Presenting: An Evening of One Acts

Rivercity Players is pleased to present "An Evening of One Acts," a three-play production at the Rivercity Stage in November. This entertaining evening of live theatre features the thrilling suspense of Whitney Ryan Garrity's Murder Next Door, a warm and witty holiday adaptation of O. Henry's classic The Gift of the Magi, and an entertaining celebration of the Bard with Shakespeare’s Greatest Hits.

Murder Next Door is a modern-day murder mystery set in rural England and has twists and turns that will challenge even the best armchair detective. A best-selling mystery writer finds it challenging to finish her latest creation as she contends with chaos created by her husband and nosy neighbours which inevitably ends in murder. Actors Melissa Lanyon, Deirdre Hartwell, William Selby and Cielo Richardson will be bringing these characters to life.

First time director Chris Willcock is taking on this new role for Rivercity Players. “The cast has done a fantastic job of bringing these eccentric characters to life and death on the stage,” he says. “Fun, lively murder mystery at its best!”

Adapted by Anne Coulter Martens, The Gift of the Magi was first published in 1905, and tells the story of a young, penniless, married couple desperately trying to buy each other meaningful Christmas gifts. As a sentimental story with a moral lesson about gift-giving, it has been popular for adaptation – in fact, there have been more than 20 film versions, as well as numerous versions for theatre, TV, stories, etc.

Dee Poulton is directing this play, which stars Kaydon Bailey, Trinity Graham, Ruth Cox, Barb Baldwin, Kate Humphreys, Brandon Lepine and Jen McGowan

Shakespeare's Greatest Hits, created and performed by Brian Down, presents a collection of Shakespeare's famous speeches and characters that illustrate his depth of understanding of the human condition and experience.  Whether he is describing a battle that was a turning point in history, a betrayal that impacts nations, or a simple love story, Shakespeare's language and characters set a standard that few writers since have been able to equal. 

Down's presentation will also include background stories and explanations to help make Shakespeare and his works more approachable and enjoyable.

This production will run November 25th, 26th, 27th, 28th at 7:30 PM, with a November 29th matinee at 2 PM.  All shows will be at the Rivercity Stage, 1080 Hemlock Street.  Tickets are $27 each and available online at rivercitytickets.ca.

William Selby and Melissa Lanyon - Murder Next Door

Stage Manager Spotlight

Rivercity Players is currently seeking a Stage Manager for our Spring/Festival Play. So, you might be wondering, "What does a Stage Manager do?"

A Stage Manager:

• Communicates information from the director to cast and crew regarding logistical aspects of the show

• Documents technical and artistic details into the script

• Prompts actors during rehearsals

• Co-ordinates scheduling of time

• Ensures necessary rehearsal items are assembled

• Ensures clean and safe conditions in rehearsal hall/onstage/backstage

• Co-ordinates backstage crew and oversees organization of props

• Calls technical cues during the show

• Maintains the director’s vision

You might make a great Stage Manager if you are:

• Organized

• Level-headed and even tempered

• Considerate 

• Punctual and dependable

• A good listener and have strong communication skills

• confident in basic computer skills to create rehearsal schedules and send them through email 

Does this sound like you? Rivercity Players Theatre is always happy to welcome new volunteers, and we provide mentoring and training! If you've ever thought about getting involved in a role like this, but worried you didn't have enough experience, we want to hear from you. Reach out for opportunities at volunteers@rivercityplayers.com.

Laughter with Heart: The Kitchen Witches Cooks Up Comedy and Community Support for Opening Night

Get ready for rivalry, recipes, and nonstop laughs as Rivercity Players opens its fall production of The Kitchen Witches on Wednesday October 14th. Opening night on offers audiences double the impact: enjoying a fantastic night of live local comedy while directly supporting essential, grassroots community care across Campbell River.

​Every dollar raised from ticket sales for the October 14 opening night performance will be donated directly to

Caremongering Campbell River (CMCR). Founded in March 2020 by former social worker Tara Jordan, CMCR began with a single delivery of essential supplies to a mother in need. Today, the volunteer-led initiative has expanded into a network of over 6,800 members—representing more than 15% of the local population—and over 50 dedicated volunteers helping neighbors with groceries, hot meals, emergency aid, and daily household support.

​“Almost everyone either has time and resources to share or needs a little help at some point in our lives, so it has been beyond wonderful to be able to connect these dots on a bigger scale,” says Tara Jordan, founder of Caremongering Campbell River.

​By combining forces with Rivercity Players, opening night patrons can experience high-energy, hilarious community theatre while helping to ensure no neighbour must face difficult times alone.

​Event & Ticket Details:

• ​What: The Kitchen Witches Opening Night

• ​When: Wednesday, October 14, 2026 at 7:30 PM

• ​Where: Rivercity Stage, 1080 Hemlock Street, Campbell River

• ​Tickets: Available for purchase online at rivercitytickets.ca

  
  

​Join us for an evening of local entertainment where every seat filled helps care for a neighbour.