SURREY — October really signals the start of the fall season, and now that we are all settled into a regular routine of school, dance and music lessons, and perhaps rehearsals for community-theatre shows, we can turn our focus to all things scary and witchy.
Yep, Halloween.
It has become one of the biggest moneymakers for holidays. Apparently we spend an average of about $70 for costuming and accessories. Well, no one is more about dressing up in costumes than live theatre.
Vagabond Players presents its first play of the season, “Body & Soul,” from Oct. 6 to 29 at Bernie Legge Theatre in New Westminster. Visit Vagabondplayers.ca/tickets for details, or call 604-521-0412.
This is a world premiere, and was written by Vagabonds resident writer (and puppet-maker and mystery author), Elizabeth Elwood. This is a romantic comedy, but there is a lively ghost involved so, hey, it fits in with the October theme. Surrey’s Rob Larsen is not only stage-managing this challenging new play, but is also taking on the role of Ernie, the pizza-delivery man. Rob has been involved in community theatre across the Lower Mainland for the past 25 years, and we once shared an acting class together. Way to go, Rob. Share the Surrey talent.
This play is delightfully Elwood, with local settings and all – just like her first mystery book in which a body is found by someone delivering the Now newspaper. Love the local colour. There is also a psychic seamstress, the aforementioned resident ghost and a pretty librarian. The cast includes Alex Ross, Tracy Labrosse, Jeremy Heynen, Robert Bowes, Heather Evens and Alison Main-Tourneur. The ghost is played by Jacqollyne Keath, a multi-talented actor and director. It’s a great cast, directed by Elwood. Sounds like fun.
If a resident ghost isn’t scary enough for you, White Rock Players’ Club opens its season with “Frankenstein 1930,” the classic tale by Mary Shelley. Directed by Fraser Valley Gilbert & Sullivan Society alumni Dann Wilhelm and produced by Fred Partridge, this is a tale that should leave audiences gripping their seats until the final curtain (so don’t take young kids). Set design is by Paul Ledaire, lighting by J.P. Mackenzie and costumes by Laura McKenzie.
The show’s cast includes Elliot Figueira (Victor), fresh from his brilliant role in Beach House Theatre’s “The Foreigner.” Gorgo, as portrayed by the lovely Janine Guy, has a frantic energy anchored by Gorgo’s desperate need for approval. Gary Pettinger brings the required gravitas to the role of Dr. Hellstrom, while Lauren Gloanec’s Elizabeth and Brad Dewar’s Henry strive to maintain a sense of normalcy as the situation spirals out of control. Colleen McGoff Dean’s sweet but firm Aunt Frederica works hard to keep the household running while Victor’s descent into madness becomes impossible to ignore as he strives to bring life to the Creature, played by Jerret Schwartz. Chantelle Dewar, Kris Dewar, Paige Thomsen, Lionel Rust and Charles Buettner are also featured in the play, which runs from Sept. 28 to Oct. 15 at Coast Capital Playhouse. Click on Whiterockplayers.ca for details, or call 604-536-7535.
Also of note, the Bing Thom-designed City Centre Library, truly a magical place, is celebrating its fifth anniversary on Saturday, Oct. 1, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Promised are special guests, including the architects, and entertainment by Langley Ukulele Orchestra (which will knock your socks off), Sunrise Seniors Choir and Chris Hamilton. This event is free, and the library is worth touring – nothing scary there, except maybe some of the books. Lots of books, and maybe even some cake. Hope so.
