Tonight I was at my very first Theatre Under The Stars show, which is exactly what it sounds like. Live theatre held in an open stage at Stanley Park Pavilion.
The show has been on going for 86 years and every year they pick a handful of plays to perform through out the summer season. For 2026 it was The Little Mermaid and Sister Act.
My friend invited me, and although I normally don’t like musicals, I accepted her invitation. I don’t like sing-talking as I find it hard to understand and don’t see it as moving the plot of any story efficiently. The feeling is similar for operas and Disney cartoons and movies.
However, I am currently in the nostalgic period of my life and have fond memories of watching Sister Act in my childhood home, with my family. It was on regular television and we all gathered around the living room to watch it. It is one of the only movies I remember watching with them, from head to tail. I can’t recall many whole family activities, but this one stands out. So I was compel to relive it today.
The Theatre Under the Stars set up is folding chairs, placed in rows before the permanent stage with curtains. Below it is where the orchestra sits. All songs and interludes are as live as the actors and their lines. This makes the whole production that much more impressive, in my eyes.
Your ticket cost only includes entry and your seat. If you want a bit more comfort during the two hour plus show, it is advised that you rent a seat cushion, by donation. Think cushions for bleachers like at a Nascar rally. On one hand I think seats you pay for, to use at a show, should be automatically comfortable. However, I recognize that this is a good way to help the theatre earn a little extra money, to be able to continue such shows 86 years later.
As you wait for the performance to begin, or during intermissions you can grab snacks and drinks, like you would at any other show, from their handful of concessions. On busier days they even have sponsors operating their own booths, advertising their services. There are also photo ops against event posters with dress up props and volunteer staff to help you talk them.
Facilities are either porto-potties or running water toilets at the neighbouring Stanley Park house. Both are only accessible during intermission or before and after the show, as to not interfere with the actor’s train of thoughts. So I advise keeping that in mind, for those planning on attending a show in the future. On that same vein, be sure to bring layers, blankets, and/or bug spray. Anything that you would need to make the night, that goes from dusk to dark, all the more relaxing. Things end at 10pm and on the hottest of summer days, it will still grow cold in the dark.
As for the show itself, I couldn’t help but compare it to what I remember from the original movie. I remembered Whoopi Goldberg being a delight as the leading lady. And how the movie was filled with both funny and joyous moments. I especially enjoyed ending that came with a life lesson, as many movies these days no longer do that. The treasures of doing for others and the bond that friendship creates. The live production did well to carry forth all of that on to the stage.
As for the differences, there were a lot more new and added songs. Each character got their own moment and their own theme. There were also new relationships between the characters introduced, added in, in order to draw out the plot and give minor characters something to sing about. All the actors did well to sell their roles and their vocals projected so well that I had to question if they were actually singing live. However, I didn’t feel each character needed a song and dance number and after it, the play seemed to slow down. The lulls made it challenging to get back on track and hooked back into the main story line.
Our theatrical leading lady had such stage presence. She stole the scene every time she was in it, as the movie depicted and the character was created to do. The ending number and climax definitely left you with a happy face and a warm feeling.
Overall an amazing show brought to life by such talented actors. I truly enjoyed myself and would attend another Theatre Under the Stars, provided that it is the right musical.
Theatre Under The Stars
610 Pipeline Rd, Vancouver, BC V6G 3E2
(604) 734-1917
tuts.ca
