Is there something wrong with nine-year-old Jesse, or is he just a boy?
Shuswap Theatre presents Distracted, a powerful play about the difficulties of parenting a child diagnosed with attention-deficit disorder and what it does to the family.
This hilarious, provocative and often poignant comedy was written by Lisa Loomer and was made available to Shuswap Theatre by special arrangement with the Dramatists Play Service.
Guest director Adele Kuyek has an extensive background in theatre, both in front of and behind the curtains.
Kuyek began her theatrical journey backstage more than 30 years ago, wanting to learn about the whole theatre process. She worked on costumes, makeup, publicity, sponsorships, stage management and producing before gaining the courage to audition for a role.
Kuyek loved every aspect of theatre and started going to festivals and taking directing courses.
Directing came to her as easy as breathing, and after directing 16 plays, many of which won awards for best actor, best set design, best sound design and best production, along with a couple of best director awards, Kuyek is sharing her skills and enthusiasm with Shuswap Theatre.
Kuyek was Okanagan Zone vice chair for four years and chair for another four. She was president of Asparagus Theatre for two years and vice-president for many more. As well, Kuyek sat on the board of Theatre BC, was O-Zone Festival chair three times and vice-chair twice.
Throughout her long connection with theatre, Kuyek says she has “taken every single course in lighting, sound, set design” and more, and loves the vision and collaboration of putting it all together.
“She is thrilled to be directing Distracted, a wonderful glimpse into how technology is affecting our lives and our children’s lives,” says publicity director Monica Kriese. “And, she is excited to be bringing this controversial subject matter to Shuswap Theatre…”
The cast for Distracted features a mix of familiar and new talents: Mama is Teresa McKerral; Dad is Randy Brogden; Jesse is Justice Skelhorne; Sherry is Cheryl-Lee Sager; Vera is Sheri Reynard and Natalie is Emmy Sim.
Other performers include Hilary Wallis, Lois Archer-Duell, Joy Peters, Eric Reynard, Annick Smith and Bonnie Birch.
The production runs over three weekends, from Feb. 21 to March 8, at 7:30 p.m. on “Thrifty Thursdays,” Fridays and Saturdays, with 1:30 p.m. matinees on Sundays. There are no shows Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday.
Tickets are $17 for adults, $15 for seniors 60 and over, $10 for students and $5 for children. All tickets are $10 on Thrifty Thursdays. Get them starting Feb. 7 at Intwined Fibre Arts at 141C Hudson Ave NE.
Phone 250-832-9283 or get them at the door an hour before showtime.