Catching Up/Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe

Wow, it's been quite some time since last I wrote...I got to get better at these blog things...

I was away on vacation these past couple of weeks - seems kind of strange to leave mid-way through the production process, but we've got an expert team working on things and they proved to be very capable of carrying on with out me.

Where did I go? Nice of you to ask....a buddy and I took two weeks to explore the South Western United States. The trip included stops in Vegas, NV (no, didn't win anything - didn't play either actually...) Tucson, AZ, Grand Canyon, Monument Valley, Zion National Park and finally, Yellowstone National Park. It was a lot to fit in to one trip, but neither of us felt rushed. We traveled at just the right pace.

This trip wasn't an arts excursion, though we did have the privilege of seeing one of 6 or 7 Cirque Du Soleil shows currently playing in Vegas. Mystere was the show of choice, and while the ticket price was substantial, the production was definitely worth seeing.

I had never been to a Cirque show before and I found there to be some pretty amazing stuff - I was surprised to see how many individuals are involved in a single performance. Funny thing, though - during the performance it was difficult to focus on any one thing. Being a producer of theatre myself, I found myself switching between watching the performers and checking out all the cool technical stuff like the lighting and the massive stage floor that could split in three and raise and lower as necessary. Lots of color, lots of spectacle, some good humor thrown in - a pretty incredible event.

Back at home, after getting over the shock about how two weeks goes by so fast that you don't even feel you've been gone, work has been ongoing to get our very own spectacle on the boards.

The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe opens June 5 and runs to the 20th at the MEI Theatre. This week is tech week, a time where all the technical elements, from set to costumes to lights to props come together. This is definitely one of our more ambitious productions in that we've brought on a number of extra personnel to bring C.S. Lewis' tale to life.

Derek Ward-Hall - remember him? He was the young man in Crossing Delancey. Well, he's also a bit of a sword fighting afficienado and he's bringing his expertise to the show by helping us bring the big epic battle near the end of the play to life. We've also brought back Andrew Potts to do some original music, and Maureen Keyes, who played the T.V. producer's assistant in The Family Man, has provided her dance skills to choreograph the many scene changes.

Joyce Chung, our director, is very passionate about the story, and it has shown in her leadership thoughout the design and rehearsal process. Dustin Froese is back, looking after the set design, and he's put together a pretty impressive environment that will utilize projections, as well as some really tall monoliths. And of course, Joanne Abraham is putting together a really cool lighting design and Rick Havinga is working hard at the complex sound design.

Now, there's no way we can compete with any movie version of this story, so we've worked to bring our own, unique take on the tale. In true theatrical fashion, audiences will be invited to use their imaginations - the very thing that I like about theatre so much. Funny thing - the "less is more" axiom truly applies here - the more work you do for the audience, the less satisfying the end result. The less you do, and by focussing on creating the key elements that gently help the audience along, the more room there is for the imagination to run wild.

The play is a great family event - lots of action, some spectacle, and lots of little nuggets of truth to talk about. There are some very powerful images in the production as well and may frighten some very young children, but I invite you all to come out and see this magical tale unfold on the Gallery 7 Theatre stage. Here's the info:

The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe
Adapted by Joseph Robinette from C.S. Lewis' Novel

June 5 & 6, 11 - 13, 18 - 20, 2009 @ 7:30 PM
Discount Matinees: June 6 & 13 at 2:00 PM

MEI Theatre
4081 Clearbrook Road, Abbotsford

Tickets - House of James: 604-852-3701

To watch a video preview of what the cast has been working on, check out our website at www.gallery7theatre.com.

2009 "Imagine" Gala

April 24, 2009
6:00 PM - 10:00 PM

Ramada Inn & Conference Centre
36035 North Parallel Road, Abbotsford, B.C.


To order tickets online, please click here. To purchase tickets by phone, please call 604-504-5940.


Imagine...
A vibrant, full-time community theatre that produces entertaining and inspiring plays


Imagine...
A dedicated theatre space with room for performance, education and more.


Imagine...
Making a dream a reality


Imagine...
Gallery 7 Theatre's fundraising gala dinner is an opportunity for you to be a part of making this dream come true. For more than 18 years, Gallery 7 Theatre has produced quality performances for this community. We want to continue to do that and become a theatre hub that will be known in the Fraser Valley and beyond as the place to go for creative and engaging theatre.


