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