top ten thousand | photos

Here's some of our shots for TOP TEN THOUSAND OF ALL TIME.

Nov 22-23 | TWU SAMC | Music from the Movies

Our friends at TWU are presenting a night of music from the movies, spanning Beethoven to Star Wars, Indiana Jones to Pixar.

7:30pm concerts:
Nov 22nd at Peace Lutheran Church (2029 Ware Street, Abbotsford)
Nov 23rd at Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church (20097 72nd Avenue, Langley)

Conducted by Allan Thorpe, the 40 piece SAMC Concert Band will begin the evening with the memorable 20th Century Fox fanfare arranged by Abbotsford’s Bill Workman (TWU alumnus) and follow up highlights and selections from, or inspirations for, Star Wars, Indiana Jones, Jaws, Pirates of the Caribbean, Cool Runnings or 2001: A Space Odyssey, The King’s Speech; and the iconic “Flower Duet” featuring vocal soloists Krystal McEwan and Karina Pelaya.

Admission by Donation.
More information.

original top ten thousand poster | dirk van stralen

coming soon

nov 20-23

subscribe before communion closes!

Our 30th anniversary season has just begun, and we’ve already had two hit shows! THE FOREIGNER closed last month to sold out houses and lengthy waiting lists.  COMMUNION is selling fast and getting rave reviews: “funny, sad, complicated, and quietly beautiful“ (The Georgia Straight), and “a painfully heartfelt, rivetingly funny and emotionally raw show that gets under your skin” (The Charlesbois Post).

Yes, we're bragging a little, but really we just want to make sure you don't miss out on including COMMUNION in your subscription package just because it passed you by.  There is a lot more to come this season, and we want you to be a part of it.

Still available are 6-show Super Passes and 4-show Sampler Passes.  Take your pick of the 8 remaining shows this season and get in to COMMUNION while you can.  Plus, there are lots of subscriber benefits to take advantage of.

Subscribe this week and make it into COMMUNION while you still can!  To subscribe just go to our easy online form or call the box office at 604.731.5518.

communion | responses

"Leda in one of her rants says the phrase “appointments made long ago”. We know that we have that final appointment – death – that none of us can ignore. However, in between, are many little appointments – running into a friend you haven’t seen in years, or talking with a stranger on the path. How can you bless others in your encounters (appointments) with them?" | Kim Alexis, audience response

"This play is one of the very best I have seen in a very long time. The acting, the story line, and the ambiance of the theatre all made for a great show. I highly recommend it as a must see play." | Sean Sheriland, audience response

"A compelling and moving production – inspired acting, provocative themes and points of view, excellent character development and questions that tease the mind for days afterward. Theatre doesn’t get any better than this!" | Colleen Cruikshank, audience responses

"Thanks to director Roy Surette and the cast and crew of Communion for creating such an engaging and stimulating night at the theatre. There’s a familiarity to the characters, relationships, conversations, and themes of Communion which is easy to relate to and where the viewer can hear her own voice or see someone she knows. If you are looking for theatre that both entertains and challenges, be sure to visit Pacific Theatre for Communion." | Carol Heynan, The MB Herald

"The intimate playing space of the small Pacific Theatre is the perfect setting for Daniel MacIvor’s sensitive and thoughtful play, as the seating is so close that one feels as one is almost on the stage, sharing in the emotional experience. MacIvor has crafted three powerful female protagonists and all three actors gave stellar performances." | Review from the House

"Communion is funny, sad, complicated, and quietly beautiful. Daniel MacIvor’s script is a spare, emotionally rich, and mordantly funny exploration of belief and connection." | Kathleen Oliver, The Georgia Straight

"Canadian playwright Daniel MacIvor gets under the skin of his characters Leda, Annie and Carolyn with such intensity that Communion brought me close to tears. … Under Roy Surette’s intelligent and sensitive direction, these are three superb performances. … Presented by Pacific Theatre, this Ruby Slippers Theatre production is courageous in its exploration of what it means to live – and die – consciously." Jo Ledingham, Vancouver Courier/JoLedingham.com

