Abbotsford – Gallery 7 Theatre is presenting the Canadian premier of Snowbound, a comedy by UK playwright, Peter Quilter. This heart-warming and humorous play will run January 26th thru February 10th, 2024 at the Abbotsford Community Arts Addition in Abbotsford.
“We’re very pleased to be the first Canadian theatre company to present Peter Quilter’s charming play about two opposites finding community,” explains Ken Hildebrandt, Executive/Artistic Director of Gallery 7 Theatre. “Because the play features just two actors, we’ve selected to produce the show in the very intimate Abbotsford Community Arts Addition in a three-quarter thrust stage configuration. With seating on three sides of the stage, audiences can expect a fun, close-up and memorable theatre experience.”
The story goes like this: Patrick adores his solitary life. He is surprised, then, to have his tranquility interrupted when Judith, a peculiar and unconventional woman in search of baking supplies and human connection, shows up on his doorstep unexpectedly during a snowstorm. Patrick hopes the visit will be brief, but when the storm intensifies, Patrick becomes the unwitting host to the stranger for much longer than he anticipated. A charming and funny new play about two opposites connecting in a lonely world, this Canadian premier will touch your heart and bring a fire of warmth to your winter.
Snowbound will feature two Fraser Valley acting veterans, John Dawson, in the role of Patrick, and Patricia Braun, in the role of Judith. Dawson was last seen on the G7 stage as Sherlock Holmes in Baskerville: A Sherlock Holmes Mystery. Braun can be remembered for her performances in such G7 productions as Lost in Yonkers and The Boys Next Door.
Directing this talented cast is Shelley Picard. Picard has been seen many times on the G7 stage in such productions as Lost in Yonkers, Pride and Prejudice and Crossing Delancey. This production marks Picard’s return to the director’s chair at G7 since directing The Boys Next Door in 2008.
“I love this story because I am certain that we all know people like Patrick and Judith,” suggests Picard. “People are either for their consistency or their spontaneity. You might even see yourself in one of these characters and appreciate the different approach they take on the stress of their days. In the end, we see them walking a long road, discovering new things about themselves, about the world around them, about each other and about life itself.”
Picard is supported by an equally talented team of designers. Set design is by Andrew Potts, props design is by Reed Seale, costume and make-up design is by Shannon Tauber, lighting design is by Nigel Brooke and sound design is by Sarah Green. The production is stage managed by Michelle Potts and the production photography is by Dianna Lewis Photography.
Snowbound runs January 26 & 27, Jan. 31 – Feb 3 & Feb. 7 – 10, 2024 at 7:30 PM with matinees on Jan. 27, Feb. 3 & Feb 10 at 2:00 PM at the Abbotsford Community Arts Addition, 2329 Crescent Way, Abbotsford. For tickets and information on this and all other shows in the company’s 2023-2024 “Heart of Community” theatre season, please visit www.gallery7theatre.com or call 604-504-5940.
