By Times Chronicle Staff
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SOAP Theatre’s spring 2024 production of Halfway There by Norm Foster opened with a bang on Friday, May 3 quickly transporting theatre goers to the small town of Stewiacke, Nova Scotia, whose claim to fame is being located exactly halfway between the North pole and the Equator.
We soon learn that, perhaps like Oliver or Osoyoos, there’s no such thing as a secret in Stewiacke; not when the gossips meet for coffee every day at Junior’s Restaurant. Vi, Rita, Mary Ellen, and Janine are a tight crew, as close as can be, and they know everybody’s business.
The plot takes its first twist when Sean, a heartbroken doctor, moves into town to take a temporary job at the local clinic, thrusting this maritime town off its axis.
What story wouldn’t be complete without the complications of love and while Sean decides to pursue Janine, it only brings her closer together with her friends, who each have their own messy love lives. Vi just turned down her boyfriend’s proposal, Mary Ellen is tired of doing everything for her husband and sons, Rita just wants to find a date, and Janine already lives with a man that she loves a “little bit”.
Halfway There characters Janine and Sean (Chuck Peeren).
Can everyone find what they’re looking for in Stewiacke? And what happens when someone discovers a secret that so far has managed to be kept hidden? Can these best-of-friends survive the challenges and secrets that face them? So many questions.
Halfway There is directed by Ritchie Kendrick, with assistance from Jackie Brockholm. The five experienced and award-winning cast members span the South Okanagan:
- Jenn MacNeil (Janine) is originally from Nova Scotia and now lives in Osoyoos. She has appeared in three previous SOAP productions, including as Rosemary in Outside Mullingar, for which she was awarded Best Actress in a Leading Role at the 2018 O-Zone Theatre Festival;
- Carrie Shogan (Rita) lives in Oliver and is appearing in her third on-stage part. Past roles included Lillian in 7 Stories, for which Carrie was awarded Best Supporting Actress at the 2023 O-Zone Theatre Festival. She also directed SOAP’s most recent winter show, The Deception of Kathryn Vask;
- Chuck Peeren (Sean), from Penticton, brings a good dose of experience to his first role with SOAP, including parts in As You Like It with Shakespeare Kelowna, plus North Pole Stories, Mousetrap and The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe, all with New Vintage Theatre in Kelowna;
- Christine Rothwell (Mary Ellen) is a long-time member of SOAP theatre from Osoyoos, who most recently played Nurse in 7 Stories, Born Yesterday’s Mrs. Hedges, along with parts in Love, Loss and What I Wore, and Twisted Tales. She has also taken on several backstage roles;
- Kathy Kalina (Vi) is relatively new to Oliver. She most recently played Sister Aloisius in Airdrie Nose Creek Players’ production of Doubt: A Parable and Mother Superior for Cochrane Players’ Drinking Habits. Kathy also directed Blithe Spirit for Cochrane Players and Steel Magnolias for the Rossland Light Opera.
“Norm Foster’s quirky characters will have you smiling in recognition and reflecting on what is important in life,” says director, Ritchie Kendrick. “It has been a pleasure to focus on the fun and the positive that is at the core of this play. As well, it has been a pleasure directing such a fun and positive cast and crew who have enjoyed working hard to bring you this entertaining production.”
Halfway There plays two more performances at the Venables Theatre in Oliver on Friday and Saturday evening May 10/11. For full show details and ticket links ($25 adults day of show, $23 adults in advance and $17 students with ID) visit SOAP Theatre’s website show page, at the Venables Box Office (6100 Gala Street, Oliver), website, or by phone at 250-498-1626. Discounts for groups of 10 or more ($20 per adult) are also available through the box office.
