One of Canada’s most produced play’s (75 productions worldwide over the past 10 years) is being presented by the TNT Young Company at the former Elks Hall.
Featuring talented fledgling actors Gus Fowler and Sarah Jane Hicks, Mary’s Wedding takes place in a dream on the night before her wedding. In a series of images recalling her budding love for a young farm boy and their separation by World War I, Mary leaves the safety of her bedroom and goes off to war with him.
“My son Gus, and Sarah Jane are particularly well suited for these roles,” says director Stephen Fowler, “since their own origins mirror those of the characters they play — Sarah Jane as an immigrant from England, and Gus the descendent of prairie farmers. This is a wonderful play and gives them lots of opportunities to grow as actors.”
TNT has been presenting summer theatre in Nelson for the past 15 years, providing what producer Richard Rowberry calls “senior youth” with both theatre experience and wages which go towards their post-secondary education.
“Several of my students have gone on to performance careers,” he explains, “and thanks to various employment grants, donations from local businesses and community support at the box office, we’ve contributed something like $200,000 towards their education. It’s an achievement I’m very proud of and is fairly unique for such a small town.”
Mary’s Wedding opened Thursday, and continues tonight and tomorrow (August 16 and 17) at the Elks Hall, 812 Stanley Street at 7:30 p.m. nightly. The show will also run next weekend, Thursday to Saturday, August 22 to 24 at the same time.
Tickets are $10 students, $15 adults at Sanderella Boutique, 464 Baker St. or at the door.