a good way out | artist talkback

Please join us for the artist talkback immediately following tonights performance of A GOOD WAY OUT!

a good way out | production photos

Here are some shots from A GOOD WAY OUT, playing now until Oct 15! All photos by Damon Calderwood.

sept 23-Oct 1 | catching fire: the musical

Co-general manager, Frank Nickel and many familiar PT performers have been working hard to bring you, CATCHING FIRE: THE MUSICAL. Be sure to check them out at studio 1398 tonight until Saturday, October 1st.

Catching Fire: The Musical by Mark Vandenberg is the hilarious sequel to last year's Vancouver Fringe smash hit Hunger Games: The Musical. Based on the Suzanne Collins novel and its successful film, this pop culture parody continues the story of Katniss Everdeen as she defies the Capitol, plays with Peeta's heart and belts out songs in the style of Miley Cyrus and Ariana Grande.
** If you missed the show last year, we'll catch you up with a show-stopping recap of Hunger Games: The Musical.**

Tickets purchased online $20 + fees
Tickets at the door (if available) $25

Fri Sep 23, 8:00 PM
Sat Sep 24, 8:00 PM
Sun Sep 25, 2:00 PM
Wed Sep 28, 8:00 PM
Thurs Sep 29, 8:00 PM
Fri Sep 30, 8:00 PM
Sat. Oct 1, 2:00 PM
Sat Oct 1, 8:00 PM

sept 29-oct 15 | a few good men | theatre in the country

Our friends at Theatre in the Country are producing A FEW GOOD MEN, opening this weekend. They also have auditions coming up for their upcoming production of MIRACLE ON 34TH STREET.

A Few Good Men
by Aaron Sorkin

September 29th to October 15th

You can't handle the truth!

The story of military lawyers at a court-martial who uncover a high-level conspiracy when a rookie Navy lawyer is assigned to defend two Marines on trial for the murder of one of their platoon members. He expects a plea-bargain, and a cover-up of what really happened. But, prodded by a female member of his defense team, the lawyer eventually makes a valiant effort to defend his clients and, in doing so, the play raises the questions of what it means to have honour, dignity and humanity in an increasingly complex world.

For tickets and info visit their website.

a good way out | a moment with the playwright

We recently sat down with playwright, Cara Norrish as she discussed her processes in developing A GOOD WAY OUT. Here are some of her thoughts regarding the show.

I was inspired to write this play when someone I loved passed away. I was a child and this was the first person to die where I understood what that truly meant. Maybe this happens to everyone when death inevitably materializes around them but it deeply affected me. I saw this person as funny, caring and compassionate but there was a dark side to them that was kept hidden from me. This play is an exploration of that dark side.

I have always been slightly afraid to write this play, to go there, to that place where these dark thoughts lived. I’m happy I went there because what I found is beautiful and I think it is a story worth telling. The fear came from the idea that this person would become flawed in my mind and that I would see them the way many people see gang members. However, I was able to see them as a complete person through this process. As a dark, complicated individual who was still the funny, caring and compassionate person I remember.

This play is about what pushes us as human beings. How far will we go to protect and provide for the ones we love. It means the world to me to have my first professional production be at Pacific Theatre. It is my home and my family. -Cara Norrish

A GOOD WAY OUT resumes tonight at 8:00 pm. For tickets call our box office at 604.731.5518.

marilynne robinson at regent college

"Calvin says somewhere that each of us is an actor on a stage and God is the audience. That metaphor has always interested me, because it makes us artists of our behavior, and the reaction of God to us might be thought of as aesthetic rather than morally judgemental. I think it suggests how God might actually enjoy us.” Gilead, by Marilynne Robinson

On March 7 and 9, 2017, Pulitzer Prize-winning writer Marilynne Robinson will give the Laing Lectures at Regent College.  I read Gilead some years ago, and it is a remarkable novel. I'm going to re-read it in anticipation of hearing her, then continue with Home and Lila, all three of which take place in the same world.

You may remember that President Obama did an interview with Robinson a year ago, which was published in two parts in The New York Review Of Books, here and here. It's also available as a free audio download at iTunes. That a sitting president would undertake an in depth conversation with a writer speaks volumes about both president and writer.