Join us for an evening of great food, amazing music and performance that will be sure to entertain and inspire you and your friends.


PERFORMERS:


MC - Cliff Prang

J.D. Miner

Nelson Boschman Trio

Crystal Hicks...plus story-telling and much more.


TICKET INFORMATION:


To order tickets online, please click here.


$95/ticket & $180/couple.$40 from each ticket is tax receiptable - helping Gallery 7 Theatre make its dreams come true.


For more information or to purchase tickets, please contact our office at 604-504-5940 or email info@gallery7theatre.com.

Musings from the Gallery 7 Theatre EAD (Executive Artistic Director)

The Family Man Set to Open this Week!

I trust that you've already marked your March calendars to take in our latest production, The Family Man, which opens this week Friday (March 6) and runs until March 21. In my mind, this play is sort-of a cross between Leave it to Beaver, Home Improvement, and Mr Mom. Remember those shows?

Anyway, The Family Man is a 1950's comedy that explores the changing perceptions of gender roles and discovering what you're truly good at. The production is going to be a lot of fun - there are plenty of laughs, and the production features some of the best performers in the Lower Mainland and Fraser Valley.

The story goes something like this:

What happens when an athletic, but accident-prone father breaks his leg while playing with his sons and the mother is forced to go back to work to bring home the bacon? Complete, hilarious and charming mayhem! Mom reconnects with her love for working in the business world while Dad takes on the chaotic responsibilities of keeping the household together. Things really come to a head when Dad, under his wife’s name, enters his own cookie recipe into a T.V. contest and wins the big $50,000 prize.

Now, you might be thinking that since this play takes place in the 1950's, it's going to be all smaultzy and cheezy. Think again - we're definitely trying to capture the essence of a 50's sitcom ('cause that's just plain fun to do), but I think you'll find that the characters are three dimensional, the relationships are real, and that there's plenty of food for thought to spark some lively discussion at the dinner table or at the local coffee shop.

The overall premise of the play is pretty zany, but that's where the fun is and what produces so many great laughs. Ironically, the play is timely too - the family in this story is facing some tough economic times, but rather than letting fear lull them in to inaction, they rise to the occassion and venture in to unexplored territory, finding a greater sense of satisfaction in their new found roles.

I think you'll really enjoy The Family Man - it's light-hearted, it's fun, and it's got some great nuggets of truth. Get your family together, some friends, a special someone and come on out. Tickets are available right now at House of James - 2743 Emerson Street or call 604-852-3701.


Some Thoughts About the Economy...

There's been a lot of doom and gloom talk in the news lately about the economy. People are closing their wallets, tightening the purse strings, and hunkering down for the long haul.

It's hard to say whether Gallery 7 is being affected by the financial storm at this point, but we are certainly not taking things for granted. We've seen administrative costs go up and we've had some unexpected purchases that have put a real strain on our cash flow. I won't lie - it's been a stressful, challenging time for us.

But we are rising to the occassion - to continue offering a quality playbill of theatre that lifts our hearts, challenges our minds, and nourishes our souls. We are determined to continue offering an uplifting and affirming place where artists can truly express themselves by using their God-given talents to bring to life stories that inspire, encourage and provoke.

I'd like to encourage you all to continue supporting the arts in our community, and in particular, our little theatre. Despite the economic woes, we all still need to laugh, to hear good stories, to be inspired, and to feed the heart, the soul & the mind. Live theatre offers all this and a place where the community can come together to share in a collective experience that takes us out of ourselves and leads us to new understanding.

You don't have to go to Vancouver to experience quality theatre - it's right here on your doorstop. The best part is you don't have to shell out huge bucks for a great night of entertainment with friends and family. Our ticket prices offer some of the best deals in town. There are plenty of other options available too: if the price for a single ticket to an evening show doesn't tickle your fancy, don't stay home and watching the boob-tube. You deserve better than that! Why not take take in a wallet-friendly matinee performance or better still, get a group of ten or fifteen or twenty and take advantage of our special group rates. You can enjoy live theatre without it draining your limited budget.

Busy Times...

