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BC Adventures – Our To Do Picks for April 13-19

This week in BC: Relive the excitement of the 2010 Olympics, feast on fare at a number of new restaurants, shop for discounted designer brands at Nifty for 50, and more

By Anna Dupas /

Credit: David Cooper

Oklahoma! — April 11-27

Some things never get old, and that includes Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Oklahoma! This so-called “mother of all musicals” celebrates its 70th anniversary from April 11 to 27 at New Westminster’s Massey Theatre, featuring dozens of cast members, dazzling dance sequences and a full orchestra playing nostalgic numbers like “Oh What a Beautiful Morning” and “Many a New Day.” Check out evening and matinee performances Wednesdays through Sundays, with tickets by phone at 604-521-5050.



Credit: Pipedream Theatre Project

Assassins — Until April 13

The American Dream takes a nightmarish twist in Stephen Sondheim’s five-time Tony Award-winning musical Assassins, playing at Vancouver’s Performance Works until April 13. The rules of time and space are bent on this roller-coaster ride of a revue in which presidential assassins from different eras meet, interact and incite each other to commit harrowing deeds. Tickets are $25 and $35 from vancouvertix.com or 604-629-VTIX.



Credit: GillTy.

Nifty for Fifty — April 14

Shoppers, sharpen your elbows because the best blowout sale of the year is back! Nifty for Fifty, held on April 14 at Vancouver’s Heritage Hall, features over 30 designers showcasing trendy togs for all the fashionistas in your family, priced at $50 or less. You’ll find sought-after local labels like Adhesif Clothing, Allison Wonderland and Irit Sorokin and more, from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. for $1 at the door. But better pad your pockets ’cause the vendors are cash-only.



Credit: GillTy.

Victoria Harbour Boat Show — April 18-21

Planning to ply the seas? Choose the right vessel for your voyage at the 23rd annual Victoria Harbour Boat Show, sailing into town from April 18 to 21. Held at the Inner Harbour, this in-water expo features over 200 new and pre-owned boats, top-of-the-line products and expert advice from key manufacturers. Plus, check out daily performances by Victoria’s coolest jet-ski accessory company, Island Flyboard, which combines synchronized swimming with water-powered jet packs!



Credit: GillTy.

Party on the Plaza — April 19

Magicians, motorcycles and masses of revelers are just some of the sights in store at Party on the Plaza, a free all-ages shindig that marks the Rotary Club of Vancouver’s 100th anniversary. And if you missed seeing the official lighting of the Olympic cauldron back in 2010, you can catch a repeat reenactment, as well as a Harley Davidson parade, kids’ entertainment, music and more, on April 19 from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. at the Vancouver Convention Centre (1055 Canada Place).



Credit: glenburnsoda

Glenburn Soda Fountain & Confectionery

If sunny spring days aren’t enough to sweeten your mood, there’s always Glenburn Soda Fountain & Confectionery (4090 Hastings, Burnaby). This charming addition to the Burnaby Heights shopping strip serves up old-time treats like ice-cream sundaes, hand-poured sodas, creamy milkshakes, retro candy and pies ranging from key-lime to chocolate pecan. Watching your waistline? You can always soothe your sorrows with organic lavender lemonade. Open Tuesdays through Sundays from noon to 8 p.m.



Credit: Caroline on Crack

Shameful Tiki Room

What’s so “shameful” about Vancouver’s new Shameful Tiki Room (4632 Main St)? Maybe it’s because the Polynesian-inspired eatery is unabashedly retro with its “cheerful thatch-and-bamboo décor, jauntily retro tunes, gaudy Hawaiian shirts and drinks that are large, boozy and temptingly tropical,” says a Vancouver Sun review. Plus, where else in town can you try an authentic “pu pu platter”? Drop by daily, except Tuesdays, from 5 p.m. ’til late.



Credit: Healthfare Restaurant

Healthfare

Since when is fast food good for you? Ever since Healthfare (7366 Market Crossing) opened up in South Burnaby. This eco-conscious new eatery offers everything from smoothies and sandwiches to rice bowls and wraps, available in gluten-free, calorie-wise and vegan options. And whether you eat in or take out, you can boost the health benefits even more by adding a nutritional supplement or a bottle of electrolyte-rich coconut water.



Credit: GillTy.

Marshalls now open in Vancouver

One less reason to cross-border shop these days? U.S. retail giant Marshalls (8137 Ontario St) has swung open its doors in Vancouver. This latest entry to the local shopping scene — one of 21 new Canadian locations — boasts a tagline of “Big Brands. Unbelievable Deals.” No doubt dedicated discount hunters will find the mile-long lineups worth the savings.



Credit: GillTy.

Cactus Club now at Coal Harbour

You’d think Vancouverites were living in the desert with all the “cactuses” popping up over town. The latest Cactus Club Cafejust opened its 23rd location in Jack Poole Plaza, overlooking Coal Harbour. Some of the features of this flagship spot include panoramic views of Burrard Inlet, a “sea-to-sky” terrace and a menu serving exec chef Rob Feenie’s casual classics, plus exclusive new globally-inspired offerings.


Originally published in TVW. For daily programming updates and on-screen Entertainment news, subscribe to the free TVW e-newsletters, or purchase a subscription to the weekly magazine.