There aren't too many options for hearing high quality classical music in Vancouver, but the…read moreVancouver Recital Society delivers ... sometimes. They occasionally bring in the big-name classical stars like Andras Schiff (a perennial favourite) and YoYo Ma. Their artistry can transcend just about anything off-putting, such as the pretentious and scatter-brained introductions done from the stage by some crazy lady who is apparently the founder. However, that is quickly forgotten once the music begins. I've heard concerts at both the Playhouse and Chan. The acoustics at the Playhouse are drier than a California drought, while the acoustics at the Chan are muddled and echoey, especially when the attendance is a bit thin. So, neither venues are perfect, but, I prefer the Playhouse for the convenience and proximity to public transit and restaurants. The Chan is just too far to go and parking is expensive. Where things often go wrong is when they bring in unknown but "up-and-coming" musicians. Their performances can be hit or miss, and for me it is usually a miss. There are so many amazing young classical musicians out there, I find it hard to believe this is the best they can do between the few stars they bring in each season. The branding of the organization was recently changed. The neon pink and orange color scheme is surprisingly bright and modern for such a stuffy and pretentious Society, but I kind of like it. Prices for tickets are on par with other large arts organizations in the city, which means they aren't cheap, but affordable if you've recently sold your Vancouver home to a wealthy businessman from China. The audience appears to be 90% elderly, which means having to endure the occasional hearing-aid hissing during a performance. But, they are well-behaved and, unlike the audience at the Vancouver Symphony, don't clap between every movement. I would never buy a subscription to the Recital Society, too much chaff in the mix. Instead, pick and choose just the performances of artists you know and love. If you're a student, you can get discount tickets on the day of the performance, there are usually seats available.

great artists great deals for under 35 year olds…read moretake this over the VSO any day for classical music don't like: - chan centre venue - has god-awful acoustics, the amazing musicians don't deserve their music to be ruined by the echos, puts vancouver to shame - seriously!! check out this review: http://www.vancouverreview.com/past_articles/soundingoff.htm anyway, thank god the playhouse is going to be the venue for some concerts in the 2013-14 season. - pretentious introductions vancouver chopin society is also worth checking out.

I have not been back in ages. I had my graduation ceremony here. I came here to attend a graduation…read moreceremony recently. The inside looks just as nice as I remembered. Except.... it seems a whole lot smaller than what I remembered. The sound effect or surround sound equipment was really nice. At the start of the ceremony, UBC music school had a band playing acoustic music in the background. That was very nice. You can hear each sound very nice and crisp. It is a lovely venue no doubt. They have two tier limited seating balconies. From the look at it, you might be able to sit around 300 people max.

I love this venue. It is a modern facility but what I like about it is the 3 level tiered side…read morebalconies. This is very similar to the old European set up. I don't think there is another three tiered balcony in Vancouver. The real bonus is the back balcony! It is behind the stage. Wow oh Wow (sounding like Usher)!! I purposely sat in the back once to see that pianist rock star from China, Lang Lang play La Campanella from the Paganini Etudes. He was effing amazing to watch. His fingers blazed on the keyboard and he didn't miss a note. The acoustics are wonderful and I've been here for operas, professional performances, as well as student performances.

Through a friend of mine, I had a chance to join in free yoga class after work. (The instructor and…read moreme has a mutual friend) First you have to sign up the visitor registration at main entrance and check instructor's name on board. Then head to the each studio. It was small studio but very pleasant and clean. Leave the shoes at aisle and bring your belonging inside. Quiet enough to relax in downtown. I liked simple service by dance center staff too.

I love this place. Dancing with Sophie was one of the…read morehighlights of my year!

we got tickets to the jesse cook show at the centre in vancouver on 777 homer street, which feels…read morepretty new and sleek. the moment we stepped inside, that curved marble staircase caught my eye, it was elegant and dramatic, with mirrored panels that bounced reflections around in such a cool way. the venue itself is small, it seats around 1800 people across three levels, with great acoustics and comfy purple chairs. during intermission, i was surprised to see there were no long lines at the washrooms, there were plenty of stalls, the concession stand was actually a lot longer. you can bring drinks into the auditorium, but note, there are no cup holders. jesse cook's performance gave off the gypsy kings energy, upbeat, rhythmic, and full of flamenco and andalusian flair. he's not only a talented guitarist but also a natural storyteller. between songs, he shared little anecdotes about how he met one of his bandmates or what inspired a particular piece of music. he was accompanied on stage with four other band members. there was lots of hand clapping along with the rhythm, and toward the end, he invited everyone to get up and samba. it gave the night this warm, easygoing energy.

First time watching Bini, and it was at the Centre in Vancouver for Performing Arts. The venue is…read moresmall, and my seat was on the 3rd floor, making it hard to see the performers. I could've used a telescope! This was Bini's first big sold-out performance, and when I booked my ticket, I didn't realize how confusing the seating would be. Although I had a wonderful night, the height of the second and third floors wasn't ideal for those who want to be closer to the stage. By the time I bought my ticket, most of the seats were already gone, even though I booked as soon as they went on sale. Still, it was worth it!

