For the first time, the Skeena Zone Theatre Festival will be hosted at the Tom Rooney Playhouse where Prince Rupert, Terrace and Kitimat thespians vie for the best production.
“We are extremely excited about hosting the Skeena Zone Theatre Festival for the first time at the Tom Rooney,” said Lyle McNish, vice chair of the Skeena Zone, Theatre BC.
Each play will be performed on a separate night starting Thursday, May 25, with the Harbour Theatre‘s “Toast & Jam”, a one act play written by Rob Shearer. Doors open at 7 p.m. and the play starts at 8 p.m. on all three nights.
The Rupert play is based on three roommates, Betty who tries to win Bill’s affection by making him breakfast, and Jolie who stands in the way of her roommate’s romantic intentions. The play stars Heather Macrae, Chrys Thompson and Chelsea Stamp-Vincent.
“‘Toast & Jam’ has an extremely warm and loveable quality as it deals with the various dynamics of roommates. Heather, Chelsea and Chrys have been working hard to capture this warmth and the humour and pace of the piece,” McNish said, who is also the director of the Prince Rupert play.
On Friday, Terrace Little Theatre presents “Marion Bridge” written by Daniel MacIvor. The drama is about three sisters who come together in their childhood home at the end of their mother’s life. Directed by Marianne Brorup Weston and starring Jacquie Munson, Cora-Leigh Stelmaschuk and Amy Turner.
Kitimat takes the final night with “Grace and Glorie” written by Tom Zieger. The story centres around a sentimental odd couple. Directed Gareen Ball, starring Lesley MacAlasdair and Sarina St. Germaine. A second play, “My Financial Career”, will also be performed Saturday night by Kevin Eastman. The play, written by Stephen Leacock, is about a man’s fear and mistrust of the bank as an institution.
The annual adjudicated theatre festival by Theatre BC is held in 10 geographical zones across the province. Theatre BC has been involved in developing community theatre since 1932.
Actor, playwright and creative writing professor Joan MacLean, is adjudicating the Skeena Zone Theatre Festival. She has judged in this zone previously as well as high school festivals.
The winners of best production will perform on July 4 in Vernon as part of Theatre BC’s Destination Mainstage Festival from June 30 to July 8.
