You may laugh until you cry!
Side-splitting laughter and heart-wrenching tears are all part of deeply moving Cheshire Cats, ECHO Players' extraordinarily funny premiere theatrical production of the season.
Grown women, aching feet and heaving bosoms lead the way in a whirlwind walkathon, first steps to finish line. You'll follow the Cheshire Cats dream team speed-walking their way to fundraising success, sporting outlandish bras, perky cat ears and posh new trainers, in the annual London Moonwalk to raise awareness and funds for Cancer research.
This laugh-out-loud comedy-drama by playwright Gail Young was inspired by the comedic camaraderie she enjoyed in her own experience walking in the London MoonWalk.
It's an excessively well-crafted script of poetic monologues with a sobering message delivered with humour and sensitively, masterfully directed by Michael King who says, "Cheshire Cats will make you laugh and may bring a tear to your eye. It treats a very difficult subject with humour and respect. We have an enthusiastic cast and crew who worked together creating everything from great costumes to being involved in a charity walk that raised over $1,200 for breast and prostate cancer research. I hope everyone enjoys this poignant and touching story."
Supported by producer Gail Tisdale, production assistant Jan Taggart, stage managers Linda Attley and Karen Easton and a dedicated crew, Cheshire Cats will knock your socks off.
All five female leads are intensely convincing. Dawna Silver is control-freak Hilary on a personal mission, whose efforts to keep everyone in line fall frustratingly short. Pamela Brown as Siobham brings a deep sense of purpose and sensitivity to the stage, while Dena Lane's performance as Yvonne aligns perfectly with the play's message. It's hard to believe it's the first time on stage with ECHO Players for Amanda Sapieha as Maggie who aces her role as the not-quite-up-to-it member of the team. Diane Korol's performance as besotted Vicky is full of romantic energy and fun playing off lovable Calvin Tyndall in his role as Andrew, the team's token "tomcat", bringing his brand of comedy to the production, in more ways than one.
Helping participants warm up for speed-walking 13 miles across London in the midnight chill, Duane Mottle literally jumps into his role as Marshall, the aerobics instructor.
It takes a team of dedicated organizers to keep the Moonwalk on track and Nick Squire as a traffic cop does his bit for crowd control. Along the walkers' route Judy Hipkin as Ethel and Anne Jinks as Madge, fumbling with their walkie-talkie, bubble over with enthusiasm and support for the walkers.
The outlandishly hilarious costumes for Cheshire Cats, we're told, are the result of fits of laughter, ingenuity and endless hours of creative invention. The cast and costumes shone brightly against the minimalist yet effective set.
Cheshire Cats, running Oct. 10 to Oct. 27 on stage at Qualicum's Village Theatre, successfully captures the authenticity, spirit and humour of the London Moonwalk, celebrating the endeavours of ordinary people undertaking extraordinary things for a cause.
Wait for Maggie's lump-in-your-throat announcement at the play's conclusion.
This is a play everyone will want to see. Tickets are selling fast, so grab yours now to get your preferred seats. Box office hours are Tuesday to Friday, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., or purchase online at www.echoplayers.ca.
