For Immediate Release
May 28, 2004
 
SAINT JOHN THEATRE COMPANY ANNOUNCES LINE-UP FOR NEW SEASON
Trio of Plays Promises Comedy, Intrigue and Song
 
An unscrupulous vixen, a South American “saint” and two curmudgeonly comedians will highlight the Saint John Theatre Company’s 2004-2005 season.
 
Dangerous Liaisons, the famous tale of lust and intrigue set in 18th century France, will launch the season November 18.  Andrew Lloyd Webber’s stunningly dark musical Evita opens at the Imperial Theatre in March 2005.  And The Sunshine Boys, one of Neil Simon’s most hilarious comedies, is slated for May 2005.
 
The plays promise to bring local audiences laughs, suspense and song, as well as captivating performances by some of the city’s brightest talents.  Veteran actors Bob Doherty and Peter Gilchrist have already signed up for The Sunshine Boys, the story of two retired comedians who try to revive their act.  Elizabeth Chase, another of Saint John’s most accomplished performers, will transform herself into the sinister Marquise de Merteuil in Dangerous Liaisons. 
 
“The Marquise de Mertueil is so deliciously daring and unscrupulous,” Chase says.  “Her intensity, her focus, her darkly coloured joie de vivre that brooks no interference – all so tantalizing in a character.  It shall be an especially exciting role to bring to life in all its fiery coldness.”
 
The Saint John Theatre Company’s first musical production, Guys and Dolls, was a rousing hit with audiences last fall.  That success is one of the reasons the Company has decided to bring on more song and dance.  Bob Doherty will direct Evita, the dramatic rags-to-riches story of Argentina’s former first lady, Eva Peron. 
 
“Guys and Dolls is a very light and bright American Broadway musical of the 1950s, whereas Evita is a heavier, darker piece of modern British musical theatre,” Doherty says.  “Evita has some beautiful music. The best known is probably 'Don't Cry For Me Argentina'. While presenting us with interesting artistic challenges, it is still within our reach to stage a wonderful production of this show.  It should be a show that local audiences will want to see.”
 
The Sunshine Boys will give an up-and-coming Saint John director the chance to kick-start his dream.  Jay Rawding used to fantasize about directing a play at the Imperial Theatre before the age of 40.  When The Sunshine Boys opens next spring, he will be just 29. 
 
"Having the chance to direct a show at the Imperial will be one of the most exciting things that's ever happened to me,” Rawding says. “When you look at the track record and quality of the productions that have been staged at the Imperial over the past ten years, it is both daunting and humbling to know you will soon be a part of that legacy too. Although there will be a lot of pressure and anxiety building up to our show, the exhilaration far outweighs anything else at this point. It is a genuine privilege.”
 
Subscriptions for the 3-show package are just $46 (plus Imperial EPS) with discounts for students, seniors, and matinees.  As an added bonus, anyone who subscribes before June 30th will have their named entered for a draw for a weekend for two at Charlottetown Festival this summer.  Subscriptions are available at the Imperial Theatre Box Office or by calling 674-4100.
 
The Saint John Theatre Company is a community-based, not-for-profit organization. The members of the SJTC Board of Directors, its actors, and production crews are volunteers.  The Company is looking for new volunteers to perform on stage or work behind the scenes during the 2004-2005 season.  People who are interested in getting involved can e-mail the SJTC at  stage@sjtconline.com or call (506) 634-1990.
 
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