Summer’s here. Whatever shall we do to keep busy now that school is not in session?
Watching a live-theatre show is a fun way to spend time during the summer months. You can admire all the effort that goes in to a production, and still be involved. A good audience is a blessing to any production. Be enthused, be involved. The audience – you – is just as essential as the presenters.
The Page Theatre and White Rock Players present “Barrymore’s Ghost,” by Jason Miller. This delightful comedy, a one-man show starring John Cousins and directed by Dale Kelly, runs from July 13 to 23 at White Rock’s Coast Capital Playhouse. Tickets for preview shows on July 13 and 14 are only $10, and the rest of the shows are only $15. On July 20, $5 from every ticket sold for that night will go to the Delta Community Animal Shelter to help animals in need – one not-for-profit helping another. Don’t tell me that isn’t fun. Coast Capital Playhouse is located at 1532 Johnston Rd., White Rock. For details, email visit Whiterockplayers.ca or call 604-536-7535.
Here’s the story, from the website: “John Barrymore, stage and screen icon from the ’20s and ’30s (and Drew’s grandfather), comes back from the grave to guide a young actor. However, Barrymore instead turns his attention to the audience and guides them through the twists and turns of his remarkable and turbulent Hollywood and personal life, spilling family secrets along the way. It’s witty, fast-paced and shows the subtle sadness often haunting the stars of that time.”
Here’s some more good news: After a successful five-week initial run, “Billy Elliot,” that marvelous musical staged by The Arts Club Theatre Company, will be extended until July 17 to accommodate the high demand for tickets at Vancouver’s Stanley Industrial Alliance Stage. The 650-seat venue has averaged a house fill of 95 per cent, with 26 sold-out performances, making it one of the highest attended productions in the company’s history. Wow! Tickets start at $29 (604-687-1644, Artsclub.com).
Closer to home, those with the new Naked Stage initiative at Newton Cultural Centre seek actors for their production of “Any Wednesday” in September. Auditions are July 23-24. Look for more details at Nakedstage.net, or email entertainment@nakedstage.net.