Opening Nite Theatre Society’s (ONTS) next production is Things My Mother Taught Me, a romantic comedy written by Katherine DiSavino (author of Nana’s Naughty Knickers).
This show promises to be a heart-warming romp through all the love and craziness that is family.
Twenty-somethings Gabe and Olivia (played by Kelan Williamson and Chelsea Banman) are taking the next big step in their relationship by moving into their first apartment together.
Naturally, on moving day, everything that could possibly go wrong does. The furniture gets temperamental, the moving van disappears in a neighbourhood crawling with thugs and, amid all the boxes and chaos, both sets of parents show up anxious to offer unsolicited help and advice.
Can the kids survive their parents’ best intentions?
Gabe’s mom is armed to the teeth with extra-strength cleaning supplies and a germ-free toilet seat, while Olivia’s mom pleads with her daughter to “experiment” with more boyfriends before settling down. “How much research did you actually do about this neighbourhood before you moved here?” she asks.
Director Shannon Pedder describes this show as “just so real.”
“We all know these relationships in some way – Parents trying to pass on their wisdom, kids trying to pass it back … And many of us have been both the parent and the child.
“I guarantee everyone will look at the person sitting next to them in the theatre and exchange a knowing glance.”
The show features ONTS regulars Norma Rushton and Mina Thomas as moms Lydia and Karen. Playing app-obsessed dad Carter is Maple Ridge actor Michael Stusiak, who played the creature in ONTS’s fall show Frankenstein.
The local theatre group welcomes newcomers John Dawson from Abbotsford, who has appeared in many Gallery 7 productions, and Julia Austine, also from Maple Ridge, who has performed in many Tri-cities-area shows. Their respective roles are laidback-but-dependable dad Wyatt and Max, the building supervisor with a taste for honey vodka.
Things My Mother Taught Me runs March 2 to March 18, Thursdays to Saturdays at 8 p.m. with Sunday matinees at 2 p.m.
All shows are at the Opening Nite Theatre located at 33223 Railway Ave. in Mission (across from the West Coast Express).
Tickets are $15 and are available online at openingnitetheatre.com, by calling 604-826-6687 or at the door 45 minutes before curtain.
There are two-for-one ticket specials for the shows on March 8 and 15.
