Truth is stranger than fiction, so the saying goes. Turns out, truth also makes for the best stories to move an audience. Surrey Little Theatre (SLT) is presenting Calendar Girls, a play based on a true story from Britain.
A member of the SLT and long-time Langley resident, Diane Gendron, noted the play is about a group of women who pose nude for a calendar to raise funds for the Lukemia Research Fund and the joys and challenges that arise as a result.
Obviously with 12 months in a calendar, there are a large number of performers involved.
“It’s a big cast for the small stage,” Gendron said. “It’s a fun play.”
Also involved in the production is a Langley family, Sara Lohnes and her daughters Hannah (17) and Mollie (15). The Lohnes have been part of SLT for three years and love being the behind-the-scenes crew.
“I’m involved with wardrobe and costuming,” Lohnes said. “My girls do the technical side – sound and lighting. They love that part of it because they get to hide up in a dark tech booth. They enjoy having a key role in the shows, but not being on stage.”
It’s understandable why some would want to stay away from being on stage for this performance since those playing the calendar girls will be tastefully baring themselves. Despite that, Gendron notes Lohnes’s job doing costumers for the show is huge as there are up to seven costume changes for some of the performers.
“I’m not one of the calendar girls,” noted Gendron. “I play Marie. It’s one of the most interesting roles I’ve had so far. She’s quite a strong character.”
This play and many others have seen the Lohnes involved in various aspects of performances. They love theatre because of the opportunity to be involved in the community, meet new people, and be creative, noted Lohnes. Those aspects will be experienced by the audiences of Calendar Girls as well as those behind the scenes.
“This show is fabulous,” Lohnes said. “It has some funny moments, some tender moments, some risqué moments. The cast has really bonded and that comes across on the stage.”
Calendar Girls runs at Surrey Little Theater from tonight (Thursday, Oct. 22) to Nov. 21 Thursdays to Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sunday matinees Nov. 1, 8, and 15 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $15 with special half-price tickets tonight and Oct. 23. Arrange tickets by calling 604-576-8451, email reservations@surreylittletheatre.com or go to www.brownpapertickets.com.
Love the theatre
Those looking to get involved with Surrey Little Theatre can audition for the upcoming performance of Funny Little Thing Called Love. The play is a collection of four humorous stories all about love that take the audience around the globe.
Auditions will be held at the theatre at 7027 184 St. on Monday Oct. 26 and Tuesday Oct. 27 at 7 p.m. Both actors and backstage roles are invited to come out and introduce themselves. Find out more about the upcoming show at www. Surreylittletheatre.com.