Elena Unraw is a local actor who has recently been participating in online shows with Theatre in the Country, a family run dinner theatre in Langley. The next project of TIC Online is a brand new theatrical adaption of Jane Austen’s classic novel, Pride & Prejudice. Unraw is delighted to have this outlet for her acting skills, and look forward to playing Caroline in the show
Nicola Shannon, the playwright, approached Reg Parks, the Artistic Director of Theatre in the Country, who was delighted to give this fresh and crisp new script of a Victorian classic a world premier at TIC Online.
When Theatre in the Country shuttered its doors on March 16, staff had no idea when or if they would reopen, but they started planning on how to keep their performers and patrons active and engaged in a live theatre experience. Within a month, TIC Online was up and running. The idea is simple: using their bank of over 45 performers they will perform a new costumed, reader’s theatre each weekend on Friday and Saturday night. The audience that has been asked to pay what they can starting at $5. It is the company’s hope that no one needs to miss out on a play just because of financial uncertainty caused by a layoff or otherwise.
TIC Online has welcomed guests from all across North America, Europe, Trinidad and Japan which has allowed the small community theatre to welcome a worldwide audience. Each play includes a talkback with the cast and crew, and occasional special guests each night after the show is over. The audience offers their applause, congratulations or questions in the chat feature on Zoom, and the whole evening has a delightfully warm and inclusive feel.
In September TIC will reopen their doors for live theatre with a two-person musical entitled, The Last 5 Years by Jason Robert Brown. It will feature two veteran performers, and audience seating reduced from 200 to 50. Other falls shows will also be offered with casts of two to three.
Theatre in the Country is a community based dinner theatre which was founded by Reg and Erin Parks in 2013. It was first located in East Maple Ridge, before moving to downtown Langley three years ago. The company has won awards through Theatre BC, and is a growing presence in the local arts community. Their motto, Great Food, Great Show, Great Night Out, reflects their passion for a full evening of food, friends and entertainment.
Theatre in the Country is delighted to working with Elena Unraw on this production.