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For information and full schedules click: Vancouver International Fringe Festival

Antigone

Dates and Venue 4, 6, 8, 11, 13 & 14 September 2008 | Playwrights Theatre Reviewer John Jane

Greek mythology is a rich source material that can be re-tooled and re-envisioned. Groundlings Ensemble have taken Sophocles’ 2500 year-old play, Antigone (pron. An-tig-gonee) and adapted it to showcase their serious acting talents. Full review

Dreams and Desires

Dates and Venue 4, 5, 6, 10, 13 & 14 September 2008 | Studio 16 Reviewer Ed Farolan

I've always been skeptical about one-person shows. You can't take the middle ground in this type of performance. You're either good or bad. Full review



Oscar & Felix by Neil Simon

Dates and Venue 30 August – 27 September 2008 @ 8pm | Metro Theatre

Reviewer Ed Farolan

Metro Theatre kicked off its 2008-09 season with a delightful comedy eliciting laughter for every punch line that only a playwright like Neil Simon can concoct. Add to this the perfect timing of these professional and semi-professional actors as they deliver their lines flawlessy, and know when to pause to hold for laughs. Full review



Titus Andronicus

Dates and Venue 9 July19 September 2008 @ 8pm | Bard on the Beach Studio Stage Tent, Vanier Park

Reviewer J H Stape

This mounting relies on fine ensemble work, a marvellous sense of pacing, and a balletic conception of the stage that pits Romans vs. Goths and family against family. Rarely mounted, Titus shines in this well conceived and well acted production. Chalk one up for the Bard on the Beach here: this is really good. Full review

 

The Tempest

Dates and Venue 26 June – 20 September 2008 @ 8pm | Bard on the Beach Studio Stage Tent, Vanier Park SOLD OUT

Reviewer John Jane

In the play’s stunning opening sequence, Prospero the exiled Duke of Milan (played with wizardly dominance by Allan Morgan) slams his staff down hard on the stage floor indicating that it’s he who has conjured up the storm that brings Alonso’s ship reluctantly to the island’s shore. The afflicted vessel is simply, yet effectively represented by a heavy rope held up by the cast to form the ship’s bow, while the King’s courtiers and crew are tossed around the deck at the mercy of Prospero’s tempest. Full review

 

King Lear

Dates and Venue 11 June 26 September 2008 @ 8pm | Bard on the Beach Mainstage Tent, Vanier Park

Reviewer Jane Penistan

“Every inch a king.” Christopher Gaze at the Bard on the Beach opening night of King Lear was every inch a king. James Fagan Tait directed a spectacular production of the tragedy. Accompanied by onstage live music, King Lear is set in “the-not-too-distant future.” Will those who are young and live to see this future, have compassion and understanding, rather than dissimulation, avarice, and love of power? Full review


Twelfth Night

Dates and Venue 27 May 26 September 2008 @ 8pm | Bard on the Beach Mainstage Tent, Vanier Park SELLING OUT FAST

Reviewer Jane Penistan

The music and dancing in this production diffuse the atmosphere of the flapper era. Unfortunately, much of the play's lyricism and magic has been overwhelmed by the spectacle, cleverness, and entertainment, so that the production seems to lack warmth and feeling. This may well be rectified as the season progresses. Full review