A Squamish theatre company has delved into the belly of the art of illusion.
Between Shifts Theatre is putting the final touches on its upcoming production of the Calendar Girls. The cheeky British comedy centres on the Yorkshire Country chapter of the Women's Institute, as the group hosts an eye-opening fundraiser. When one member's husband dies of leukemia, the ladies ditch their traditional fundraising calendar, stuffed with scenic photos, for something a little more risqu茅 - nude pictures of themselves.
The Squamish cast of 14 are learning the tricks of the trade to hoodwink one's eye, said Lisa Schaer, who is producing the play alongside Prentice Geary. It's exciting to see the story come alive onstage, she said, and humorous at times while the actresses figure out ways to suggest nakedness.
"It's very technical," Schaer said.
While the play is chocked full of British humour, the relationship between the women and the love story surrounding the widow and her departed husband is very tender, Schaer said.
"I really think that it is touching," she said. "It is a very heartfelt story. It makes you want to cry at some times."
A percentage of the play's royalties is donated to leukemia research. The story's message of friendship and hint of nudity have brought the cast together, Schaer said.
"They have become really close in real life," she said.
The actors attended rehearsal three times a week. Putting their figures on display takes strength, Schaer added.
"They need to have each others support because they are all doing it," she said.
There's a buzz building across town about the show, Schaer noted. She expects the play to become one of Between Shifts Theatre's more popular productions. This year alone, The Calendar Girls will hit 520 stages across North America, Schaer said.
In Squamish, the curtain rises on the play at 8 p.m. on Thursday, March 28, at the Eagle Eye Theatre.
The show will run on March 30 and April 3, 4, 5 and 6. Tickets can be bought online at betweenshiftstheatre.com, at Billie's Flower House on Cleveland Avenue or at Two Birds Eatery on Discovery Way.
Tickets cost $20 for general admission and $15 for students and seniors. For more information check out Calendar Girls Squamish 2013 on Facebook or at www.betweenshiftstheatre.com.
