Submitted. Live theatre fans from across the Fraser Valley will be thrilled to hear that Gallery 7 Theatre has announced its 2016/2017 “Be Transformed” Theatre season, one that is chalked full of comedy, drama and whimsical adventure. Brimming with new tales, beloved classics, a Canadian play and a popular Disney musical, the new season will also feature a workshop series for new and experienced theatre-makers.
“Whimsy, adventure, comedy and compelling drama are all important ingredients in our upcoming season, but I would say ‘transformation’ is the thematic thread that binds our playbill together,” explains Gallery 7 Theatre’s Artistic Director, Ken Hildebrandt. “Each entertaining story to be featured on our stage this coming year contains some kind of transformation at its heart, whether it be moving from childhood into adulthood, experiencing a new revelation, being freed from a terrible spell or rediscovering a sense of self and purpose in life.”
Commencing this October, the 2016/2017 will feature the following productions:
- Little Women. Adapted by Peter Clapham from the novel by Louisa M. Alcott, this is an endearing re-telling of the classic story! Join Jo, Meg, Beth and Amy as they grow up together in the face of poverty and war, and discover love and a stronger sense of self along the way. Runs November 11 – 19, 2016 at the Abbotsford Arts Centre.
- Halo by Canadian playwright, Josh MacDonald. When the image of Jesus Christ suddenly appears on the wall of a Tim Horton’s restaurant, a Nova Scotian town is thrown into euphoric chaos. Hilarious, moving and challenging, the play explores matters of faith, life and love. Runs January 27 – Feb. 4, 2017 at the Abbotsford Arts Centre.
- Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, music by Alan Menken, lyrics by Howard Ashman & Tim Rice and book by Linda Woolverton. This ‘tale as old as time’ comes alive in this exciting musical extravaganza adapted from the Academy award-winning film and based on the beloved fairy-tale. Runs March 24 – April 1, 2017 at the Abbotsford Arts Centre.
- Enchanted April, adapted by Matthew Barber from the novel by Elizabeth von Arnim. A transformative experience awaits four English women as they holiday together at a beautiful villa in Italy. The play is filled with humour and drama, and celebrates re-discovering self and what is most important in life. Runs May 19 – 27, 2017 at the Matsqui Centennial Auditorium.
That’s not all. Panic Squad & Friends will return to the Abbotsford Arts Centre to kick off the new season with their unique brand of hilarious and clean comedy improv for the whole family on October 14th. Then, on December 17th, Gallery 7 Theatre will partner with Pacific Theatre of Vancouver to present Christmas Presence, an eclectic mix of seasonal music and story-telling at the Matsqui Centennial Auditorium.
In addition to the full schedule of productions, Gallery 7 Theatre will also be hosting The Theatre Boot Camp workshop series. The boot camp will feature several short courses on directing and performance, and will be led by professional artists based in the Fraser Valley.
“We’re very excited to be bringing the Fraser Valley such an eclectic mix of theatre productions and educational programming,” says Hildebrandt. “We believe audiences and participants are in for a transformative experience that should not be missed.”
Season passes for the 2016/2017 season are now available for purchase at savings of up to 25% off regular ticket prices. Those interested in performing on-stage, working backstage or volunteering elsewhere at Gallery 7 Theatre are encouraged to contact the theatre for details on auditions, backstage opportunities and other volunteer positions available.
For more information about this year’s playbill, to order season passes, to register for the workshop series, to become a sponsor or to get involved, please visit the Gallery 7 Theatre website at www.gallery7theatre.com or call 604-504-5940.
Photo by Dianna Lewis Photography