Rivercity Players offer up something Short and Sweet later this month

Annual evening of one act plays, this year featuring three short plays, and something new

Mystery, comedy, romance, sci fi, farce – definitely something for everyone at Short and Sweet!

Two characters, played by Dick Poulton (left) and Gerry Pittman, contemplate life on various planets during Life on Mars, one of Rivercity Players’ one-act plays that make up Short And Sweet, An Evening of One Acts opening Sept. 28. Photo by Alistair Taylor

Rivercity Players will present it’s annual evening of one act plays, this year featuring three short plays, and something new.

Up first is Road Toll by Sarah Tighe. This Australian drama tells the story of an elderly woman who is visited by two police officers with the unfortunate news that her son has passed away in a car accident. However, all is not as it seems! Road Toll is directed by Barb Baldwin.

Next is Tooth or Dare by Canadian playwright, Rose Scollard. In this charming comedy, two seniors meet up in a sushi rolling class, and we see their relationship develop as they take turns sharing their story. Alistair Taylor directs this play.

Life on Mars is also written by a Canadian – Elliott Hayes. This play, directed by Patrick Baird, gives us a glimpse into the life of two short order cooks, as they contemplate the universe from behind the restaurant where they work.

Short and Sweet! will also introduce Campbell River to Rivercity Players’ new sketch comedy group – Dark Night Players. Directed by Dee Poulton, the Players will close the evening with laughter as they perform several short sketches.

“The main motivator when we started having our one acts was to provide an opportunity for people to try something new,” explains Lynne Macara, who is producing. “It’s a good way to try something you haven’t done before, on a smaller project, to get your feet wet.” Baldwin and Baird, while not new to Rivercity Players, are trying their hand at directing in this production.

Short and Sweet! will run at the Rivercity Stage on Sept. 28, 29, 30, 5, 6, 7 at 7:30 p.m. and Oct. 1 and 7 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $25 and can be purchased at www.rivercitytickets.ca

Language warning

Let's do the time warp...

We are very excited to be hosting two evenings of The Rocky Horror Picture Show this fall at Rivercity Stage, Friday October 27 and Saturday October 28. This is a fundraising event for Rivercity Players and the Campbell River Art Gallery, and our goal is to purchase a commercial popcorn machine for our concession. The remaining proceeds will be used to support programming at the theatre and at the gallery this season.

The Rocky Horror Picture Show is renowned for its audience participation roles at different times and scenes during the film. Rivercity Stage-appropriate props are included with every ticket! To encourage the safety and enjoyment of the film by all in attendance, any bags brought to the theater could be subjected to a search for inappropriate/non-allowable items.

What is Allowed & What’s in the kit!

The kits include:

Balloon, Glow Stick, Rubber Glove, Noisemaker, Confetti Popper, Party Hat, Cards, Bag, and Newspaper.

So now we know what the kit will include, we’re new to this thing. How do we use them, which ones that aren’t in the kit are also allowed OR are not allowed, and at what point in the movie do we use them?

This movie is all about participation but we also want to make sure the theater isn’t damaged, wrecked, or burned down (under NO circumstances should an open flame ever be used within Rivercity Stage). People are absolutely encouraged to dress up and have fun, but there are just a few things we cannot and will not allow and they are listed below along with the items included in the kit, as well as when to use them.

Another thing we ask is to please not throw things at the screen, damage to the screen would be costly to repair and a drain on our limited resources as a non-profit organization. Besides, throwing things at the screen is pretty much just not cool.

Here’s your play-by-play of when to use your props, as well as the things that just can’t be allowed. Here we go:

Balloon

In the kit? Yes (1 qty)

Is it allowed? Yes

When to use: During the song Science Fiction Double Feature, the move When Worlds Collide is mentioned – pop the balloon at this time.

Rice

In the kit? No

Is it allowed? No – Not included in the kit and not allowed. Sorry rice can get slippery, it’s messy, and we don’t want rodents. There’s a reason people don’t throw rice at weddings anymore.

When this normally happens: At the beginning of the film when the wedding guests exit the church.

Large “J”-“A”-“N”-“E”-“T” cards

In the kit? Nope

Is it allowed? Yes, we just didn’t include it since it takes some decent coordination between people to pull off. You’re welcome to do it if you feel like your four friends can spell.

When to use: During the song “Dammit Janet” when Brad says Janet’s name, and when spells out Janet’s name, each card is held up as he spells it. Some people also write “Oh” “B”-“R”-“A”-“D” on the back of them and use them then.

Water Guns

In the kit? No

Is it allowed? No, sorry we’re not a friend of wet floors, seats, etc..

When this normally happens: During the song There’s a Light (Over at the Frankenstein Place), while they are walking through the rain

Glow Stick / flashlight

In the kit? Yes (1 qty)

Is it allowed? Yes (NO Lighters, matches, flammables due to fire code restrictions). Get creative and download a concert lighter app on your phone. Those are much less flammable!

When to use: During the song There’s a Light (Over at the Frankenstein Place), while the “There’s a Light” chorus is playing. Do this during the chorus and when they say “in the darkness” lower it.

How to Time Warp Flier

In the kit? No (But don’t worry – if you don’t know the moves, our usherettes will be there to guide you through!)

Is it allowed? Of course! Yes, but keep out of the aisles for everyone’s safety and for people trying to get through.

When to use: During the Time Warp – get up and dance!

