May 14, 2015

www.albernivalleynews.com

Alberni Valley News Thursday, May 14, 2015

PORTAL PLAYERS IS PROUD TO HOST THE 2015 THEATRE BC NORTH ISLAND ZONE

DRAMA FESTIVAL

AT THE CAPITOL THEATRE MAY 16-22

7 NIGHTS. 7 PLAYS. ONLY 99 BUCKS. $

THAT’S A STEAL OF A DEAL!

ALL PERFORMANCES BEGIN AT 7:30 PM

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Thursday, May 14, 2015 Alberni Valley News

www.albernivalleynews.com

Alberni Valley News Thursday, May 14, 2015

www.albernivalleynews.com

PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE: SATURDAY MAY 16 - FRIDAY MAY 22 SATURDAY (MAY 16) AT NORTH ISLAND ZONE FESTIVAL: Portal Players Dramatic Society presents

"Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?"

Directed by Scott Lowe and produced by Andrea Markiewicz.

Starring Teresa Mulligan and Peter Wienold as Martha and George, with Melanie Anderson and Ryan Gander.

George, a professor at a small college, and his wife, Martha, have just returned home, drunk from a Saturday night party. Martha announces, amidst general profanity, that she has invited a young couple-an opportunistic new professor at the college and his shatteringly naïve new bride-to stop by for a nightcap. When they arrive the charade begins. The drinks flow and suddenly inhibitions melt. It becomes clear that Martha is determined to seduce the young professor, and George couldn't care less. But underneath the edgy banter, which is crossfired between both couples, lurks an undercurrent of tragedy and despair. George and Martha's inhuman bitterness toward one another is provoked by the enormous personal sadness that they have pledged to keep to themselves: a secret that has seemingly been the foundation for their relationship. In the end, the mystery in which the distressed George and Martha have taken refuge is exposed, once and for all revealing the degrading mess they have made of their lives.

WEDNESDAY (MAY 20) AT NORTH ISLAND ZONE FESTIVAL:

"Bus Stop"

by William Inge, presented by Nanaimo Theatre Group. By permission of Dramatists Play Service, Inc. In a howling snowstorm, a bus out of Kansas City pulls up at a cheerful roadside diner. Weary travellers are going to have to hole up until morning. Cherie, a nightclub chanteuse in sparkling gown and seedy fur-trimmed jacket, is the passenger with most to worry about. She’s been pursued, made love to, and finally kidnapped by a 21-year old cowboy with the romantic methods of a headstrong bull. The belligerent cowhand is ready to sling her over his shoulder and carry her, alive and kicking, all the way to his ranch in Montana. As a counterpoint to the main romance, the proprietor of the cafe and the bus driver develop a friendship of their own, a middle-aged scholar comes to terms with himself, and a young girl who works in the cafe also gets her first taste of romance.

The Nanaimo Theatre Group began in 1961 from the hopes of 3 local theatre buffs, Roger and Barbara Desprez and Geoff Rogers. It has grown and thrived over the years and NTG’s original tiny building has now evolved into their present 172-seat theatre space. They maintain a membership between 150-175 each year and produce a minimum of 4 productions per season including a Pantomime. They have been fortunate enough to experience many Mainstage festivals as the NIZ representative and have brought home many awards.

Winner of the 1963 Tony Award for Best Play.

The Broadway production of this Edward Albee classic was a shattering and memorable experience and proclaimed the author as a major American playwright.

SUNDAY (MAY 17) AT NORTH ISLAND ZONE FESTIVAL:

THURSDAY (MAY 21) AT NORTH ISLAND ZONE FESTIVAL:

"Keats"

"In Praise of Love"

Starring Caleb Williamson.

By special arrangement with Samuel French.

This original work describes the last years of John Keat’s life, full of inspiration and creative energy. He looks back fondly on the major moments of his life, his work, and his love.

Take an egotistical, left-wing literary critic, Sebastian, and his East European refugee wife, Lydia. During the Second World War, some 30 years earlier, Sebastian had served in the military intelligence and Lydia was with the Resistance and survived by her wits. Each of them has developed an aptitude for deception which they use to try to protect each other from the fact that Lydia is suffering from a terminal illness. The play starts as a comedy of misunderstandings, but builds into a situation of suspense as layer upon layer of comedy and pretense is peeled away from each character and the full measure of each one’s unspoken love and pain is revealed.

