Theatre buffs will be happy to hear that ECHO Players will be hosting the North Island Zone Drama Festival from May 13 to May 17 at the Village Theatre in Qualicum Beach.
Each evening highlights a different performance from theatre clubs from Campbell River to Nanaimo, according to a news release by ECHO Players.
This year’s line-up showcases five plays, all of which start at 7:30 p.m., starting May 13 with The Revolutionists, a comedy performed by ECHO Players.
Four women lose their heads in this irreverent, girl-powered comedy set during the French Revolution’s Reign of Terror. Playwright Olympe de Gouges, assassin Charlotte Corday, the former Queen Marie Antoinette and Haitian rebel Marianne Angelle hang out, murder Marat and try to beat back the extremist insanity in 1793 Paris. Includes a content warning for explicit language.
On May 14, the Nanaimo Theatre Group will put on The Woman in Black, a mystery thriller.
Arthur Kipps had a terrifying experience in his youth that continues to haunt him. He seeks the help of a young professional actor who he hopes can coach him through the process of preparing to share this terrifying tale with his friends and family. Children under age 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
Next, on May 15 Blackbird will be put on by Portal Players Dramatic Society.
After years in prison and subsequent hardships, Ray, 56, has a new identity and has made a new life for himself, thinking that he cannot be found. Una, 27, has thought of nothing else; upon seeing a photo of Ray in a magazine, she has arrived unannounced at his office. Guilt, rage, and raw emotions run high as they recollect the intense connection they had 15 years ago. Intended for audiences age 16 and older, for strong content and language. This play’s theme deals with sexual abuse of a minor.
The Rivercity Players will perform the comedy The Bookstore on May 16.
The future of an almost magical bookstore is uncertain after Rachel inherits a bookstore. She has a job in New York City that doesn't pay her enough and a fiancé that won't stop calling. She doesn't have the time or patience to run a bookstore, so when a real estate magnate offers her more money than she can imagine to turn the store into an apartment complex, her choice seems like a no-brainer. But as the shop works its magic on her, she starts to wonder if she can put a price on a beloved community bookstore.
On May 17 Courtenay Little Theatre puts on the Myth of the Ostrich, a comedy drama.
Single mom and self-help writer Holly’s morning is interrupted when Pam shows up unannounced. Having found a letter from her teenage daughter Jodi to her teenage son, Evan, Pam deems the letter inappropriate and is eager to discuss matters. With the arrival of Holly’s outrageous and filter-less best friend, Cheryl, one lie leads to another. Little do either of them know, Pam may not actually be the head-burying ostrich they think she is... Content warning: this event contains adult language and mature content.
This year’s festival adjudicator is Leon Potter, chair of the theatre department at Vancouver Island University.
The festival concludes with an award ceremony, with the play awarded Best Production entered in the provincial Mainstage Festival held by Theatre BC in July.
Tickets are $25 each, or get five shows for the price of four with the Whole Week Pass at $100, or pick three shows for $70. Tickets are available online at echoplayers.ca or by phone at 250-752-3522.
