“Bone-chilling and imaginative.”
All Sweeney Photos by Nicol Spinola
Sweeney Todd
Fall 2018
In their first foray into intimate, immersive, and site-specific musical theatre, Chris and the Snapshots Collective team presented Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street. The show was a massive hit, selling out two weeks before Opening night. 65 audience members crammed into a small Gastown pop-up shop, lovingly titled “Mrs Lovetts Pie Shop”. Fresh made meat and veggie pies were served, with thanks to Vancouver’s own The Pie Hole, and the immersive experience began. When 8pm hit, the door of the shop slammed shut and 17 performers plus 3 musicians began a 3 hour musical theatre masterpiece.
Sweeney Todd was blessed to win 4 Ovation Awards having been nomiated for 9. And was also nominted for 8 Jessie Awards and won 4, including Outstanding Production.
“Chris Adams’ production of Company offers an entertaining and provocative idea-fest in the intimacy of a small space.”
Company
Fall 2019
Chris was thrilled to Direct and Co-Produce Stephen Sondheim’s Company. The performance took place in Bobby’s Apartment, a quant little multi-use space in Mount Pleasant. Audience members were invited to come early for hors d’oeuvres, drinks, and 1970’s games such as Charades and Twister. Seated in two sections around the “living room”, on couches, cushions, chairs, or bar stools audiences of 51 people watched 14 cast members transition from party guests to members of the company. The show accompanied by a gorgeous 4 piece orchestra.
Company was honoured with 5 Ovation Award Nominations winning for Outstanding Musical Direction. As well as, 4 Jessie Richardson Award nominations including Outstanding Direction, winning 3 awards including Outstanding Production, Outstanding Costumes, and Outstanding Ensemble.
All Company Photos by Nicol Spinola
“It’s an up-close-and-personal experience that provokes thought, rips at your emotions, and completely captivates you. ”
Cabaret
Fall 2022
After two years of waiting, Cabaret was finally presented by Raincity Theatre. Chris directed and produced the show alongside some of the best of the best working in Vancouver today. The show ran, sold out, for one month on the border of Gastown/Railtown, in an old bank on Alexander St. For this immersive, site-specific production, Raincity Theatre brought audiences up close and personal with the Kit Kat Club boys and girls to experience the swirling and seedy energy of the famed nightclub.
Cabaret’s cast was lead by a who’s who of the Vancouver theatre scene. Over 19 mesmerizing performers in all created the onstage piece. Cabaret also boasted Raincity’s largest band so far, at 6 musicians in our tiny space.
In 2020, Cabaret won the Ovation Award for Most Anticipated Production. At the 2023 Ovation Awards, Cabaret took home trophies for the performances of Alex Gullason as Sally Bowles and Catriona Murphy as Fräulein Schneider.
All Cabaret Photos by Nicol Spinola | Costumes by Donnie Tejani | Lighting by Robert Sondergaard
“If you ever see an offering from Raincity Theatre again run, don’t walk, to get tickets. ”
Miranda MacDougall as Lucille Frank - Photo by Nicol Spinola
Parade
Spring 2024
For the first time ever, Raincity Theatre returned to a previous venue. It was an exhilarating ride spending another wonderful season at 191 Alexander. Parade delved into themes of religious intolerance, political injustice, and racial tension, unravelling a tale that explores the enduring power of love and hope against all odds. Parade’s book was written by two-time Tony Award winner, Pulitzer Prize recipient, and Academy Award winner Alfred Uhry and co-conceived by the legendary 21-time Tony Award-winning icon Harold Prince.
Parade’s cast comprised a veritable who’s who of the Vancouver theatre scene: Stephen Aberle, Erin Aberle-Palm, Zac Bellward, Ivy Charles, Cassandra Consiglio, Josh Epstein, Alina Fenrick, Alexis Hope, Victor Hunter, Warren Kimmel, Tainui Kuru, Miranda MacDougall, Jennie Neumann, Richard Newman, Ricardo, Vuk Prodanovic, Thailey Roberge, Madison Simms, Kaitlyn Truss, and Tanner Zerr all made up the luminary ensemble. Director Adams and choreographer Spinola teamed up once again with Musical Direction was by Sean Bayntun and Dawn Pemberton was the show’s Vocal/Choral Director. The creative and production team also included co-producer and assistant stage Kat Palmer, production manager Bronwyn Carradine, set designer Ryan Cormack, lighting designer Itai Erdal, costume designer Christina Sinosich, production stage manager Taylor MacKinnon, co-rehearsal stage manager Philomena Sondergaard, researcher Michael Groberman, and publicist Ashley Daniel Foot
“Director Chris Adams levels the playing field here, by ensuring everything is played with tongue firmly planted.”
Rock of Ages promo images by Nicol Spinola.
Production Image by Damon Calderwood.
Rock of Ages
Summer 2019
Chris directed Rock of Ages in July 2019 for Renegade Productions. The show filled to the brim with charm and hilarity and an all star cast, including Victor Hunter, Synthia Yusuf, Scott Walters, and Madeleine Suddaby.
Although the run was short, the show will forever be remembered as one of the craziest projects with the biggest hair.
Videography by Erik Gow
“Under the direction of Chris Adams, the cast is outstanding, with many undeniably superb triple threats who can sing, dance and act.”
13
Fall 2017
The fall of 2017 was a busy time for Chris as he embarked on a massive understaking. Directing and co-Producing 13 the Musical for Bring on Tomorrow Co. The show was at the Waterfront Theatre and featured literally the best teenagers working in Vancouver. With 10 out of the 19 cast members already working professionally, this show felt like any other professional show. Ticket sales were record high and the reviews were outstanding.
Video by Moonshake Media. 13 Production photos by Nicol Spinola.
Metro Panto
Christmas 2018, 2019, & 2021
For the past many years Chris has spearheaded the Metro Theatre Annual Pantomime. Panto’s hold a special place at Christmas time for many families and it is thrilling to be able to keep the tradition alive. Below are some photos from both Alice in Wonderland (2019) and King Arthur (2018). Both King Arthur and Alice in Wonderland have won the Ovation Award for Outstanding Panto.
King Arthur and Alice in Wonderland Photos by Tracy-Lynn Chernaske. Snow White Photos by Nicol Spinola.
Chris teamed up once again for Metro’s next panto. Snow White written by Erik Gow Christmas 2021.
A Christmas Carol: The Radio Play
Christmas 2020
Due to COVID-19, Metro Theatre’s Annual Panto could not be performed. So how do we do safe theatre in an uncertain time? Radio plays. It was perfect! Six actors, socially distanced on stage, music stands, mics, scripts, and whole lot of sound effects. We could keep the audience distant and keep the actors distant, yet still create theatre. Chris called up Erik Gow and asked him if he thought it was a good idea and if he thought he could write it. Chris emailed David Adams, as the first choice for Scrooge - he was in. This is what theatre is about - excitement. Everyone was excited, interested, and energized. It was the right choice, no matter what Covid could throw. We could create safety, efficiently, and with enthusiasm for theatre once again.
“You are the light in these dark times that keeps us going. For coming together, to gather and tell stories; We thank you.” Erik Gow, 2020.
Photo of Scotia Browner and David Adams by Nicol Spinola
Photo of David Adams by Nicol Spinola
Need more Info?
Feel free to download Chris’ directing Resume for a full list of credits. For more info on Producing/Acting/Sound Designing, hit that contact page.