Season revealed at Black Cat Cabaret

What is the best part of my job as Artistic Director of New Vintage Theatre? There is a lot of excitement that is part of my everyday life - working with cool, creative people being the top of my list, but there is also a lot of work and long hours with little to no payment. It is a struggle starting a new theatre company and even harder when you make the commitment to pay artists for their work.

The most gratifying part is seeing things come together like I have this past season. We have gone from being a group that no one knows about to a company that has received a level of recognition amongst our esteemed peers locally and provincially. We are now setting our sights on increasing the profile of Okanagan artists nationally through our play development programs, monthly play readings at Pulp Fiction Coffeehouse, productions of Canadian works and Kelowna Fan eXpo on March 21.

With these goals in mind and the help of many community supporters and sponsors, we are able to launch our third season on Feb. 6 & 7 at our second annual fundraiser and season launch party, The Black Cat Cabaret.

(Photo: Derek Gratz)

Black Cat Cabaret Guests From 2014.

Like most of our shows, we enjoy a great party. This year our show will be directed by Christine Daley who has opted to set it in 1920’s New Orleans and it will be a fun, festive event with French flair. We encourage people to dress in black, even black cat, and those who dress up will be entered in a draw for great door prizes. Entertainment includes music, comedy and short 10 minute plays by local playwrights Logan Albert Mullin, Christine Daley, Deb Nicholson and Jeff Samin-all who will vie for audience members’ hearts in the hopes of winning the first Black Cat Cup Trophy. New Vintage actors are also donating their performances to the effort as well as many local businesses who have donated items for the silent auction.

Some of the featured artists include-Joe Welton, Kendra Hesketh, Brad Hull, Gillianne Richards, Graham Daley, Vicki Den Ouden, Sheila Campbell, Gloria Helfrick, Brock Gratz, Bailey Strand, Hailey Sabourin. Guest appearances will be made by season favorites Ashley Plomp, Cory Armour, Colm O’Reilly and Hillary Omoe. Music and art also figure prominently.

(Photo: Derek Gratz)

New Vintage Artists: (L) Dana Murphy & Joelle Neufeld; (R) Graham Daley & Joe Welton

Tickets are just $20 for The Black Cat Cabaret in advance from www.selectyourtickets.com or $25 at the door.

Don’t miss your chance to be the first to hear about our new season-get your tickets for this popular event that sells out early -today.

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