Surrey Little Theatre’s spring play, The Drawer Boy, written by Canadian playwright, Michael Healey, and helmed by award-winning Langley director/designer June Ainsworth, runs until May 17 at the little playhouse just over the Surrey-Langley border.
The Drawer Boy — SLT’s entry into the Fraser Valley Zone Festival to be held in Chilliwack later this month — is a poignant and gently humorous look at relationships — not only between the two old, bachelor farmers who were in the Second World War together, but also with the young city boy, an actor who comes to stay for the summer to “research” farm life for a new play.
One of the farmers, Angus, was injured in the war and now has difficulty remembering things. He is cared for by Morgan, a straight-talking, no-nonsense man, played by North Vancouver’s Barry Walker. City boy Miles (Aaron Elliott of White Rock) finds that farming is more complicated than he first thought, especially because Morgan enjoys some fun at Miles’ expense.
Morgan’s life story unravels as Miles delves into more than their farming practices. Miles, intrigued by the way Morgan retells Angus the story of their early lives together, decides to put on a play about Angus’ life, which reawakens memories for the old man.
Playing the role of Angus is Langley’s Mike Busswood, who has won 11 awards with Theatre BC for his past performances.
“Working with the three actors in this play has reaffirmed my belief in the collective nature of the creative process,” said Ainsworth.
“When we have questions about the script, each of us has answers, imagery, and motivations to suggest. This team has been eager to try new ideas and, if they don’t work, to try again another way.”
The Drawer Boy can be seen at the Surrey Little Theatre, 7027 184 St., until May 17 on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m., with a Sunday matinee on May 11 at 2 p.m.
Tickets are $15.Call 604-576-8451; email reservations@surreylittletheatre.com; or go to www.brownpapertickets.com. Go to surreylittletheatre.com for more information.