"What dynamic actresses they are and how wonderful for them that Mr. MacIvor has written not only such rich and raw dialogue but each character has an involving and satisfying arc. Diane Brown as Leda finds the pain and sadness and deftly covers it with a caustic tongue. She is so beaten and sick in her first scene it is a shock when the character suddenly stands revealing Ms. Brown’s statuesque proportions. Kerry Sandomirsky brings a warm professionalism to her therapist but you can see the conflicts just under the surface revealing she might not be the best at her job. Marci Nestman as the many layered Annie mines them all: convicted criminal, former drug addict, religious zealot and it is to her credit that you can see all of them swirling around in her in an intoxicating blend. How wonderful it is to have Roy Surette back in Vancouver to direct this Ruby Slippers / Pacific Theatre co-production; he has helped craft a painfully heartfelt, rivetingly funny and emotionally raw show that gets under your skin. Open the door, it’s pretty stunning. " | David C. Jones, The Charlebois Post

"We would both recommend Communion for its fine acting and humourous moments (a well-received Ledaism: “Are you wearing a sarcasm filter today?”)." | Ariane Colenbrander, Vancouverscape

nov 2-30 | moon over buffalo | julie casselman

Julie Casselman was last on the PT stage in THE GREAT DIVORCE. Catch her now starring in A MOON OVER BUFFALO at the Metro Theatre.

November 2-30 at 8pm
Metro Theatre (1370 SW Marine Dr.)

Moon Over Buffalo centres on two fading stars of the 1950's. On the brink of a disastrous split-up caused by George’s alleged indiscretion with a young ingénue, they receive word that they might just have one last shot at stardom: Frank Capra is coming to town to see their matinée, and if he likes what he sees, he might cast them in his movie remake of The Scarlet Pimpernel. Unfortunately for George and Charlotte, everything that could go wrong does go wrong as confusion surrounds everyone who enters the theatre: the Hays’ stage manager, their lawyer, their visiting daughter and her clueless fiancé, and Charlotte’s aging, deaf mother who hates every bone in George’s body. The show must go on, of course, but at curtain time one question remains: exactly which play are they performing?

Tickets, Info & Responses.

nov 20-22 | you can't take it with you | church at the hollywood

Twice now, PT has staged YOU CAN'T TAKE IT WITH YOU. The movie's not nearly as good as the play, but the play's so good, that still leaves plenty of room for the movie to be not bad. And the chance to see it in the Hollywood before the Hollywood is a fitness centre...

November 20-22, Doors at 7pm
Hollywood Theatre (3129 W Broadway)

Three screenings of the classic 1938 Frank Capra film, "You Can't Take It With You" - come and experience the Hollywood Theatre in all its glory one last time before redevelopment happens. The event also features door prizes, a photography exhibition and the Projection Project, who will be documenting the decline of 35mm single screen theatres across North America.

Suggested donation: $5
Tickets and more info.

AND, if you're not ready to say goodbye to the Hollywood just yet, join the movement to save the theatre from demolition or renovation.

Help save the Hollywood and give it the new beginning it deserves by asking that Gregor Robertson and the City of Vancouver place a 90 day moratorium on any development permits to demolish or renovate the Hollywood.

Sign the petition here.

nov 8 | studio series 002 | we make stuff

WeMakeStuff is at it again, hosting a variety night of sorts for different artists and their works to come together. By the looks of it, this will be an amazing night out.

Friday, November 8, 7pm
The Happening Studio, #301-272 E 4th Avenue, Vancouver

Welcome to the artists' space.

We’re creating a space for artists to enrich each other. 5 creatives -- an actor, an artist, a dancer, a poet, and a musician -- engage you in their craft.

