Christmas Presence (Dec 13-21, 1996)

A memorable theatre event unfolds before your eyes in the unslickest Christmas show ever to take place outside of a living room. These magical evenings of readings, music, sketches, monologues, short stories and reminiscences have become an essential part of the Christmas season for many. No two nights are the same as a variety of musicians appear on different evenings, joining Ron Reed to "bring forth treasures old and new" in celebration of the birth of Christ.

Dec 13, 14, 20, 21

TALLEY'S FOLLY (Oct 11 - Nov 2, 1996)

by Lanford Wilson

When Matt Friedman returned to his big city accounting office after falling in love with a small-town girl, he had no idea that she would suddenly refuse to answer his letters and calls. A year later, he returns to the scene of their summer romance, determined to win her back. Set in 1945 against a background of home-front anti-semitism, this Pulitzer Prize winner has a rare ability to touch our hearts and make us laugh.

CAST
Matt Friedman - Tim Dixon
Sally Talley - Pam Raven (Muir)

Director - Ron Reed

Death On The Rocks (Sep 19-28, 1996)

by Tim Anderson

8th Annual Murder Mystery Fundraiser

Our Murder Mystery Dessert Theatre Fundraising Event has been so popular over the years that we've gradully inched up from one evening a year to five! The 8th Annual Murder Myster provides plenty of clues for you to get to the bottom of this highly entertaining conundrum. Help Pacific Theatre launch its CELEBRATION@ SEASON - and enjoy some decadent desserts, fabulous prize draws, a brand new mystery, and walk away with a tax receipt while you're at it!

Sep 19, 21, 26, 27, 28

1996-97: Celebration! Season

Talley's Folly, by Lanford Wilson
Mass Appeal, by Bill C. Davis
Holy Spew, by Lucia Frangione (Potluck Productions)
Tent Meeting, by Morris Ertman & Ron Reed
You Can't Take It With You, by Moss Hart (Pacific Theatre Community Shows)

Death On The Rocks, by Tim Anderson (8th Annual Murder Mystery Fundraiser)
Christmas Presence
A Night At The Improv (2nd Annual Improv Comedy Fundraiser)

*

Greetings from the Managing Artistic Director,
Ron Reed

We have a lot to celebrate! We've successfully completed the second season in our new theatre, acquired additional theatre equipment and received more nominations for Vancouver's Jessie Richardson Awards (bringing our total nominations to eight over the last two years)!

We want to celebrate our success by presenting our CELEBRATION! SEASON. All of your favourite Pacific Theatre actors will be back onstage and invite you to return - as a season subscriber.....

*

Mainstage Season Package (3 plays + Christmas Presence)
(Weeknight/Matinee / Weekend)
Adult: $37 / $49
Student/Senior: $22 / $34

Guest Production Package (2 intriguing plays, only available to Mainstage Package Subscribers)
Adult: $21.50 / $25.50
Student/Senior: $11.50 / $15.50

Murder Mystery: $32 (tax receipt for $25)
Improv Comedy Fundraiser: Individual $20 ($15 tax receipt), Family $75 ($55 tax receipt)

HOWARD BUYS A MOTORHOME (Apr 12-27, 1996)

HOWARD BUYS A MOTORHOME & HOWARD IN HELL:
THE HOWARD CYCLE
by Scott Hafso

Howard: Tim Dixon
Howard: Paul Muir * (mid-run)
Lucia Frangione
Erla Faye Forsyth *
Francis Boyle
Anthony Ingram
Kate Newman

Director: Scott Hafso
Stage Manager: Nicole Vieira

GAMBLING, by J.P. Allen (Feb 29 - Mar 9, 1996)

GAMBLING
Guest Production

Feb 29-Mar1, Mar 7-9

J.P. Allen
Director: Laurel Allen

MACBETH (Feb 9-24, 1996)

MACBETH
by William Shakespeare, adapted for five actors by The English Suitcase Theatre

Feb 9-24, 1996 (probably re-opened after GAMBLING closed, Mar 9)

Macbeth - J.P. Allen
Lady Macbeth, Witch - Erla Faye Forsyth
Macduff, Duncan, Witch - Ron Reed
Banquo, Witch - Tim Dixon
Murderer, Witch - Dirk Van Stralen
Director: Kevin Williamson

