On Wednesday, April 29 Vanier Theatre will present two award-winning, one-act plays.
Did you ever think you would encounter a musical about serial killers, let alone one written by a high school student? Neither did Josie Patterson, until she embarked on the journey of writing and submitting a one act musical to Youthwrite BC, a provincial scriptwriting contest. Not only was she one of the three winners in B.C., but she gets the honour of bringing her production to the provincial drama festival in New Westminster, and having her play published in an anthology.
Paula and Karl’s Road Trip follows the story of two ragtag serial killers, as they embark on a thrilling life adventure together. You’ll love with them, cry with them and die laughing!
“It’s not like anything you have seen before! It’s got great humour along with a very unique and sensitive plot line. Not to mention it is student-written and directed which is pretty dang impressive,” said Sara Kozack, the assistant stage manager for the show.
Patterson has not only written this production, but she is also directing and starring in it, alongside Jeff Daniels.
“I couldn’t think of anyone more motivated and down-to-earth than Josie and Jeff,” said piano player Ryan Castle. “I’ve been more than honoured to work with Josie on the piano for the musical; she’s direct and has a clear vision of what she has in mind, but also allows creative freedom to flourish.”
Alongside Paula and Karl’s Road Trip, Vanier has another award-winning production, The Actors Nightmare by Christopher Durang. Vanier took this play to the regional drama festival and won Outstanding Production (along with various other awards including Outstanding lighting, sound, costumes, set, props, technical crew and ensemble). This means they also qualified to take this slightly absurd comedy to the provincial drama festival. The play tells the tale of accountant George Spelvin living the nightmare of having to perform on stage in plays that he has no recollection rehearsing.
“It’s like an old-time adventure,” said lighting operator Hailey Phye of the show. “There are women in 1500s period dresses, beheadings, British accents and garbage cans; what could be better than that?”
Both productions will be showing on April 29 at the Vanier Drama Room as a fundraiser for their trip to provincials.
Tickets are $10 and are being sold by the Vanier theatre students. Contact Lori Mazey at lori.mazey@sd71.bc.ca, or get them at the door while supplies last. Doors open at 6 p.m. Showtime is 6:30 p.m. Warning: Paula and Karl’s Road Trip, the second of the plays, has adult content (violence and very strong language not suitable for those under the age of 13.)