Longtime Langley resident Terry Thomas is one of six locals in Theatre in the Country’s upcoming production of The Matchmaker, which kicks-off on Valentine’s Day, Feb. 14.
Since he was in high school, Thomas has taken a liking to theatre plays. He estimates he’s been in a community play each year since 2007 – except for the two or three years during the pandemic.
“I enjoy theatre. It allows me to be something totally different than myself,” Thomas told the Langley Advance Times.
In his day-to-day life, Thomas runs a large business, and explained that theatre allows him to escape some of the stress being a business owner comes with and be a member of a diverse group.
“There is a tremendous sense of accomplishment to opening night. Putting an entire play into your head with lines and… character development is hard work, but it’s rewarding when the crowd laughs or applauds,” he said.
Thomas noted that with the excitement and joy also comes some nerves.
“When you are standing backstage and waiting for a cue line or the lights to come on, nothing is more terrifying, but it’s also exhilarating,” he shared.
His character, Horace Vandergelder, is a wealthy merchant in the 19th Century in Yonkers, New York, who decides to take a wife.
Horace employs a matchmaker named Dolly Levi, played by Megan MacKenzie, who becomes involved with two of Vandergelder’s clerks and a headwaiter at an expensive restaurant.
Thomas said he relates to Vandergelder’s slightly intolerant side, and the preference for control, but also understands the sensitive side of his character.
“There’s a sweet side to him, and we see it in how he cares for his family and his workers, and ultimately his pursuit for a partner,” Thomas noted.
He said the cast for TIC’s production of The Matchmaker is “talented at an almost professional level.”
“I think people are going to have a lot of fun watching us become these amazing characters, and I am sure they will also see the work and fun we had during rehearsals!”
Thomas joins other Langley residents Coe Gillis, Megan Kimoto, Thomas Smith, Melissa Regamble, and Genevieve Dougan in The Matchmaker.
The play is the opening production of the theatre’s 12th season, opening on Valentine’s Day, Feb. 14, and running until March 2.
Shows are Wednesdays to Saturdays, starting 7:30 p.m.
Theatre in the Country is located at 5708 Glover Rd.
Tickets can be purchased online at theatreinthecountry.com.
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