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Here are 6 shows you need to catch in New West in 2023

We're taking a sneak peek at some of the upcoming highlights of 2023.
Julie MacLellan
Julie MacLellan

Resolving to get out into the world to experience live performance in 2023?

New Westminster theatres and venues are here to serve.

We're rounding up just a few of the highlights coming your way as the year unfolds. Check it out and get your tickets soon — many of these events will be popular, and you don't want to miss out.

Hidden Wonders Speakeasy Magic Experience

Experience some magic — quite literally — with two-time World Champion of Magic Shawn Farquhar at the Hidden Wonders Speakeasy Magic Experience. The speakeasy-style performance venue, tucked in to a hidden location in the heart of downtown New Westminster, seats 30 audience members for an interactive show of storytelling and sleight-of-hand that will appeal to people of all ages.

Shows happen all the time, so you can buy tickets now for December (if you can find any seats left) or into January, February and beyond.

  • Where: Hidden Wonders Speakeasy, in a secret downtown New Westminster location (you’ll be told where when you buy your tickets)
  • When: Ongoing
  • Tickets: $50 for regular seating, or $130 for a pair of VIP tickets; book through www.hiddenwonders.ca
  • Information: www.hiddenwonders.ca

International Guitar Night 2023

The acclaimed international tour, now in its 23rd year, returns to the Massey Theatre with another star-powered show featuring Canadian jazz guitarist and vocalist Jocelyn Gould, recipient of the 2021 Juno Award for Jazz Album of the Year. She’ll be joined by flamenco master Jesus Guerrero from Spain, contemporary classical guitarist Stephanie Jones of Germany, and jazz guitarist Itamar Erez.

Vancouver Chamber Music Society

The classical music lover in your circle will be thrilled to discover — if they don’t already know — that the Vancouver Chamber Music Society has a concert series based right here in New Westminster, with a season of Sunday afternoon concerts at the Anvil Theatre. Coming up in 2023, you can catch the Archytas Ensemble on Sunday, Jan. 29; Bion Tsang and Anton Nel on Sunday, March 19; and Jane Coop with the Seattle Symphony Players on Sunday, May 28.

  • Where: Anvil Theatre, 777 Columbia St. (third floor)
  • When: The ongoing 2022/23 season continues with Sunday concerts on Jan. 29, March 19 and May 28.
  • Tickets: Single-concert tickets $38 regular, $20 for students, plus service charges; buy online at www.ticketsnw.ca or call 604-521-5050.
  • Info: www.vancouverchambermusic.com

Ballet Jörgen’s Cinderella

This ballet by Bengt Jörgen is an innovative take on the classic fairy tale. Jörgen’s choreography balances the fairy tale elements of Cinderella with a contemporary treatment of the story. Returning to the original Russian tradition of having women perform the roles of the stepsisters, Jörgen builds a more realistic and human look at Cinderella and her circumstances. The company works to bring professional ballet to communities, large and small, across the country and also has a mission to support Canadian choreographers.

A Dinosaur Tale

Got a dinosaur lover in the house? They’ll be all over the idea of this live action fantasy adventure for the whole family — which tells the tale of a mysterious, time-warping wormhole that has brought the dinosaurs back into our world. It’s up to a pair of eighth graders to send them back where they belong.

  • When: Saturday, March 18 and Sunday, March 19, 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.
  • Tickets: $20 to $30; buy online at www.ticketsnw.ca

Royal City Musical Theatre: Crazy For You

Yes, it’s really happening: Three years after it was first supposed to stage Crazy For You, starring Todd Talbot, Royal City Musical Theatre is bringing its huge, high-energy, joyous production to the Massey Theatre stage. The classic romantic comedy features familiar Gershwin tunes including Someone To Watch Over Me, Shall We Dance and I Got Rhythm. RCMT’s full live orchestra will front a cast of nearly 30 talented local performers.

  • Where: Massey Theatre (735 Eighth Ave.)
  • When: Thursday, April 27 to Sunday, May 14, with shows Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings at 7:30 p.m., plus weekend matinees on Saturdays (May 6, 13) and Sundays (April 30, May 7 and 14) at 2 p.m.
  • Tickets: Starting at $29, buy through www.ticketsnw.ca.
  • Information: www.royalcitymusicaltheatre.com.

Follow Julie MacLellan on Twitter @juliemaclellan.
Email Julie, [email protected]