"A musical High" —The Province [Read More]

"A charming and refreshing night out and plenty of reasons to leave the theatre humming" —Julie MacLellan, The Record [Read More]

"A delightful performance" —Ed Farolan, Review Vancouver [Read More]

"An unashamed champagne-fuelled cocktail of comedy, romance and music" —The British Theatre Guide

"The music alone is a joy" —Londonist

"Old favourites, and timeless classics such as ‘Who Wants to Be a Millionaire,’ ‘I Love Paris,’ ‘Just One of Those Things,’ ‘Well Did You Evah?’ and ‘It’s All Right with Me’ are simply great songs with strong, hummable tunes which can’t fail to impress" —The London Theatre Guide
 

Audience Comments

"Yet another wonderful and enjoyable production!! Excellent cast...including Norman Browning and all the fresh young faces—such energy and spirit. We do enjoy the Arts Club, and will be getting our subscription for next year soon.... Looking forward to seeing Buddy Holly story in August"
—Bruce, Vancouver

"Wasn't sure what to expect- but was thrilled with the Arts Club production of High Society. The theatre filled with melodies well-loved. The actors gave it their all and their performances touched me in a deep way, somehow it was as though someone higher was speaking through them to my heart. Thanks again Arts Club for an enJOYable afternoon"
—Margie, Langley

"Wonderful production! Funny and great music. Everyone should make an effort to see High Society!"
—Agnes

"A delightful, heartwarming performance. Strong voices of unexpected range and feeling. Great costumes. Clever set!! Hilarious characters and crazy comedy of errors. A lovely evening of old fashioned entertainment"
—Jill, North Vancouver

"What a Flamboyant Excursion through the Intoxiating Topic of Love. We have all been there, torn between love that is expected and accepted vs. love that truly makes us HAP..HAP..HAPPY!! Carrying with it the risk of making a complete fool of oneself! Just taking that step may give you a free passage on "True Love!" Glorious"
—Stenvne, Maple Ridge

"If you love Cole Porter, even if you don't, pick up the phone and order your ticket! This sparkling production has it all. The cast is sublime and all are perfect in their roles. The multi-talented Jennifer Lines is more Katharine Hepburn than Grace Kelly, and the blending of the 1939 Philadelphia Story and the 1956 movie is beautifully done. Norman Browning's Uncle Willie is worth the admission, and wait till you see Bridget Esler! This 12 year old nearly steals the show and will knock your socks off. Kudos to everyone involved. Prepare to be charmed and delighted—what a swellegant, elegant party it is!"
—Donia, Delta

"One of the things we consistently value in Arts Club musical productions (this year, High Society but also White Christmas) is the high standard of dancing as well as singing (style really matters). The fine acting alone wouldn't have been enough. We also appreciate the high quality of the music and, goodness knows, of the costumes and sets, that the Arts Club is able to maintain. And in High Society, we very much enjoyed what looked to us like a definite whiff of William Powell about Dexter"
—Jane, Vancouver

"Very well-done! It was extremely entertaining and as much fun as when I first saw the movie many, many years ago. The best show of this season in our opinion"
—Wayne, Delta

"What a wonderful performance by all. The best show of the Season. The orchestra was particularly good. The sets good as well and the singing!! Incomparable"
—Sheena, Richmond

"We all enjoyed it very much. Everything about it was just first-rate. Thanks to all the wonderful cast members and all those behind the scenes"
—Roger and Myrna

"Funny, good singing, great band...lots of fun!"
—Harri, West Vancouver

"Another smash hit! The shows get better and better. Keep up the good work!"
—Carol

"We thoroughly enjoyed the show. It was fast-paced with loads of energy in the songs and dances. Everyone in the cast gave a superb performance. A pleasure to watch"
—Elaine, North Vancouver

"Highly recommend seeing this one. I have told people to see it. If you like music, this is the one to see"
—Glenda, Surrey

"Fabulous—loved every sweet moment and will be back to enjoy it again. Performances, music, sets, costumes—everything is superb. (Applause)"
—Judy, Vancouver

"The whole experience was fabulous. We took our 18 year old daughter and she loves singing. The sets, the actors, the music and singing was great. We look forward to our next visit to your theatre in July for the Buddy Holly Story"
—Peter

"I really enjoyed the production! Even though it is an old movie, the themes still were applicable today. I enjoyed Jennifer Lines's character development and thought the casting was excellent. Loved Steve Maddock's voice. Great production!"
—Susan

"I just loved this. I am not familiar with the movie it is being compared to, and would not compare it anyway. I have been a season ticket holder for some years now and recently signed up for next season. I think you guys do a great job and look forward to more"
—Rikke, North Vancouver

"My husband and I really enjoyed the production. It was similar enough to the original movie to evoke memories, but different enough that the cast provided a unique experience. All in all, a gentle, humorous and entertaining musical!"
—Lynda

