Gallery 7 Theatre launches its 28th annual theatre season this week with a festival of short plays called Abby Theatre Fest, formerly known as the One Act Play Showcase.
The festival runs Wednesday to Saturday (Sept. 19 to 22) at Yale Secondary. It features two international plays and four Canadian works, of which two are written by local Fraser Valley playwrights receiving their world premiere production.
“If you’re looking for something a little different, something a little more edgy in your theatre experience, Abby Theatre Fest is the place to be,” says Ken Hildebrandt, Gallery 7 Theatre’s executive artistic director.
Abby Theatre Fest is one way in which Gallery 7 Theatre is able to showcase the work of emerging and established artists from throughout the Fraser Valley.
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Plays featured in this year’s festival are:
– Mail Order Annie by Canadian playwright Carl C. Cashin and directed by Danielle Milette. It’s August 1929 and Annie O’Ryan, a nanny from Toronto, has travelled hundreds of miles to rural Saskatchewan to marry John Proctor, whom she only knows through the letters they have exchanged. Running time: 50 minutes.
– Suspension of Disbelief, an original comedy written and directed by James Lam. Life has never been normal for Owen and Pepper. It’s about to get a whole lot weirder: job dissatisfaction, crushed dreams, Kinder Egg trafficking, brick cats, beer for bears, self-awareness, a little too much shouting, crime, and free cake. Running time: 30 minutes.
– Man of God, an original drama by Eldon Letkeman and Nick Lucky and directed by Letkeman. Ryan Everett is a man who seemingly wants for nothing. He’s a successful pastor of a successful church. But underneath it all, the shame and guilt of hidden things brings nothing but doubt. Running time: 30 minutes.
– Harlequin Rhapsody, a play by Dave Hudson and directed by Chris Taylor. A Harlequin street performer’s life is turned upside down after discovering that their ex is dying and is asking to be forgotten. A show filled with love, humour, and pathos. Running time: 20 minutes.
– Reflections by Canadian playwright Jennifer Kersley and directed by Rebecca Laurenti. Based on true stories, three characters attempt to unravel their hopes, insecurities, and fears while facing the humbling realities of homelessness. Running time: 30 minutes.
– Sorry, Wrong Number by Lucille Fletcher and directed by Sue Backs. Set in New York, this 1943 thriller was described by Orson Welles as “the greatest radio script ever written.” Running time: 30 minutes.
Tickets for Abby Theatre Fest are $15 per show or $40 for a festival pass that includes admission to all six shows.
Visit gallery7theatre.com for more information on each play and the complete schedule.
