Submitted. Gallery 7 Theatre is pleased to be presenting Mark Twain’s comical tale, The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, as their opening main stage production of the 2013/2014 “Spice of Life” theatre season.
Rediscover this classic American tale about that loveable scallywag, Tom Sawyer, as he sets out for fun and adventure, breaking the rules as he goes! All the classic moments from the Mark Twain story are here: the discovery of how to get rid of warts using a dead cat, the murder of Doc Robinson, Tom & Huck’s pirating adventure to Jackson Island, and the infamous white-washing incident. Through his exploits, Tom discovers the value of purpose, and the importance of family, love, and telling the truth.
Fresh off the New York stage,this new adaptation by Laura Eason, promises to be an entertaining experience for theatre-goers of all ages. “The play moves quickly and lightly along as it touches on all the key moments of Twain’s story,” explains Executive/Artistic Director, Ken Hildebrandt. “It captures the charm and treachery of its various characters, and uses some simple and creative theatre devices to re-tell the story in a refreshed, engaging and modern way. ”
The cast, who will play multiple roles throughout the production, will feature both new and veteran Gallery 7 Theatre performers. Playing the title role of Tom Sawyer is Phil Dyck, who will be remembered for his energetic performance as the character in Gallery 7’s production of Adventures of Huckleberry Finn back in 2008. Ruth Kult, last seen as Lady Bracknell in The Importance of Being Earnest, plays Aunt Polly, while Andrew Abrahams, who played Charlie in last season’s production of The Foreigner, plays Injun Joe. Becky, Tom’s love interest, is played by newcomer Brittany Suderman, and the infamous young ruffian, Huckleberry Finn, is played by Forest Eliot Shuster. Rounding out the cast are Larry Hamm, Torry Janz and Nathan Unger.
Directing this talented group of performers is John Trottier, who last directed Our Town for the company. He is supported by an equally talented group of designers: set design is by John Bessette, costume design is by Dani Rebain, lighting design is by Ken Hildebrandt, sound design is by Ron Jackson and make-up design is by Victoria Hu. The stage manager for this production is Miranda Martin and the production photographer is Dianna Lewis of Creative Memory Studio.
The Adventures of Tom Sawyer will run November 8 & 9, 14 – 16, 21 – 23, 2013 @ 7:30 PM with discount matinees November 9, 16 & 23 @ 2:00 PM at the MEI Auditorium, 4081 Clearbrook Road, Abbotsford. Tickets are $20 Adults, $18 Seniors & Students, $17 Groups (8+), $12 Children (12 & under) for evening performances and $15 General and $12 Children for matinees. Special ticket packages are available for families at savings of up to 25% off regular admissions, and season passes for the entire 2013/2013 main-stage season are also available. Tickets 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.
(left to right) Phil Dyck is Tom Sawyer, Forest Eliot Shuster is Huck Finn and Torry Janz is Joe Harper in Gallery 7 Theatre’s upcoming production of The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, adapted by Laura Eason from Mark Twain’s novel. Photo by Dianna Lewis, Creative Memory Studio.