artist in residence | evan frayne

We are so excited to announce that Evan Frayne as an Artist in Residence this year! Evan has been a part of the PT Family since his apprenticeship in the 2011-2012 season when he performed in JESUS HOPPED THE 'A' TRAIN and THE GREAT DIVORCE and won the Sam Payne Outstanding Newcomer Award at the Jessies. Since then he has performed in and directed a number of shows, including FREUD'S LAST SESSION and THE LONESOME WEST.

His residency is funded by the BC Arts Council's Early Career Development Program, and will focus on the direction and development of new work, directing intimate theatre performance, and season planning.

the lonesome west | about the leenane trilogy

THE LONESOME WEST is the third play in Martin McDonagh's Leenane Trilogy, a series of plays about the same small town in western Ireland. Together, the plays sketch in a town full of dysfunctional and violent family relationships, from the mother-daughter duo in THE BEAUTY QUEEN OF LEENANE who give THE LONESOME WEST's Valene and Coleman a run for their money, to the grave digger in A SKULL IN CONNEMARA whose wife dies under mysterious circumstances, these three plays weave a fascinating, dark, poetic, and comedic image of life.

From Fintan O'Toole's introduction to the Bloomsbury publication of all three plays:

"The savagery of the plays is not literal, but neither is it pure invention. It comes from a vividly imagined sense of cultural infusion, from a world in which meanings and values have been shattered into odd-shaped fragments. And what's more important is that the plays themselves try to put the fragments back together again... And what matters in the end is that McDonagh is more than just a clever theatrical stylist. His tricks and turns have purpose. They are bridges over a deep pit of sympathy and sorrow, illuminated by a tragic vision of stunted and frustrated lives. Moments of love and loss, yearning and even faith catch the light now and then. That they cannot abide long in such a blighted world seems somehow less remarkable than the fact that they arise at all."

written on the heart | interview with david edgar

This Sunday we will mark the 500th anniversary of the Reformation with a staged reading of David Edgar's WRITTEN ON THE HEART. We love this opportunity to partner with our landlords and neighbours at Holy Trinity Anglican Church and delve into the historical background of the Bible. Here is a lovely video from the Royal Shakespeare Company, the original producers of the play, interview David Edgar about the background and research that went into this script.

the lonesome west | playlist

There couldn't be more perfect music for THE LONESOME WEST than the rowdy Celtic punk that sound designers Matthew MacDonald-Bain and Curtis Tweekie chose. I can't help thinking they just nicked Martin McDonagh's mobile phone and copied his playlist. But however they came up with the tunes, here's a rundown...

Bottle of Smoke - The Pogues
That Woman’s Got Me Drinking - Shane MacGowan
Bloody Sunday- Stiff Little Fingers
Fly the Flag - Stiff Little Fingers
If I Should Fall From Grace With God- The Pogues
Safety Pin Stuck in My Heart- Patrik Fitzgerald
Belfast Telegraph - Shock Treatment
Alternative Ulster - Stiff Little Fingers

to nov 3 | silent sky | chemainus theatre

Chemainus Theatre is a sister company to Pacific Theatre, and while their Christian mandate finds different expression than ours, there's always been a lot of connection. In 1993 I directed their inaugural production, TALLEY'S FOLLY – starring Lucia Frangione (PT's first apprentice, and the most-produced playwright on our stage) and Tim Dixon (a member of our resident company from 1994 to 1997, last seen here in THE SEAFARER, slated to play Warnie Lewis in TOLKIEN next spring). Lucia was in fact the Artistic Director of Chemainus a few years later, a position subsequently held for many years by Jeremy Tow (who directed such PT shows as A MAN FOR ALL SEASONS and MASS APPEAL), and then by Mark Dumez (who originated the role of Bend in MERCY WILD).

