Casting is now complete for Butterflies Are Free. Thank you to everyone who came out for auditions! It's always diffficult to step outside your comfort zone and subject yourself to someone else's judgement and somewhat nebulous criteria, but for some reason actors continue to do it and directors, like me, continually appreciate it!  I applaud your bravery, the joy and energy you bring to the craft and encourage you all to continue to come out to play, to take risks and to have fun!

PRESENTING THE CAST of BUTTERFLIES ARE FREE:

Don Baker will be played by Kyler Banks, a young actor from Langley, who recently played Ferdinand in Emerald Pig's summer prodution of The Tempest. Kyler is a graduate of DW Poppy Secondary and now works as a roofer. He has been learning how to be "blind", but promises that he won't practice when he's up on a roof or driving. Thanks Kyler!

Becca Strom is Jill Tanner, Don's flighty, free-spirited neighbor. Becca studied theatre at Douglas College and is a graduate of the Langara Film Arts program. She has won several awards for her acting, including Best Actress at TheatreBC's Actoberfest 2009. Becca currently lives and works in New Westminster and is learning to appreciate the lessons life teaches you on Translink.

Don's domineering and overprotective mother, Florence Baker, will be played by Hazel Neill, a new resident to Pitt Meadows. Although this will be Hazel's first production with Emerald Pig, she is no stranger to stages around the Lower Mainland. She has  performed with many companies, including Langley Players (The Dining Room) and Stage 43 (Laundry and Bourbon), which resulted in two Best Supporting Actress awards. Her skill as an actress will be put to the test in this production, as Hazel's natural warmth and charm will be difficult to conceal as the prim and proper Mrs. Baker.

Rounding out the cast in the role of Ralph Austin, a hot, young and somewhat arrogant New York City theatre director, is another hot, young and somewhat arrogant actor from Langley, Adam Macdougall. Actually, Adam is as far from arrogant as they come, with a natural wit and sense of humor that is highly contagious!

I am super excited and privileged to bring this production to The ACT in Maple Ridge for dinner theatre November 18 - 21. We are maintaining our prices at last year's levels and including the HST, so there will be no additional cost to our patrons, other than drinks. Extra savings can be had as well by reserving a table for 8 or encouraging your boss to to spring for a company party - it's almost Christmas after all! For those on a tighter budget, come out to the preview night November 17. There won't be dinner, but you won't be disappointed! All seats $15!

For more information on the show please read the Press Releases:

August 27