Gallery 7 Theatre in Abbotsford returns to in-person live theatre after an 18-month hiatus, with Arlene Hutton’s heart-warming and romantic drama, Last Train to Nibroc.
The play runs Nov. 12 to 20 at the Abbotsford Arts Centre, 2329 Crescent Way.
“We’re really very excited to return to in-person live theatre after such a challenging time for our community,” says Ken Hildebrandt, executive artistic director.
“We’ve programmed a season of theatre we trust will bring light, hope and healing to our community, and Last Train to Nibroc, which we’ve been wanting to produce for quite some time, fits perfectly into that vision.”
Set in 1940, the play features May and Raleigh, who meet on an eastbound train that just so happens to be carrying the bodies of F. Scott Fitzgerald and Nathaneal West.
It is soon revealed that Raleigh is unable to enlist in the Army due to a medical condition and is on his way to New York to become a writer. May desires to be a missionary.
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As they chat, they realize they have something in common: they are both from Kentucky. This girl-meets-boy romance follows the couple over time, painting an often-funny, always-touching portrait of two young people navigating through a time of war as they search for happiness and what their hearts truly desire.
‘This is a play about two people who meet entirely by chance and are both smitten and challenged by the other, even if they aren’t willing to admit it to themselves or the other,” Hildebrandt says.
“Over time, they are faced with how to communicate with one another as they both search for hope and happiness in a dark time. I really hope the play makes people smile as much as it has me.”
Directing Last Train to Nibroc is Nicola Shannon, who previously directed a production of Pride and Prejudice and an online dramatic reading of Macbeth for the theatre.
Playing the reserved, sometimes-prickly but always-caring character of May is veteran performer Cassie Unger. She last performed at Gallery 7 Theatre as Myra Bennet in Tempting Providence.
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Playing Raleigh – bookish and always laughing, yet sincere – is Curtis Maciborski. This is his second production with Gallery 7 Theatre, the last being A Midsummer Night’s Dream.
Set designer is Jeff Kiers, costume designer is Dani DeJong, props designer is Dianna Lewis, lighting designer is Ken Hildebrandt, sound designer is Josh Osborne and hair and make-up designer is Charlene Crawford. The stage manager is Brittany Suderman and the production photographer is Dianna Lewis Photography.
Last Train to Nibroc runs Nov. 12 and 13 and 16 to 20 7:30 p.m., with matinees on Nov. 13 and 20 at 2 p.m.
The production is accessible both in person and via live-stream. Tickets range from $12 to $30 (plus service fees), and patrons can select their seats for in-person performances when they order.
Visit gallery7theatre.com for more information or to book tickets, or call 604-504-5940.