Thin Ice Theatre Society presents an original work by Caleb Williamson.

Directed by Ann Gates and produced by Ann Gates and Caleb Williamson.

Thin Ice Theatre formed as an offshoot of Echo Players by a group of directors and performers.

They have mounted productions of “Albertine in Fine Times”, “Cat on a Hot Tin Roof”, “Proof”, and “The Petition”.

MONDAY (MAY 18) AT NORTH ISLAND ZONE FESTIVAL: Courtenay Little Theatre presents

"Quartet"

Rivercity Players from Campbell River present

by Sir Terence Rattigan.

Rivercity Players was established in 1960 and does 3 full length productions each year plus a one act presentation. Recently, they were bequeathed their clubhouse building and have turned it into a licensed theatre known as Rivercity Stage. The Rivercity Players have won their fair share of awards in previous zone festivals and are currently establishing a department of youth and family theatre. They will be hosting the 2016 North Island Zone Festival.

FRIDAY (MAY 22) AT NORTH ISLAND ZONE FESTIVAL: Courtenay’s TheatreWorks presents

"Threads of Change"

Directed by Alana Gowdy

Written and directed by Kymme Patrick.

In this wonderful play by Ronald Harwood, aging stars of the operatic firmament try to rebuild both their relationships and their musical gifts. Cecily Robson, contralto, Wilfred Bond, baritone, and Reginald Paget, tenor, reside comfortably in a home for retired musicians. The unexpected arrival of superb soprano, and prima donna, Jean Horton may complete their Quartet, but it also brings ripples of change and disconnect.

In one of the darkest moments of America’s industrial history, the Triangle Shirtwaist Company factory burns, killing 145 workers, mostly young immigrant women, only six months after a long strike over horrible working conditions. “Threads of Change” tells the personal stories of these courageous young women in their struggles in the workplace. Uniting under one banner for change they joined the International Ladies Garment Workers Union which was instrumental in drawing attention to commonplace sweatshops, and the tragic fire provoked such public outrage that new laws were implemented.

Since its beginnings in 1990 in the Comox Valley, TheatreWorks Centre for Performing Arts has been providing instruction to approximately 250 student members per year. With a very small volunteer production team TheatreWorks has produced six or seven original plays in each of those years. Theatre BC has recognized its efforts with awards for Best New Group, Ensemble, Actress, Actor, Supporting Actress, Lighting and Sound. Encouraging growth of self-confidence while developing theatre technique has been the focus while working with all ages and levels of students. TheatreWorks has been applauded for using original scripts to provide age-appropriate and theme-based opportunities. The mandate of combining education and entertainment has been realized in programs such as Youth Against Racism, Youth Against Homelessness, and Drug and Alcohol Awareness. TheatreWorks continues to be seen and heard in schools, community centres, convention halls and commercial theatres, showcasing human struggles and achievements through varied, historically important, social issues.

Directed by Alana Gowdy; produced by Richard Kerton and Shari Jakubiec. By special arrangement with Faber Plays.

In October 2015, Courtenay Little Theatre will celebrate 55 years of continuous participation in community theatre.

CLT produces 3 full length productions at the Sid Williams Theatre each year, plus numerous one act plays, club events, workshops, and participating in the Theatre BC Zone Festival.

TUESDAY (MAY 19) AT NORTH ISLAND ZONE FESTIVAL: ECHO Players presents

"The Full Treatment"

by Michael Brett.

The editor of a failing London newspaper, in an effort to regain readership, usurps his star reporter’s honeymoon plans by inviting an elderly (100 years) couple celebrating their 80th anniversary to come to London, stay in the same penthouse suite (with the reporter and bride) and partake of dinners, dances, and entertainment amid famous personalities. But there is one problem: when the couple arrives it is discovered they not only cannot stand one another but flatly refuse to speak to each other. The reporter is on the hook to make all seem well, to get them to the various functions and to keep them happy---but there’s a secret that could ruin his plans - and his marriage...

Qualicum’s Echo Player’s present this full length production by Michael Brett, by special arrangement with Samuel French. Produced by Judi Andrews and directed by Gerri Hemphill.

This year, ECHO Players are celebrating their 40th anniversary. The Village Theatre was purchased in December, 1974. Their current membership is 215, and they are presenting 5 productions this season. ECHO Players has a long history of involvement with the North Island Zone Festival and have won numerous awards including best director, best production, best actor, and best supporting actor.

