For 60 years actors from the Yellow Point Drama Group have been entertaining audiences in central Vancouver Island.
The group originated as a club in 1953, formed by Anne Mossman. During the first season there were three one-act plays staged Waltz Time, Dear Departed and Which Way is the Way to Boston. These plays garnered best acting and best director award from various Vancouver Island drama festivals.
The group is celebrating the 60th milestone with a special anniversary dinner show Saturday (April 20) at the Cedar Community Hall.
The anniversary dinner show is modelled after Garrison Keillor’s popular radio show, A Prairie Home Companion. The drama group’s show looks back at the last 60 years of not only the group but also Cedar.
“We have written light humorous sketches from the eras,” said Brian March, a producer with the group. “There is a casual, folksy, homespun feel to the entire show.”
The evening will also include a house band and a partial reading of Dear Departed.
It will have the live radio show feel with sound effects done onstage.
March has been a member of the group for about 10 years. He said what made him passionate about staying with the group so long was the dedication and enthusiasm among the members. He has been involved with various theatre groups in the mid-Island over the years, but said that the Yellow Point Drama Group has been a steady part of his life.
“There was a lot of passion and commitment from the people in the club,” he said. “When they (the drama group) put something onstage you know and can feel there has been a lot of work put into it.”
He said people can come see actors who they might live next door to. It creates a cultural experience in Cedar.
“I think people need that in their lives,” said March.
Part of the success has been due to the atmosphere at productions. The group performs at the Cedar Community Hall with a cabaret style seating arrangement.
“It’s candle light on the tables. It’s quite a warm intimate setting rather than rows,” said March.
Tickets are $35 and are available in advance by calling 250-245-7516 or e-mailing ydpgreser vations@live.com. Tickets will also be available at the door if there are any remaining. Doors open at 6 p.m. Dinner is served at 6:30 p.m.,x the show begins at 8 p.m.
arts@nanaimobulletin.com