as Therese Dubuc, and Sandra Dunn as Olivine Dubuc in CBU’s 2017 production of Les Belles-soeur.
The 2019-2020 Festival of Plays gets underway November 18 with Dracula.
by WGO staff
Cape Breton University’s Boardmore Theatre is set to launch its 49th Season of Plays with an exciting line-up. Hosting four main stage productions and three theatre festivals, there’s something for everyone.
“Our line-up of plays covers a range of theatrical styles, including a new stage version that restores the suspense and seduction of Bram Stoker’s classic story Dracula; Sheldon Currie’s Lauchie, Liza and Rory, a Cape Breton comedy of unrequited love is played by two actors switching characters at a fast pace playing parents, siblings, children, priests and nuns. This production weaves the tale of a warm and tightly-knit family coming to terms with the meaning of love and loyalty,” says Artistic Director of the Boardmore, Todd Hiscock. “Charlie Rhindress’ dark comedy, Maritime Way of Life, is an hilariously satirical take on traditional East Coast lifestyles and personalities. Nominated for Best New Play at the 2000 Canadian Comedy Awards, this story is the other side of The Glace Bay Miners’ Museum. The Neverending Story is a beautiful tale of the trials of childhood and the triumph of creativity that will delight and inspire the whole family.”
November 18 to 24, 2019 – Dracula
By Steven Dietz, from the novel by Bram Stoker; Directed by Matt Campbell
This new adaptation restores the suspense and seduction of Bram Stoker’s classic novel to the stge. As Count Dracula begins to exert his will upon the residents of London, they try to piece together the clues of his appearances – in a valiant attempt to save themselves from a hideous fate. Rich with both humor and horror, this play paints a wickedly theatrical picture of Stoker’s famous vampire.
January 21 to 26, 2020 – Lauchie, Liza and Rory
By Sheldon Currie; Directed by Todd Hiscock
From the author of “Margaret’s Museum” comes this all-too-human comedy of unrequited love. From her wedding day until the day her son leaves for university, Liza lives with sensible Lauchie while pining for his reckless identical twin brother, Rory. In a series of scenes from Liza’s life, Currie evokes an entire east-coast town and keeps us laughing while subtly illuminating the poignancy in the situation. The play’s two actors switch characters at a dizzying pace–playing parents, siblings, children, priests, nuns–to weave the tale of a warm and tightly-knit family coming to terms with the meaning of love and loyalty.
February 11 to 16, 2020 – Maritime Way of Life
By Charlie Rhindress; Directed by Carolyn Dunn
Upon hearing that her father has had a lung removed Maggie returns home to the Maritimes. She finds her proud father still working in a mine that closed two years ago, her brother Donnie “working” at the video lotto and her wheelchair bound grandmother unable to speak anything but the “old language.” This is the other side of Black Harbour and The Glace Bay Miners’ Museum. Nominated for best new play at the 2000 Canadian Comedy Awards.
March 12 to 15, 2020 – One Act Play Festival
This annual festival is eagerly awaited by CBU students, faculty, and community members. The festival provides new and experienced writers, directors, and actors with an opportunity to showcase their talents, and gives the public a chance to see several quality productions from numerous theatrical styles. Full schedule of One Act Plays to be announced when confirmed.
March 30 to April 5, 2020 – Youth Theatre Festival
The Youth Theatre Festival is an annual event held at the CBU Boardmore Playhouse. This year, young theatre practitioners from Class Acts Drama School and other community youth drama groups take to the stage and perform in a series of scripted productions. The Festival allows our local theatre community to celebrate the vitality and dedication of our young theatre professionals. Full schedule of Youth Theatre Festival to be announced when confirmed.
April 27 to May 3, 2020 – The Neverending Story
By David S. Craig; Directed by Lindsay Thompson
Hiding in a closet to avoid school bullies, ten-year-old Bastian becomes immersed in a strangely compelling book: the tale of a hero’s quest to save the realm of Fantastica from the encroaching terror of the Nothing. But is Bastian just a reader of this extraordinary story – or a vital part of it? Filled with spectacle and wondrous other-worldly creatures, this beautiful tale of the trials of childhood and the triumph of creativity will delight and inspire the whole family.
May 14 to 17, 2020 – Cape Breton High School Theatre Festival
The Festival is an exciting opportunity for students to perform, participate in workshops and to share their work, on a professional stage, with other students, teachers and guest artists. This festival is a platform for drama students and teachers from all schools in the community to highlight their work and learn new and exciting skills for the classroom and the stage.
For this season there are various ticket package options:
- Season of Plays Package – Pay $50 for all main stage productions and theatre festivals. Including 15 per cent off a meal at Flavor 19 on the night of any show.
- Main Stage Package – Pay $30 for the four main stage productions (Dracula, Lauchie, Liza and Rory, Maritime Way of Life and The Neverending Story). Including 15 per cent off a meal at Flavor 19 on the night of any show.
- Festivals Package – Pay $30 for the three theatre festivals (One-Act Play Festival, Youth Festival and High School Festival). Including 15 per cent off a meal at Flavor 19 on the night of any show.
Purchase a ticket package and see a play at the Boardmore Theatre, where local talent takes root. For more information, visit the website: www.cbu.ca/boardmore
