Tag: Stanley Alliance Theatre

Art & Culture

CASEY and DIANA

The Arts Club Theatre Company’s opening night of CASEY and DIANA was last night – May 30th, 2025.  The playwright, the director and many media types were among the audience members.  I attended with my friend Megan.

Lindsey Angell as Diana Damien Atkins as Thomas  Photo: courtesy of Arts Club Theatre Company.

There was a bit of confusion as to what this play was all about.  Especially if you didn’t read up about it beforehand.   From the name alone you can imagine it being about a married couple or a comedic team or anything else. All I knew was that it was about the aids pandemic (yes; that’s what they’re referring to it as now) and a visit from Princess Diana to Casey House; a specialty hospital based in Toronto that cares for people living with and at risk of HIV.

The play is based on true events. In a hospice where men are certain to die of this terrible disease sooner than later, the only uplifting thing they have to hang on to is hope; that quiet but persistent belief that things can get better, even when the present feels uncertain or difficult. And right now they hope to meet a visiting princess where, if only for a few minutes, will make them feel seen and uplift their spirits.  They want to hang on for that moment – only seven days away. Which feels like forever in their situation.

Alen Dominguez as Andre & Nora McLellan as Marjorie.  Photo: Courtesy of Arts Club Theatre Company.

The actors do a magnificent job of creating a quiet desperation of uncertainty while trying to maintain some dignity.

Princess Diana’s visit to Casey House in Toronto, on October 25, 1991, was groundbreaking and deeply impactful in reducing stigma around HIV/AIDS. She spent time with all 13 residents, staff, and caregivers, staying longer than planned and making a powerful statement by physically touching patients.

Her visit provided hope and dignity to those affected by the disease, and her compassion resonated worldwide. The moment was so significant that it has been immortalized in plays like this one, which explores the lasting effect of her kindness.  But it also explores what it’s like living with the disease.

Until May 25, 2025 at the Stanley Industrial Alliance Stage (2750 Granville Street).

For TICKETS: https://artsclub.com/shows/2024-2025/casey-and-diana

Cast

  1. Lindsey Angell Diana
  2. Damien Atkins Thomas
  3. Ivy Charles Vera
  4. Alen Dominguez Andre
  5. Nora McLellan Marjorie
  6. Emma Slipp Pauline

For more information about CASEY HOUSE:

https://caseyhouse.ca/
Art & Culture

The Arts Club – JERSEY BOYS

After more than 15 years as New York’s favorite musical, the Tony, Grammy® and *Olivier Award-winning JERSEY BOYS played its final performance in New York on May 22, 2022 and continues on tour in London and other parts of UK.  However; here in Vancouver…

Cast of Jersey Boys, 2024; set design by Ryan Cormack; costume design by Barbara Clayden; lighting design by Sophie Tang; photo by Moonrider Productions for the Arts Club Theatre Company.

We’re lucky to have our very own Broadway-style production of JERSEY BOYS, now playing at the historic Stanley Industrial Alliance Stage (an Arts Club Theatre Company Production) – held over until October 27th due to popular demand.

Photo: d. king

My friend Margeaux and I had the pleasure of seeing this on Saturday night. Oh; What a Night! – remember that was one of the hits back in the day.

I can’t tell you how much we enjoyed this show.  OK; I’ll tell you – we enjoyed it very much.  The quality of the singing (which my friend thought was dubbed – it’s not) is outstanding.  With an exceptional cast and story, JERSEY BOYS features extraordinary performances by Elliot Lazar as Frankie Valli, alongside Darren Martens as Tommy DeVito, Jason Sakaki as Bob Gaudio, and Jordan Stanley as Nick Massi.

Under the direction of Julie Tomaino, JERSEY BOYS isn’t just about the music; it’s about the story behind the music. This Award–winning musical brings to life the captivating true life story of Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons, a band that rose from the streets of New Jersey to international fame. For the Arts Club, JERSEY BOYS is more than a celebration of a legendary quartet; it’s a testament to the company’s commitment to producing Broadway-calibre productions on the West Coast.

The show brings a high-energy, emotionally charged experience to the Stanley with its sharp narrative, compelling characters, and unforgettable soundtrack.

Jason Sakaki, Elliot Lazar, Darren Martens, and Tanner Zerr in Jersey Boys, 2024; set design by Ryan Cormack; costume design by Barbara Clayden; lighting design by Sophie Tang; photo by Moonrider Productions for the Arts Club Theatre Company

The creative team behind this production is equally impressive, featuring Set Designer Ryan Cormack and Costume Designer Barbara Clayden recreating the vibrant 1960’s atmosphere that defined the era of The Four Seasons. With hits like “Sherry,” “Big Girls Don’t Cry,” “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You,” and “December, 1963 (Oh, What a Night),” Musical Director Ken Cormier will keep audiences humming after they leave the theatre. The stage design, lighting, and soundscapes have been meticulously crafted to create an atmosphere that echoes the energy and nostalgia of the 1960s—a time when Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons ruled the airwaves.

Cast of Jersey Boys, 2024; set design by Ryan Cormack; costume design by Barbara Clayden; lighting design by Sophie Tang; photo by Moonrider Productions for the Arts Club Theatre Company

*The Olivier Awards are recognized internationally as the highest honour in British theatre, equivalent to the BAFTA Awards for film and television, and the BRIT Awards for music.

For Tickets:
https://artsclub.com/shows/2024-2025/jersey-boys
https://artsclub.com/