Calgary's Best Live Theatre Entertainment
Live and Musical Theatrical Performance Companies and Venues
Feb 8, 2009
Calgary offers visitors a large selection of live theatre and musical performances ranging from traditional, well-established, popular shows, to festivals of new plays. There are dozens of excellent theatre companies in Calgary, far too many to list. Here is a sampling of the best of the companies which offer interesting and entertaining live theatre geared towards a fun night out. Some live theatre companies in Calgary specialize in avant-garde or alternative productions, and some cater specifically to children. The ones listed here tend to present work which is more in the mainstream, which doesn't mean they aren't thought-provoking or emotionally stimulating.
Theatre Calgary
The city's longest established theatrical company, Theatre Calgary specializes in internationally acclaimed productions, from John Patrick Shanley's Pulitzer Prize-winning Doubt to Bernstein's West Side Story, featuring performances by outstanding Canadian and international actors. Their December production of A Christmas Carol is a longstanding Calgary tradition, and every year, they develop new plays through their intiative, Fuse. Centrally located in the Epcor Centre for Performing Arts, Theatre Calgary offers a wide-range of ticket prices for every budget online.
Alberta Theatre Projects
Alberta Theatre Projects (ATP) mandate includes producing some of the best contemporary Canadian plays, but their repetoire extends beyond the national borders as well. One of the most interesting events of their calendar is the Enbridge PlayRites Festival of New Canadian Plays, which includes a busy dance-card of readings, workshops and full productions. It also includes a lively 24-hour Playwrighting competition. ATP is situated in the Epcor Centre for Performing Arts just off the Olympic Plaza downtown.
Lunchbox Theatre
Want some live theatre along with the obento or sandwich box? Lunchbox Theatre, the first and longest-running lunchtime theatre company in Canada, specializes in light, tasty one-act, 45-minute productions. Shows run Monday through Saturday at 12:10 pm and Friday at 6:10 pm where you can also enjoy a complimentary cocktail before or after at the Auburn Saloon. A play at Lunchbox is perfect for the visitor whose activities and business in Calgary's city core won't fill the entire day, leaving some room in the schedule to take in some of Calgary's cultural events. It is located on the second floor (food court level) of Bow Valley Square on 6th Avenue and 2nd Street SW.
Vertigo Theatre Centre
Vertigo Theatre Centre, located in Palliser Square under the Calgary Tower, is comprised of 2 show venues, a gallery and bar. Three theatre companies call Vertigo home, and the performance spaces are often used for one-time events as well, but the theatre company which gives the centre its name, Vertigo Mystery Theatre, is a whodunnit fan's dream come true. From Sherlock Holmes to an annual presentation of Agatha Christie's famous, The Mousetrap, Vertigo produces many old favourites as well as newcomers. For the amateur sleuth, it also hosts special events like "Forensic Fridays" where crime scene investigation and other detective skills are revealed.
Shakespeare in the Park
Presented by the Mount Royal Conservatory, these casual student productions of 2 - 3 of the Bard's favourites are held on Prince's Island Park (next to the Eau Claire Market downtown) every year throughout July and August. Shakespeare in the Park is a great place to pack a picnic lunch, a warm blanket and head downtown for some live entertainment on a warm Midsummer's Night. The shows are free, although it is good manners to toss a few dollars into the hat when it's passed around after the performance, and there's festival seating on a slight half-bowl shaped slope. Pay attention to the weather forecast though.
For tickets and information, click on the links!
Visitors may also like to take in an exhibition at one of Calgary's Leading Art Galleries and Museums or prefer an Avant-Garde or Alternative Live Performance in the city instead. Families may want to look into live performances by Calgary's best children's entertainers as well.
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