TERRES HEREC SIC SRR ETS

LITTLE THEATRE PRODUCES PLAY FOR XMAS

Young King Arthur comes to WV

THE NAME may be Little, but the West Vancouver Lit- tle Theatre aims big.

By STEPHEN BARRINGTON

News Reporter

In October 1985, the 50-member group produced the critically ac- claimed play On Golden Pond; in April this year, its production was the popular Duet for One.

This Christmas, the group will perform Young Arthur, the ac-

tion-packed legend of the boy who grows to be King of all England. A tale sprinkled with magic, sword play and mystery, it is the group's second production of the season.

“Every year we try and do a children’s show at Christmas," explains group spokesman Janice Haakons. ‘‘That’s one thing we try to be consistent with.’’

Founded in 1947, the group’s productions run the gamut of mystery, comedy and drama. Musicals are sometimes featured, but only at the Christmas produc- tions.

Recently, the West Vancouver Little Theatre performed the Night of January 16, a whodunit witha difference. ‘lt was a trial and we picked the jury out of the au- dience,’’ Haakons explains. “What they decided determined the end.”’

Mostly, the audience-turned-jury found the accused not guilty. ‘‘We had some that found her guilty, which left who did it undetermin- ed,’’ she says.

Next spring the amateur com- pany is planning to do a comedy,

29 - Friday, De.

Soprano sings solo PAGE 31

tide as yet undecided. ‘‘We had a serious murder so we would like to have some light comedy,’’ says Haakons. ‘‘One thing we don’t do is musicals.”’

For theatre buffs with a taste for the experimental, the group holds what Haakons calls studio nights — atime where things can get real- ly absurd.

‘*For the everything goes.’’ Haakons.

“The studio nights are really where we can get a lot of people involved,’’ she goes oa. If an idea looks inviting, the groups will give it a try. “This is where members can sort of get their feet wet and get some experience.”’

Out of these studio nights come the group’s entry to the annual North Shore theatre festival. From about four selections, two are chosen as entries.

Haakons describes the group as a place where interested people can

studio nights explains

come and learn hands-on about.

theatre production. And they are looking for new members.

All of the members are volun- teers and while each production

Yer 5, 1986 - North Shore News

only requires about [5 stage hands plus the cast, Haakons says the group usually has cnough produc- tions in the works to keep nearly averybody busy.

“We really do have a full year,”’ Haakons explains.

Show admission is inexpensive — a few dollars — and all profits are put back into the productions. Membership costs $10 a year and includes mailing of the group's newsletter, which tells of upcoming productions and auditions.

The spring production is to be held at Presentation House; the fail’s mystery production was held in Deep Cove. Performance space is something of a problem.

“There’s no theatre in West Vancouver,”’ laments Haakons.

For its six-show run, Young Ar- thur will be performed at four locations: Eagle Harbour Com- munity Centre Dec. 6; West Van- couver United Church Dec. 13; North Lonsdale United Church Dec. 20; West Vancouver Rec Centre Dec. 7, 14, 21.

All shows start at 2 p.m. and tickets are $2.50. Call 922-3603 for tickets.

“ NEWS photo Mike Wakelleld

SWORD-WIELDING Michael North plays a young King Arthur in the West Vancouver Little Theatre’s latest Christmas production of Young Arthur. Some other cast members also include (from left to right): Peter Van Dugteren as Merlin, Andrea Carr as Lady Margaret, Carli Pearson as Molty, Ken Hicks as Sir Ector, Kate Evans as Bob, and Kelly Davis as Jack. The play runs each weekend before Christmas.

whe i

[BABY starts

La Belle Sole

Dine and Dance to the tape music of Garry Robertson. Party Favours supplied (hats, noise makers). Special festive wine list. Two sittings: the first will be from 5:30-8:30. the second will be 8:30 and on. Reservations a must. Book in advance.

all infants’ footwear sizes 0-6 only

Sale ends Sunday December 14th

La Belle Sole

RESTAURANT

235 - 15th Street West Van 926-68

wr