Originally intended as an open-air concert venue, the Malkin Bowl at Stanley Park is best known for its Theatre Under the Stars program (aka TUTS). Providing audiences with a unique theatre experience for nearly seven decades, Malkin has presented some rather unique challenges.
Over the past 60-odd years the bowl has been open to the elements, notes operations coordinator Mike Mackenzie, so the cast would rehearse elsewhere, then be thrown into this brand new atmosphere fortech rehearsals.
Two years ago the site underwent significant renovations in excess of $1 million including winterization.
We installed the heating [system] [now] we were not only able to hold our auditions there in February, in a warm and cozy environment, Mackenzie explains, it allowed us to rehearse and do everything [else] at the bowl for the 2012 season.
But there was still one pressing issue.
Being a park and being Vancouver, rain and drainage is a huge issue, Mackenzie says with a sigh. [Especially as] the seating area is at the base of a hill; rain would roll down and create a giant mud pit, making it difficult for patrons to get to their seats.
The recent round of renovations, completed last month, included the installation of an intricate drainage system. Now we have confidence that when and if it does rain, were no longer going to be the Malkin Mud Bowl, Mackenzie says.
One would think that the biggest challenge given the locale and nature of the productions would be sound quality but its not.
Over the past five years, TUTS has really wanted to enhance the audiences experience, Mackenzie explains. And we have spent a tremendous amount of resources and time fixing is the sound system.
The proof is in the production.
Titanic The Musical currently playing at the Malkin Bowl boasts an orchestra of 21 which Mackenzie observes is relatively unheard of in musical theatre puts the system to the test and it delivers. The rousing score, dynamic and crystal clear, never overwhelms the dialogue which allows the audience to form a real connection with the characters. The sound system truly proves its mettle both during the rich, thunderous ensemble pieces with the three dozen cast members and the solo performances.Still there are some things you cant control when playing in Mother Nature.
Mosquitoes have been pretty tough on us this year, Mackenzie admits, but our concession stand sells bug spray and bug wipes.
But theres no repellent for other special guests like the one who disrupted a recent performance.
We had a visit from Pepe Le Pew, Mackenzie says with a chuckle, a younger skunk who had a jar stuck on its head.
Quick-thinking producer, James Croft saved the day by grabbing the skunk by the jar, and letting it out of the bowl. The jar popped off and the skunk ran off into the night. The skunk was happy, the patrons were happy and James didnt get sprayed.
Titanic the Musical, features a vibrant soundtrack, at times triumphant and despondent, solid choral arrangements, several standout soloists (especially Sayer Roberts as a lovelorn engine stoker on the doomed ship), and the innovative melding of minimalist set pieces and video projections which provide context and surprising depth.The show plays on alternating nights with The Music Man.Long pants and shirts may be in order even for the warmer evenings as it can get a bit chilly (and may further dissuade the mosquitoes). For more info: TUTS.ca.
