This fall’s arts and culture line-up in Richmond promises to be an exciting one. The city’s two main concert and theatre venues, The Gateway Theatre (6500 Gilbert Road, Richmond) and the River Rock Show Theatre (8811 River Road, Richmond), will be offering a diverse array of entertainment, including plays, a musical, and concerts by popular recording artists. And since Richmond has many excellent dining options, it’s easy to feast on a delicious meal before the show.
Located in the River Rock Casino Resort, the River Rock Show Theatre is the place “where the stars come out to play.” This intimate space (950 seats) allows for an up-close experience with your favourite performers.
On October 3, 2019 at 8:00pm, the one and only Ice Cube will be performing, bringing his rapping talents and commanding stage presence to the River Rock. As a pivotal figure in the evolution of rap, Ice Cube is a performer not to be missed. Also highly anticipated are two nights (November 14 and 15, 2019, at 8:00pm) with Canadian singing legend Jann Arden. Not only does Arden have a gorgeous voice, but she will also charm you with her hilarious wit.
You don’t have to go far to enjoy a bite before the show. For something quick and inexpensive, the Casino has four food outlets in its food court: Rock House Burgers & Fries for classic diner fare, Zio’s for stone oven thin crust pizza and sandwiches, Chopsticks Noodlehouse for casual Asian eats (such as sushi and congee), and Number 3 Chinese Restaurant for a sit-down experience with delectable options like dim sum, hot pot dishes, and classic noodle soups. Curve Lounge and Patio is a great option for a drink and a snack, with items like a prawn and chorizo flatbread and fried cauliflower tacos.
If you want to venture beyond the Casino, the apron (inside the Westin Wall Centre, Vancouver Airport, 3099 Corvette Way, Richmond) is just minutes away. It specializes in delicious west coast fare, such as pan-seared local scallops, and grilled wild sockeye salmon.
Meanwhile, the Gateway Theatre is celebrating its 35th season, an impressive achievement. This season’s line-up spans the globe, kicking off with China Doll (October 17 – 26, 2019, Main Stage), which centres on the story of Su-Ling, a young woman torn between her grandmother’s desire for a good match and her own independent impulses.
Those who love a good thriller will want to catch The Double Axe Murderers (November 14 – 23, 2019, Studio B). The play, which takes place in Newfoundland, involves two female characters who set out on a wintry night to solve the case of two missing trappers. Terror ensues.
And finally, musical fans will be excited to hear that Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (December 12 – 31, 2019, Main Stage), the crowd-pleasing Andrew Lloyd Webber classic based on the biblical figure Joseph, is coming to Richmond.
Plenty of pre-theatre dining options lie within a 10 – 15-minute walking distance of the Gateway Theatre. Autumn most certainly calls for dumplings, which can be found at two nearby restaurants. Just last year, Dinesty Dumpling House (#150 – 5555 Gilbert Road, Richmond) opened a new location, with elegant, modern interiors where you can relax and gorge on items like pan fried pork buns and a variety of different soup dumplings. The xiao long bao are also superior at Shanghai River Restaurant (7831 Westminster Highway, Richmond), which serves plenty of Shanghainese delicacies, like smoked fish and drunken pigeon.
Finally, there are two nearby hotel dining establishments that would make ideal pre-theatre spots. 75 West Coast Grill (7571 Westminster Highway), the new restaurant in the Vancouver Airport Marriott, prides itself on its fresh, accessible options, like a blackened halibut burger and meatloaf with roasted garlic potato mash, red wine jus, and seasonal vegetables. And Harold’s Kitchen & Bar (7551 Westminster Highway, inside the Sheraton Vancouver Airport) features casual favourites like fish & chips, whisky BBQ baby back ribs with fries and coleslaw, and butter chicken.
Once you’ve satisfied your hunger, you can happily make your way to the theatre to soak up a night of top-notch entertainment.
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