Theatre NorthWest is the only professional theatre company in Prince George and changed direction during the pandemic to offer local residents an opportunity to shine.
There were stage readings offered to limited audiences that showcased fledgling writers, directors, producers and actors who adhered to coronavirus restrictions.
Most recently, Theatre NorthWest put in place two Artists in Residence, Michelle Cyr and Julian Legere, who focus on honing their skills and sharing their talents in a variety of ways, including directing and acting.
Most recently the Marvelous Wonderettes, a musical, was presented at Theatre NorthWest and started as a production that could only have 50 audience members attend at a time, only to have the pandemic restrictions lifted so that theatres could be at 50 per cent capacity. When that happened in the middle of the show’s run the theatre had to quickly change gears in response and sold out the shows scheduled and then had to extend the run because of its success.
Currently things are shut down and pose a real challenge to the entertainment industry but Theatre NorthWest is looking ahead toward the new year when hopefully things will open up once again.
The next major stage production is Glory by Tracey Power that will be presented Feb. 3 to 23.
“Remember that movie A League of Their Own? It’s kind of like that but with hockey,” Marnie Hamagami, Theatre NorthWest’s executive director, explained the upcoming show.
“It’s based on a true story.”
There are four women included in the show and local musician, actor William Kuklis, will take on the only male role in the cast.
Mom’s The Word, written by six women, is presented April 14 to May 4 at Theatre NorthWest and features a cast of five women in a comedy that showcases the challenges of women having children and all the ups and downs that come with growing a family.
“This is a wildly successful and hilarious play,” Hamagami said.
One of the original writers of the play, Deborah Williams, will be coming to Prince George to direct the show.
Theatre NorthWest also hosts unique fundraising events and is partnering once again with Big Brothers Big Sisters for Gin Blossom, a showcase of well-known community members who create an original cocktail and then present it as part of a taste-testing for patrons of the arts.
There will also a couple of Scotch tasting events for the grownups and sewing camps for children and youth throughout the coming year.
For more information visit www.theatrenorthwest.com.