Not surprisingly, the Regent bookstore has lots of her titles in stock, including the hard covers pictured above at sale prices. Worth a trip to the UBC campus.

a good way out | responses

“ Corina Akeson has a tough role as Joey’s sister who hopes to bring her brother back into the Christian fold. It’s a nicely nuanced performance that steers clear of preachiness although it could easily go that way... Terrific performances every one and a haunting production of an unsettling new play. Developed by Pacific Theatre, A Good Way Out doesn’t show us or Joey a good way out but it definitely illustrates how one dysfunctional family leads the desperate and vulnerable to seek refuge in another, even more destructive one.” | Jo Ledingham

“And, under Anthony F. Ingram’s direction, the performances in this production are strong. It’s a particular pleasure to watch Carl Kennedy (Joey) playing scenes with Corina Akeson (Lynette); both are such honest, responsive actors.” | Colin Thomas

"This is as good as dramatic theatre gets! Don’t expect to come away with a song in your heart and a lightness in your steps. Plan on feeling every wrenching emotion you can imagine. This is reality for real people." | Linda (audience response)

“…if you like theatre to be gritty and hard-hitting – this might be for you.”
“The play’s narrative, offers a believable insight into the ruthless business of organised crime, showing us that not everyone involved benefits from the proceeds.” | John Lane

“A Good Way Out is a story about choices. In life, we all have them and sometimes we make bad choices. It’s a reminder that no matter how hard life can be, if we just take a look around there may just be a better way, a better choice. And if not, we need to look for it, before we end up making a bad one.” | Fun! Fun! Vancouver

“If it wasn’t for the fact Cara Norrish’s A Good Way Out is based on real-life events, it would be easy to dismiss as another privileged view into a world most of us have little knowledge. What she gives us though, in this world premiere at Vancouver’s Pacific Theatre, is a raw exploration of gang life that is at times as surprising as it is brutal...Leading the way is an absolutely transformed Andrew Wheeler. Tattoos on his neck and arms, in his Harley vest and bandana, Wheeler is virtually unrecognizable…his hold on the people around him is believable, and sometimes downright frightening... A Good Way Out is an unflinching view into gang life. It is buoyed by a great cast and writing that is as at times as surprising as it is real…convincing audiences to take a chance on unfamiliar work can be tough. You should take this chance.” | Mark Robins (Vancouver Presents)

"Very well acted and very intense. I feel all the actors were bang on with their characters that they were playing. Bravo to all of them. Would see it again and recommmend this play. For sure." | Lorna and Michael Albanese (audience response)

2016 ICWP 50/50 applause awards

We are so excited to announce Pacific Theatre has been awarded the Applause Award for theatres companies that produce seasons of plays with at least 50% female playwrights! Other Vancouver companies are Shameless Hussy, Mitch and Murray, and the Firehall. Check out the celebration video below and help us congratulate all the talented female playwrights.

oct 7-16 | the concierge of vancouver | ian farthing

PT board member, Ian Farthing is directing a show! THE CONCIERGE OF VANCOUVER opens October 7th and runs until October 16th. Rumour has it you get to enjoy free gelato on opening night!

Vancouver’s housing crisis is big news right now, so it’s very apt that Matchmaker Productions’ newest show is a comedy about the issue.

Playwright Shaul Ezer’s The Concierge of Vancouver follows the story of an unassuming Concierge in an upscale condo building, who also works for a reclusive donor who gives away millions each year to fund worthy causes. But when a tenacious reporter starts to make links between this donor and dodgy dealings at a large bank, things start to get a little complicated for the poor Concierge.

Director for this world premiere is PT Associate Artist Ian Farthing, who recently returned to Vancouver from 10 years running the St. Lawrence Shakespeare Festival in Ontario. “I’m always excited to work on a brand new play – but I don’t think I’ve ever worked on a piece that is so current. It seems like every day there’s a new story in the media on the issue. It feels like the timing for a satire on it is perfect.”

a good way out | opening night photos

Some shots from opening night of A GOOD WAY OUT last Friday! Thanks to everyone who came out and made it an incredible opening weekend!

sept 24 - oct 15 | a good way out

Please join us in celebrating the world premiere of  A GOOD WAY OUT, by Cara Norrish! We open tomorrow, September 24th @ 8:00 pm.

