Comedy, romance and adventure rounds out the latest play by Gallery 7 Theatre and Performing Arts.
The group is presenting The Matchmaker from June 10-25.
According to artistic director Ken Hildebrandt, it's a farce with real heart.
“I think this production will be an outstanding way to celebrate the arrival of summer,” he said.
The story follows Horace Vandergelder, a shrewd and wealthy merchant, who has decided to get married.
Securing the services of a matchmaker, Vandergelder entrusts his shop to the care of his clerks while he heads to New York City in search of love.
Tired of their lives and longing for romance, the clerks embark on their own adventure to the city.
Things get complicated when they nearly run into their boss.
The incident is followed by a series of comedic episodes that inspired the Broadway musical, Hello Dolly!
Hildebrandt has a special connection with The Matchmaker production as it was the first high-school play he attended, inspiring him to get involved in theatre.
“I was so intrigued by how the actors could make people respond with laughter... Who knows, maybe it’ll inspire a new generation of actors and theatre-goers as well.”
The play brings up some important questions, added director Annette Reilly.
“Should we drown ourselves in the pursuit of money? Should we obsess over finding love? Should we shut ourselves in and never participate in life or should we throw ourselves into every adventure imaginable? This play teaches us balance," she said.
The Matchmaker runs June 10, 11, 16–18 and 23-25 at 7:30 p.m. with additional discounted matinees on June 11 and 18 at 2 p.m.
All shows are at the MEI Auditorium, 4081 Clearbrook Rd.
Tickets for evening performances are $16 for adults, $14 for seniors and students, $13 for groups of 10 or more, and $9 for children 12 and under.
Tickets for matinee performances are $12, or $9 for children 12 and under.
They can be purchased at the House of James, 2743 Emerson St. or by calling 604-852-3701 or 1-800-665-8828.
For more information, visit www.gallery7theatre.com.