PAPER WINGS (Oct 20 - Nov 4, 1995)

PAPER WINGS
by Gillette Elvgren

Oct 20 - Nov 4, 1995

Jamie: Pam Raven
Stan: Ron Reed
Director: Morris Ertman

1995-96 Season

Paper Wings, by Gillette Elvgren
Macbeth, by William Shakespeare
Gambling, by J.P. Allen (Guest Production)
Howard Buys A Motorhome, by Scott Hafso

A prototype of the brochure was released as the Early Bird Edition: "Look for the Time Limited Early Bird Ticket Prices in this brochure. Valid before July 31, 1995 only!" It listed the following plays:
The Runner Stumbles, by Milan Stitt | Oct 13-21
Navy Wife, by Jason Milligan | Nov 24 - Dec 2
Macbeth, by William Shakespeare | Feb 9-17
Howard Buys A Motorhome, by Scott Hafso | Apr 12-20
plus...
Gambling | Mar 1 2 7 8 9 & Mar 2 matinee
Christmas Presence | Dec 14 15 16 21 22 23
Murder Mystery Fundraiser | Sep 22 23 29 30
Improv Fundraiser | Jan 12 13

Jessie Richardson Awards (Jun 11, 1995)

Pacific Theatre Nominations

Supporting Actor - Dirk Van Stralen, Voice of the Prairie
Musical Direction - Allen des Noyers, Cotton Patch Gospel
Set Design - Morris Ertman, Damien
Ensemble Cast - Spencer Capier, Allen des Noyers, Tim Dixon, Ron Reed, Wyndham Thiessen, Cotton Patch Gospel
Actress - Erla Faye Forsyth, Voice of the Prairie
Director - Morris Ertman, Cotton Patch Gospel

THE FOREIGNER (Mar 31 - Apr 22, 1995)

by Larry Shue

Charlie is visiting from England, shy and very much in need of rest. His friend has just the solution – he leaves him at a rural fishing lodge, telling them Charlie is from an exotic foreign land and speaks no English. All is well until Charlie overhears more than he should...

"I laughed start to finish. One surprise after another!" New Yorker

CAST
Froggy - Kevin
Charlie - Ron Reed
Betty - Erla Faye Forsyth
David -
Catherine - Pam Raven (Muir)
Owen - Francis Boyle
Ellard - Dirk Van Stralen

Director - Molly Anderson (Lyons)

TRAVELER IN THE DARK (Feb 17 - Mar 4, 1995)

by Marsha Norman

Even our most firmly held convictions can be shaken by the loss of a friend or the questions of a 12 year old. Marsha Norman serves up a fascinating contemporary exploration of the boundaries of the mind and the reaches of the heart.

"Bittersweet and totally engrossing" Dramalogue
"Traveler In The Dark has emotional power, insight and a hearteningly great ambition" Time

CAST
Sam - Tim Dixon
Glory - Erla Faye Forsyth
Everett - Ron Reed
Stephen - Joel Stephanson

Director - Angela Konrad

End Of The Line (Jan 13-21, 1995)

by Vicky McLeod

The Sixth Annual Murder Mystery Fundraiser sees - GASP! - Inspector Mull on trial for murder!! It started as an innocent search for family connections through the global computer information network. Now his only hope is to hunt down the real villain, with the help of one of his spirited kinsmen. Travel with us to where the ancient Scottish lore and modern technology cross wires, where you'll come face to face with a virtual killer!

"I neverrrrr miss it" I. Mull, The Manchester Gordian
"Bring the kids - they'll eat this stuff up!" The Caterer
"The feel-good comedy laugh riot of the year!! Pacific Theatre's best yet!!! Should win some kind of award!!!! I laughed 'til I ate!!!!!" Dick Lloyd

Jan 13, 14, 20, 21 1995

CAST
Francis Boyle
Damon Calderwood
Tim Dixon
Erla Faye Forsyth
Kate Newman
Ron Reed
etc.

Christmas Presence (Dec 12, 19, 26, 1994)

Dec 12, 19, 26

COTTON PATCH GOSPEL (Dec 9-31, 1994)

COTTON PATCH GOSPEL
by Tom Key & Russell Treyz
music by Harry Chapin

Jesus comes to modern Georgia in this witty, passionate bluegrass version of The Greatest Story Ever Retold. Pacific Theatre brings back the cast of this spring's hit for a December revival that is guaranteed to bring a whole new meaning to your Christmas season.
"Drop everything and go see Cotton Patch Gospel. Your feet will be tapping and your fingers will be snapping. You will be regaled." Christianity Today

Dec 9-31, 1994

Spencer Capier
Allen des Noyers
Tim Dixon
Ron Reed
Wyndham Thiessen
Director: Morris Ertman

VOICE OF THE PRAIRIE (Oct 21 - ?, 1994)

by John Olive

1925. The early days of radio. Davey, an itinerant storyteller, hoooks up with huckster Leon Schwab to travel the midwest, selling radios and thrilling audiences with reminiscences of life on the run with "Frankie The Blind Gir." Until one day, when romance and reality come face to face.

"First-rate entertainment. I can't remember when I last so enjoyed a play." The Register
"That rare thing: a small, skillful play with a deft heart" Los Angeles Times

Runs in rep with Damien until the opening of Cotton Patch Gospel, then revived for a 1-week run in the new year.

CAST
Davey - Dirk Van Stralen
Frankie - Erla Faye Forsyth
Leon - Tim Dixon

Director - J.P. Allen

*

5 Feb '95

Thanks v. much for a lovely show. I saw Voice Of The Prairie last Friday and though it a fine piece of work: nice play, well directed and with some lovely acting. I don't know quite what I was expecting - certainly nothing so deft and thoughtful. Thank you again for a most enjoyable show.

Christopher Newton,
Artistic Director,
Shaw Festival

DAMIEN (Oct 14 - ?, 1994)

by Aldyth Morris

One of the most controversial figures of his day, Father Damien was an uneducated Belgian priest who defied state, family and church to live and work among the outcast lepers of Molokai. This memorable one-man-show celebrates the life and remarkable vitality of an extraordinary man.

"A fiery, multi-layered performance. Riveting. A tour de force." Vancouver Courier
"Brilliant! A definite must see." Richmond Times

The inaugural production at the new theatre at Holy Trinity Anglican Church, 12th & Hemlock, Vancouver.
Continues in rotating rep with Voice Of The Prairie until the opening of Cotton Patch Gospel.
Revived Apr 11-15 1995.

CAST
Damien - Ron Reed

Director - Morris Ertman

Popular Demand Readings (Oct 5 - Dec 6 1994)

Come hear public readings of five new plays, and choose the one which we'll premiere next spring!

Oct 5 1994: NAVY WIFE by Jason Milligan
With her husband assigned to overseas military service, a courageous young woman's brand-new faith must withstand life-changing decisions in one of the most tender, well-crafted new plays to come along in years.

Oct 18 1994: INVENTING CHICAGO by Jeanne Murray Walker
On the eve of a speech which can win him a prestigious chair at Harvard, a celebrated and charismatic theatre critic is confronted by a young woman devoted to him and his work. But it soon becomes apparent that she is not who she claims to be... A fascinating new play about identity, compulsion and ambition.

Nov 9 1994: FOR BETTER, FOR WORSE by Gillette Elvgren
A church community is torn apart as two marriages disintegrate in this highly theatrical and powerful play by the award-winning author of "I Am The Brother Of Dragons."

Nov 22 1994: OSWALD'S TRAVELING PROPHECY SHOW by Tim Anderson
A modern day prophet turns his family into an out-at-the-elbows theatre troupe, but what begins as an effort to spread the good news threatens to end the family altogether. Astute, bitingly funny and profoundly moving.

Dec 6 1994: HARMON AND RUTH by Paul G. Enger
The gentle, human story of a middle-aged couple whose quiet love and faith is called on to weather the impending loss of ther farm and painful struggles with their sons, as the changing world threatens everything they care about.

