It all started with a tiny seed –– planted and tended with loving attention –– that sprouted into a healthy crop for theatre lovers in Armstrong-Spallumcheen and beyond.
For the past 30 years, members of Asparagus Community Theatre have embodied the word community by entertaining locals with theatre productions ranging from family-friendly pantomimes, musicals, comedies and dramas.
Started in 1981 by a group of dedicated volunteers, some of whom are still involved with the theatre today, Asparagus has grown from those early days when shows were set up in Armstrong’s Centennial Hall over a weekend for a three-day run, to a two-week run in a professional-like theatre.
“Our community has been so supportive over the years. We really owe it to our audience, and we want to celebrate them,” said Paul Kirkwood-Hackett, who has been with Asparagus since 1984.
“Our main focus has always been to put the best product out there for audiences, and I believe we’ve accomplished that.”
Like many who have been part of ACT over the years, Kirkwood-Hackett came to the area from a theatre background. Previously involved with the Langham Court and The Belfry theatres in Victoria, he arrived in the North Okanagan to work with Caravan Farm Theatre.
It was his wife and past ACT president, Bea Kirkwood-Hackett, who helped found Asparagus, along with others “pioneers” such as George Young, Wayne Ashton and Sharon Wickstrom to name a few.
Paul’s first play with Asparagus was a French farce called Sauce for the Goose, directed by Caravan founding father Nick Hutchison, and he’s been with the theatre ever since as a board president, member actor and director.
“I think I have directed 15 shows for Asparagus, at least it seems like it,” he laughed. “And I’ve seen a lot of changes since that first play.”
A few years after Kirkwood-Hackett joined, Asparagus moved into its own theatre within Centennial Hall.
“We were able to built a theatre in the hall in 1987 from Expo ‘86 grants. I remember the first show we had in there was The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe,” he said.
More recently, the installment of new seats and a $60,000 lighting system upgrade has seen the theatre better serve its community.
“We’ve raised most of the money for equipment through grants and fundraisers. Our community has been so good to us,” said Kirkwood-Hackett. “They really appreciate the level of professionalism we bring to the theatre.
“We also make sure we have young people in our shows, such as our Christmas pantomimes, and I believe the community appreciates that.”
Asparagus, in fact, has been a breeding ground for talent.
Young actors who got their start in the theatre include Chris Gauthier, who has since acted in film and TV, Jenny Young, the original lead of award-winning play The Shape of a Girl who currently can be heard on CBC’s radio-drama Afghanada, her brother Jonathan Young, a three-time Jessie Richardson award winning actor and co-founder of Vancouver’s Electric Theatre company, as well as Lana O’Brien who has acted in numerous local productions and is the current drama teacher at W.L. Seaton Secondary School.
“I remember when they were all young kids starring in our pantos,” said Kirkwood-Hackett. “In some cases, it has been the starting point for a career in the theatre, and not just acting, but teaching as well… We’re fortunate to draw on so many talented people. I think the whole Okanagan is talented. It’s the magic of the area, and it’s why I don’t live anywhere else.”
Over the years, Asparagus has also been acknowledged for its contribution to community theatre, winning both regional and provincial awards for its productions, including four Okanagan Zone Drama Awards for best production: 1989’s Footprints on the Moon, 1999’s Goodnight Disgrace (which also won that year’s Mainstage award from Theatre BC), 2002’s Risk Everything and 2009’s Spoon River Anthology.
And although, it won’t be entering a play in this May’s O-Zone festival in Kelowna, it will be hosting the event in 2012.
“We’re taking this year off to celebrate our 30th anniversary, and we will enter next year when we host the O-Zones,” said Kirkwood-Hackett.
The community is invited to celebrate three decades of theatre with the Asparagus family in the event, 30 Years of Acting Up, April 30.
“We won’t be doing scenes from previous plays, but will showcase the talent we have here in Armstrong and the surrounding area with musical numbers. We will also have emcees who will highlight the history,” said Kirkwood-Hackett, adding food and libation will be served.
“There’s also a dance at the end of the show, and we are having a black and white theme that is open to interpretation.”
Doors to the event at Centennial Hall open at 7 p.m., with entertainment starting at 8 p.m. Tickets are $20 in advance only at The Guy Next Door. Call (250) 546-0950.