For me personally, it's been an extremely busy time working in theatre. Not only am I busy collaborating with our production team to bring you a fun play for and about the family, I'm also polishing off some work on a lighting design for UFV's production of Hamlet.

As some of you know, UFV Theatre is my old educational stomping ground. It's been great returning as a visiting artist and now a colleague of former teachers & students. The play features some truly great acting talent from both students and community performers, as well as wonderful costumes, a most excellent set, and, if I may say so myself, some pretty cool lighting. Hamlet, considered one of Shakespeare's greatest plays, runs March 6 - 22 at the UFV Theatre on the Chilliwack Campus. Call the box office at 604-795-2814 or 604-504-7441, local 2814.

If you're looking for a great musical to attend, I suggest you keep an eye-out for MEI Secondary School's spring production of The Music Man by Meredith Willson. Okay, so I am also directing this production in and amongst the myriad of other things so it bears mentioning, right? The play will feature a cast of close to thirty highly talented students, as well as sets and costumes designed and built by students, former students and staff members. The stops are always pulled out for a show at the secondary school so make sure you check it out - it runs April 30 - May 9.

Last thing - reserve April 24th on your calendars so you can attend the first ever Gallery 7 Theatre Fundraising Gala event entitled, Imagine. A celebration of what has been, what is, and what could be, the 2009 Gala will offer great food, entertainment and a super-quality silent-auction. This event will be held at the Ramada Inn in Abbotsford. As you can see, the stops coming out - this is going to be one eloquent and fun night you won't want to miss. And, you'll have a chance to help us raise $10,000 to keep the Gallery 7 dream alive. More details to come...

That's it for now - hope to see you at the theatre!

Ken Hildebrandt
Executive Artistic Director
Gallery 7 Theatre & Performing Arts

G7 Update...

I would love to spend more time keeping this blog up to date as I think it can be a great way to stay in touch, talk about artsy stuff and maybe dig a little deeper in to the Gallery 7 experience...

Here's are couple of things I'm hoping to see happen on this blog:

• I'd like to write a history of our theatre - all 18 years of it - the plays, the people, the accomplishments. Maybe even share a photo or two. Quite the blast to the past.
  


• I'd like to post people's first-hand experiences either working on one of our shows or attending one of the 50+ productions we've produced over time. It's part of the G7 experience we introduced. Theatre is about community and what better way to experience this than to find out how people have been affected by their time here at Gallery 7 Theatre.

In the meantime, we put a wrap on Crossing Delancey. What an adorable, warm-hearted theatre experience that was. We had some reasonable crowds and excellent word of mouth, but I'm saddened that many did not get to experience this gem of a show. I congratulate the entire cast and crew for lifting our spirits.

At Crossing Delancey, we started the G7 Experience - an exhibition of our history through photos. We're going to expand this over time to include info on how people can get involved with the G7 community. Look for more great photos when you come out to The Family Man in March.

We also launched the Billboard Top 100. This is a fund-raising effort inviting 100 individuals to donate $100 to meet our target of $10,000 by June 30, 2009. Money raised through this effort will help deal with growing budgets while providing us the opportunity to dream big for the future. If you'd like to help us in this endeavor, please call us at 604-504-5940 or email info@gallery7theatre.com. We'd appreciate your help as we've had some unexpected bills hit us this past January, thanks to computer and printer problems. We also want to set aside some money for a contingency fund so we can get through the hard times, but with operational commitments, it's difficult enough just to meet our expenses. Keep the dream alive! Donations above $10 are eligible for a tax deductible receipt.

Our next workshop is Stage Make-Up: Level II, an exploration of more advanced make-up techniques such as aging, beards and scars. You can register at http://www.gallery7theatre.com/ or give us a call at 604-504-5940.

Well, that's a quick update. Right now, rehearsals are well underway for The Family Man, and pre-production is already underway for our final production of the season, The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. Hope to see you at both these plays!

Ken Hildebrandt
Executive Artistic Director

Crossing Delancey: Pure, Romantic Fun

People are loving the latest production of Crossing Delancey, and if you haven't yet made plans to see it, make sure you book it in your calendar and get some tickets.

Okay, so I'm really proud of this show, and of course, I'm the biased Artistic Director eager to promote the show and get people in the seats, but, we've had really great responses from people coming out the door, and I want to make sure you don't won't miss out on all the fun.