You saw Mark's wife Erin Ormond play Elizabeth in our recent production of THE CHRISTIANS, and you may have seen her Jessie-nominated performance as Margaret Thatcher in The Arts Club production of THE AUDIENCE early this year. Jeremy's wife Anita Wittenberg shared the stage with Lucia Frangione (and Craig Erickson, and others) in our 1990 production of THE FURNITURE OF HEAVEN, and was more recently seen here in MOURNING DOVE before moving away to Kamloops.

All of which is a circuitous way of leading up to the fact that Anita has moved back to Vancouver, and can be seen in what looks to be a splendid production of SILENT SKY at Chemainus Theatre right now – directed by the aforementioned Mark Dumez. Might be worth a trip to the Island to check it out...

Silent Sky
by Lauren Gunderson
at the Chemainus Theatre Festival
until November 4

"From the depths of the human soul to the vastness of space, Silent Sky is a transcendent journey filled with passion and love. Henrietta Leavitt was at the forefront of ground-breaking research in early 20th century astronomy, single-handedly discovering over 2400 variable stars (half those identified up to that point). Yet, today, her legacy is largely unrecognized by the general public. Playwright Lauren Gunderson sets out to rectify this oversight through gripping dialogue that pulsates with vigor and humour, painting a clear picture of the challenges Henrietta encountered during a lifetime devoted to the stars...."
entire review here

written on the heart | meet the cast

Coming up this weekend, we're jumping upstairs to the Holy Trinity sanctuary to do a one-day-only staged reading of WRITTEN ON THE HEART by David Edgar, and we've go an incredible team for this once in a lifetime event!

Familiar PT faces include Ron Reed, our Artistic Director, John Voth and Kenton Klassen (both THE LONESOME WEST), Camyar Chai (THE LAST DAYS OF JUDAS ISCARIOT), Jalen Saip (SIDESHOW), John Emmet Tracy (OUTSIDE MULLINGAR), Brandon Bate (past apprentice), and Mariam Barry (THE CHRISTIANS).

Newcomers to our stage, some long-awaited, include Dean Paul Gibson, Kyle Jespersen, Russell Roberts, Anthony Santiago, and Sebastian Peters.

In case you weren't counting, that's thirteen actors, and many are playing multiple roles. We can't wait to share this exciting historical drama with you to celebrate the 500th anniversary of the Reformation.

the lonesome west | opening night reception

What an opening weekend for THE LONESOME WEST! We had a wonderful time celebrating this opening of this dark Irish comedy, as well as Cave Canem Productions.

the lonesome west | artistic director's notes

Different families have different movie traditions. You know, when everybody gets together, somebody suggests they sit down together and watch It's A Wonderful Life or The Lion King or something by Steven Spielberg.

I know it's bad form to argue with Leo Tolstoy, but I have to point out that, though the Reeds are a very happy family, we are not necessarily much like other happy, family-movie-watching families. Because more than once when my daughters are home and it's time to choose a couch and settle in for a family film favourite, the unanimous choice has been... In Bruges. By Martin McDonagh. (Yup, I'm that kind of father. Call Social Services. My daughter is a public defender, she'll happily represent me in court. Just try it. You. Will. Lose. Add Martin-McDonagh-inspired epithet here.)

McDonagh is foul. And funny. And, sometimes, profound. Even transcendent. Even – dare I say? – Christian. Reminds me of that other Irishman, Conor McPherson – remember The Seafarer? Or that other Irishman, John Patrick Shanley, in a play like Danny & The Deep Blue Sea. Or that other Irishman, Stephen Adley O'Guirgis. What is this connection between the profane and the profound and the holy?

Sebastien Archibald brought me this script because he thought it a perfect fit for Pacific Theatre. Which shows just how bent he is. And how well he understands Pacific Theatre. When I approached the Cave Canem boys – a questionable co-habitation of former PT apprentices and grizzled veterans of our Emerging Artist showcases – about producing a Guest Production for our season, this is one of the scripts I put forward to them. Maybe it reminded them of home, but whatever the reason, this is the one they grabbed onto, and tonight you'll be the... Victims? Witnesses? Beneficiaries? of that ill-fated decision. And how tickled I am that they drew in the guy who started this ball rolling, along with a couple other PTSD (Pacific Theatre Survivor Disorder) veterans to fill out the cast and direct the madness.

