Gallery 7 Theatre of Abbotsford presents its production of Josh MacDonald’s quirky comedy-drama Halo, starting on Jan. 27.
When the image of Jesus Christ appears on the wall of a Tim Hortons restaurant in Nately, Nova Scotia, the town is thrown in to euphoric chaos: Is this appearance a miracle? A hoax?
While the townsfolk contemplate these questions, a father quietly wrestles with his own faith as he faces a tragedy that has left his daughter in a coma.
Directing Halo will be Gallery 7 Theatre’s founding artistic director Ken Hildebrandt.
Hildebrandt has directed numerous productions at the theatre, including The Importance of Being Earnest, Lord of the Flies and, most recently, The Giver.
He is a graduate of the University of the Fraser Valley with a degree in English and theatre.
“Halo is a fun, but also very touching, play about faith and commercialism, how the two are often at cross-purposes and how very real people get caught in the middle,” Hildebrandt says.
Though the play explores deeper themes, Hildebrandt is quick to point out that Halo is also quite funny.
“I think audiences will enjoy the characters, relate to their journey, and ultimately be moved by the revelations they experience. The play is really quite genius in its simplicity and theatricality.”
Playing the pivotal role of Casey, the embittered yet ultimately searching donut restaurant employee, is Catrina Jackson.
Her boyfriend, Jansen, a sincere but naïve hockey-player wannabe, is played by newcomer Kyle Peckham, and veteran performer John Dawson takes on the role of Donald, the struggling but devout father who faces an extremely difficult decision.
His daughter Lizzie is played by newcomer Kate Adams, and JJ, the new priest in the community, is played by UFV theatre graduate Thomas Smith.
Rounding out the cast and playing multiple characters throughout the play are Larry Hamm and Natalie Hoogstra.
Set design is by Craig Moolenbeek, costume design is by Vicki Bolan, lighting design is by Gabe Kirkley, sound design is by Ryan Scramstad, props design and production photography is by Dianna Lewis and makeup design is by Victoria Hu. The stage manager is Maria Denholme.
Showtime is 7:30 p.m. on Jan. 27 and 28 and Feb. 1-4 at the Abbotsford Arts Centre, 2329 Crescent Way.
Discount matinees are held Jan. 28 and Feb. 4 at 2 p.m
Tickets can be purchased at House of James (2743 Emerson St.), by calling 604-852-3701 or online at gallery7theatre.com.