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Thank you so much for bringing to Vancouver the fabulous production of The Love List. Foster’s writing was fabulous and the acting supported the well crafted script. The production was clever, entertaining, lots of fun and left one with lots to think about. I am so proud to recommend Vancouver Playhouse productions. Again you out did yourselves with this production.
Thank you.
Sincerely,
C. Sanderson
Norm Foster is considered to be Canada’s most produced playwright. He has had more than 40 plays produced on professional stages all over North America and as far away as Canberra, Australia. This spring, the Playhouse is producing Foster’s play, The Love List which Foster is also starring in. The acclaimed playwright sat down with us between rehearsals this week to talk about his work on this incredibly funny play.
Is it any different to perform a show you’ve written as opposed to one you haven’t written?
I think it is because when I perform in a show that I haven’t written, I’m not thinking so much about the audience reaction as I am when I’m in a show that I’ve written. I’ve acted in a few shows that I haven’t written and I find it far more relaxing to do somebody else’s show.
How are you and Director Max Reimer working together in rehearsals?
I like to just go in there as an actor and not be a playwright while I’m in rehearsals. Max and I work pretty well together. Max does his homework of course and knows the play inside out so he doesn’t usually have to ask any questions of me. It’s just strictly director to actor when we’re working together.
This show is about two men who draw up a list of the qualities their perfect mate would have. What do you think is the most important quality in a relationship?
I think one of the things on the list is trust and I think that’s very important. That would probably be in the top three for me.
Have you ever made your own list?
No I haven’t. Although I will admit that most of the things on the list in the play would be on my list.
What can audiences expect from The Love List?
Well I’ve just met Peter (Anderson) and Cailin (Stadnyk). [Foster's co-stars in The Love List] I think they really have a comedic sense about them and that’s really important when doing one of my plays. It’s going to be a lot of fun for the audience. Plus there’s a little bit to think about there too - about the quest for perfection.
The Love List is playing at the Vancouver Playhouse from March 6-10 and March 25-April 10 (there is a hiatus during the Paralympic Games). For tickets click here or call the box office at 604 873 3311
NEWS
James Bradshaw @ The Globe and Mail: http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/arts/theatre/spirits-at-play-in-creation-of-haida-rock-musical/article1442845/
Mac Parry @ The Vancouver Sun: http://www.vancouversun.com/Beyond+Eden+premiere+brings+back+memories/2475730/story.html
Julia Piper’s “Gold Medal” pick for the Cultural Olympiad in The Province: http://www.theprovince.com/entertainment/Games/2481137/story.html
Marsha Lederman’s pick of the Cultural Olympiad in the Globe and Mail: http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/bill-reid-and-the-spirit-of-the-west/article1443867/
The excitement is palpable around the Production offices of the Playhouse as the opening night of Beyond Eden is just hours away.
An email came in earlier today… “I just wanted to drop you a quick note to say thank you for the great production yesterday. Our twenty two students loved the play and talked abut it all the way back to Bowen Island. The moment that struck them the most, however, was during the talk-back after the performance. Tom Jackson who plays ’The Watchman’ looked out at the audience and told us that he loved us. This was so unexpected and so heartfelt that my students and myself felt incredibly moved. That was a moment I think they will cherish for a long time.”
Adrian van Lidth de Jeude
Arts and Humanities Teacher
Island Pacific School
Beyond Eden is all set for its world premier tomorrow evening (Thursday, Jan. 21). Their Honours, the Honourable Steven L. Point, Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia and Mrs. Gwen Point will be in attendance as will representatives from Squamish, Musqeam and Tsleil-Waututh Nations, who will welcome the production to the territory.
Here is what some people have been saying about Beyond Eden during it’s previews;
“Just want to let you know that I really enjoyed Beyond Eden. The music was beautiful, the performers so artful and the stylized setting certainly enhanced the performance!” - Shelley Hayashi, Concierge, Pan Pacific Hotel
“We have been subscribers to the Playhouse Theatre Company productions for over 2 decades. Several of our friends also attend on the same night - and tonight, without exception, we all felt that we had seen something very special indeed - we all enjoyed it immensely. Thank you all for a most wonderful production.” - A.M. and C. Lawrence, North Vancouver
“I absolutely loved the show!” - Carol Gomez, Concierge, Pacific Palisades Hotel
“We just wanted to say how much we enjoyed Beyond Eden last night. We have had seasons tickets for many years now, and the production last night is one that will stay with us. We were moved and loved the music and the play and the special effects – the totem pole was amazing as it was ‘coloured’ in. Thanks for bringing this play to us!” - J. & A. Livingstone
The cast of Beyond Eden have been rehearsing in Calgary since before Christmas. Shari Wattling, Theatre Calgary’s Dramaturg who has worked on the production, has kept a blog during the rehearsal process. Check it out here… http://theatrecalgary.com/edenblog/
Many of the Playhouse staff met the cast and crew of Beyond Eden today at a meet and greet at the theatre. It was very inspiring! We simply can’t wait to open this world premier musical spectacle - that took 20 years to develop - right here in our West Coast city!
Rehearsals for the world premier of Beyond Eden have been taking place since before Christmas at Theatre Calgary, our co-production partner. The cast will begin final rehearsals in Vancouver on Tuesday, in preparation for their first preview on Saturday, Jan. 16 leading up to the official opening on Jan. 21.
We are very excited that The Honourable Steven L. Point, OBC, Governor General of British Columbia, will be attending opening night of this production that has been two decades in the making.
The Playhouse is now on Facebook. Become a fan now by clicking on this link…
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Vancouver-Playhouse-Theatre-Company/137971174333?ref=ts
From David C. Jones at OUT TV…
Dirty Rotten Scoundrels the movie is now a musical
the transformation is well done and downright hysterical
the set and costumes look like a million bucks
and the dance and cast rock and so nothing sucks.
It held me and tickled and I had so much fun
that the next day I went out and bought the cast album.
http://www.outtv.ca/blog/2009/12/03/vancouver-arts-scene-3/#more-755
The Playhouse Box Office phone hours during the holidays are as follows: DEC 24: 9:30am-3pm; DEC 25: Closed; DEC 26: 11am-5pm; DEC 27: 11am-5pm; DEC 28: Closed; DEC 29: 9:30am-8pm; DEC 30: 9:30am-8pm; DEC 31: 9:30am-5pm; JAN 1: Closed; JAN 2: Closed; JAN 3: Closed; JAN 4: Open, regular hours recommence.
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