January 26–February 26, 2012 at the Stanley Industrial Alliance Stage
IN BRIEF: Arts Club Theatre Company’s Calendar Girls at the Stanley Industrial Alliance Stage (2750 Granville St., at 12th Ave.) from January 26 to February 26, 2012. Tuesday at 7:30 pm, Wednesday–Saturday at 8 pm, and Wednesday, Saturday & Sunday at 2 pm. Tickets are $29 to $65, inclusive of taxes and fees. Call the Arts Club Box Office at 604.687.1644 or visit artsclub.com.
The revealing true story. When middle-aged Annie Clarke (Wendy Noel) loses her husband to cancer, her best friend Chris (Anna Galvin) suggests a—ahem—cheeky new way to raise money for research. But their fellow Women’s Institute members balk at baring—well, almost baring—it all! Gradually, though, these prim tea-and-crumpets ladies “of a certain age” come around and learn to delight in their newfound pluckiness and status as international sensations.
Since the surprise success of their first calendar in 2000, the real-life Yorkshire “Calendar Girls” have produced nine more calendars, raising over £3 million to help beat blood cancers and inspiring the smash hit film and stage production.
The 2003 film starring Helen Mirren and Julie Walters became the number one grossing film in the UK upon its release and is among the top fifty highest-grossing British films in history. In 2009, Tim Firth significantly adapted his screenplay for the stage, fleshing out the stories of the secondary characters. The stage production experienced over 100 sell-out weeks across the country and is one of the most successful productions to tour the UK.
Of the true story, director Rachel Ditor says, “I love all the aspects of celebration in this story—its celebration of community, friendship, risk-taking, beauty, and the credit it gives to people who have suffered a loss and find the courage to reach out to others. ‘Looking for the sun’ when things are hard is an act of bravery and strength.”
By Tim Firth. Starring Shirley Broderick, Anna Galvin, Aslam Hussain, Shawn Macdonald, David Marr, Jane Noble, Wendy Noel, Lisa Norton, Linda Quibell, Kerry Sandomirsky, Colleen Winton. Director Rachel Ditor. Set Designer Drew Facey. Costume Designer Nancy Bryant. Lighting Designer Adrian Muir. Sound Designer Mike Rinaldi. Stage Manager Pamela Jakobs. Assistant Stage Manager April Starr Land
ABOUT THE ARTS CLUB
The Arts Club Theatre Company, now in its 48th season, is the largest not-for-profit organization of its kind in Western Canada. It offers professional theatre at three venues—the Stanley Industrial Alliance Stage, Granville Island Stage, and Revue Stage—as well as on tour throughout the province.
Website: artsclub.com
Blog: blog.artsclub.com
Twitter: @theArtsClub
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