What’s that sound? Is that, perhaps, the squeal of a thousand pigs being simultaneously barbequed, like a regular Texan Saturday? Or is it the nails of a giant teacher, scratching across a chalkboard made of the broken dreams of the indentured slaves known as “students?” Or is that the sound of tires screeching, as legendary outlaws Bonnie Elizabeth Parker and Clyde Chestnut Barrow approach Nakusp at breakneck speed?
As you may have guessed due to the improbability of the first two, it is the last. The Zone Festival is careening this way, and as part of it, Nakusp Secondary School’s presentation of “Bonnie and Clyde” the classic, if embellished, story of murder, escape and comedy. Not quite the regular fare of a high school drama class, but, make of that what you will, it’ll be worth it. There’s nothing like a little crime spree to spruce up any old event, right?
Of course, the Zone Festival won’t just be any old event. As explained in a previous article by Janet Royko, there will also be plays by Mirror Theatre and the Revelstoke Theatre Company.
“The Fantasticks,” taking place the next day as well as May 17 and 18, is a story of two fathers who attempt to get their children married. Of course, hijinks ensue: it is the rule of such things. Promising to be the light, fluffy note before the shuddering bass drop of “Fuel,” The Fantasticks has had a very long and successful run as a Broadway production. With a veteran local company like Mirror Theatre at the helm, it seems destined for success. Here’s hoping it lives up to its name.
The last production, taking place on May 11, “Fuel” is a much more serious story than the last two. While the first is a comedy adaption of a very serious crime spree, and the second is a light-hearted tale that could be equated to a warm towel, or a halfway decent romantic comedy (if that exists), Fuel is the
dramatic tale of a man’s struggle with addiction.
That concludes my rundown of the performances on offer, and if that didn’t whet your appetite, I don’t know what will. So come on down to the Bonnington, May 9 to 11, and enjoy yourself some theatre, partner.
