Natalie Hoogstra, Yarrow resident, Catrina Jackson, and Chilliwack resident, Larry Hamm, perform in Halo by Josh MacDonald.

Natalie Hoogstra, Yarrow resident, Catrina Jackson, and Chilliwack resident, Larry Hamm, perform in Halo by Josh MacDonald.

Yarrow, Chilliwack actors take stage in comedy Halo

A quirky comedy-drama being performed in Abbotsford features seven Fraser Valley actors including two from the Chilliwack area.

A quirky comedy-drama being performed in Abbotsford features seven Fraser Valley actors including two from the Chilliwack area.

The production, Halo, features the acting talents of Yarrow resident, Catrina Jackson, in the pivotal role of Casey Quinn, and Chilliwack resident, Larry Hamm, who plays multiple characters in the show.

The production by Josh MacDonald will be presented by Gallery 7 Theatre of Abbotsford. This very funny and ultimately moving Canadian play will run Jan. 27 to Feb. 4 at the Abbotsford Arts Centre.

When the image of Jesus Christ appears on the wall of a Tim Hortons restaurant in Nately, Nova Scotia, the town is thrown in to euphoric chaos. Is this appearance a miracle? A hoax? While the townsfolk contemplate these questions, a father quietly wrestles with his own faith as he faces a tragedy that has left his daughter in a coma. Hilarious, moving and challenging all at the same time, this play has become a Canadian classic.

“Halo is a fun, but also very touching, play about faith and commercialism, how the two are often at cross-purposes and how very real people get caught in the middle,” says artistic director, Ken Hildebrandt.

Though the play explores deeper themes, Hildebrandt is quick to point out that Halo is also quite funny.

“Josh Macdonald brilliantly uses comedy to shine light on some important questions,” Hildebrandt says. “I think audiences will enjoy the characters, relate to their journey, and ultimately be moved by the revelations they experience. The play is really quite genius in its simplicity and theatricality.”

Halo runs Jan. 27 and 28, and Feb. 1 – 4 at 7:30 p.m. with discount matinees on Jan. 28 and Feb. 4 at 2 p.m. at the Abbotsford Arts Centre (2329 Crescent Way).

Tickets can be purchased by calling 1-800-665-8828, or gallery7theatre.com.

Chilliwack Progress