Events

15 Live Theatre Productions for the Whole Family This Spring

From touring kids' classics like Paw Patrol Live! to local improv, these family-friendly shows around B.C. will entertain everyone this spring

By Sheri Radford /

With all the family-friendly shows on stages this spring, there’s something for every age and taste of theatregoer.

1. Where the Wild Things Are

“And now, let the wild rumpus start!” Maurice Sendak’s classic children’s picture book is brought to life in an interactive show in Vancouver. For ages 3–7.

March 10 to 22 at Performance Works, Vancouver

2. Gabby’s Dollhouse Live!

This show follows Gabby, Pandy Paws and their friends on a colourful adventure. It features both a live cast and puppets, along with favourite songs such as “Sprinkle Party,” “Hey Gabby” and “You Can’t Spell Meow Without Me.” For ages 2–7.

March 12 at Kelowna Community Theatre
March 13 at Bell Performing Arts Centre, Surrey
March 14 at Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre, Victoria
March 15 at Queen Elizabeth Theatre, Vancouver

3. The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane

The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane

Four actors portray more than two dozen characters in this play based on the beloved children’s book by Kate DiCamillo. The story poses the question, “How long does it take to learn how to love?” For ages 6+.

March 13 to 15 at Surrey Arts Centre;
March 20 to 22 at Evergreen Cultural Centre, Coquitlam;
March 27 to 29 at Anvil Theatre, New Westminster

4. Les Misérables

Photo by Matthew Murphy

“One day more!” The timeless Broadway musical about ex-convict Jean Valjean and police inspector Javert is filled with unforgettable songs such as “Look Down” and “Do You Hear the People Sing?” For ages 12+.

Mar 18 to 29 at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre, Vancouver

Read More: What to See This Spring: 8 Arts & Culture Events in Metro Vancouver

5. Paw Patrol Live! A Mighty Adventure

 

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Filled with catchy songs and interactive fun, this lively show sees the Mighty Pups and their super-charged powers take on supervillain scientist Victoria Vance. For ages 2–6.

March 20 and 21 at The Centre in Vancouver

6. The Trollsons

Mamma Trollson and little Thor. Photo by Ying Wang

Three interactive tales based on stories by Hans Christian Andersen are brought to life by a family of masked trolls. Expect live music, physical comedy and even a bit of improv. For ages 4–11.

March 24 at Evergreen Cultural Centre, Coquitlam

7. Kimberly Akimbo


Winner of five Tony Awards, including best musical and best original score, this show focuses on a lonely teenager with a dysfunctional family, possible felony charges looming and a rare disease that makes her look like she’s in her 70s instead of 16. For ages 12+.

April 2 to May 3 at Stanley BFL Canada Stage, Vancouver

8. Exploration Blank

Photo by Chelsey Stuyt

Improv games and audience suggestions build each night’s new plot, in which space explorers go on hilarious out-of-this-world adventures throughout the galaxy. The show is rated PG, and anyone under age 19 must be accompanied by an adult.

April 9 to June 27 at The Improv Centre, Vancouver

9. Newsies: The Musical

Based on Disney’s cult-hit film, this musical about unions and the newsboys’ strike of 1899 is ultimately about standing up for oneself and fighting against injustice. For ages 10+.

April 17 to 25 at McPherson Playhouse, Victoria

10. The Paper Bag Princess

“Ronald, your clothes are really pretty and your hair is neat. You look like a real prince, but you are a bum.” Robert Munsch’s beloved tale about feisty Princess Elizabeth, judgmental Prince Ronald and the fearsome dragon who kidnaps Ronald has been adapted into a stage show that’s sure to delight kids and adults alike. For ages 3+.

April 22 to May 10 at Waterfront Theatre, Vancouver

11. Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat

Featuring musical numbers such as “Any Dream Will Do,” this popular Andrew Lloyd Webber musical is based on the tale of Joseph from the Book of Genesis in the Bible. For ages 10+.

May 1 to 10 at McPherson Playhouse, Victoria

12. Glitch

Photo by Matt Reznek

In the world premiere of this larger-than-life theatre production, youth get pulled inside a giant phone and must overcome information overload, fierce competition and unrealistic expectations. Tickets are free, but reservations are required.

May 6 to 9 at Roundhouse Performance Centre, Vancouver

13. Doodle Pop

Doodle Pop

Part of the Vancouver International Children’s Festival, this playful non-verbal show by South Korean arts troupe Brush Theatre tells the story of a tiny turtle trying to safely return to the sea. Each performance features whiteboard doodles done live, projected animations and live musicians who provide the score and sound effects. For all ages.

May 26 to 31 at Waterfront Theatre, Vancouver

14. Mamma Mia!

Photo by Joan Marcus

“Mamma mia, here I go again!” Set on a Greek island, this frothy Broadway musical spins an entertaining yarn about one mother, one daughter and three possible fathers. It features ABBA hits such as “Money, Money, Money” and “Waterloo.” For ages 8+.

May 26 to 31 at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre, Vancouver

15. Come From Away

Lively and surprisingly funny, this heartwarming musical is as Canadian as can be. It tells the tale of what happened on 9/11 after 7,000 airplane passengers were stranded in the tiny town of Gander, Newfoundland. For ages 12+.

May 28 to July 26 at Stanley BFL Canada Stage, Vancouver

Sheri Radford

Sheri Radford

Sheri Radford has been a writer and editor for many years, covering lifestyle and sustainability topics for a variety of publications. She is also the author of five extremely silly books for children. Her household in downtown Vancouver is ruled by the whims of a large and opinionated Norwegian forest cat.