A Fun Take on a Festive Favourite

(L-R) Darren Thyne, Darlene Carr, Jennifer Cody, Cielo Richardson, and Kate Humphreys rehearse a musical number accompanied by pianist Adriana Proton

Rivercity Plays is delighted to return to the stage this November with a hilarious take on Charles Dickens’ classic A Christmas Carol. Written by David McGillivray and Walter Zerlin Jnr., The Farndale Avenue Housing Estate Townswomen’s Guild Dramatic Society’s Production of A Christmas Carol is one of a series of delightful plays about the fictional society and their attempts to mount a production of a famous work.

The ladies, and long suffering stage manager, Gordon, mount a full assault on the much loved Dickens classic, A Christmas Carol. Miscues, costume and prop failures abound but it won't stop the stalwart thespians from bringing the story to their adoring followers.

The Rivercity Players production will be directed by Dee and Dick Poulton. The directors first saw the play performed in Vancouver several years ago, and as soon as Dick and Dee saw the Rivercity Stage they knew it was the perfect venue to present it in. Dee was quick to respond when Rivercity Players’ call for directors for the 2022-2023 season went out.

“This play is unique in it's wacky approach to theatre production,” says Dee. “This series of plays are not produced often because of the intricate dance of light, sound and multi-character acting required. There are not many plays that break the fourth wall throughout it's acts and the fact that the audience isn't familiar with this version of A Christmas Carol is really exciting for us.”

The cast features Jennifer Cody, Darlene Carr, Darren Thyne, Cielo Richardson and Kate Humphreys.

Opening night is Thursday November 24th at the Rivercity Stage at 7:30pm. The play runs November 24th to 26th at 7:30pm, with matinees Saturday November 26th and Sunday November 27th at 2pm. It then continues December 1st to 3rd with three more evening performances at 7:30pm.

Tickets are $25 and available now at www.rivercitytickets.ca

2022-2023 Season kicks off with us showing you our shorts

Rivercity Players is proud to announce our first production for the 2022-2023 season. An Evening of One Acts: Come see our shorts will open October 13th at the Rivercity stage.

Campbell River's favourite small stage is excited to kick off their 2022-2023 season with a trio of one-act plays. Three one-act plays, three directors, three sets and three talented groups of actors will make this an evening to be remembered.

The line up for the event will be Accidental Death of a Salesman by Nick Mitchell, The Guilt Card by Jean McConnell and Help Desk by Don Zolidis.

Performances will be October 13, 14, 15 and 20, 21, 22 at 7:30pm with special matinee performances October 16 and 23 at 2:00pm. Tickets will be sold on our website at www.rivercitytickets.ca

Press release for Steel Magnolias!

Steel Magnolias Press Release

Filled with humour and heartbreak, ‘Steel Magnolias’ will take you on a rollercoaster ride of emotions. ‘Steel Magnolias’ takes place in Truvy’s beauty salon in small town Chinquapin, Louisiana. Six witty and outspoken women tell their story of friendships, loves and losses, revealing their strengths and weaknesses through good times and bad.

Rivercity Players is very excited to bring this play to you, directed by Susan Wydenes. Susan has been active in Rivercity players and enjoys both acting and directing. This is her first time directing a full-length production. Susan loves this play, with its strong themes of resilience, love and friendship, and she has a deep affection for the women it portrays. She has thoroughly enjoyed diving deeply into ‘Steel Magnolias’ and nurturing her vision of the play. When asked how it’s been directing this play Susan said, “It’s been wonderful so far. I have a dedicated cast who support each other and the vision of the play. It has been exciting, even just halfway through to see the characters, the relationships and the story taking shape. We have a dedicated team supporting us as well and that has enabled us to focus on bringing the play to life.”

Kelly McDonald is incredibly excited to be playing Truvy. Steel Magnolias is one of her very favorite productions and she’s so thankful to Susan for casting her as the warm, sassy hairdresser. She can’t wait to bring you to Chinquapin Parish!

Kaela Elliott, playing Annelle, is one of Campbell River’s own. "Steel Magnolias” is her debut on stage. Kaela is excited and honoured by this opportunity to become involved with community theatre at Rivercity Players and hopes to continue growing her passion for the arts.

Michelle Lowe, playing Clairee, has enjoyed performing in the arts since the age of 5. She has been a member of Quadra Players and Rivercity Players and, after a 2 decade break from the stage, ‘Steel Magnolias’ seemed to call to her to get involved again. ‘Steel Magnolias’ is a production that Michelle is excited to be a part of.

Michelle Segal is playing Shelby. ‘Steel Magnolias’ is her second play with Rivercity Players, having performed as Elvira in Blithe Spirit last year. She is thrilled to be back in such a timeless play. Michelle finds acting a treat and serves up plenty of food for the soul.

Lynne Macara is playing the role of M’LYNN, she is happy to be appearing in ‘Steel Magnolias’ again, after playing the role of Annelle in Rivercity Players first production of the play many years ago. She has enjoyed her back stage and on stage theatrical experiences in Campbell River over the past 30 years, and looks forward to the next 30 years! She has found this a great cast to be a part of, and is grateful for the hardworking production team.

Shelagh Germyn is thrilled to be in ‘Steel Magnolias,’ playing the role of Ouiser. Her debut with Rivercity Players Theatre was back in the 1990’s, in a play called ‘Rumors’ by Neil Simon. While her return to the theatre has been a long time coming, Shelagh is excited to be back and to be working with a cast of talented actresses.

‘Steel Magnolias’ can be seen at Rivercity Stage, February 12—15 and 19-22 at 7:30 pm and February 16 and 23 at 2:00 pm. Tickets are $20 and available online at rivercitytickets.ca or at Rivercity Stage on Tuesdays from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm.