This fall, Langley Players is presenting audiences a double bill of live theatre, featuring two one-act plays by George F. Walker.
Parents Night and The Bigger Issue are running Oct. 20 to Nov. 19 on the Langley Players’ Brookswood Stage, 4307 200 St.
In Parents Night, a Grade 3 teacher, Nicole, confronts two quite different parents. John is a neurotic Type-A businessman, insistent that his son be taught to be competitive — a lesson he’ll need in life. Rosie, a confrontational mother who doesn’t understand why her daughter is ostracized in class, is good at getting in people’s faces.
As the trio’s secrets are revealed, the parents become more and more like children, to the point where Nicole has to treat them as unruly students.
The Bigger Issue is also set in a school, this time in a Grade 7 classroom. Teacher Suzy has pushed a large student who was threatening a classmate. Her principal, Irene, is worried about repercussions, especially with the appearance of the boy’s daunting parents, Maggie and Jack.
The confrontations here are economic as well as educational, where the difference between haves and have-nots drive the action.
Given the stress each character faces, the play ends on an unexpectedly optimistic note, revolving around a redefined sense of family, or, as Maggie phrases it, valuing a human rather than a convenient truth.
Both one-acts plays are directed by Dave Williams, produced by Mary Renvall, co-directed by Raymond Hatton and stage managed by Helen Embury.
The shows start at 8 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, and Sunday matinees are at 2 p.m.
Admission is $15 (cash or cheque only).
For more information, visit www.langleyplayers.com.