Church Drama Festival (Jun 17-19)

At Holy Trinity Anglican Church

THE RANGER NED STORY / THE TOP TEN THOUSAND OF ALL TIME (May 13-21, 1994)

THE RANGER NED STORY, by Scott Hafso
THE TOP TEN THOUSAND OF ALL TIME, by Ron Reed

May 13, 14, 20, 21
Holy Trinity Anglican Church, Parish Hall


Ranger Ned Cast
Ron Reed
Gina Chiarelli
Mark Hopkins
?

Director - Tim Dixon

Top Ten Thousand Cast
Ron Reed
Director - Tim Dixon

DADDY'S AMEN / PRIVATE MOMENTS (Apr 15-23, 1994)

by Jennifer Morison

Apr 15, 16, 22, 23
In the Holy Trinity Parish Hall

Daddy's Amen Cast
Karl Petersen
Kate Newman
Paul Fieber

Director - Ron Reed


Private Moments Cast
Chris Hawley
etc

Director - Cynthia Hopkins

COTTON PATCH GOSPEL (Mar 25 - Apr 2, 1994)

by Tom Key & Russell Treyz
music by Harry Chapin

Premieres in the upstairs sanctuary of Holy Trinity Anglican Church (Vancouver)
Continues on tour to Bellingham, Harrison, etc. until May 7.
Revived Dec 1994 in the new theatre

CAST
Spencer Capier
Allen des Noyers
Tim Dixon
Ron Reed
Wyndham Thiessen

Director - Morris Ertman

1994: Spring Season

We won't be opening our new theatre until the fall, but that's not stopping us from doing plays, let me tell you! Six, count 'em, six plays from February to May (well, some people insist on calling our Murder Mystery Fundraiser a play - others of us have more stringent definitions...)

We're starting this theatrical avalanche with a revival of the most popular show we've produced - Cotton Patch Gospel. I don't suppose there's a show that would better embody the heart of our theatre company than this. It's "the greatest story ever retold" - the life of Christ set in modern Georgia, backed by a hot bluegrass band. Cotton Patch is an energetic, funny, dramatic, irreverent and profoundly Christian piece of theatre that thrills audiences whether they come willing to believe the story or not. Ron Reed and Allen Desnoyers, co-founders of Pacific Theatre back in 1984 and members of our 1990 cast, will be featured, along with Tim Dixon, who'll be part of PT's Rep Company this fall.

Following its Easter Week run in the Holy Tirinity sanctuary (just upstairs from our eventual theatre home), we're taking the show on the road to local churches until May 7. Nothing could be better for a community outreach, a fundraiser or a dinner-theatre setting. For tour booking information, call Karen Elgersma.

In mid-April we'll be showing you another side of our work - Community Shows, where professional company members work with non-professional casts and crews to create fine amateur productions. Daddy's Amen, the story of a young woman coming to terms with the death of her minister father, was the first play ever comissioned by Pacific Theatre and, while we have presented it as a public reading (to overwhelming response), the piece has never been fully performed. Private Moments is also a Premiere, the highly personal story of three very different music students whose need to perform and excel proves costly. Outstanding non-professional casts under the direction of Artistic Director Ron Reed and Church Resource Director Cindy Hopkins will bring to life these touching dramas from the pen of Jennifer Morison.

Then in May you'll see another professional production, a Workshop presentation of two quirky, comic one-acts with a bit of a punch. Scott Hafso's The Ranger Ned Story was the hit of the Edmonton Fringe a few years ago: the host of a long-forgotten kids' TV show appears one morning in a yuppie living room to help sort out the career crisis of a former Junior Forest Ranger. Ron Reed's The Top Ten Thousand Of All Time is an evocative one-man-show about a late-night disc jockey with an unusual audience demographic...

LEARNING TO LIVE WITH PERSONAL GROWTH (May 9-25, 1991)

Learning To Live With Personal Growth
by Arthur Milner

A delicious black comedy about life, love and real estate

In spite of a reasonably sucessful career in social work and an apparently happy marriage to a sharp young lawyer, Jeff feels... Stuck. Paralyzed. Ineffectual. So he starts making a few changes, and soon finds himself faced with tough choices between doing what's safe and doing what he thinks is right.

