Submitted. Gallery 7 Theatre of Abbotsford, BC is excited to launch its 26th annual mainstage theatre season with Little Women, a heart-warming and entertaining adaptation of Louisa M. Alcott’s classic story by Peter Clapham. Suitable for the entire family, the show runs Nov. 11 – 19 at the Abbotsford Arts Centre.
Pictured at right: (left to right) Kaitlyn Burkinshaw, Ellis Hull, Becky Wiebe, Colleen Plenert and Shannon Tauber and perform in Gallery 7 Theatre’s production of Little Women. Photo by Dianna Lewis Photography.
Set during the American Civil War, Jo, Meg, Beth and Amy March make the most of their humble childhood despite the hardships they face. As the girls deal with adversity, sibling rivalry, malady and the doting boy from next door, each sister begins to discover a unique sense of meaning and purpose in life. Humour, insight and pathos abound in this endearing re-telling of the beloved story.
Little Women will be directed by Beth Gasser, who is making her directorial debut at Gallery 7 Theatre with this production. Involved in theatre since the age of 10, Gasser recently graduated from the University of the Fraser Valley where she obtained a bachelor’s degree in English and Theatre with a focus on drama and children’s literature.
“When I was asked to direct this show, my heart trembled at the responsibility of taking on such a classic,” says Gasser. “But my heart also leaped at the chance, both because I believe in the power of theatre as a tool for human connection, and because the literature we read and the stories we hear have the ability to teach us about our own lives.”
“I think Little Women endures as a classic because the characters are universal,” she continues. “We watch as these very real people deliberately choose again and again to be kind, to forgive, to love, to form friendships, and to go against societal norms that reflect ignorance, intolerance, commercialism and consumerism. I really wanted to make this show about the choices we make every day that transform and define us.”
Little Women will feature a host of new performers to the Gallery 7 Theatre stage. Playing the role of Jo March is Shannon Tauber, who recently graduated from the Douglas College Theatre program. The role of Amy March will be played by Ellis Hull while the role of Beth March will be played Kaitlyn Burkinshaw. Russel Blower and Calvin Baker, both UFV Theatre graduates, will play the roles of John Brooke and Mr. March respectively and the fiery Aunt March will be played by Marianne Hyland. The role of Hannah will be played by Brennah Toews. Rounding out the cast will be Gallery 7 Theatre veteran performers Becky Wiebe as Mrs. March, Glen Pinchin as Mr. Laurence, Colleen Plenert as Meg March, and Thomas Smith as Laurie.
Supporting Gasser in the production of the play is a talented team of designers: set design is by Nicolai Kuchin, costume design is by Dani DeJong, lighting design is by Phil Miguel, sound design is by Gabe Kirkley and make-up design is by Victoria Hu. Props design and production photography is by Dianna Lewis and the stage manager is Yvonne Spuls.
Little Women runs for two weeks only, November 11 & 12, 16 – 19, 2016 at 7:30 PM with discount matinees on November 12 & 19 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 2016/2017 season at discounts of up to 20% off individual prices. Please see the theatre’s website for details.