A GOOD WAY OUT
By Cara Norrish

Sept 23rd - Oct 15th
Wednesday - Saturday @ 8:00 pm
*Saturday matinees @ 2:00 pm
**Sunday, October 9th matinee @ 2:00 pm

Tickets:
604.731.5518
$23.95-$34.95

Box Office Hours:
Tuesdays 12:00 - 4:00 pm
Wednesday to Saturday 12:00 -7:00 pm

sept 22 | a good way out | pay-what-you-can

This Thursday, September 22rd is our pay-what-you-can preview night for A GOOD WAY OUT. Rush tickets are available at the door on the night of the show.

A GOOD WAY OUT
By Cara Norrish

Pay-What-You-Can Preview
Thursday, September 23rd @ 8:00 pm
Tickets available at the door

**Advance tickets available for $14.95. Please call our box office at 604.731.5518 for more information.

a good way out | subscriber appreciation saturday

Calling all subscribers! It's time for our first Subscriber Appreciation Saturday. If you are a season subscriber we would love to have you join us this Saturday for The Playwrights Process. Artistic Director, Ron Reed will be discussing his process on writing TOLKIEN (working title), and Playwright, Cara Norrish will taking us through her journey in developing A GOOD WAY OUT.

A GOOD WAY OUT Subscriber Appreciation Saturday
Saturday, September 24th at 3:45pm
(approx - following the matinee)

Joey is a hardworking mechanic who operates as the front man for a biker gang. He joined for protection, but a few bad decisions have him looking for an escape that may not exist. The world premiere of a fierce, compelling look into the precarious world of crime and compromise.

Advisory: A hard-hitting look at the realities of gang life, A Good Way Out contains very strong language. Sexual content is largely suggested though speech, but there is a brief scene that contains a coerced striptease, as well as discussions of and depictions of violence.
Trigger warnings for violence and sexual coercion.

Directed by Anthony F. Ingram.
Featuring Carl Kennedy, Andrew Wheeler, Corina Akeson, Chad Ellis, and Evelyn Chew.

Refreshments will be provided. Please RSVP Lindsay: lindsay@pacifictheatre.org if you are interested in attending!

a good way out | meet the cast

It's time to introduce the fabulous cast of A GOOD WAY OUT, by Cara Norrish!

Carl Kennedy (Joey) - even though Carl lives out of town, he is a regular on the PT stage. Carl was last seen in COMMON GRACE and his performance for THE WHIPPING MAN earned him a "Best Actor" nomination at the Jessie Richardson Theatre Awards.

Andrew Wheeler (Larry) - was last seen in THE RAINMAKER in the role of H.C.- the loving, faithful father. Hold on to your hats as Andrew takes on the role of the ruthless leader of a biker gang.

Corina Akeson (Lynette) - we are thrilled to have the multitalented Corina around for not one but two shows this season! Be sure to catch her this February in CORLEONE.

Chad Ellis (Sean) - we are so grateful to have snagged this recent graduate of the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art (London, UK), to be on our stage for the first time!

Evelyn Chew (Carla) - also making her PT debut! Evelyn has many theatre credits and did her acting training at Douglas College and Studio 58.

a good way out | directors notes

Anthony F. Ingram is no stranger to the acting community nor to our theatre. Recent directing credits at Pacific Theatre include: THE WHIPPING MAN, THE SEAFARER (nominated for "Best Direction" and winning "Best Production"), 100 SAINTS YOU SHOULD KNOW, and PLAYLAND (nominated for "Best Direction" and Best Production"). Here is an interview with Anthony on A GOOD WAY OUT.

What excites you about this story?

I'm really excited about working with the group of actors we've been able to assemble for the show. Carl Kennedy and Evelyn Chew are two actors that are always bringing surprising things to the stage - I find their work endlessly inspiring and full of risk. Nothing is off-limits for them. And Andrew Wheeler has such a power on stage that it's frightening. I've watched him mature over the years into a truly weighty performer who dominates the space. I really can't fully articulate how pleased I am that these actors are interested in working with me on this project.

Also, bringing a new play to the world is something quite special.

Are you doing anything different to prepare for this show as a new play, with the playwright at the theatre?

This being Mrs. Norrish's first play to be produced, I want to make sure that she feels part of the process and that we're telling the story that she wants told. I'm so honoured that she wanted me to direct her premier as a playwright. Having her within shouting distance is a real gift as I'll be able to consult with her to make sure that we are staying true to her intentions.

The story is based on gang life in a small town - how does this connect to our lives now in Vancouver? Are you going to try to draw that close-to-home connection for audiences?