I've been to The Bard for the past three years and every year it's something new and always…read moreentertaining. The actors are incredibly talented - they can sing, dance, & act - the adaptation of a Shakespeare play to another time and another setting is always creative & well done, the writing & the directing are first rate. The venue is unique; a large tent with a view of the North Shore Mountains behind the stage, with proper theatre seating, and a ring of tents offering refreshments, paraphernalia, etc, and numerous clean biffies. I highly recommend going - it's fun, funny, and a unique night out.

In the past 10 years, I have only gone to Bard on the Beach a handful of times --The Comedy of…read moreErrors in 2015 and twice in 2022 (A Midsummer Night's Dream and Romeo and Juliet), although Bard was cancelled for a couple of years due to covid. Last year we visited a friend in Baltimore and he said that he loves Shakespeare. I told him that if he's a Shakespeare fan, he MUST come and visit us and go to Bard on the Beach, so last night my husband, sister, friend, and I went to see The Two Gentlemen of Verona, and it was excellent -- probably my favourite Shakespeare adaptation I have seen. Several years ago Bard on the Beach started performing plays in non-traditional Shakespearian costumes and settings. For example, the 2015 production of The Comedy of Errors had a steampunk theme and some other themes have been The Beatles, the Wild West, and 1920s Chicago. The Two Gentlemen of Verona performance we saw was set in the 1980s, and I loved it! (They still used Shakespeare's traditional dialogue.) The costumes were fantastic, and the 80s music played throughout was so fun! There were also many 1980s references such as Back to the Future and Weekend at Bernie's. There was also a dog in the play. The character of Crab the dog was to be played by Mason, Christopher Gaze's dog, but Taj, Mason's understudy (yes, the dog had an official understudy!), was in last night's performance. He was a very good boy. I usually read a synopsis of a play before seeing it so that I know what's going on, but I did not read anything about The Two Gentlemen of Verona before seeing the play. However, I had no issue following it. Briefly, the play is about two friends, Valentine and Proteus. Valentine goes to Milan while Proteus stays in Verona to be with Julia, the woman he loves. However, Proteus' parents make him go to Milan to serve in the Duke of Milan's court. In Milan, Valentine falls in love with Silvia, the daughter of the Duke of Milan, who reciprocates his feelings. When Proteus arrives in Milan, all of a sudden he thinks Julia is shit and wants Silvia. He sabotages Valentine and Silvia's relationship and tells Silvia he's going to rape her. Yet Valentine forgives Proteus and tells him he gives Silvia to him. WTF. In the original play, everything works out and Proteus and Julia and Valentine and Silvia are together. However, the Bard on the Beach production changed it, and for the better, in my opinion! In conclusion: The Two Gentlemen of Verona adaptation was EXCELLENT, and I highly recommend it! [Yelp collections: Plays, Shows, and Musicals; Being a tourist in my own city]

This was a fantastic show... very interactive and entertaining, with death-defying feats. Loved it.read more

Really great theatre with tons of character. Beautiful interior design, well maintained facilities,…read moreand a wonderful group of helpful and friendly staff. They host a wide variety of shows here, so definitely worth checking back regularly to see what's on the docket. We saw Kuroko and it was a a real treat! They have a bar inside. Only downside is the chairs are quite uncomfortable and squeaky, but I guess that's part of the theatres character.

Who would've guessed that there's a performance venue tucked away in this corner of Granville…read moreIsland. Parking is available all over the island. The venue is definitely on the cozy side. There is a ticket booth that is way too small (giant lineup), and the main foyer is a really just a small corridor. The main venue room is surprisingly decent in the acoustics department, as there didn't seem to be too much at all (ie insulation, sound panels etc.) in the room. No echoes, but also no muffled sounds. Special mention there. If you need a mid-sized hall for 200-300 (400 if you're doing standing room) people, this place definitely fits the bill.

This is a great venue!…read more Being on Granville Island obviously the location is fabulous! Just being there makes me want to pursue more art, live music and theatre in my life! We went tonight to see Atomic, a European jazz band perform. The space limited the number of guests but also gave a feeling of intimacy. It was nice that we could bring our teenage daughters as there weren't any age restrictions. So nice to have a family friendly venue for live music! They had a small cash bar with basic snacks as well. Good Parking available right in front of Performance Works. Our family has been to private events hosted here as well...a great space!

I paid my first visit to the Benie Legge Theatre to watch a Vagabond Players production in the late…read moresummer/early fall of 2022. Tucked away in a corner of Queen's Park in New Westminster, I had no clue this theatre even existed until a friend promoted the play (and the theatre). There is the main parking area close by, or if you know your way around Queen's Park, you can park in the lanes right next to the theatre. There are just over 100 seats, and as soon as you walk in you will feel the building infused with character and history. (If you had any doubt, the numerous pictures on the wall will give you a hint about the rich history). There is a small lobby area, concession stand, and surprisingly roomy washrooms (a plus!) As I understand it, the concession stand and other roles during play productions are all staffed by volunteers who are members of Vagabond Players. I had never known this theatre existed, but now I will keep an active eye out for future productions.

This is a very old and small theater. I am used to big fancy theaters with state of the art sound…read moresystem so this is a surprise for me. I like it though. It is charming and full of history, if only the walls could talk. It reminded me of pantomime plays performed in small town theater in Enid Blyton's books. Being a small place, you can still see the performers clearly even if you are sitting at the back. I hope this place will remain open and be home to performances in the new west area.