Adjudicator: Dean Paul Gibson

THE CAPITOL THEATRE. MAY 16-22.

7 NIGHTS. 7 PLAYS. $ ONLY 99 BUCKS.

THAT’S A STEAL OF A DEAL!

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Thursday, May 14, 2015 Alberni Valley News

www.albernivalleynews.com

Alberni Valley News Thursday, May 14, 2015

www.albernivalleynews.com

PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE: SATURDAY MAY 16 - FRIDAY MAY 22 SATURDAY (MAY 16) AT NORTH ISLAND ZONE FESTIVAL: Portal Players Dramatic Society presents

"Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?"

Directed by Scott Lowe and produced by Andrea Markiewicz.

Starring Teresa Mulligan and Peter Wienold as Martha and George, with Melanie Anderson and Ryan Gander.

George, a professor at a small college, and his wife, Martha, have just returned home, drunk from a Saturday night party. Martha announces, amidst general profanity, that she has invited a young couple-an opportunistic new professor at the college and his shatteringly naïve new bride-to stop by for a nightcap. When they arrive the charade begins. The drinks flow and suddenly inhibitions melt. It becomes clear that Martha is determined to seduce the young professor, and George couldn't care less. But underneath the edgy banter, which is crossfired between both couples, lurks an undercurrent of tragedy and despair. George and Martha's inhuman bitterness toward one another is provoked by the enormous personal sadness that they have pledged to keep to themselves: a secret that has seemingly been the foundation for their relationship. In the end, the mystery in which the distressed George and Martha have taken refuge is exposed, once and for all revealing the degrading mess they have made of their lives.

WEDNESDAY (MAY 20) AT NORTH ISLAND ZONE FESTIVAL:

"Bus Stop"

by William Inge, presented by Nanaimo Theatre Group. By permission of Dramatists Play Service, Inc. In a howling snowstorm, a bus out of Kansas City pulls up at a cheerful roadside diner. Weary travellers are going to have to hole up until morning. Cherie, a nightclub chanteuse in sparkling gown and seedy fur-trimmed jacket, is the passenger with most to worry about. She’s been pursued, made love to, and finally kidnapped by a 21-year old cowboy with the romantic methods of a headstrong bull. The belligerent cowhand is ready to sling her over his shoulder and carry her, alive and kicking, all the way to his ranch in Montana. As a counterpoint to the main romance, the proprietor of the cafe and the bus driver develop a friendship of their own, a middle-aged scholar comes to terms with himself, and a young girl who works in the cafe also gets her first taste of romance.

The Nanaimo Theatre Group began in 1961 from the hopes of 3 local theatre buffs, Roger and Barbara Desprez and Geoff Rogers. It has grown and thrived over the years and NTG’s original tiny building has now evolved into their present 172-seat theatre space. They maintain a membership between 150-175 each year and produce a minimum of 4 productions per season including a Pantomime. They have been fortunate enough to experience many Mainstage festivals as the NIZ representative and have brought home many awards.

Winner of the 1963 Tony Award for Best Play.

The Broadway production of this Edward Albee classic was a shattering and memorable experience and proclaimed the author as a major American playwright.

SUNDAY (MAY 17) AT NORTH ISLAND ZONE FESTIVAL:

THURSDAY (MAY 21) AT NORTH ISLAND ZONE FESTIVAL:

"Keats"

"In Praise of Love"

Starring Caleb Williamson.

By special arrangement with Samuel French.

This original work describes the last years of John Keat’s life, full of inspiration and creative energy. He looks back fondly on the major moments of his life, his work, and his love.

Take an egotistical, left-wing literary critic, Sebastian, and his East European refugee wife, Lydia. During the Second World War, some 30 years earlier, Sebastian had served in the military intelligence and Lydia was with the Resistance and survived by her wits. Each of them has developed an aptitude for deception which they use to try to protect each other from the fact that Lydia is suffering from a terminal illness. The play starts as a comedy of misunderstandings, but builds into a situation of suspense as layer upon layer of comedy and pretense is peeled away from each character and the full measure of each one’s unspoken love and pain is revealed.

Thin Ice Theatre Society presents an original work by Caleb Williamson.

Directed by Ann Gates and produced by Ann Gates and Caleb Williamson.