Well, it's a reality that's happening all around us whether we're aware of it or not. I think the script leads the audience into that part of our world that many of us - often by choice - ignore. And that is one of things I love about theatre: it can throw light into the darker parts of our world and give us a better understanding of what's going on in places we might otherwise be afraid to look.

Cara describes the play as being about what people will sacrifice for their families - without jumping into spoilers, can you reflect on that a bit? How do you see that theme reflected in this play?

I think there are big sacrifices and small sacrifices. And they are motivated by many different things - not all of them selfless.  Often, we can't really be sure of the nature of those motivations. We can, in fact, make sacrifices for selfish reasons.  It'll be fascinating to tease that apart over the course of rehearsals and then to see what side the audience falls on as they see the story unfold.

Are you doing any research or looking into any resources to prepare?

Not really. I think Cara's put most everything right into the script. Although I must admit, I'm not at all mechanically inclined. So, we may have to do some research on how to take apart a Triumph motorcycle without destroying it.

to sep 18 | and bella sang with us

There are only two performances left with available tickets, but just in case you plan to be Fringe-ing on Friday or Saturday, Soul Food readers might want to consider AND BELLA SANG WITH US.  It's at the Cultch: Fri Sep 16 @ 5:15, Sat Sep 17 @ 2:45.

I've been in touch with playwright Sally Stubbs, who filled me in on some of the background of her play...

"I thought you might find this production interesting for Pacific Theatre, because God and Christian works are at the root of the beliefs and actions of one of the two central characters. The Women's Group of the Central Mission Rescue and Protective Society were behind the 1912 hiring of Vancouver's first women police officers to deal with the 'female morality issue’. It's an important element of the conflict between the two central characters.”

And what do you know, it's also packed with people from the PT stage - Sarah Rodgers, Sarah Louise Turner, Sarah May Redmond, and Simon Webb (who's considering changing his name to Sarah).

Check here for a rundown of other Fringe shows featuring PT-associated artists. And by the way, those earliest women police officers didn't wear uniforms. But I found that image online, and I thought it was cool.

a good way out | photo shoot

We had such a fun photo shoot with the cast of A GOOD WAY OUT. Here's a behind the scenes look at some of the pics taken last week. 

sept 8-18 | pt artists | vancouver fringe festival

We are so excited to see many PT artists in the Vancouver Fringe Festival this year. Here is your 2016 PT-friendly guide.

THE WOMEN OF LOCKERBIE
Playwright: Deborah Brevoort

After a terrorist’s bomb destroys Pan Am Flight 103 over Lockerbie, Scotland, a battle begins between the women in the town and US officials over the clothing of the victims. In a journey towards healing, the strength and determination of a few vigilant washerwomen bring hope to the grieving, and love out of an act of hate. Inspired by a true story.

Featuring Tina Teeninga (playwright: WOLF AT THE DOOR, AGNES OF GOD), Kate Muchmore (director: CRIME AND PUNISHMENT), Stephen Elcheshen

HOW TO ADULT: THE MUSICAL
By Amy Dauer

Four 20-somethings trying to get their shit together in present-day Vancouver. It’s time to adult the f*ck up.

Directed by Eleanor Felton (director: A GOOD MOTHER)
Written by Amy Dauer (director: NINE)

A DOG AT A FEAST 
By Michelle Deines

Diane is a jaded arts critic who glories in writing bloodthirsty reviews for the shows she thinks are sub-standard—which are most of them. Maya is a starlet who has been on a string of luck and therefore sees nothing but possibility. A dark comedy, A Dog at a Feast examines the power of the fear of judgement, and how we are all our own worst critics.

Director: Evan Frayne (THE AMISH PROJECT, FREUD'S LAST SESSION)
Assistant Director: Susie Coodin (THE AMISH PROJECT)
Production Design: Shelby Bushell (GRUESOME PLAYGROUND INJURIES)
Sound Design/Composition: Julie Casselman (WIT)
Publicist: Kenton Klassen (GRUESOME PLAYGROUND INJURIES)

PETER VS. CHRIS

Three time Canadian Comedy Award winning duo Peter n' Chris (Just for Laughs) are butting heads! Only this time, it's the LAST time! Only one of them will survive, in this hilarious new sketch show where only one of them will survive!

