We may be small, but we play big: Terrace Little Theatre tackles “Crimes of the Heart”.
In order to give their beloved McColl Playhouse some much needed renovations, Terrace Little Theatre has decided to downsize play production for 2011-2012.
The playhouse recently got a facelift with new exterior siding along with a spanking-new on site warehouse. Now it’s time to repair the crumbling seating, install a functional head-set system, renovate the bar area and paint the Green Room and washrooms. Not to speak of a massive clean-out to reduce clutter. Thespians easily become hoarders!
To free up time for this work the usual fall production was rescheduled to January, and dinner theatre and the spring show cancelled to allow time for the work and be ready for the always popular sold-out children’s program, Summer Drama Days. The lack of a Skeena Zone Festival also played into the decision.
In the meantime there will be play readings on a regular basis.
To receive notices of readings and other TLT events and member meetings, folks can take out a $5 membership at Uniglobe Courtesy Travel (or flag down a member of our Executive on the street). Membership also allows you to audition for plays and work backstage.
TLT is now preparing to tackle another hit as the season opener and only show.
Following hot on the success of “Steel Magnolias” last year director Marianne Brorup Weston picked “Crimes of the Heart”. She is quite clear she made numerous promises over the years to never direct a chick flick, and happily eats her words. “Things change. I’ve changed. And I do recall seeing both Steel Magnolias and Crimes on stage many years back and thinking, hey maybe I can improve on what I see.
So here we are. Wish me luck!”
Many will remember the 1986 hit movie of “Crimes of the Heart” starring Diane Keaton, Jessica Lange and Sissy Spacek. Brorup Weston says she is not recreating the movie on stage. “This is a beautifully crafted play. The writing is fine. I want to honour the playwright’s words.”
She is over the moon with her cast. Veteran actor Nancy Stone-Archer (“The Watering Place”, “Desdemona, a play about a handkerchief”, “Jack and the Beanstalk”, “The Odd Couple Female Version”) is Lenny, the eldest Magrath sister whose life teeters on the verge of spinsterhood. Robin Hollett (“Hey, Naked Lady, “Nunsense I & II”, “The Secret Garden”) plays Chick, the social climbing, interfering first cousin, and award-winning actress Janine Hamming (“Mary’s Wedding”, “The Attic, the Pearls and Three Fine Girls”, “The Odd Couple Female Version”, “A Lie of the Mind“) brings to life Meg, a failed singer returning home to assist with the latest family drama. They are joined by Bayani Generoso as young upstart lawyer Barnette Lloyd (Bay debuted in last season’s “Bella Donna“).
New to the stage are Erica Wilson and Jonathan Stone respectively take on the roles of Babe Botrelle, the little sister of the Magraths who just got out of jail and Doc Porter, former boyfriend of Meg.
The production opens January 19th and runs through to February 4th 2012 on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. Tickets are available at Uniglobe Courtesy Travel. Folks are advised to get their tickets early. Theatre tickets make great stocking stuffers!
The Club held its AGM in June and changed its fiscal year end to be in line with its season. Much to her astonishment, Marianne Brorup Weston was awarded a Honourary Life Time Membership at the meeting. It hosted the annual TLT Golf Scramble on a cold & rainy day in July.
On another note, TLT is sad to see long-time members Diana Braathen and Patrick McIntyre leave the northwest for Vancouver.
The couple (who fell in love during “Escape from Happiness” in 1995) has been part of the back bone of the Club, directing and acting numerous hit shows. Patrick also served as TLT President. They were recently honoured as “Unsung Heroes” at the annual TLT Members Appreciation Night featuring Copper Mountain String Band.
Di and Patman – you will be sorely missed!
