Birthday Bash Theatre

As I get older, I appreciate the importance of a birthday. It is my chance to reflect on the past year, count my many blessings and ponder the year ahead — with cake.

Despite many people’s protestations about getting older, who doesn’t love the recognition of our friends and family and a good party in our honour?

When a theatre company makes it to a milestone birthday, it is even more momentous. It is such a difficult, expensive and oftentimes all-consuming entity that it often leaves those who are not overwhelmingly passionate about it behind.

Those who stick with it they know what an accomplishment it is — even just to turn five.

Partying is exactly what New Vintage Theatre Company is doing this Saturday night at The Black Box Theatre.

In our trademark, unique theatre experience style, the company is inviting audiences to an evening adventure of cabaret performances, night market shopping and food and glow dancing in the dark with DJ Joe Otoo — all in celebration of our fifth birthday season.

We have come a long way, baby. Our first performances were in the packed winery tasting room at The Vibrant Vine Winery.

Since then we have performed in venues throughout the valley — Benvoulin Church, The Hub in Vernon, Creekside Theatre, parks, Kelowna Community Theatre, schools and The Mary Irwin and Black Box Theatre to name just a few.  

New Vintage has also paid over 150 different artists on 30+ productions. Some of our shows been modest, some grand, but I truly believe each and every play has been created with love, integrity and an earnest desire to create an inspiring experience for our patrons .

Since its inception, New Vintage Theatre has become a member of The Professional Association of Canadian Theatres, a prestigious group, and we now perform to audiences of over 10,000 each season.

We also have a home — The Hot House Theatre, Studio 100 at The Rotary Centre For The Arts.

Artists performing at our Saturday Night Party event are favourite New Vintage Theatre performers from the past and present.

Later in the evening, the lights will go down and black lights will be turned on for glow dancing with Kelowna favourite performer/DJ Joseph Otoo. 

This 16+ event is also an important fundraiser for New Vintage Theatre’s upcoming shows. There will be the opportunity to partake in a Night Market where patrons can try their luck for prizes, shop from Perch Vintage Clothing bus, buy tasty treats from Okapop and mini-donuts and enjoy cold beverages from the noir bar.

Of course, there will also be birthday cake served.

If you would like to get your glow on come out to The Night Party Aug. 26, at The Black Box Theatre.

Doors open at 8:45 p.m., show at 9:30 p.m. Tickets are $25 and available from www.selectyourtickets.com or at the door.

This article is written by or on behalf of an outsourced columnist and does not necessarily reflect the views of Castanet.