Autumn is in the air and with it comes the unmistakable rustle of feet across the boards, all over 91原创 and across the Lower Mainland.
From the first of what will no doubt be many Christmas offerings to a mystery, a murder and a beloved song and dance extravaganza, local theatre groups have something for everyone as they get set to hit the stage for another season.
Belles On
First out of the blocks on Thursday, Oct. 18, will be the 91原创 Players, with their production of Christmas Belles.
This hysterical holiday comedy centres around a Texas church pageant which spins comically out of control.
It鈥檚 Christmastime in the small fictional town of Fayro, Texas, and the Futrelle Sisters 鈥� Frankie, Twink and Honey Raye 鈥� are not exactly in a festive mood. But 鈥榯he show must go on鈥�, and despite a cast and crew made up of town folk who create problem after problem, and the revelation of a family secret that has been carefully guarded for decades, the feuding sisters find a way to pull together in order to present a Christmas program the citizens of Fayro will never forget.
鈥淚t鈥檚 always so exciting working on a new piece, and a comedy is always a hit,鈥� said director Angela Bell.
鈥淲hen I choose a play, I specifically have the audience in mind. I鈥檝e been doing this long enough to know what they like. They enjoy a fun evening out 鈥� and that鈥檚 exactly what we have put together for them,鈥� said Bell.
The Futrelle sisters are played by Patricia Braun, Judith Betzler and 91原创鈥檚 Robyn Roukema. Rounding out the cast are 91原创 residents Shelly Lewis, Philip Hale and Joe Tenta, along with Brian Johnston, Emily Doreen Wilson, Jeremy Keith Goodrick, Alaina Holland and Robyn Bradley.
Christmas Belles runs Thursday to Sunday, from Oct. 18 to Nov.17 at the 91原创 Playhouse, 4307 200 St. Show times are 8 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday, with Sunday matinees at 2 p.m. All tickets are $15, season passes are $45. For reservations, call 604-534-7469, or email reservations@langleyplayers.com.Visit www.langleyplayers.com for more information.
Queen of Murder
Over at Trinity Western University, meanwhile, there are mysterious happenings as the School of Arts Media and Culture (SAMC) presents Go Back for Murder, from the queen of whodunits, Agatha Christie. Set in the 1960s, this story of murder, intrigue, and romance runs from Oct. 23 to Nov. 3 鈥� just in time for Halloween.
Sixteen years before the play begins, Caroline Crale is sent to prison for murdering her husband. But when Caroline鈥檚 daughter comes of age, she receives a secret letter that Caroline wrote before she died, assuring her daughter that she was in fact innocent. Carla enlists the help of a handsome young lawyer to delve into the past and find out what really happened. Can any of the witnesses be trusted? Who has something to hide?
Starring as the young, determined Carla (and also appearing in flashbacks as Carla鈥檚 mother) is Julie Casselman.
Casselman, now in her final year of SAMC鈥檚 BFA acting program, has professional theatre credits to her name already. This summer she was the composer and sound designer for Scarlet Satin Productions鈥� original show [un]BOX[ed] in Vancouver, and in 2011 she performed in Pacific Theatre鈥檚 The Great Divorce, directed by two-time Jessie Award winner Kyle Rideout.
鈥淭his show has everything you could want in a murder mystery,鈥� said Casselman, 鈥渃lues and red herrings, death by poison, romance where you least expect it, and of course the gorgeous mansion with a host of quirky characters.鈥�
Among the suspects Julie鈥檚 character investigates are a femme fatale, a secretive governess, a tycoon with a vendetta, and the friendly chemist who might be up to more than science.
鈥淭here鈥檚 only one murderer, but everyone has something to hide.鈥�
The play stars Casselman, Benjamin Buckingham, Mark Fleming, Cody Friesen, Charissa Hurt, Jaclyn Lowdermilk, Sarah Ruth, David Shoffner, Liz Squires, and William Tippery and is directed by Lloyd Arnett.
Show times are 7:30 p.m. Tuesday to Saturday, with
2 p.m. Saturday matinees. Special pricing on the first Tuesday.
For tickets and information, visit www.twu.ca/theatre or email theatre@twu.ca.
Catchy Piece
Just across 91原创鈥檚 western border, Surrey Little Theatre is gearing up for their season opening production of Catch Me If You Can, a comedic mystery by Robert Thomas, adapted from a French version by Jack Weinstock and Willie Gilbert.
The play, Catch Me If You Can, first opened on Broadway in 1965 and is not to be confused with the 2002 Steven Spielberg movie of the same name.
This play, directed by Tyler Seib, will tickle your brain and tease your imagination while you try to stay ahead of the twist and turn plot.
Corban 鈥� played by 91原创鈥檚 Terry Thomas 鈥� is beside himself, on his honeymoon in a summer house in the Catskill Mountains belonging to his boss.
His wife of two weeks, Elizabeth (91原创鈥檚 Kate Bergen) has been missing for three days when in comes Father Kelleher, who magically produces Elizabeth.
Corban denies that this woman is his wife, even though she can answer Inspector Levine鈥檚 (91原创鈥檚 Raymond Hatton) questions down to the last detail. Is she his wife and has Corban gone mad, or is she an impostor?
Follow the chase at Surrey Little Theatre with special half price nights on opening preview nights Thursday, Oct. 25 and Friday, Oct. 26.
The production runs on Friday and Saturday evenings at 8 p.m. until Nov. 17, with Sunday matinees at 2 p.m. on Nov. 4 and 11.
Tickets are $15. To reserve, call 604-576-8451 or email reservations@surreylittletheatre.com or prepaid at www.brownpapertickets.com.
Seasons tickets are now available for all three productions at $42.50. Surrey Little Theatre is located at 7027 184 St.
Greased Lightening
A little further afield 鈥� but still connected to 91原创 鈥� Burnaby鈥檚 Footlight Theatre Company is getting set to present that perennial favourite, Grease.
Starring Lucas Blaney (originally from 91原创) as Danny Zuko, the hit musical opens on Nov. 9 at Michael J. Fox Theatre.
Plot synopsis? No need. The classic, hilariously corny storyline 鈥� first love, teenaged cliques, fast friends and faster cars 鈥� will be familiar to many鈥� and so will the 鈥�50s-style pop/rock soundtrack, jam-packed with beloved hits.
From Summer Nights and Greased Lightnin鈥� to Born to Hand Jive and We Go Together, audiences won鈥檛 be able to stop themselves from singing along.
Tickets start at $19.59 at www.ticketstonight.ca.