Since I'm at it, though, I may as well share a few more reasons why you should see Crossing Delancey:

1. It's affordable. No big drive to Vancouver to see quality theatre.


2. It's funny. You'll laugh. Alot! And who doesn't like to laugh?


3. It's warm-hearted, intelligent and clean.


4. It's a play both the gals AND the guys will get a kick out of.


5. It's plain, ole fashioned fun.

Get your friends and family together and have a great night out at the theatre. You won't regret it. I'm sure of it......

Runs: January 29 - 31, February 5 - 7 @ 7:30 PM
Discount Matinee: Jan. 31 @ 2:00 PM

MEI Theatre, 4081 Clearbrook Road, Abbotsford.
Tickets - House of James: 604-852-3701.
www.gallery7theatre.com/


P.S. If you've already seen the show, please tell us what you think. There's a poll on the sidebar of this blog on the left or simply respond to this post. Let's chat....

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

First of all, I'd like to wish you all a very merry Christmas and a happy New Year! May you experience the joy of the season and the peace that passes understanding.

It's been a while since I've posted here - I need to get more active on this whole bloggin thing...but in keeping with the spirit of the season, I thought I would share a few photos from when Gallery 7 Theatre participated in MSA Museum's "A Christmas Carol" event at Trethewey House.

A few performers from G7 dressed in 1800's garb to meet and greet visitors to the museum on December 20. Special thanks to Richard & Karen Toots, Lindsey Huntington, Kim Larson and Tamara Charman for their great performances as characters straight from the Dicken's novel. Gerwyn Mills joined our troupe to take on the role of Scrooge and Gary & Elva Atha coordined the costumes. Photos were submitted by Linda McRae of the MSA Museum.

Next Workshop: Stage Make-Up Level 1

Gallery 7 Theatre & Performing Arts presents

2008/2009 Workshop Series
Stage Make-Up: Level 1

November 26, 2008; 7PM—10PM

MEI Secondary School
4081 Clearbrook Road, Abbotsford

Register online here.

Actors, teachers and aspiring make-up artists will have the opportunity to brush up on their make-up skills by taking part in Gallery 7 Theatre’s latest workshop offering, Stage Make-Up Level I. Lead by professional make-up designer, Gail Ruginis of Cloverdale, the three-hour course will explore the basics of stage make-up application and design.

The course will also give an excellent overview of the make-up artist’s tool-kit, his/her responsibilities, and the supplies required for completing a professional-looking design. Actors, teachers and community theatre practitioners will benefit greatly from this unique course, providing both beginners and veterans an excellent opportunity to expand their individual and professional skills portfolio.

Leading the workshop is Gail Ruginis of Cloverdale, B.C. Ruginis’ stage and film makeup career spans many years. She regularly conducts workshops and seminars and is consulted on a regular basis. She is a certified instructor for Dinair Airbrush Systems Inc. of California and is the Key Makeup Artist for Dave Chalk - Connected, seen weekly on Shaw and KVOS television. Film and TV productions include Roger's Cable Award Winning docudrama, The Earthquake Zone and Highway of Heartache, as well as commercials and Vancouver Film School student productions.

Ruginis was previously the Director of Makeup for the Royal City Musical Theatre. Over the last 14 years, she has keyed over 60 productions including the RCMT productions of Fiddler on the Roof, Oliver, The King and I, among many others. She has also been responsible for the makeup for casts ranging in number from 1 - 75 per show and for venues having 75 - 1200 seats. She has been providing makeup and hair styling services for over 30 years.

Stage Make-Up: Level I is scheduled for November 26, 2008, 7PM – 10 PM, at the MEI Secondary School, 4081 Clearbrook Road, Abbotsford. It is the first of two workshops to be hosted by Gallery 7 Theatre on the subject. The second, Stage Make-Up: Level II, to be held mid-February, will explore more advanced make-up design applications including scarring and aging.

Cost of Stage Make-Up Level I is $30.00 plus GST or $54.00 plus GST for both Level I and Level II. For more information or to register, please call Gallery 7 Theatre at 604-504-5940 or go online to the society’s website at www.gallery7theatre.com.