Directed by Jen Jensen
October 28 to November 5, 2022
October 28 to November 5, 2022
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What's it About?
When the paper mill in Elliston Falls closes, sending the small, rural town into an economic depression, a trio of determined, Wednesday-night weightwatchers and a newly appointed tourism officer must rally their community to save both jobs and spirits. Their plan of creating a custom underwear business becomes the foundation of the town’s survival in this comedy that celebrates determination, entrepreneurial spirit, and the willingness to bare it all. A story of four women banding together to help their community in times of struggle, Knickers! is distinctively Canadian but has universal themes of economic hardships, hope and friendship. They are not extraordinary women in extraordinary situations, as much as they are ordinary women who face hardships head on to better the world in which they live. 
Director's Notes
Whenever I direct, I always love watching the words in a script come to life, and I am so proud of my cast and crew for their hard work over the past few weeks to bring you these characters and their story. I have to give the cast kudos for being brave enough to even audition for a play about undies, never mind get up on stage and entertain you on the subject matter. I was very taken with this play, because there is so much to relate to on so many levels: friendship, hardship, financial and marital difficulties, as well as the positives and negatives of living in a small town, but most especially hope, dreams, perseverance, and the way a community can rally together to save themselves and each other. And it’s funny. Damn funny. Laugh as loud and long as you want. I have prepared them well for it at rehearsals, often laughing to the point of tears at their antics, even after hearing it many many times. And speaking of community pulling together, I have to extend my heartfelt gratitude for the community members who stepped up to put in all the creative extras that I had pictured in my mind, and making it a reality. From the vocal cameos of male SOAP members to The Dance Studio (Thank you, Leah, for seeing my vision and “getting” me) to the three most LOVELY ladies that sat down with me on our first meeting and provided the voices of the Gossips (how we managed to finally get it recorded without laughing is beyond me!). You guys rock! So come on out to catch the show, forget your worries, and lose yourself in the little town of Elliston Falls, as they find a way to make their KNICKERS! save the day! -Jen Jensen, Director Early Rehearsals
What our Audience Members Said:
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Cast & Characters
TERRI, the local Weight-Watchers leader; down to earth, practical and earnest, though, less worldly than the others, was played by Helen Wall in her second performance with SOAP. You last saw Helen as Bernadette, the deaf chef in our 2021 production of Flaming Idiots. Previously, she performed in two productions in Salmon Arm.
BARB, our upbeat diner waitress, always the positive one, albeit tongue-in-cheek sometimes, was portrayed by Jackie Brockholm. Jackie is often behind the scenes running opur shows like a boss, but she does enjoy the spotlight as well from time to time. Her hope is the audience laughed hard enough they may have had to change their knickers.
MARY, a farmer's wife and "organizer" who had a difficult childhood but tries very hard to make things work out, was brought to life by Carrie Shogan. This is Carrie's first stage appearance since high school, but she was thrilled to rediscover theatre with this crew. During the day, Carrie hangs out with 70 or so "Babes" at her mini-pig sanctuary, or wrangles counter-folk at a local auto parts store.
AMANDA, the visiting tourism officer, who is idealistic, worldly, naive to the ways of a small town, but goodhearted, was played by Val Heathman. Val was last seen in SOAP's production of Since You Left Us, for which she won best necomer actor at the 2017 O-Zone Theatre Festival. Regardless of her role, on stage of behind, Val always gives it her all.
MAYOR ROBERT HENDERSON, along with other characters, was portrayed by Joe Rupcich. Joe's first ever on-stage role was the lead character in Bob's Your Elf. He worked backstage for Flaming Idiots and looks forward to playing Judas Iscariot in SOAP's upcoming production of The Black Bonspiel of Wullie MacCrimmon.
Behind the Scenes
The Playwright
Sarah Quick is a popular British/Canadian playwright whose plays have been performed to critical acclaim across North America, Ireland, the UK and Australia. Originally from Manchester, England she now resides in Bobcaygeon, Ontario, where she is the Artistic Director of Globus Theatre @ The LAB (www.globustheatre.com). An accomplished actor and director, Sarah trained in theater at the University of Wales and received certificates in acting from the Guildhall and the London College of Music. Plays include The Men Commandments, Sunshine Express, Knickers! A "Brief" Comedy, Having Relations, and Do You Take This Man? which won an Outstanding Drama award at the Melbourne International Theater Festival. www.sarahquick.net |