Surrey area theater companies have announced several shows for the upcoming autumn/winter season.
In early November, Naked Stage Productions will stage a “reader’s theater” production of “Love, Loss, and What I Wore,” a play of monologues and ensemble pieces about women, clothing, and memory.
The company will follow that up with Steve Penman’s “Courtship,” February 24-26, in a story about two elderly men who share their observations of the world’s problems and offer “solutions” where they can.
Other tracks for Naked Stage’s next season include “Small Things” (coming April) and “Steel Magnolias” (June). Show and ticket details are posted on the nspsociety.com websiteand a new promotional video highlights the company.
Although the name may imply an erotic event, it is the stage that is naked, not the performers, during Naked Stage productions.
“Our performances have no movement, extensive lighting, sound systems or props,” a Youtube post explains. “The stage is bare except for the actors seated on stools and desks holding their scripts. This method has been used for decades, mainly in universities and schools; it also has a special appeal to older people who compare it to the radio of old, where the audience had to listen carefully to fully understand the story.
Elsewhere in Surrey, the Royal Canadian Theater Company will present three comedies during its 2022-23 subscription run, starting with ‘Ghost of a Chance’ in mid-October. Written by two Disney veterans, Flip Kobler and Cindy Marcus, and directed by Patricia Brooke, this show promises magic, mystery and moments of love at the Surrey Arts Center and also at the Anvil Center in New Westminster.
The company’s annual pantomime show is called “Frozen: A Frozen Adventure,” adapted from Hans Christian Anderson’s classic fairy tale. In March/April, the production will be followed by a classic Neil Simon farce, “The Last of the Red Hot Lovers,” directed by Nicole DesLauriers. For details and tickets, visit rctheatreco.com or call the Surrey Arts Center box office at 604-501-5566.
Earlier this summer, Ellie King officially retired from her leadership role Royal Canadian Theater Company. Retiring from her job as Executive Artistic Director of the theater company she co-founded in 2006, King passed the reins to Production Manager Crystal Weltzin and Artistic Director Kerri Norris, and will continue to act and to lead.
Meanwhile, Surrey’s young company Pivot Theater has signed a lease with Bethany-Newton United Church (14853 60 Ave.). “This transit-accessible space can accommodate up to 250 spectators and will host our August AGM, upcoming fall and winter workshops and productions,” a Pivot newsletter reads.
For a tour in mid-November at Newton Church, the company will stage “A Late Snow”, by Jane Chambers. Need are volunteer crew members, training provided. To get involved, contact producer Margaret Shearman via email, pivottheatre20@gmail.com.
This month, on August 21, Pivot will host a fundraiser called “Drag Out Your Friends” at Greek Corner in Newton. Hosted by Aria Treble, the afternoon event will feature performances by Isabella, Margaux Rita, Eva Scarlett, Heathen, Batty B Banks and Abeiya Miraj, with a headline performance by Mystic Minx (aka Nathaniel Minx). Tickets are $50 + GST each and include a choice of entree (chicken, beef, or vegetarian). For tickets, visit pivottheatre.ca.
✨MINXY IS FINALLY IN A SHOW✨
Later this month, I’ll be making a guest appearance on “Drag Out Your Friends.” A drag show for all ages with some of Seattle’s fiercest Canadian Drag + A Witch
This is my first live performance and it will be a great test for my first live show 💜 pic.twitter.com/4m5bgGgn2u
— Nathaniel Minx (@NathanielMinx) August 4, 2022
This Autumn, Surrey Civic Theaters 2022-23 “Presentation Series” will hit Surrey stages with offerings from the Triple Threat Theatre, including plays ‘To Perfection’, ‘Josie and Grace: A Mostly Historical Cabaret Dream Play’ and ‘Driving Me Crazy’.
The season opens September 14-17 with Meghan Gardiner’s screenplay “To Perfection,” the world premiere of which is co-presented by Shamelessly Naughty Productions. In this story, Gloria, a former celebrity TV chef, played by Patti Allan, finally reunites with her grandson, Alex. However, the temperature rises when Alex, played by Rae Takei, comes out as non-binary and opens up a “gender” rift.
Also in Surrey this fall, the comedy ‘Menopause the Musical’, which is set in a department store and involves four women who meet while shopping for a black lace bra, will be presented on October 6 at the Center for the Performing Arts Bell. Tickets range from $55 to $65 on bellperformingartscentre.comor call 604-507-6355.
tom.zillich@surreynowleader.com
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