Friendship and unforgettable moments are featured in the world première of We Don’t Talk About Book Club.
The Royal Canadian Theatre Company is closing its 2024/25 season with We Don’t Talk About Book Club, which was written by New West resident Patricia Brooke. The production takes to the stage at the Surrey Arts Centre (March 14 to 16) and Anvil Theatre in New Westminster (March 20 to 23).
New West resident Kerri Norris joins the cast of a play that promises shocking twists and silly moments galore.
“I'm enjoying supporting a local New Westminster playwright with a world première of her new play,” Norris said. “It's not easy to find a place to share your voice, and I knew this play was special as soon as I read the first act. And as I'm also a New Westminster resident, being able to delve into the character of Jo has been an amazing experience. I'm so proud to speak Patricia's words on stage and to be bringing this piece to our home stage.”
Norris, who is also the company’s artistic director, pushed for RCTC to do this production. She said that getting the chance to work with such talented, positive and passionate people has been a bright spot in these uncertain times.
“At the core of things, friendship is what helps us get through difficult moments in our lives and the relationships portrayed in this script show such depth, commitment and love; it gives me hope. And we all need a little more love to go around,” she said. “And it's not all happy go lucky fun for these women; they explore real questions about loyalty, honesty and the ties that bind us as closely together as family.”
Along with Norris, the production’s cast includes: Surrey resident Justine Jones (Margo); Langley resident Crystal Weltzin (Natalie); and Vancouver residents Nicole DesLaurier (Allie) and Oliver de la Harpe (Thompson).
Burnaby resident Nitasha Rajoo directs the show that’s making its world première in March. While Norris is appearing on stage, several New West residents will be working as part of the crew: Stephanie Bruce, technical director/sound design; Nigel Brooke, lighting designer; and Sam Brooke, assistant lighting designer.
We Don’t Talk About Book Club follows four friends from college at their monthly book club.
“As friendships are tested and dynamics change, does anyone even have the time to read the book?” said a synopsis of the play. “Prepare your book club and witness as the drama unfolds, new friends are made, and everyone discovers a little more about each other. Can these longtime friendships prevail through the obstacles presented by their book club? Enjoy this heartfelt and hilarious journey through friendship, forgiveness and melty cheese.”
Note: the show has a content warning as it contains adult themes and discussion of infidelity.
The Royal Canadian Theatre Company is hosting a couple of special dates as part of its production in New Westminster.
The Friday, March 21 show at Anvil Theatre includes a Talk Back with the playwright, director and performers.
In partnership with the Massey Theatre Society, the company is offering a relaxed performance of We Don’t Talk About Book Club on Saturday, March 22 at 7:30 p.m. This includes technical adjustments and ASL interpreters available while the performance stays the same. (Tickets are half-price for the relaxed performance.)
Tickets — including individual tickets, group tickets and family packs — are available online.
