Submitted –
For Immediate Release
October 26, 2015
Gallery 7 Theatre Opens 25th Anniversary Season with Hilarious Jules Verne Comedy-Adventure
Gallery 7 Theatre of Abbotsford, BC is thrilled to open its 25th Anniversary Celebration! Season with the Jules Verne classic, Around the World in 80 Days. A production the Los Angeles Times calls “Witty in the extreme” and the Ithaca Times describes as “high-spirited”, “flat-out hilarious” and “ingenious and imaginative”, Around the World in 80 Days is adapted for the stage by Mark Brown and runs November 6 – 14, 2015 at the Abbotsford Arts Centre.
On a whim, wealthy adventurer Phileas Fogg makes a bet with his friends that he can travel around the world in a mere eighty days. The problem? It’s 1872 and the airplane hasn’t been invented yet! Accompanied by his trusty servant, Passpartout, Fogg embarks on a journey unlike any other, dodging a pesky, ill-informed detective at every turn. This mad-cap adventure comedy will feature raging typhoons, runaway trains and stampeding elephants.
“Around the World in 80 Days is a perfect way to launch a year-long celebration of 25 years of theatre here at Gallery 7,” explains artistic director, Ken Hildebrandt. “It’s pure, simple fun for the entire family.”
The director, Cody Friesen, a recent BFA graduate from TWU Theatre, conquers: “I love that this show is the epitome of true adventure. It has elephants, gun slinging colonels, typhoons, saving a damsel in distress and hilarious sidekicks. It has everything,” he says. “It’s a show packed full of surprises.”
Performing the role of Phileas Fogg is Gabriel Kirkley. Appearing for the first time on the Gallery 7 stage, Kirkley is a graduate of the UFV Theatre program and has acted in, designed or directed over 60 productions. Aouda, the damsel in distress who Fogg rescues part way through his global adventure, is played by Catrina Jackson. Jackson last appeared in Gallery 7’s production of Anne (of Green Gables) as Josie Pye.
Fogg’s loyal French valet, Passepartout, is played by Thomas Smith, who appeared in last season’s production of Shadowlands. Eli Funk, also a recent graduate of the UFV Theatre program and sound designer for last season’s production of 110 Stories, takes on the role of Detective Fix. Playing a variety of characters will be Bethany Caldwell and newcomer, Rebecca Dougan.
Set Design for Around the World in 80 Days is by Frank Sawatzky, costume design is by Dani DeJong, lighting design is by Michael Methot and sound design is by Ron Jackson. The stage manager is Yvonne Spuls and the production photographer is Dianna Lewis.
Around the World in 80 Days runs for two weeks only, November 6 & 7, 11 – 14, 2015 at 7:30 PM with discount matinees on November 7 & 14 at 2:00 PM at the Abbotsford Arts Centre, 2329 Crescent Way, Abbotsford. Tickets for evening performances are $25 Adults, $20 Students & Seniors, $20 Groups (8+) and $15 for Children 12 & under. Tickets for matinee performances are $20 General Admission and $15 Children 12 & under.
They can be purchased at House of James, 2743 Emerson Street, Abbotsford (1-800-665-8828 or 604-852-3701) or online at www.gallery7theatre.com.
Season passes are also available for Gallery 7 Theatre’s entire 2015/2016 25th Anniversary Celebration! Season at discounts of up to 20% off individual prices. Please see the theatre’s website for details.
PHOTO CAPTION
(left to right) Thomas Smith, Gabe Kirkley, Eli Funk & Catrina Jackson perform in Gallery 7 Theatre’s production of Around the World in 80 Days. Photo by Dianna Lewis Photography.
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Media Contact: Ken Hildebrandt
604-504-5940
info@gallery7theatre.com