By Shannon Rosneau
ECHO Players’ newest production, How It Works, is a witty and moving family drama with an underlying powerful, positive message.
The production, which runs Thursday, April 21, until Monday, May 8, at the Village Theatre in Qualicum Beach, was written by award-winning Nova Scotia playwright, actor and director Daniel MacIvor. His work traditionally explores the changing dynamics of a family under social pressures, all with inherent humour.
It’s the story of a family in crisis, working through complex issues of addiction and divorce, yet with sensitivity, a sense of humour and a powerful and positive message.
Inspired by the play’s sobering, yet uplifting power of storytelling to heal, it’s one that director Karen Golden says she has “always wanted to do”. With contagius enthusiasm, she directs her capable cast of four including Sherri Wade, John Felice, Rowan O’Callaghan and Peggy Pearce who easily came together and “just clicked” as a team – a dream for any director.
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The four fascinating characters include Al, his ex-wife Donna, their troubled daughter Brooke, and Al’s new love interest. Audiences will follow their tumultuous journey to a positive conclusion.
How It Works is a provocative family drama that explores the intricate dynamics of adolescence and parenting, through the lens of a broken marriage and the arrival of an outspoken albeit compassionate outsider, all with humour and sensitivity.
To quote the character Christine: “They say there’s no easy answers or happy endings. They say instead of easy answers there are good questions - whatever that means.”
Tickets for How It Works can be obtained; online at www.echoplayers.ca; at the box office, open 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday to Saturday; or by phone at 250-752-3522.
ECHO Players board and production team have decided to keep mandatory masking in place for all performances of this production.