Calgary is packed with great date night options, but when it comes to romance, a classic night at the theatre is timeless. The city’s stages feature spectacular plays about love, exploring every facet of human connection: passion, loss, intimacy, and internal conflict. In this calgary-trend article, we highlight the most romantic and thought-provoking productions you can take your partner to see.
Love Takes Centre Stage at The Grand Theatre
The Grand Theatre offers audiences a wide array of shows where love is the central theme. Here are a couple of examples of how The Grand Theatre creatively tackles the subject of romance.
You can catch the stage adaptation of “Edward Scissorhands,” based on the iconic film. This story centres on a unique young man who has scissors instead of hands. At its heart is the gentle mutual affection and tender feelings that develop between the awkward Edward and a regular girl named Kim. It’s a powerful narrative about love that manages to flourish despite fear, judgement, and obvious external differences. The play deeply explores the theme of accepting others just as they are. Edward, with all his “special features,” finds support and tenderness in his relationship with Kim.
The theatre also hosts evenings of contemporary ballet, featuring a 10-dancer ensemble from Edmonton Ballet, “Tour Rising.” This is a silent performance that explores various themes, including love. It’s a poetic and intensely physical piece that is definitely a must-see for a unique cultural experience.
The Grand Theatre’s repertoire is constantly being updated and often tailored for holidays. If you’re looking for more love-themed shows, make sure to keep an eye on their listings, particularly in the weeks leading up to and following February 14th.
University of Calgary Presents: “Shakespeare in Love”
The University of Calgary’s Reeve Theatre stages a charming and unconventional love story set in 16th-century London. Struggling young playwright William Shakespeare is battling a creative block until he finds his muse in a forbidden romance. It’s a hilarious and captivating show from start to finish—one that reminded the theatre’s own actors that drama and the stage truly can change the world.
The director intentionally focused the narrative around Viola to encourage audiences to avoid comparing the play to the famous film adaptation. The stage version delves deeper into Viola’s journey, her growth, and the boundaries she breaks. Furthermore, the aesthetics and design of the production are distinctly different from the movie. The play is also much more comedic than the film. The director hoped that the audience would leave the show with a newfound appreciation for the power and scope of theatre.
In short, this is a show you need to see. It’s an exciting and funny story about love and creation that transports the audience to 16th-century London. The production offers a fresh perspective on a classic tale by centering the focus on the female narrative. Its high aesthetic quality, sharp humour, and the director’s unique vision make it an unforgettable theatrical experience.
Shakespearean Romance at The Shakespeare Company
The Shakespeare Company is Calgary’s go-to classical troupe, bringing the Bard’s finest works to life—in all their comedy, tragedy, and bawdiness. The company revives Shakespeare’s spirit through both his original plays and other Shakespeare-inspired productions. Their innovative shows strive to make Shakespeare accessible and exciting for Calgarians.
This is a superb venue to catch a performance of the classic “Romeo and Juliet.” What could be more romantic than a story of forbidden love? The directors crafted a dynamic and emotional version of the play, successfully blending classic elements with contemporary touches. The production stood out for its vibrant visuals, energetic choreography, and moments of genuine humour.
We also recommend seeing “The Game of Love and Chance” at the same theatre. This is a delightful and elegant comedy about disguises, social masks, and the unpredictable nature of love. The director adapted the 18th-century classic while preserving its psychological depth and wit. The play received highly positive reviews for its dynamic, almost clown-like comedic approach.
The Shakespeare Company offers many other plays focused on love and human relationships. Audiences can expect lively productions with dynamic acting, music, choreography, and a creative approach to the script, making every performance a unique experience.
The Darker Side of Love at Theatre Calgary
The theme of love holds a special place in the repertoire of Theatre Calgary. The theatre constantly features classic and contemporary stories about emotions that inspire, transform, and test people. However, this season, the theatre explores love as a source of suffering and pain.
For instance, “Dial ‘M’ for Murder” is a production based on Alfred Hitchcock’s famous film. The show is a joint project between Theatre Calgary and Arts Club Theatre Company. The story follows Tony, who suspects his wife of infidelity. This love-infused thriller takes the audience on a journey of danger, deception, and gripping plot twists.
The next show is also about love, and it’s equally complex, tackling questions of patriarchy and women’s roles in society. “A Doll’s House” is based on Henrik Ibsen’s work, which has captivated audiences worldwide for years. At Theatre Calgary, you can see a modern interpretation by Amy Herzog. “A Doll’s House” tells the story of a Norwegian woman resisting a hateful marriage and societal constraints.
The play remains incredibly powerful today, so imagine the impact it had in 1879! American playwright Amy Herzog adapted the script, aiming not to mute its impact but simply to shed the specific attributes of 19th-century Norway. The result is a sensitive and immediate adaptation.
Fresh Canadian Voices at Alberta Theatre Projects
Alberta Theatre Projects (ATP) is a professional Calgary theatre company founded back in 1972. The company specializes primarily in the works of contemporary Canadian playwrights. ATP stages provocative and emotionally charged productions that explore themes of love, culture, and social issues. Below, we look at the most engaging ATP productions where love takes the central role.
The play “Casey and Diana” is a moving story set in an AIDS hospice visited by Princess Diana. It’s a powerful and engaging tale, both funny and full of hope, demonstrating how a rebel princess helped change the course of the AIDS crisis and how those affected by the virus maintained their dignity in the face of hardship. “Casey and Diana” is an ode to love, resilience, community, and compassion.
This season, the company also presents “The Wizard of Oz.” While the main focus is on Dorothy’s adventures with her friends and their journey to the Emerald City, the romantic line is nearly absent. However, the characters beautifully showcase deep friendship, loyalty, support, and unconditional love.
To summarize, Calgary offers a diverse selection of theatrical productions about love, spanning various genres and themes: from classic Shakespearean tragedies to modern dramas and experimental performances. The city’s theatres provide an opportunity to experience all the nuances of human emotion: tenderness, passion, suffering, friendship, and mutual support. Invite your loved ones on a date and explore the stages of Calgary!