A small masterpiece, brilliantly conceived. It will make you think and it will make you laugh. Don't miss it!"
CBC Ottawa

Political theatre at its best... subversive without being obtrusive, challenging without being condescending."
Newest Review

Richmond Gateway Studio Theatre
(Originally advertised in the season brochure for Mar 14-30, but the dates on the handbill are May 9-25)

CAST
Jeff - Ron Reed
(Jeff's wife) - Terrilee Shannon
Link - Steven Hilton
Ginny - Celia Clemens

Director - Morris Ertman

THE FURNITURE OF HEAVEN (Dec 12-22, 1990)

by Mike Mason & Ron Reed

The wonder of magical stories well told!

Treat yourself to the storytelling craftsmanship of Mike Mason and others as their writing sre brought to the stage in a lively, imaginative ensemble performance. You'll be transported to worlds of kings and medicine men, artists and angels – haunting, whimsical, enthralling places – worlds both like and unlike our own.

Imaginatively directed and adapted by Ron Reed, The Furniture of Heaven expands Pacific Theatre's Christmas tradition with a form of theatre as old as communication itself. Experience the power and enchantment of story in this exciting community production.

Terrific stuff! Mike Mason is an enchanter." Harold Fickett

Stories by Mike Mason, Thomas C. Davis, Edward Hays & Paul Flucke
Adapted for the stage by Ron Reed
A Pacific Theatre Community Show
Richmond Gateway Studio Theatre

CAST
Craig Erickson
John Hetherington
Lucia Frangione
Andrea Smith
Anita Wittenberg
Karen Ydenberg

Director - Ron Reed
Musicians - Royal and Gareth Sproule
Costumes - Kate Hutchinson
Design consultant - Morris Ertman
Stage Manager - Grant Prittie

*

C.S. LEWIS ONSTAGE (Oct 25-27, 1990)

Assembled by Tom Key from the writings of C.S. Lewis

Tom Key's tour de force performance

Spend an enchanting, exhilarating evening with one of the century's most fascinating minds and hearts. Tom Key, creator of last year's hit Cotton Patch Gospel, brings C.S. Lewis to life in a tour de force one-man-show acclaimed by audiences across North America.

"Was it theatre, or were we actually in the lodgings of C.S. Lewis, regaled by the wry and whimsical wit of the late Oxford don? Beguiling!" Mel Lorentzen, Wheaton College

Gateway Theatre Main Stage

CAST
C.S. Lewis - Tom Key

1990-91: The Encore! Season

C.S. Lewis On Stage, by C.S. Lewis & Tom Key
The Furniture Of Heaven, by Mike Mason & Ron Reed
Learning To Live With Personal Growth, by Arthur Milner

Join me for our Encore! season. We'll make you feel, we'll make you think, and we'll make you laugh - theatre for the heart, head and belly!

Ron Reed,
Artistic Director

*

Subscription prices
(Tue-Wed / Thu-Sat)
Adult: $29 / $34
Student/Senior: $19 / $24

SILLY SEASON (Feb 15 - Mar 3, 1990)

REMNANT (Dec 14-30, 1989)

1989-90 Season

Pacific Theatre's first subscription season

Cotton Patch Gospel, by Tom Key & Russell Treyz, music by Harry Chapin
Remnant, by Ron Reed
Silly Season, by Aaron Bushkowsky

Murder Mystery Fundraiser

On Tour;
I Am The Brother Of Dragons, by Gillette Elvgren
Say No, Max!, by Gillette Elvgren

DAMIEN (Mar 16 - Apr 1, 1989)

Mar 31 - Apr 9 1988 | hearts & bones

 

TALLEY'S FOLLY (Apr 24 - May 9, 1987)

DREAMS OF KINGS AND CARPENTERS (Dec 9-20, 1986)

DREAMS OF KINGS AND CARPENTERS
by Jennifer Morison, Ron Reed, Loren Wilkinson and Tim Anderson
with music by Allen Desnoyers
additional material by Frederick Buechner, Roderick Jellema, Ron Klug, Rainer Maria Rilke & Luci Shaw

Dec 9-20, 1986, Richmond Gateway Theatre, Studio B

Cast
Judy Buchan
Cheryl Campbell
Allen Desnoyers
Ron Reed
Director: Angela Anderson

FIRST CHRISTMAS: AN ENTERTAINMENT (December, 1984)