Featuring Peter Carlone (THE FOREIGNER)

THE NETHER
By Jennifer Haley

The Nether is a virtual wonderland that provides total sensory immersion. Just log in, choose an identity, and indulge your every desire. But when a young detective uncovers a disturbing brand of entertainment, she triggers an interrogation into the darkest corners of the imagination.

Featuring Julia Siedlanowska (PT Apprentice; WIT, THE DROWNING GIRLS, director: ANY NIGHT)
Designed and directed by Christ Lam (A CHRISTMAS CAROL: ON THE AIR)

AUX.LA.MORE
By Kara Nolte

Karaoke. Slow dancing. The Backstreet Boys. Moves and words together. Intimate and revealing, transformed by Vivaldi, Edith Piaf, Neil Young and ending with delicious audience participation. Begin with a poem by Walt Whitman, sweetly create connection, witness the struggle to reach out. Breathe a joyful sigh of contentment, dance it all away.

Directed and Produced by Julia Siedlanowska (PT Apprentice; WIT, THE DROWNING GIRLS, director: ANY NIGHT)

AIMING TO FLOAT
By Janet Hinton

At a pain clinic, a new and uncooperative patient clashes with her exercise therapist. Faced with crises of physical and emotional pain, together they discover the possibility of love.

Director: Laura McLean (THE FOREIGNER)

MARROW
By Veronique West

Two estranged sisters—a witchcraft historian and a bulimia survivor—delve into their conflicted past. Fiercely divided, they attempt to reconcile their differences. But a secret connects them in a way they never imagined.

Featuring Baraka Rahmani (WIT)

SINK OR SWIM
By Beverley Elliott

2014 Pick of the Fringe winner, Beverley Elliott is back with a romp through her early years. It’s Little House on the Prairie meets Lord of the Flies as she trades the safety of the family farm for the thugs of a one-room school. Through story and song, she navigates those first big adventures, betrayals, and epiphanies that shape us all into the adults we become.

Stage manager: Jethelo E. Cabilete (stage manager: THE WHIPPING MAN, THE SEAFARER)

SKETCH YA LATER
Looking for a few laughs? A bit of fun? Check us out! A troupe of Vancouver performers have created comedy sketches to make you smile, titter, chuckle, giggle, and all-out guffaw. A show that’s just for the Fringe of it! From the company that brought you the Fringe hits High Life, The Spice of Life, Baby with the Bathwater, and Beyond Therapy. Enjoy the Fringe. Sketch Ya Later!

Featuring Maria Denholme (DOUBT: A PARABLE)

THE DANCE TEACHER
By Gerald Williams

A riveting story about a complex and broken individual who has chosen the dark path of manipulation and power. A tightly written suspenseful story that will keep you wondering for days just how guilty Justin is. Just as celebrities sway opinion and influence the public about sexual misconduct, so does Justin, The Dance Teacher.

Featuring David C. Jones (SIDESHOW host and player)

sept 12 | volunteer welcome and orientation

Are you interested in joining Pacific Theatre's allstar volunteer team? Then join us for our volunteer welcome and orientation on Monday, September 12th from 6:30-8:00 pm. Why volunteer at Pacific Theatre? Not only do you get to help your local theatre community and ensure our shows run smoothly, but you also get to see awesome shows for free!

Volunteer Welcome and Orientation

6:30-7:00 pm - Volunteer Appreciation Refreshments
Meet at Pacific Theatre for light refreshments and socializing.

7:00-8:00 pm- Orientation to Pacific Theatre's Volunteer Program
During this time we will be going over the volunteer program, our expectations for shows at PT and any questions/concerns/feed back you have to help make our volunteer program a success for the 2016-2017 season.

If you are interested in attending please RSVP no later than Sept. 9th by emailing kayla@pacifictheatre.org, or by calling Pacific Theatre's administration office at 604.731.5483.

sept 6 | the box office is open!

Our box office is officially open for the 2016-2017 season! If you or a friend are interested in booking tickets, season subscriptions, or have any questions about our season just call the box office and one of our fantastic apprentices will be happy to help you with all of your ticket needs. 




Box Office Hours & Contact

Phone: 604.731.5518
Email: tickets@pacifictheatre.org
Hours: 12-4pm Tues-Fri (on show days 12-7pm Tues-Sat)

We look forward to hearing from you!

a good way out | first read

Today we had the first read of A GOOD WAY OUT, by our very own operations manager Cara Norrish! We are so excited to have such a talented creative team working on this project.