We’re deep into the heart of winter and for those looking for some fun indoors, may we suggest attending the Off Centre Player’s variety show Closer to the Heart?
The theatre troupe is offering something a little different this winter. Rather than producing the usual three-act play, the group, along with other community members is presenting a variety show, with music, poetry, one act plays and sketches.
“We love to do the traditional plays but there are a lot of plays going on. The theatre is busy,” said Michelle LeMay, who is directing and producing the show. “We wanted to get back to real community theatre and pull in people from the community.”
And that they have done. Appearing in the show will be some students from Selkirk Secondary, some teachers, business owners and more, as well as the familiar faces of Off Centre Players actors.
LeMay says that the evening will be similar in format to the by women, for women Lillith Affair show, except it’s open to everyone.
While pulling it all together into a seamless show is LeMay’s job, many of the acts are directing themselves and just look to her for suggestions.
“We’ve got Jack Burton and the Pork Chop Express doing some Monty Python. They are self-directed and it’s so funny. They are doing a really great job.”
It’s not all comedy.
The Off Centre Players will be presenting a one-act play, ‘Post It Notes’, which LeMay says offers some heartfelt moments.
“We have local musicians; a jazz trio from Selkirk, Gwen Davies will be doing original songs, Emilio Regina will do two or three songs and some will be original. Just some really good, local musicians,” LeMay said. “There will be a short story — spoken word is something we don’t get a lot of. And original poetry. Poets are speaking very loudly and we don’t hear them.”
LeMay hopes to be able to offer more of this type of show in the future.
“It’s different, a little more variety. Maybe we’ll draw a different crowd in addition to our usual supporters.”
All proceeds from the show will go to the Kimberley Helping Hands Food Bank and those who attend are invited to bring a non-perishable donation.
Tickets are only $10 if purchased in advance at the Snowdrift. Or you can pay $12 a the door.
“Where else can you be so entertained for $10?” LeMay asks.
The show runs February 2, 3 & 4 at 7:30 p.m. at Centre 64.