Theatre Under The Stars Presents 'Bye Bye Birdie' and 'Anything Goes'

Theatre Under the Stars is back with two more amazing productions.

A Vancouver tradition since 1969, Theatre Under the Stars is back again this summer for its annual run at Stanley Park's Malkin Bowl. This local company provides entertainment for theatregoers of all ages and this year presents two great musicals: Bye Bye Birdie and Anything Goes.

Bye Bye Birdie is set in 1960 where teen pop sensation Conrad Birdie has just been drafted into the army, much to the dismay of his adoring fangirls and his agent, Albert Peterson. Before his departure, Birdie visits the small town of Sweet Apple, Ohio where things turn upside down after Peterson devises a plan that results in jealousy, conflict and puts relationships at risk. Bye Bye Birdie is colourful and upbeat, and features many youth performers from around Metro Vancouver. Even for those who have seen this musical before, director Shel Piercy puts a creative, new spin on things. The production features a live camera fed to a large screen on stage, giant beach balls bouncing through the audience and even a Bollywood-style dance number!

Anything Goes tells the story of Billy Crocker, a Wall Street broker, desperately in love with Hope Harcourt, a debutante about to marry a wealthy Englishman. In an attempt to reconnect with his long lost love, Crocker hides on Harcourt's ship bound for London, accidentally assuming the identity of a wanted gangster named Snake Eyes Johnson. Although, not as fast-paced as Bye Bye Birdie, Anything Goes features a dynamic group of characters, as well as some hilarious musical numbers, such as Gypsy in Me and Friendship. Some of the jokes may not hit the mark for some teens, but Anything Goes has an “oldie-but-goodie” feel.

Theatre Under the Stars puts on fun and energetic shows, suitable for all ages. It has a much more casual setting, which is great for anyone going to a musical for the first time. Although mosquitos and the chance of wet weather can be an issue at times, the show keeps you so entertained that you won't even notice. The ambience is simply special - the food vendors even sing to the crowd before the musical begins and during intermission! The cast and crew of Theatre Under the Stars are extremely talented, and it’s nice to see a show with so much local talent.

Tickets to Bye Bye Birdie and Anything Goes are available online (www.tuts.ca), by phone (1-877-840-0457) and at the Malkin Bowl box office.

Shows run from July 8th – August 20th with Bye Bye Birdie running on even days in July and odd days in August and Anything Goes running on odd days in July and even days in August.