One of my most anticipated shows of the season. Lostness and darkness, sacrifice and the faint hope of redemption. And fighting, and swears, and funny stuff. Martin McDonagh. Almost like a Reed Family Video Night. I can't wait.

Ron Reed,
Artistic Director

the lonesome west | pay-what-you-can preview

Tomorrow night is the preview night for THE LONESOME WEST! That means tickets are pay-what-you-can at the door (after 7pm) and $14.99 in advance. Come on down and be among the very first to see Cave Canem Productions launch their company with this dark Irish comedy.

the lonesome west | meet the crew

The Cave Canem boys have pulled together a fantastic design team for THE LONESOME WEST, opening in just a few days!

Evan Frayne - Director

Phil Miguel - Lighting Designer

Sandy Margaret - Set Designer

Madelaine Walker - Assistant Stage Manager

Matthew MacDonald-Bain - Co-Sound Designer

Shelby Bushell - Stage Manager

Kaitlin Williams - Costume Designer

Curtis Tweede - Co-Sound Designer

work at pacific | financial and operations manager [maternity leave]

Are you an office wizard who loves what we do? Pacific Theatre is seeking a financial and operations manager to fill a maternity leave position.

Be a part of the Pacific Theatre family.

Information about the position, salary, and required skill sets can be found on our employment page. Interested parties are encouraged to contact andrea@pacifictheatre.org.

The application deadline is October 27th, with training beginning part-time on November 13th.

oct 24 | auditions : doubt | gallery 7

To my mind, DOUBT is one of the best plays of the past 20 years, and our production at Pacific Theatre was one of the best experiences I've had as a director.  If you also love the play... Maybe you ought to be in it!  Here's your chance...

If you're between the ages 18 and 75 and are interested in performing in this riveting exploration of faith and truth, we'd love to see you at the auditions! We also encourage any one interested in working behind the scenes to also attend the auditions. Join us for a creative, fun and challenging theatre experience you won't forget. Sign up for an audition today!

Audition Date: October 24, 2017 @ 6:30 PM

Audition Location: Gallery 7 Theatre Rehearsal Hall
#100 - 34595 3rd Ave, Abbotsford.

Sister Aloysius, a Bronx school principal, is shaken to her moral core when she suspects that young Father Flynn is having an inappropriate relationship with a male student. A Pulitzer Prize-Winning play that was adapted in to an award-winning film featuring Meryl Streep and Philip Seymour Hoffman, the play explores the delicate tension between perception and reality.

Character Breakdown:

Sister Aloysius Beauvier: (Female, 50s/60s) The principal and head nun at St. Nicholas Church School. She is watchful, reserved and unsentimental. She is conservative and stern but is driven by a high sense of duty.

Father Brendan Flynn: (Male, late 30s) Middle-aged priest who teaches PE and religion at the school. He is articulate, intelligent and prides himself in being kind and inclusive with the students.

Sister James: (Female, 20s) A nun and an enthusiastic but inexperienced teacher at the school. She is young and impressionable with a warm, unassuming heart.

Mrs. Muller: (Female, 38) Mother of Donald Muller who is the first and only African-American student at the school. (This role has already been cast)

*

Performance Dates
January 26 & 27, 31 - Feb. 3, Feb. 7 - 10, 2018 @ 7:30 PM
Discount Matinees: January 27, Feb. 3 & Feb. 10 @ 2:00 PM

Performance Location
Abbotsford Community Arts Addition
2329 Crescent Way, Abbotsford

Rehearsals will occur Monday, Wednesday & Thursday evenings, 6:00 PM - 10:00 PM.
There are two additional Saturday rehearsals scheduled as follows:
December 9, 2017: 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
January 6, 2018: 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Rehearsals will commence November 20, 2017

Rehearsal Location
Gallery 7 Theatre Rehearsal Hall
#100 - 34595 3rd Ave, Abbotsford.

