New West Theatre is proceeding with caution due to Covid, so they have only announced two new shows in their upcoming season.
“We’re still proceeding with caution,” said New West theatre artistic director Kelly Reay, who is excited to be back in the Yates Theatre.
He noted the Yates and Sterndale Bennett Theatre are both part of the vaccine exemption program, so patrons will have to show proof of vaccination, medical proof of exemption or a negative Covid test and wear masks while enjoying the show.
“ But we’re still optimistic. So we’re only releasing the schedule a piece at a time,” Reay continued, noting with so much negativity in the air, it is all the more important to spread joy and positivity.
The first big show will be “Ode To Joy,” another of New West Theatre’s much enjoyed comedy-music revues. It will run in the Yates Theatre from Dec. 15-31.
“It will star the usual cast of characters performing new and old favourites,” he continued.
“Given the way the world is today, we really feel like our duty is to bring joy and laughter to people. Live performances bring people together. We want to provide a little bit of levity,” he said, adding they will announce more shows as things hopefully improve.
There will be no Theatre for Young Audiences show this year, as it usually runs simultaneously with the Christmas /Holiday show.
“We’re being cautious,” he emphasized.
“ That’s a lot of people in the lobby and in the theatre at the same time,” he said.
“There will already be a lot of people for “Ode To Joy and we didn’t want to overdo it,” he continued.
“ We‘ve a got a lot in our back pockets,” he said, adding there will be a full season announced if all goes well and Covid numbers decrease and restrictions ease.
The other show announced is Vancouver based playwright Michele Riml’s comedy “Sexy Laundry,” running Feb. 17-26.
“It’s about a middle aged couple trying to rekindle their coital spirit, he summarized.
“It’s sold out all across the country and internationally over the past 10 years,” he enthused, adding they haven’t cast it yet.
“There’s lots of comedy. There is a lot of sexual innuendo. in it. It’s a very funny a very poignant story about how love evolves as we grow older and the couple tries to spice up their sex life,” he said.
Tickets go on sale for Ode to Joy, Monday Oct. 4. They can be purchased in person at the Ticket Centre, over the phone by calling 403-329-7328 or online at www.newesttheatre.com for $36 for adults plus a service fee and $30 for seniors.
— by Richard Amery, L.A. Beat Editor
