The Sidekick Players will present Canadian playwright Norm Foster's romantic comedy, Maggie's Getting Married, beginning later this month at the Tsawwassen Arts Centre.
The play, directed by Peg Keenleyside and assisted by Carol Jones, takes place the night before the wedding in the family's kitchen.
The cast, which features a local mix of returning actors and Sidekick newcomers, has an "awesome" chemistry, Keenleyside notes.
"It has that great feeling of community camaraderie," she says.
Newcomer Erica Bearss plays Maggie, who is engaged to Russell MacMillan, played by another Sidekick newcomer, Shylo Smith. Maggie's sister, Wanda, played by Emile Greene (Sister Aloysius/Doubt), has a trip to Las Vegas that puts the wedding in jeopardy.
Sexual humour is not just amongst the young actors. Maggie's parents are played by Sidekick veteran Carroll Lefebvre and Bobby Magee, who is making his Sidekick debut. Their portrait of married life beyond 50 goes over the sexual passion through years of marriage and the problems faced when the children finally leave the nest.
Lefebvre, who usually serves as a director with Sidekick, is in her first acting role since 2007.
"Peg's doing an awesome job, so we're having fun," she says.
Lefebvre says she noticed her character uses some of the same phrases she does in real life.
"There's always something in Foster's characters that you see of yourself, whether you're sitting in a chair, whether you're the actor, director, lighting operator, you always see something of yourself on that stage."
Jeff Pannell (Laramie Project/Faith County) plays Wanda's actor boyfriend Axel, who's trying to fit into a family already with their decision on him made up.
Maggie's Getting Married runs from Jan. 23 to Feb. 8 (Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m.). There's also a 2 p.m. matinee on Sunday, Feb. 2. Ticket prices are $18 for adults, $15 for seniors (60+) and students (12-18).
Reservations are recommended. There will be bistro seating with refreshments available for purchase. All tickets to be paid at the box office on night of performance with cheque or cash only. Call 604-288-2415 to reserve seats.