Please read through the Actor's Orientation Package (available here) prior to registering for an audition. This document contains important information about the audition itself, rehearsal schedules, expectations, and more.

Click here to register online. You can also register by phone by calling 604-504-5940 or by email by sending your name and phone number to info@gallery7theatre.com.

the lonesome west | photos

We've got the advance photos for Cave Canem's guest production of THE LONESOME WEST! All photos by Emily Cooper.

nov 5 | jesus: his story in stone | mike mason book launch

Mike Mason is a long-time friend of Pacific Theatre. We staged stories from his book THE FURNITURE OF HEAVEN way back in 1990, and his Christmas stories are an essential part of our CHRISTMAS PRESENCE celebrations. I've been in a writers group with Mike since the late eighties, and last year I heard him read aloud a number of the pieces from his new book JESUS: HIS STORY IN STONE. They gave me new and tangible way into the life of Christ. Many were originally published on Mike's blog.

from Mike Mason...

You are invited to a Book Launch for Mike Mason’s new book Jesus: His Story in Stone. The evening includes a talk by Mike with a slide show, plus a book signing, PRIZES and DESSERT! Hard cover copies of this illustrated coffee table book will be on sale for $35 (cheaper than Amazon). A great Christmas present! Mike’s other books will also be available if your collection is incomplete. :)

The launch happens Sunday, Nov 5, at 7:00 pm at Sharon Chapel, 21562 Old Yale Road (Five Corners) in Langley. The chapel is the old part of the church, so please use that entrance. Plenty of parking in the lot across the street.

No tickets required—please join our celebration and bring your friends!

AND you can now order the book from amazon.  A note for Canadian customers: The price listed on the main Amazon.ca page is wrong. Please click on “7 New from CDN$ 36.78"—this is the correct price—and ignore the “out of stock” warning. There will be no delay in your order.

the lonesome west | meet the cast

One of the best things about our guest production model is giving new theatre production companies their first shot at putting together a professional show. Cave Canem is knocking it out of the park so far, especially when it comes to hiring the right people. Check out this amazing team of actors they pulled together for THE LONESOME WEST!

You've seen John Voth on our stage in THE FOREIGNER (he won a Jessie for that one!) and THE RAINMAKER - and in earlier days, REMNANTS: A FABLE and as Dick Martin in our wonderfully peculiar production of GODSPELL. A very funny improvisor with Vancouver Theatre Sports, he's one of the producers of Cave Canem Productions and performing in their first show.

Kenton Klassen is another member of the Cave Canem Productions team. A former company apprentice, he produced and performed in the original production of GRUESOME PLAYGROUND INJURIES before we brought it to our stage, and played Noah Curry in  THE RAINMAKER.

Sebastian Archibald is Playwright-in-Residence & Co-Artistic Producer at Vancouver's innovative ITSAZOO Productions, and it's Sebastian who first brought The Lonesome West to our attention. This is his first role on our stage! We are so excited that he got looped into this incredible team and for the chance to finally work with him.

Fresh from an advanced acting program in Ireland, Paige Louter was one of last year's apprentices, performing in Classic Chic's production of CORLEONE: THE SHAKESPEAREAN GODFATHER, as well as apprentice productions IN THE FLESH, THE MOST MASSIVE WOMAN WINS, THE WOLVES, and DANNY AND THE DEEP BLUE SEA (directed by none other than Kenton!).

the lonesome west | first read

We had the first read of THE LONESOME WEST this week. It's been a while since we laughed this much around the table!

the christians | more photos

We're into our final week of THE CHRISTIANS! The week is already pretty full, but we've got a good number of seats left for Saturday night. 

the lonesome west | first reading

photos by Ron Reed