Rubber Glove

In the kit? Yes (1 qty)

Is it allowed? Yes

When to use: During Frank’s speech at the tank when he puts on the gloves, stretches and snaps them. He does this three times and try to snap them at the same time!

Noisemakers

In the kit? Yes (1 qty)

Is it allowed? Yes

When to use: During the “Lab” scene, when the Transylvanian Guests use their noisemakers at the end of the creation speech.

Confetti

In the kit? Yes (1 confetti streamer popper)

Is it allowed? Yes

When to use: At the end of the “Lab” scene when the wedding march is being played when they head to the bedroom.

Toilet Paper

In the kit? No.

Is it allowed? Yes, we just didn’t include it.

When to use: When Dr. Scott makes his entrance and Brad exclaims “Great Scott!”. Get it? Like Scotts toilet paper? Yeah, that’s why people do it. Wait to toss it when Dr. Scott crashes through the wall. By the time Dr. Scott hits the Transducer wall and Frank has his leg on the chair it’s time to stop tossing.

Party Hat

In the kit? Yes (1 qty)

Is it allowed? Yes

When to use: During dinner, Frank will put on his party hat, and you should too. It’s a party after all and you should be dressed appropriately 😉

Toast

In the kit? No

Is it allowed? : No. Sorry it’s a pun and we love a good pun but we don’t throw food around here. We’d rather not have crumbs everywhere either (did we mention we don't want to attract rodents?)

When this normally happens: During dinner after Frank is done carving, he will lift his class and proclaim “a toast”.

Newspaper

In the kit? Yes

Is it allowed? : Yes

When to use: When Frank pulls the table cloth off the dinner table.

Bell

In the kit? No

Is it allowed? Yes, if you didn’t bring a bell you can use your keys also. However, it doesn’t look as cool.

When to use: When Frank is chasing Janet after dinner and asks the musical question “did you hear a bell ring?” during the song “Planet Schmanet”

Sponge

In the kit? No.

Is it allowed? Yes, we just didn’t include it in the kit.

When to use: When Columbia is doing her “bitch out” speech and says to Frank, “you’re like a sponge!”

Cards

In the kit? Yes (8-12 qty)

Is it allowed? Yes

When to use: After floor show, when Frank is doing his solo number and sits down and sings the line “cards for sorrow, cards for pain”. Make it rain!

Rope

In the kit? No

Is it allowed? Yes, we just didn’t include it in the kit.

When to use: When the rope falls from the rigging after Riff finishes shooting.

Hot Dog and Prunes

Is it allowed? No. Just no. Please, please, please DON’T.

People sometimes throw these anytime they’re mentioned. It’s messy, stains things, and nobody wants to get hit with a prune or a hot dog for that matter.

We are trembling with antici ......................pation for you to join us for this first at Rivercity Players, tickets are available at www.rivercitytickets.ca

Friendship, love and laughter abound in Rivercity Players' upcoming production

Director Susan Wydenes wanted to bring some light and laughter to Rivercity Stage at this dark and dreary time of year, and she found the perfect play for that in Norm Foster's

Halfway There.

The small town of Stewiacke, Nova Scotia is located exactly halfway between the equator and the North Pole. Into this town wanders Doctor Sean Merrit, newly dumped by his fiancée and looking to leave his troubles far behind. The first people he meets are four local women,

each with issues of their own. The play opens February 23rd with performances through March 4th.

We asked Susan to share more about the play, and also about how she became a part of Rivercity Players.

How would you describe the play?

Susan Wydenes: This is a play about love: the enduring love between dear friends and the love off romantic relationships, both new and long-established.

Why did you want to bring this play to Rivercity Stage?

SW: This is a relatable play that celebrates what is essential in life: friendship, love, laughter and being there for each other, through all of lifes ups and downs. It is heartwarming, witty and funny and I thought it would be a welcome reprieve for our audience during these last weeks of our often wet and dreary winter.

What is your favourite thing about the play and/or the production?

SW: My favourite thing is watching these characters and relationships come to life through the hard work and thoughtful exploration of the actors.

(L-R) Kelly Senko, Tony Ritchie, Lynne Macara, Nathalie Anderson and Michelle Segal star in Halfway There Feb 23 - Mar 4. Photo: Mike Davies

Why should people come see the show?

SW: This play will make you laugh and probably also cry. It is a hopeful play that nudges us all to remember what is most important in life: each other.

How long have you been involved with Rivercity Players?

SW: Off and on for about 20 years.

What made you want to be involved in community theatre?

SW: I wanted to try acting and I wanted to be part of a creative group.

What past productions have you been involved in (either with Rivercity or otherwise)?

SW: Cocktails at Pam's, 84 Charing Cross Road, Steel Magnolias, a handful of one act plays and various off-stage roles in other productions.

What was your most memorable theatre experience?

SW: So far, I think that would be directing Steel Magnolias. The cast was amazing to work with.

What do you like most about directing?

SW: I love watching how the actors interpret their characters and then bringing them together into a cohesive unit under my vision for the story.

Other than directing, what other roles you enjoy taking on in a theatre production?

SW: I also enjoy acting, set dressing and publicity.

What things keep you busy when you're not involved in theatre?

SW: Walking with friends and dogs, knitting, outdoor adventures and spending time with family.

Tickets for Halfway There by Norm Foster are on sale now, please visit our ticket page for all of the details, www.rivercitytickets.ca Evening performances will be February 23, 24, 25 and March 2, 3, 4 at 7:30pm. There are also two matinee performances, Sunday February 26th and Saturday March 4th at 2pm.