SAVING THE STANLEY – A LEGEND IS REBORN

AS SEEN IN VANCOUVER LIFESTYLES MAGAZINE

From the 1930’s silver screen, the Stanley Theatre re-opens with comedy, drama and romance.

 

arts-club-theatre-pg1So rarely does such a revitalization opportunity present itself; a chance for part of Vancouver’s history to be reclaimed: The Stanley Theatre is making its big debut, for a second time. The time, it’s standing stronger than ever and ready to make a huge contribution to Vancouver’s entertainment scene. Artistic Managing Director, Bill Millerd, who has devoted his talents to the Arts Club Theatre for the past 25 years, is about to open his third theatre:

‘There is no thrill comparable to the opening of a brand new theatre. I am deeply honoured to be able to programme The Stanley’s Inaugural Season of plays at this heritage venue which means so much to the community and myself. This once-in-a-lifetime experience has been well worth waiting for and the wait is nearly over. The Stanley started off in 1931 as an independent neighbourhood theatre, where movie-going was a popular and formal activity. It was also home to live performances and popular community events The Stanley was sold to Famous Players in 1941, and its large screen made it ideal as a regional house for previewing ‘block-buster’ shows. Unfortunately, the introduction of large multiplex cinemas later diminished the audiences, and in 1991 The Stanley Theatre closed its doors.

As the building of The Stanley stood empty, the city never forgot the vibrant memories of this once bustling theatre. Save Our Stanley (SOS) Committee didn’t forget either. In 1993, the committee convinced Vancouver City Council to conserve The Stanley’s heritage features. Now holding a Class A resource on the Vancouver Heritage Inventory, “This venue is still a heritage building. With it’s preserved ambience, we can still offer an intimate theatre experience. It’s going to be a very comfortable theatre with refined elegance,” says Bill Millerd. The Stanley now represents the transition between the opulent theatre design in the 1929’s, and the austere modernism of the following decades.

Today, The Stanley returns in a new and appropriate role – comedy, drama, romance – “The Stanley offers an all-encompassing selection of productions for a demanding and educated audience,” says Bill Millerd.Having a history of producing a large body of Canadian work, when choosing his cast Bill looks for talent that’s honest, talented, inquisitive, and humorous. He enjoys exchanging ideas with ‘real’ talent such as: Sherman Snukal, creator of Easy Money: “I’m a great fan of Sherman’s works,” Bill admits, and Michael J. Fox who was in one of the early shows Millerd directed at the company’s Seymour Street Stage: “Michael has terrific instinct and determination; he’s bright and eager.” A few other celebrities who have inspired Bill under his direction include: Brent Carver, Bruce Greenwood, Winston Rekert, Lally Cadeau, Ruth Nichook Jackson Davies, An Mortifee, Janet Wright, Pia Shandel, Leon Bibb, Alec Willows, Linda Sorensen and Jeff Hyslop.

INAUGRAL SEASON:

The Inaugural season opens with SWING: Debuting October 23 and running to November 22, a show historical to the relevance of the theatre, the season premier reflect the Swing era of the late ’30s and ’40s. HAMLET: Running from January 22 to February 20, Shakespeare’s classic tragedy of deception, power and passion introduces our audience to classic tragedy. MOON OVER BUFFALO: From March 5 – April 4, lightening the stage in this hilarious husband and wife team who’s romantic duos and jealous divas create a hilarious Broadway farce. EASY MONEY: From April 30 – May 30 a high rolling comedy based on the infamous history of the Stock Exchange. For ticket information please call Box Office at (604) 687-1644.

COMING TO THE QUEEN ELIZABETH THEATRE:

Andrew Lloyd Webber’s CATS establishes new boundaries with the latest in modern technology, innovative costumes and scenery. Running from September 8 – 13 with performances on Tuesday – Saturday evenings at 8:00pm, Sunday evening at 7:30pm.Tickets range from $35.00 – $65.00. CHICAGO: This Drop Dead Broadway Musical filled with off beat humour, deception and murder make us feel we’re right in the middle of a tabloid headline. Running from September 15 – 27th with performances Tuesday – Saturday evenings at 8:00pm, Sunday evening at 7:30pm. Saturday and Sunday matinees at 2:00pm. Tickets range from $35.00 – $69.00. GREASE! with Cubby Check as ‘Teen Angel’. The super cool ’50s are back with leather jacket boys and bobby sox girls as young romance, pajama parties and drive-ins are still the rage on this stage. Running from October 14th – 18th with performances Wednesday – Saturday evenings at 8:00pm and Sunday evening at 7:00pm. Saturday and Sunday matinees run at 2:00pm. Tickets range in prices from $35.00 – $65.00. Tickets are available at all TicketMaster Centres or charge-by-phone at 280-4444.