Parking is limited; transit will be your most friendly option (via Main Street station).

celebrating 30 years of theatre that matters | video 1

The first in a series of videos celebrating Pacific Theatre's 30th anniversary season!  This one features interviews with theatre professionals Anthony F. Ingram, Lucia Frangione, Erla Faye Forsyth, and Howard Jang, and audience members Paul Kirby, Loren Wilkenson, and Rory Holland.

communion | theatre club photos

This past Saturday we hosted our Theatre Club following the matinee of COMMUNION. Big thanks to everyone who stuck around after the show and shared in the invigorating conversation. We were also very fortunate to have the cast of COMMUNION join us at the beginning to answer a few questions and hear some of our comments. What a rich afternoon! Here are some photos in case you missed it:

Our next theatre club will be held after the matinee of MEASURE FOR MEASURE on Saturday January 25th. Everyone is welcome! And as always, if you'd like to have your own copy of the COMMUNION discussion guide you can download it off of our website here.

communion | rogerian therapy techniques

COMMUNION begins with a scene between Leda and her therapist where the therapist uses that age-old technique of repeating statements back at her client without offering any feedback.  While this may seem like an annoying and stereotypical representation, it is a technique practiced by some therapists who use the Rogerian (or person-centered) therapy model.  Here's some of the background behind this technique.

The technique of repeating back to the client statements made is called "restatement", and it has three basic goals:

1. To clarify. By repeating back what the client has said, they have the opportunity to correct the therapist on what they are trying to communicate. This helps both the client better understand their issues as well as the therapist to ensure they understand exactly what their client is struggling with.
2. To let the client feel understood. By hearing that their therapist understands what they are saying, the client may feel safe to delve deeper into their issues.
3. To allow the client to find their own solution. One of the key tenets of Rogerian therapy is that the client should come up with their own solutions – the therapist is not meant to give any advice or direction. So the theory is that the therapist provides a mirror for the client to see themselves as they are, and to use that new self-awareness to find solutions to their problems.

nov 4 1984 | cotton patch gospel

from the November 4, 1984 edition of Christian Info

communion | theatre club

This Saturday is our next Theatre Club. A great way to dig a little deeper on our plays, already known for creating discussion (and maybe the occasional debate).

COMMUNION Theatre Club
Saturday, November 2
Immediately following the matinee

nov 6-10 | here breaks the heart | diane tucker

Diane Tucker shows up every now and then on the Soul Food blog. She's a Vancouver poet and novelist who also happens to serve on the Pacific Theatre board of directors. Deciding to try her hand at playwriting, Diane did a course with Lucia Frangione, and...  Her first play is being staged by a Calgary theatre company! Which itself has a strong connection with PT - a few years ago, I played THE TOP TEN THOUSAND OF ALL TIME for a week on that same stage. I'll be flying out to Calgary to see Diane's show - and checking out Craig Erickson in GATSBY on the same trip. Can't wait. 

Here Breaks The Heart: The Loves of Christina Rossetti
by Diane Tucker

Nov 6-10
Fire Exit Theatre, Calgary


Christina lives in a time and place where being a passionate, ambitious poet and a devout Victorian gentlewoman are considered mutually exclusive. She struggles with the creative freedom her bohemian brother enjoys and the certainty that Christian faith gives her pious sister. Can she have both what her society expects of her and what her unruly heart demands?

to nov 16 | david robinson + grace tan | lookout gallery

Don't miss this superb show at the Lookout Gallery. Sculptor David Robinson is truly a Vancouver treasure, and Grace Tan's portraits - for me, particularly those of Dal Schindell and Loren Wilkinson, who've had such an influence on my life - are soulful and evocative.

