High Society sparkles

 

 
 
 
 
Song and dance: The cast of the Arts Club Theatre Company's production of High Society.
 

Song and dance: The cast of the Arts Club Theatre Company's production of High Society.

Photograph by: Tim Matheson , COURTESY ARTS CLUB THEATRE

You still have a few more nights to catch some local talent in the latest Arts Club Theatre musical.

Cole Porter's High Society continues until June 24.

It features Burnaby's own Steve Maddock as George Kittredge, the stolid fiancé of wealthy socialite Tracy Lord (Jennifer Lines) - who may or may not lose his betrothed to either her dapper ex-husband Dexter Haven (Todd Talbot) or the reporter Mike Connor (Daniel Arnold).

Maddock's always stellar vocal chops are in evidence throughout the show - most particularly in I Worship You, when his golden baritone fills the theatre.

Another local standout is Lauren Bowler as Liz Imbrie. Bowler - who coowns the Great Wall Tea Co. at New Westminster's River Market - provides some of the most thoughtful acting and touching singing of the night, particularly with her emotional rendition of He's a Right Guy.

They're joined by a cast of faces, both familiar and new, that do justice to a light and sparkling production.

Talbot, in particular, continues to prove why he's one of Vancouver's favourite song-and-dance men, as his Dexter charms his way into pretty much everyone's hearts.

Another treat comes from Norman Browning's delightfully drunken Uncle Willie.

But it's the youngest cast member - teenage newcomer Bridget Esler as Tracy's younger sister, Dinah - who pretty much steals the show, with a combination of acting ability, singing talent and fresh-faced charm that promises to take her far.

If you've seen either of the movie versions of the story - The Philadelphia Story (1940) with Katharine Hepburn, Cary Grant and James Stewart, or High Society (1956) with Grace Kelly, Frank Sinatra and Bing Crosby - the play won't offer any big surprises.

But it will offer a charming and refreshing night out and plenty of reasons to leave the theatre humming.

High Society is on at the Stanley Industrial Alliance Stage until June 24. It's on Wednesdays through Saturdays at 8 p.m., and Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays at 2 p.m.

Tickets are $29 to $70. Call the Arts Club box office at 604-687-1644 or visit www.artsclub.com.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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Song and dance: The cast of the Arts Club Theatre Company's production of High Society.
 

Song and dance: The cast of the Arts Club Theatre Company's production of High Society.

Photograph by: Tim Matheson , COURTESY ARTS CLUB THEATRE

 
Song and dance: The cast of the Arts Club Theatre Company's production of High Society.
Light moment: Melissa Young, Seana-Lee Wood, Jennifer Lines, Kayla Dunbar in the Arts Club Theatre Company's production of High Society.
Let's misbehave: Steve Maddock and Jennifer Lines in the Arts Club Theatre Company's production of High Society.
In the spotlight: Daniel Arnold and Lauren Bowler in the Arts Club Theatre Company's production of High Society.
True love: Todd Talbot and Jennifer Lines in the Arts Club Theatre Company's production of High Society.
 
 
 
 
 
 

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