Fresh off of two successful weeks of drama camps at South Delta Baptist Church earlier this summer, King's Company will be presenting the musical Children's Letters to God next weekend.
The local theatre arts company has three dozen camp students who are eligible to perform in the play, which is based on the best-selling book by Stuart Hample and Eric Marshall.
"This is a unique opportunity for our students to showcase their talents.
Students learned many of the songs during our camp weeks and are now ready to perform them in a full production. I know our audiences will love this show," says musical director Tracy Neff.
Jenn Harbott, the most recent King's Company instructor, is helping the five lead characters with their solo work. Harbott's own musical background at Delta Secondary and SFU is the ideal complement in this area.
Jim Martens, King's Company founder, is directing the scene work between songs and oversees the construction of the set.
"One aspect of our camps this year involved the students gaining experience in many areas beyond acting and musical theatre. During camp they were involved in the initial set construction and set painting leading up to this production. We know our students will gain an incredible theatrical experience from being a part of this musical both on stage and behind the scenes," he says.
Martens says the cast is involved in all aspects of the show.
"We want our students to understand that being a competent performer on stage is just one component of a successful production. To this end we've even involved them in earning a portion of the ticket sales."
Students receive $2 for every adult and $1 for every senior/student ticket they sell.
"We think we'll see some very successful entrepreneurs when the show is done. And hopefully full houses for all three performances," Martens says.
Martens says the performance rights to Children's Letters to God from Samuel French, a play publishing company with offices in New York, London and Hollywood, is approximately $1,000 before any other expenses (set, props, lights, sound, accompanist and publicity) are added.
Rights for this production allow King's Company to perform three shows over two days with a maximum number of 150 seats per show.
Martens notes King's Company is excited about being the first B.C. production of this new musical. According to the Children's Letters to God official website, the only other Canadian productions have been in Calgary and Sault St. Marie.
The play will be staged at South Delta Baptist Church in the Fellowship Hall. Tickets are limited to 150 seats per performance. Dates and times are: Saturday, Aug. 27 at 7: 30 p.m. and Sunday, Aug. 28 at 3 p.m. and 7: 30 p.m.
Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for seniors and students. Tickets are available by calling South Delta Baptist Church at 6049438244 from 8: 30 a.m. to 4 p.m. (Monday to Friday) or leaving a message on King's Company's phone line at 604-948-2573.
