Something's gotta give when the highlight of your day is talking to the kitchen wall while making hubby's dinner.
Housewife Shirley Bradshaw breaks free of her humdrum life as she finds adventure in Greece. She rediscovers love and the girl she once was, in Shirley Valentine, a one-woman show presented by the Kelowna Actors Studio at the Prince George Playhouse Feb. 14 and 15.
Patricia Burns, an award winning actress, is the star of the popular production, directed by Margaret Gobie.
"Shirley Valentine is a remarkable story of self discovery," said Gobie. "Our heroine finds romance and a new awareness of who she is and what her life can be with just a little of the courage from her youth. We get to laugh and cry along with her on this journey through life and love, always with a sense of humour."
Owner and general manager of the Kelowna Actors Studio, Nathan Flavel, who grew up in Prince George, is excited to bring the show to Prince George.
"My very first performance with Prince George Theatre Workshop was at the Playhouse in Beauty and The Beast prior to the theatre renovations," said Flavel, whose family stills live in Prince George. "It feels a bit full circle for me. Bringing Patricia's Shirley Valentine here was a natural and we're hoping to bring a show to Prince George every year - I know my mom would love that."
Flavel studied with Judy Russell and did a lot of high school theatre at College Heights secondary with teacher, Mr. Mason, moved to Prince George secondary and starred in Dracula and then participated in Prince George Theatre Workshop shows.
"It's really interesting to come back to the city and bring a show," said Flavel, who is celebrating Kelowna Actors Studio 12th season this year, where 12,000 people annually come through the doors.
Flavel said he was completely enamoured with Shirley Valentine when he first saw it and knew it would be a hit.
"It really spoke to me because I think it reminded me of my parents," said Flavel. "Here is a married couple, who have been married forever, who take each other completely for granted. The question is when did Shirley Valentine become Shirley Bradshaw (her married name). Where did Shirley Valentine go, who was brave and adventurous. It's an hysterical show, many, many belly laughs and it's a little risque and chronicles how she finds herself again."
Shirley Valentine, written by Willy Russell, comes to the Prince George Playhouse Friday, Feb. 14 at 7:30 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 15 at 1 and 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $33 at Studio 2880, 2820 15th Ave. or by calling 250-563-2880. Note: there is some mature language and subject matter.
