Opening Nite Theatre Society (ONTS) is preparing to present Mrs. Reynolds And The Ruffian, a hard-hitting and heartfelt play about a woman trying to keep her neighbourhood clean and friendly, and the young man who vandalized her garden and is forced into community service.
The production – which was written by Gary Owen and directed by Camille Atebe – runs April 29 to May 15. Shows take place Thursdays to Saturdays at 8 p.m. and on Sundays at 2 p.m.
When Jay (the ruffian) goes to clean up Mrs. Reynolds’ garden, he thinks she’ll be a pushover and he can walk away after an hour without having to do much at all. But Mrs Reynolds has a backbone of iron, and she’s not about to let this ruffian off scot-free.
In her eyes, he’s a wastrel who needs to be taught a lesson and made to grow up.
Jay and Mrs Reynolds come to an understanding, but not without a lot of pain along the way.
Set amongst the council houses of London, the show is touching, brutal, and above all, honest. An even-handed look at the gap between generations, classes and genders, this play leaves the audience questioning their own assumptions about other people.
The play contains very strong language and adult themes and is not recommended for young children.
Performers include Kathy Doran, Connor Drysdale, Shannon Pedder, Katie Thompson and Petra Atebe.
ONTS will also be entering this production in this year’s Theatre BC Fraser Valley Zone Festival in May.
You can reserve tickets by email at ontstickets@hotmail.com or call 604-826-6687. You can also purchase them at the door. The theatre is located at 33223 Railway Ave.