Kelowna's Juicy Tips

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Imagine that you cannot see, cannot hear, and cannot really speak. This was the reality of Helen Keller, who ended up a Radcliffe College graduate (with honours), a famous author, lecturer on the speaking circuit, and an inspiration to many people with barriers of their own. There’s a theatre  production on in town – until June 13 at the Kelowna  Actor’s Studio on Ellis Street in Kelowna – that transports audiences into the world of this little girl and the amazing journey she took with the help of a special teacher.

The production is called The Miracle Worker (written by William Gibson and directed by Randy Leslie) and not only is it a theatre production, but also a first rate dinner date. Yes, the Actor’s Studio is the Okanagan’s only fully-licensed dinner theatre, which means you get a great meal in an atmosphere unlike anywhere else, AND a great show. William Gibson’s award-winning play (adapted into the Academy Award-winning film) is an all-time classic favourite and the winner of 4 Tony Awards including Best Play.

One thing that we don’t spend nearly enough time celebrating is the incredible theatre talent that we have in Kelowna. Take the Actor’s Studio, for instance. Here’s a theatre company that would be a huge success no matter where they established themselves – be it in Kelowna, Toronto, or New York. The plays they produce are top shelf and leading-edge, pushing their audiences to demand more and more of themselves… and audiences are loving it! A little bit about the people involved in this production:

Randy Leslie – Director
Randy is the recipient of the 2009 City of Kelowna Civic Award – Honour in the Arts as well as an Okanagan Angel Award for Leadership in the Arts plus other awards in Toronto. Randy will be directing ‘Joseph’ and teaching ‘The Wizard of Oz’ Performance Troupe this summer and looks forward to resting in August to gear up for the fabulous 2010/11 Season. 

Patricia Burns – playing Annie Sullivan
Patricia’s most memorable roles include Truvy in ‘Steel Magnolias’, Abby in ‘Arsenic and Old Lace’ and Shirley Valentine. Last season she appeared as Bella in ‘Lost in Yonkers’ and Maria in ‘Lend Me a Tenor.’  She is the recipient of a best supporting actress for her performance in ‘How I Learned to Drive’ at Mainstage in 2006. She is grateful and humbled to play Annie in this inspiring piece of work.

Emma Magirescu – playing Helen Keller
Emma is delighted to join KAS as Helen Keller. Previous credits include JoJo in ‘Seussical the Musical’ and Beth in ‘The Best Christmas Pageant Ever.’ Emma also enjoys singing and songwriting.  In 2008, she released her debut album ‘Dreaming of Living’. Check out her music at www.myspace.com/emmamagirescu

See what I mean? Talent!

The show runs Thursday through Sunday evenings, with doors opening for dinner at 6:20 and for the show itself at 7:30. Tickets range in price from $47 to $69 for the full dinner and show; and from $32 to $45 for the show and dessert (as well as a Saturday Matinee). You can get your tickets online at kelownaactorsstudio.com or by calling the box office at 250-862-2867 (86-ACTOR).

This promises to be an amazing production that no one who loves theatre will want to miss. Or maybe you’re looking for a unique and memorable way to spend an evening with friends or relatives…

If you live in Kelowna and woud like to get involved with the Kelowna Actor’s Studio’s upcoming season, auditions are coming up in a few weeks – June 17 and 19. Check out the website for more information on roles and auditions requirements.

Either way, be sure to check out their website for future shows. One step into their cool, vintage, characterful theatre, and you will see why these are the hottest tickets in town!