WORKS BY GRACE TAN AND DAVID ROBINSON
oct 24 - nov 16

Lookout Gallery, Regent College

soul food calendar

october

wed 30
8:00 PACIFIC THEATRE  communion
8:40 CINEMATHEQUE  wings of desire
sleuth opening

thu 31
8:00 PACIFIC THEATRE  communion

november

fri 1
8:00 PACIFIC THEATRE  communion

sat 2
2:00 PACIFIC THEATRE  communion matinee
8:00 PACIFIC THEATRE  communion
7:30 TWU you never can tell closing

wed 6
8:00 PACIFIC THEATRE  communion
here breaks the heart opening (calgary)

thu 7
8:00 PACIFIC THEATRE  communion

fri 8
8:00 PACIFIC THEATRE  communion

sat 9
2:00 PACIFIC THEATRE  communion matinee
8:00 PACIFIC THEATRE  communion closing

sun 10
here breaks the heart closing (calgary)

wed 13
cocktails at pam's opening

fri 15
7:30 VIEW GALLERY sheree plett + jeremy eisenhauer

sat 16
LOOKOUT GALLERY david robinson | grace tan show closing

wed 20
8:00 PACIFIC THEATRE top ten thousand of all time opening
thu 21
8:00 PACIFIC THEATRE top ten thousand of all time

fri 22
8:00 PACIFIC THEATRE top ten thousand of all time

sat 23
2:00 PACIFIC THEATRE top ten thousand of all time
8:00 PACIFIC THEATRE top ten thousand of all time closing

sat 30
cocktails at pam's closing
sleuth closing
EASTSIDE STORY GUILD swing me high

nov 13-30 | cocktails at pam's | shauna johannesen

Shauna Johannesen was on our stage in WITTENBURG and the first production of WOLF AT THE DOOR), and is currently a writer in our "working with" play development project at Pacific Theatre. Here's the next show she's in...

Cocktails at Pam's
Nov 13-30
Studio 1398 (1398 Cartwright St., Granville Island)

Staircase Theatre Equity Collective presents the BC premiere of Cocktails at Pam's - a real-time cocktail party gone horribly wrong. Pam was always the perfect hostess -- until the night there were more floral arrangements than suitable vases, the divorcee didn't want her canape and the guests formed charade teams and began to have cheap, competitive fun. Cocktails at Pam's is directed by Stephen Heatley, stage managed by Susan Currie and Linzi Voth, designed by 7-time Jessie nominated Lauchlin Johnston and Christina Dao and boasts some of Vancouver's finest talent!

"Stewart Lemoine is an original. There is simply no one, anywhere, who writes like this Edmonton playwright." Colin McLean, CBC

Tickets and Info.

Subscriber Appreciation Saturday | Guest Producing

This past Saturday marked our second SAS of our 30th anniversary season. Ron chatted with Ruby Slippers' artistic director, and star of COMMUNION, Diane Brown as well as speaking with one of the producers of our Playground Series, Tina Teeninga.

We had a great conversation around guest producing, how it started happening at PT, what it means to our theatre and all the other theatres we've partnered with in the past. Our converstation sparked some of the following quotes:

"Guest productions are part of the ecology of a healthy theatre company." - Ron Reed

"Theatre is communion isn't it? When it's good. That's what we're going for." - Diane Brown 

"Restraints, obstructions and limitations can actually cause great freedom for an artist. I never meant to have these guest productions, but because of our limitations they came to be. That being said, the practice [of having guest productions] has been magnificent." - Ron Reed

Join us for the next Subscriber Appreciation Saturday on Saturday January 18th following the matinee of MEASURE FOR MEASURE. And if you haven't become a subscriber yet, it's not too late! Subscribe online today and don't miss another one of these fabulous events.

nov 15 | soul works | sheree plett & jeremy eisenhaur

Friends of PT will know Sheree Plett from JESUS MY BOY and many CHRISTMAS PRESENCE's past (and future). Here's more about Sheree and her husband Jeremy's upcoming show...

Soul Works: an evening of art, music and poetry
Nov. 15th at 7:30pm - Fraserview Church (11295 Mellis Dr. in Richmond)

Music by Sheree Plett & Jeremy Eisenhaur
Painting and Poetry by George Connell
Pottery by Pia Sillem

Tickets by donation.

communion | opening night

Photos from the opening night reception of COMMUNION!  Congratulations to the cast and crew and everyone at Ruby Slippers Theatre for putting together this phenomenal production.