March 20 2025 edition: Art studi-oh-no

Hey there. It’s definitely spring now, because my house plants have decided to pop up new shoots with impressive industriousness.

Most importantly, my sickly little monstera plant—which doesn’t get enough sunlight for its signature slitted leaves, and thus just looks like a very regular plant—has decided to embrace its heritage, and produce a single fenestrated frond. I’m frilled.

— V.
Associate Editor

— FEATURE — 

David Cross on podcasts, pertinence, and that time he got lost in Stanley Park

More than 20 years after Arrested Development first aired, David Cross still gets recognized for his role as Tobias Funke. “The thing I hear most, if people are just going to shout things, is usually the word ‘Tobias’,” Cross tells the Straight. “And that’s what I ignore.” His The End of the Beginning of the End tour is hitting the Vogue this weekend, so if you see him in a bar this weekend, maybe come up with something more pertinent to talk about—like his podcast, his viral standup material, or what he thinks about Stanley Park.

— LIVING —

Vancouver’s Connor Bedard hasn’t scored in his hometown games yet. Is that weird?

He might play for the Chicago Blackhawks, but the North Vancouverite hasn’t managed to score at all in his first two Rogers Arena games. Is that normal, or is he flopping hard? We crunched the numbers to find out.

• What’s new at Science World’s outdoor park

• Get back on the road. The experienced lawyers at Acumen Law Corporation will give you the best legal support for your driving prohibition case.*

• Whether you're an established enterprise or a scaling startup, find a coworking space that's right for you. Connect with a WeWork expert today.*

• An exclusive offer for you - Save 15% on The Ultimate Spring Staycation! At Vancouver’s waterfront boutique hotel - Granville Island Hotel. Reserve Your Stay.*

  *sponsored listing

SPONSORED BY MRG LIVE & KRISTIN KEY

Kristin Key live at Vogue Theatre on March 30!

Kristin Key is a nationally headlining, queer, musical comedian with sold-out shows nationwide. Her hilarious viral videos—including the iconic LESBIAN NATIONAL ANTHEM—have garnered over 92.2 million views from more than 590,000+ dedicated followers across social media. Using comedy as a way to uplift her community and create safe spaces for comedy fans from all walks of life, Kristin also donates to local nonprofits with every date on her tour. More than a fandom, this is a movement!

— ARTS —

Drew Young: How to survive opening an art studio

Art studio Astro Club opened its doors last October—but, as founder Drew Young will tell you, it’s no easy feat to cultivate a home for creatives in Vancouver.

• Metro Theatre delivers dark comedy with Arsenic and Old Lace

• City Birds make family-friendly music for kids to rock to

• The Improv Centre is hosting hilarious all-you-can-pick improv on Tuesdays, with $10-$15-$20 sliding scale tickets!*

• Dan Savage's HUMP! returns to Vancouver with Part One of its 2025 lineup, featuring 23 all-new smokin' hot shorts! Rio Theatre, March 28 & 29.*

*sponsored listing

— MUSIC —

Sounds Good: the “some order, mostly mayhem” edition

Are we in the recession pop era? The Straight team talks about what we’ve been listening to this month—and, spoiler alert, there’s a lot of Gaga.

• Girls just wanna be done: Cyndi Lauper’s farewell tour will hit Vancouver

• Deftones announced a massive Vancouver show

• And John Legend will be in town this December

• Royal City Musical Theatre presents Dolly Parton's smash hit 9 to 5: The Musical from April 25 to 11 at New Westminster's Massey Theatre!*

*sponsored listing

— ICYMI —

• Remembering Janet Smith, 100 years after her unsolved murder

• The Juno Block Party returns with free shows

• Here’s what the Vancouver Art Gallery has planned this season

• PSA: You can get half-price B.C. wine at Belgard Kitchen

• Canadian booze brands to enjoy during the tariff wars

— THINGS TO DO THIS WEEKEND —

TALKS: Classic film scholar Michael van dan Bos unpacks “The Flair of Fred Astaire”. (March 20 @ Eighth & Eight Creative Spaces, New Westminster)

DANCE: Dancers strap on their skates for Murmuration. (March 20 to 23 @ Kerrisdale Cyclone Taylor Arena)

THEATRE: It’s the premiere of We Don’t Talk About Book Club (no, no…). (March 20 to 23 @ Anvil Centre, New Westminster)

MUSIC: Adrian Glynn weaves dark folk stories from his Ukrainian grandparents’ lives. (March 21 to 22 @ Shadbolt Centre for the Arts, Burnaby)

DANCE: Universus taps into humanity’s fragility in its premiere. (March 21 to 22 @ Vancouver Playhouse)

VISUAL ARTS: Local “painter and alchemist” Jesse Ross shows common nitrogenous waste. (March 21 to 29 @ THIS Gallery)

THEATRE: A Northern Ontario residential school threatens to split apart a family in powerful musical Children of God. (March 21 to 29 @ York Theatre)

FILM: Disney Cruise Line director Matt Grinke plays a selection of Pixar tunes, followed by a Monsters, Inc. screening. (March 23 @ VIFF Centre)

Want to know what else is happening in Vancouver? Check out our events listings.

That’s it!

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