Teenage Dick, a cross between teen comedy Mean Girls and Shakespeare’s iconic Richard III, is next in the Arts Club Theatre’s current season lineup. This deliciously witty show will be performed at the Newmont Stage at the BMO Theatre Centre from February 9 to March 5.
Life at Roseland High School is less than ideal for 17-year-old outsider Richard Gloucester. Teased for his cerebral palsy—and oddly Shakespearean way of speaking—he makes it his mission to get revenge in the only way possible: running for senior class president.
But as his determination to beat out the competition leads him down a terrifying path, Richard is faced with the ultimate decision: Between being feared or being loved. Taking a modern stance on disability, perception and status, this darkly comedic reimagining of Richard III asks what is at stake when we let our ambitions take over.
Arts Club’s Artistic Director and Teenage Dick director Ashlie Corcoran is “thrilled to be directing this piece, with Christopher Imbrosciano—who played John in our 2019 production of Cost of Living—as the lead. There’s something for everyone in this piece, whether you love Shakespeare or are a Tina Fey or John Hughes fan—there are so many Easter eggs to enjoy. The play truly dazzles, delights, and with alacrity brings us to a shocking conclusion.”
The Arts Club is also working with its Accessibility Coordinator, Amy Amantea, on several events to complement Teenage Dick. On February 26, the Arts Club will hold Crip Cabaret: A Reclamation!, hosted by Amantea, a creator/performer who lives with legal blindness, neurodiversity, chronic illness and pain.
This one-night event will feature artists from the disability community showcasing their talent. Come experience disability art and justice through song, poetry, monologues, and more.
Look for the Disability Artists Market in the Newmont Stage atrium, where five local artists who live with various disabilities will exhibit their artwork (the market will also be held at select performances of Teenage Dick). There will also be a Relaxed Performance on March 4, designed for anyone who might benefit from a more casual audience environment.
Teenage Dick
Dates: February 9 to March 5, 2023
Times: Tue.–Thu., 7:30 PM; Fri. & Sat., 8 PM, Wed., 1:30 PM; Sat. & Sun., 2 PM
Venue: Newmont Stage at the BMO Theatre Centre, 162 West 1st Avenue, Vancouver
Tickets: From $25; available online
Christopher Imbrosciano photos by David Cooper.
