Getting rid of a bunch of her mother’s old clothing landed 71-year-old Ruth Bedell back stage working with a local theatre group.
Bedell knew the clothes were collectibles, and would be beneficial to someone as costumes. She didn’t want to see them go to a thrift store or simply be discarded.
Reaching out to the local theatrical community, she was connected with Brigitte Seib – who, at the time, was directing Home Fries for Surrey Little Theatre (SLT).
An in-person visit not only secured SLT many more invaluable costumes, but a new assistant stage manager for Home Fries.
Since then, Bedell has tried her hand at a few back stage roles with the theatre group, including assistant producer and now her position as props manager for the current showing of Beer For Breakfast.
“I got hooked instantly. It was so much fun,” Bedell shared with the Langley Advance.
“I was amazed at how a play comes together from beginning to end, and I was hooked after that.”
Prior to her clothing quest, Bedell never held any interest in theatre.
She’s an avid dragon boater and said paddling with the D-Fyance team out of the Fort Langley Canoe Club has been her life for the past 14 years.
In fact, as captain of the 24-member team, her current quest has been to get a 70-year-plus team to the Pan-American Games in Trinidad in March and then hopefully to the international level after that.
Theatre, Bedell admitted, was never even on her radar. Surprise!
Asked if her positions back stage could one day lead to her stepping out on stage as an actor, Bedell gave a quick and adamant “Never.”
“It’s not happening…I’m just very shy,” and could never memorize lines, she insisted.
This time around, Bedell’s participation has been rather minor. She described it as her job to find and make some rather typical props for Beer For Breakfast.
For instance, in addition to hunting down an old Jack Daniel’s bottle from a local pub, it was her duty to find appropriate substitutes for scotch, whisky, and beer. Tea and apple juice made for tasty alternatives, Bedell said.
“It’s fun. It’s really fun,” she said of her experience on this and other SLT plays. Specifically, Beer For Breakfast, she said has been hilarious.
“It was a fun play to work on and it’s even a more fun play to watch,” Bedell added.
The play is about a group of middle-aged buddies reuniting for a “guys weekend” in a snowed-in cabin to eat chili, drink beer, and relive the good old days.
Despite divorce, unemployment, and a stroke, spirits are high until Jessie, the wife of absent friend Adrian, shows up in his place.
An epic battle of wits and stamina ensues: will the men win their right to an all-out guy fest, or will a woman be crowned the stronger sex after all?
The Surrey Little Theatre show started in mid-October and runs through until Nov. 17, with shows Thursdays through Saturdays at 8 p.m. and a few Sunday matinees, at 7027 184th St.
With tickets selling out quickly, people interested in attending can purchase online at www.brownpapertickets.com or visit www.surreylittletheatre.com for more information.
Anyone interested in getting involved in SLT, like Bedell did, can email info@surreylittletheatre.com or call 604-576-8451.
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HOW TO WIN:
A pair of Langley Advance readers will win tickets to the Surrey Little Theatre’s production of Beer For Breakfast, running until Nov. 17.
How do you win?
• Click here, and tell us why you want to win. You will be entered into the draw.
Preference is given to Langley residents.
Postings must be received prior to midnight on Friday, Nov. 2, and the winner will be notified by email and/or phone. No Black Press staff or their family are eligible. This giveaway is restricted to online participants 19 years or older. You must include your name and phone number.
