Stir is a digital media organization dedicated to covering Vancouver’s arts and culture scene through independent journalism.
Stir is a digital media organization dedicated to covering Vancouver’s arts and culture scene through independent journalism.
Theatre Under the Stars takes place at historic Malkin Bowl in Stanley Park. Photo by Shawn Bukhari
Back in 1940, Theatre Under the Stars started when a group of local theatre people formed to produce professional-quality musicals during the summer. Over recent decades, TUTS has staged both classics like Guys and Dolls, Hello Dolly!, Mary Poppins, and 42nd Street and contemporary Broadway favourites like Shrek the Musical, Legally Blonde, Mamma Mia!, and We Will Rock You. Along the way, it’s become a beloved Lower Mainland tradition, delighting generations of locals and tourists alike under the stars in the pastoral outdoor setting of historic Malkin Bowl in Stanley Park.
So much more than just a night at the theatre, TUTS interweaves a kaleidoscope of elements—setting, scenery, concessions, and quality art—into a fun, encompassing experience that is much greater than the sum of its parts. Nestled among awe-inspiring Douglas firs, the company is uniquely suited to Vancouver and reflects some of the city’s most collectively embraced values: exuberance, expression, nature, and youth.
The latter is especially important to the organization, as it is not only a presenter of shows, but a creator of opportunities for young performers. The number of careers and life-long relationships with art fostered on the Malkin Bowl stage are countless. Our annual productions are delivered by over 200 volunteers drawn from the community, requiring a broad variety of skills from board members to ushers to technical crew to cast and musicians.
Over the years, the outdoor theatre has kept innovating, today offering everything from VIP experiences to Exchange Insurance. And it’s overcome some of the challenges that have come over the decades, including a fire that almost destroyed Malkin Bowl in 1982 and, of course, the COVID pandemic, which shut the theatre down for the summers of 2020 to 2021.
Theatre Under the Stars acknowledges that its work takes place on the traditional and unceded lands of the Coast Salish First Nations, including the xʷməθkwəy̓əm (Musqueam), Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish) and səl̓ílwətaʔɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations.
Subscription packs on sale today for Stanley Park stage series that runs June 27 to August 16
Reimagined costumes, stylized choreography, and sky-high lifts lend the Andrew Lloyd Webber musical new life
Despite some cartoonish antics, Theatre Under the Stars musical showcases its cast’s impressive versatility as both actors and instrumentalists
Production directed by Tracey Power stars lead actor Colin Sheen, accompanied by a talented ensemble cast and students from the School of Rock Vancouver
Eternally popular show by Andrew Lloyd Webber will run from July 5 to August 23 at the Malkin Bowl in Stanley Park
Two-show subscription pack tickets now on sale for outdoor performances at Stanley Park’s Malkin Bowl
Matilda’s Stephanie Graham and The Prom’s Tracey Power share some of their literary faves
High-level production values and a remarkably talented young cast bring the story of “revolting children” to darkly comedic life
Pastel sets and Broadway-insider jokes in a story built from a real-life American incident of queer phobia at high school grad
Theatre Under the Stars production brings favourite songs like “Revolting Children” to life
Festival set to hit Stanley Park’s historic Malkin Bowl from July 6 to August 26.
Triple-threat performer Jyla Robinson stands out as a soothsayer in the Theatre Under the Stars show
The musical comedy alternates evenings with We Will Rock You for Theatre Under the Stars’ 2022 season
Director Saccha Dennis blends rock concert and jukebox musical in stage production at Malkin Bowl
Summer shows travel from Elizabethan England to a future world full of Queen hits