"Gosh it was GREAT. The BEST of the season for us. I'm still humming "True Love." Can't wait ‘till next season. Keep up the good work!!!"
—Harry and Jean, Surrey

"As always, a professional production. The energy of the actors, set designers, musicians, and staff create a wonderful escape. Thank you"
—Paulo, Coquitlam

"As usual, an excellent presentation at the Stanley. I saw the movie when it first came out and loved it so Sunday's matinee was a trip down memory lane and I wasn't disappointed. Of course, there were changes but none detracted from the story or the flow of the play. Many thanks to all who were involved. Many thanks also to the staff and volunteers at the Stanley who so efficiently and patiently deal with patrons. It is a pleasure to hold season's tickets"
—Lynne, Richmond

"The set was fabulous, the singing wonderful, the actors able to bring out one’s emotions of empathy, love and laughter. A great play and yes, definitely to be recommended"
—Tannis, Aldergrove

"High Society was "high" in every way! An evening of total fun, wonderful music and dance—I would say, don't miss it!"
—Patricia

"We had a wonderful time last night at High Society! An all 'round wonderful production full of fun and great music!"
—Muff, Squamish

"High Society has always been one of my favourite musicals but it is now my MOST favourite! I was concerned that I was going to be disappointed with this version, but I wasn’t at all. What a delight, how wonderful! Well done!"
—Clare, Surrey

"A pox on all critics! High Society is absolutely delightful"
—Elizabeth, Surrey

"Being a big fan of the movie, I was unsure what to expect of a play adaptation, but I was pleasantly surprised. The story line held true to the original, the new songs were well-suited to the play and I thought a great job was done by all. Thoroughly enjoyed it, as did my 88 and 90 year old companions!"
—Brenda

"Very enjoyable!"
—Lea

"IT WAS AWESOME…. SO ENJOYED EVERY MINUTE!! WELL DONE ACTORS!"
—June

"In a word: ‘s wonderful (I know, I know, quoting Gershwin for a Porter musical, but if the shoe fits...). A fantastic cast (we always enjoy Todd Talbot's performances and were enchanted by Jennifer Lines’ performance). The pacing is superb and the humour spot on. 's marvellous (oops, I did it again)"
—Robb, New Westminster

"Enjoyed all the performers and performances! Really fun to go back to a 'simpler' time! Keep those musicals coming! Also, very much enjoyed the UBC music prof with the Sunday coffee / chat. He was very interesting and engaging. Always good to learn something!"
—Jeanette

"Our entire family went to see this production on Sunday. It was amazing, colorful and upbeat. Beautiful costumes, shiny, sparkly. Great performance"
—Susie, Surrey

"My friends and I went to a matinee of High Society as a gift for one of the friend’s birthday. It was excellent! The singing, dancing, costumes, sets were perfect and the cast were outstanding. Great afternoon and thank you all again for your hard work and passion"
—Denise, Delta

"A lovely vintage entertaining musical! A beautiful presentation of the ‘salon orchestra’ during ‘Let's Misbehave’!! Loved every minute of the whole show!"
—Mary-Louise, Victoria

"What a fabulous season! We enjoyed every production. The musicals are always a hit and they always fill the theatre because everyone leaves the theatre with joy in their heart! THANK YOU"
—Eve, North Vancouver

"From the moment the curtain went up I felt the energy of this performance of High Society. The play is not new to me but High Energy always is. This one exceeded all my expectations. Thank you for delivering the goods to someone who drives up from Seattle to attend your theatre. It is a drive always worth taking"
—Eric, Mercer Island, WA

"Funny, Beautiful Singing, Dancing. Great Story Line. Probably the best production we have seen this year. Recognized three songs that I hadn't heard in years. Enthusiastic, Motivated, Energized. Thanks"
—John, Vancouver

"The show was amazing, the cast was great. We had a great time"
—Sofia

"We Loved this musical and thought the singing and acting were excellent. Always have enjoyed the music of Cole Porter"
—Johanna, New Westminster

"The performance was very good and most enjoyable. The actors/singers did a great job"
—Betty, Surrey

Behind The Scenes

Introducing High Society

Swellegant songs from a sensational composer

High Society brings the 1930s glam

Well, did you evah see such a beautiful set?

 

Artistic team

Music and lyrics by Cole Porter
Book by Arthur Kopit
Starring Jennifer Lines, Todd Talbot, Daniel Arnold, Lauren Bowler, Norman Browning, Nicola Lipman, Steve Maddock, and Sean Allan, Kayla Dunbar, Brandyn Eddy, Bridget Esler, Timothy Gledhill, Seana-Lee Wood, Melissa Young
Director Bill Millerd
Musical Director Ken Cormier
Choreographer Valerie Easton
Set Designer Alison Green
Costume Designer Phillip Clarkson
Lighting Designer Marsha Sibthorpe
Sound Designer Andrew Tugwell
Stage Manager Caryn Fehr
Assistant Stage Manager Anne Taylor

Downloads

Bill's Notes for High Society

House Programme