pushes the boundaries of the performing arts, with a unique blend of stunning costuming, high-tech backdrops, and an orchestra like no other.
Join these performers for the experience of a lifetime and a brilliant artistic revival and celebration of China’s rich cultural heritage drawn from the practice of Falun Dafa—a spiritual discipline based on the principles of truthfulness, compassion, and tolerance. This work brings the magnificence of five thousand years of civilization back to life on stage.
Hairspray @ Queen Elizabeth Theatre – Apr. 2-7
Caroline Eiseman in Hairspray, Photo: Jeremy Daniel/Broadway Across Canada
Broadway Across Canada‘s brand new North American touring production of the Tony Award-winning musical comedy phenomenon, is coming to Vancouver, helmed by the original director and choreographer, for one week only, so don’t miss out!
Join 16-year-old Tracy Turnblad in 1960s Baltimore as she sets out to dance her way onto television’s most popular show. Find out if a girl with big dreams (and even bigger hair!) can make a difference in the world.
Family Outing
Vancouver Art Gallery, Photo: Rick Chung/YVArcade
Make a day of your theatre outing with family and friends by exploring what Downtown Vancouver has to offer. Close to the theatre district and Orpheum Theatre, there’s Robson Square, the Vancouver Art Gallery, and Bill Reid Gallery as great spots to take in the city’s cultural scene. Other shopping, entertainment, and dining options close by can be found on the bustling Robson Street. If you’re looking for sightseeing, booking a Harbour Tour, is a great way to explore downtown on the water.
Family-friendly restaurants near Queen Elizabeth Theatre for a “dinner and a show” evening, include Brown’s Social (just next door), Per Se Social Corner, Devil’s Elbow Ale & Smoke House, Chambar, Frankie’s Italian Kitchen, Tacofino Taco Bar, and Di Beppe. Just steps away from the theatre are fun neighbourhoods perfect for strolling, like Yaletown, Gastown, Coal Harbour, and historic Chinatown.