Thin Ice Theatre formed as an offshoot of Echo Players by a group of directors and performers.

They have mounted productions of “Albertine in Fine Times”, “Cat on a Hot Tin Roof”, “Proof”, and “The Petition”.

MONDAY (MAY 18) AT NORTH ISLAND ZONE FESTIVAL: Courtenay Little Theatre presents

"Quartet"

Rivercity Players from Campbell River present

by Sir Terence Rattigan.

Rivercity Players was established in 1960 and does 3 full length productions each year plus a one act presentation. Recently, they were bequeathed their clubhouse building and have turned it into a licensed theatre known as Rivercity Stage. The Rivercity Players have won their fair share of awards in previous zone festivals and are currently establishing a department of youth and family theatre. They will be hosting the 2016 North Island Zone Festival.

FRIDAY (MAY 22) AT NORTH ISLAND ZONE FESTIVAL: Courtenay’s TheatreWorks presents

"Threads of Change"

Directed by Alana Gowdy

Written and directed by Kymme Patrick.

In this wonderful play by Ronald Harwood, aging stars of the operatic firmament try to rebuild both their relationships and their musical gifts. Cecily Robson, contralto, Wilfred Bond, baritone, and Reginald Paget, tenor, reside comfortably in a home for retired musicians. The unexpected arrival of superb soprano, and prima donna, Jean Horton may complete their Quartet, but it also brings ripples of change and disconnect.

In one of the darkest moments of America’s industrial history, the Triangle Shirtwaist Company factory burns, killing 145 workers, mostly young immigrant women, only six months after a long strike over horrible working conditions. “Threads of Change” tells the personal stories of these courageous young women in their struggles in the workplace. Uniting under one banner for change they joined the International Ladies Garment Workers Union which was instrumental in drawing attention to commonplace sweatshops, and the tragic fire provoked such public outrage that new laws were implemented.

Since its beginnings in 1990 in the Comox Valley, TheatreWorks Centre for Performing Arts has been providing instruction to approximately 250 student members per year. With a very small volunteer production team TheatreWorks has produced six or seven original plays in each of those years. Theatre BC has recognized its efforts with awards for Best New Group, Ensemble, Actress, Actor, Supporting Actress, Lighting and Sound. Encouraging growth of self-confidence while developing theatre technique has been the focus while working with all ages and levels of students. TheatreWorks has been applauded for using original scripts to provide age-appropriate and theme-based opportunities. The mandate of combining education and entertainment has been realized in programs such as Youth Against Racism, Youth Against Homelessness, and Drug and Alcohol Awareness. TheatreWorks continues to be seen and heard in schools, community centres, convention halls and commercial theatres, showcasing human struggles and achievements through varied, historically important, social issues.

Directed by Alana Gowdy; produced by Richard Kerton and Shari Jakubiec. By special arrangement with Faber Plays.

In October 2015, Courtenay Little Theatre will celebrate 55 years of continuous participation in community theatre.

CLT produces 3 full length productions at the Sid Williams Theatre each year, plus numerous one act plays, club events, workshops, and participating in the Theatre BC Zone Festival.

TUESDAY (MAY 19) AT NORTH ISLAND ZONE FESTIVAL: ECHO Players presents

"The Full Treatment"

by Michael Brett.

The editor of a failing London newspaper, in an effort to regain readership, usurps his star reporter’s honeymoon plans by inviting an elderly (100 years) couple celebrating their 80th anniversary to come to London, stay in the same penthouse suite (with the reporter and bride) and partake of dinners, dances, and entertainment amid famous personalities. But there is one problem: when the couple arrives it is discovered they not only cannot stand one another but flatly refuse to speak to each other. The reporter is on the hook to make all seem well, to get them to the various functions and to keep them happy---but there’s a secret that could ruin his plans - and his marriage...

Qualicum’s Echo Player’s present this full length production by Michael Brett, by special arrangement with Samuel French. Produced by Judi Andrews and directed by Gerri Hemphill.

This year, ECHO Players are celebrating their 40th anniversary. The Village Theatre was purchased in December, 1974. Their current membership is 215, and they are presenting 5 productions this season. ECHO Players has a long history of involvement with the North Island Zone Festival and have won numerous awards including best director, best production, best actor, and best supporting actor.

Adjudicator: Dean Paul Gibson

THE CAPITOL THEATRE. MAY 16-22.

