Terry Thomas might spend his days firmly planted in an office chair, serving as a vice-president for Envision Financial.
But, all his nights and weekends lately have been spent walking around on stage, running lines, and rehearsing scenes in preparation for next week’s debut of Becky’s New Car.
Like many in the community theatre realm, this 43-year-old Fort Langley resident enjoyed his involvement in theatre during high school and university.
But when he became a pappa he had to forgo the theatre world to “focus on my family when my [two boys] were young,†he said.
After a 15-year hiatus, however, Thomas has returned to the theatrical fold with a vengance. Since coming back in 2008, he’s performed in two productions with Langley Players, two shows with White Rock Players, and is now working on his second with Surrey Little Theatre (SLT).
‘The script [for Becky’s New Car] was totally unique,†Thomas said, explaining what drew him to the SLT audition.
“The play has a lot of interaction with the audience and is written in a unique and frenetic way that really drew me to the characters. The writing is often serious and funny in the same line,†said the local man who was selected to play Becky’s husband.
“Joe Foster is the husband of Becky and finds himself faced with a choice: lose your wife or confront a difficult situation head on,†Thomas explained.
Much like the man Thomas become in real life, his character Joe is level headed, sees the rational side of things, and is quick to find the funny side of a situation.
And this production, without question, has its funny side, Thomas elaborated.
“Every play has funny parts and there are so many that are written into the script – but sometimes just a look from a character is all it takes to bring the rest of the cast to their knees, there is a scene in this play like that – I can’t tell you the scene, but it involves throwing wedding rings into the ocean,†he shared.
“As an actor, you appreciate a good cast and this show has that, but it also has a great director and technical crew – it is a very complicated show and we are lucky to have great people behind the scenes.â€
One of those behind-the-scene people, director Marko Hohlbein agrees with Thomas that this play is a “great deal†of fun.
This play, written by Steven Dietz, focuses on Becky as she follows her road along many twists and turns, examining her dreams and passions along the way and steering toward choices that she hopes will bring her happiness.
“We are engaged with Becky right from the start as we get to know and love her,†Hohlbein said.†Like many, she finds herself wanting more than her mundane reality. She is presented with an opportunity for a new existence and slides unwittingly into a double life. Sit back and enjoy a ride on the highway of life.â€
Thomas plays along side award-winning actor Robyn Bradley (Becky), as well as two other Langley residents, Philip J. Hale and Ken Boyd. There are also actors from Burnaby, Port Coquitlam, and Surrey sharing the stage.
Becky’s New Car runs Thursdays to Sundays from Jan. 30 to Feb. 22 at Surrey Little Theatre, 7027 184th St. in Surrey.
Show times are 8 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Plus, there are 2 p.m. matinees on Sunday, Feb. 9 and 16.
Tickets are $15.
For reservations, people can call 604-576-8451; email reservations@surreylittletheatre.com; or go to www.brownpapertickets.com.
A pair of tickets to the upcoming production of Becky’s New Car
Two lucky readers each receive a pair of tickets to the play at Surrey Little Theatre
How do you win?
• Like us on the Langley Advance Facebook site, find the posting about That Darn Plot!, tell us why you want to attend this play and you’re automatically entered to win.
Preference is given to Langley residents.
Postings must be received prior to 10 a.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 28, and the winner will be announced on the Facebook page later that afternoon. No staff or family of the Langley Advance or Glacier Media are eligible. This giveaway is restricted to online participants, 19 years or older only.