7 NIGHTS. 7 PLAYS. $ ONLY 99 BUCKS.

THAT’S A STEAL OF A DEAL!

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www.albernivalleynews.com

Thursday, May 14, 2015 Alberni Valley News

Players from Port Alberni SAT Portal "Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?" DRAMA

May 16, 2015

Ice Theatre Society from Parksville SUN Thin "Keats" (Original Script) DRAMA

May 17, 2015

TICKETS $19 per Individual Play ($22 at the door on show nights)

Little Theatre MON Courtenay "Quartet" DRAMA

May 18, 2015

$49 for a “Pick 3 Plays” 1 ticket to your choice of 3 plays

PLAYERS from Qualicum TUE ECHO "The Full Treatment" COMEDY

May 19, 2015

$99 for a “Full Festival Pass” 1 ticket to each of the 7 plays

Theatre Group WED Nanaimo "Bus Stop" COMEDY/DRAMA

May 20, 2015

Players from Campbell River THU Rivercity "In Praise of Love" DRAMATIC COMEDY

May 21, 2015

FRI May 22, 2015

TheatreWorks from Courtenay

"Threads of Change" (Original Script) DRAMA

PORTAL PLAYERS DRAMATIC SOCIETY: Portal Player Dramatic Society (PPDS) is a non-profit Society that owns and operates the Capitol Theatre on Argyle Street in Port Alberni. The theatre, the centre of performing Arts in the Alberni Valley, continues to grow and expand opportunities for citizens of all ages to become involved. The main purpose of PPDS is to foster the art of drama in its broadest sense through the production plays for private and public entertainment, and festival competition and educating the community in the performing arts through the study of plays, music and all aspects related to theatrical performance.

Over the past 20 years, it has grown into a highly respected community theatre, due, for the most part, to the dedication and hard work of the all-volunteer effort. The response, through the years, to audition calls has proven positive and proven, too, that there is a great deal of talent, covering all aspects of production, here in the Alberni Valley.

More recently, over the past six or seven years, the Portal Players Educational division has instituted youth programs covering the performing arts. Capitol STAGES is a comprehensive theatre experience designed for young people ages 4-17. This weekly class helps develop skills both on and off the stage, in a working theatre environment.

ADVANCE TICKETS NOW AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE ONLINE and at our BOX OFFICE!

The 2015 Theatre BC North Island Zone DRAMA FESTIVAL at The Capitol Theatre, 4904 Argyle Street, Port Alberni Box Office 250-723-1195

Stages students present two shows each school year and last year introduced "The Advanced Program" providing opportunities for youth to act, direct, set build and create costumes for a complete play presentation.

The Capitol Glee and Wee Glee singers is an exciting educational opportunity for children and youth to learn, have fun singing, dancing and performing a wide variety of music genres including rock, pop and classics in a theatre/ show setting. The “Wee-Glees” range in age from 4 to 8 years of age and the “Glees” from 9 to 16 years. The "Glees and Wees" present two shows each year, one in December and one in June.

In 2014 Portal Players introduced a new musical group, The Capitol Sea Notes, to their educational portfolio.

This group is designed for adults ages 16 and older with a view to introduce participants to a musical score, to begin to develop a vocal range, to learn harmony singing and to gain a level of confidence empowering them to audition for future musical events both at the Capitol and in the community.

Capitol Theatre Improv is a program designed to encourage all age's groups in the community to participate in a non threatening environment improvising, laughing and learning to be on stage.

Since its inception, the Portal Players Dramatic Society has been actively involved in the North Island Zone Theatre BC Drama Festivals. This year we will host the North Island Festival for a week of exciting, professionally presented drama! The Festival offers an opportunity for our community to enjoy presentations from other drama groups on the North Island as well as our own Portal Players. The weeklong festival attracts 100's of thespians and theatre goers to the Alberni Valley and presents a unique and educational opportunity for adjudication of the dramas presented.

The Theatre venue continues to provide both educational and entertainment value to the Alberni Valley.

The membership continues to grow. Programs continue to respond to community identified needs resulting in new participants in each project.

We are fortunate to have so many dedicated volunteers who help to maintain our facility. The support (both physical and financial) of our members and the community at large have enabled the continued enhancement of the theatre environment allowing us to offer the above mentioned program, upgrade our technology and provide the community with a first class venue in which to celebrate the performing arts.