Bard on the Bandstand performed to capacity crowds last weekend in Pitt Meadows and they are hoping to have capacity crowds again this week in Maple Ridge.
This year the Emerald Pig Theatrical Society is putting on one of William Shakespeare’s most famous tragedies, “Romeo and Juliet” – but with inspiration from the popular “Bridgerton” television series.
Director and producer of this year’s Bard, Simon Challenger, said those who are fans of the television series can expect to see some of it on stage.
He was pleased with the numbers who came out to see the show in Spirit Square.
“What better way to spend a warm summer evening than enjoying outdoor theatre in Pitt Meadows,” he said, noting the audience filled the ampitheatre, and spilled around the sides of the square.
He said audience members were captivated by the story of the two young lovers brought to life by Louisa Capulet as Juliet and Niklas Koehn as Romeo, adding tears were shed by many at the end. And, the swordplay had everyone holding their breath, he said.
“Thursday’s audience were treated to some timely peals of thunder at the climax of the performance, adding a very special touch to the show that was appreciated by both the crowd and the performers,” added Challenger.
“We couldn’t have asked for a better show run here in Pitt Meadows,” he said.
Performances will now shift to Maple Ridge on the bandstand in Memorial Peace Park along 224 Street between Dewdney Trunk Road and Lougheed Highway.
All show are free to the public and donations to the Friends In Need Food Bank are appreciated.
The show runs: Thursday, July 23; Friday, July 24; and Saturday, July 25.
Pre-show entertainment will begin at 6:30 p.m. and the show begins at 7 p.m..
To help offset the cost of producing Bard on the Bandstand, the society will be holding a raffle for a grand prize basket full of items donated by local Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows businesses, worth over $2,800.
There are only 3,000 tickets available for the draw.
Tickets are $2 each or three tickets for $5.
“You can buy as many as you want,” Challenger chuckled.
Tickets will be available for sale at all performances and at the Haney Farmers Market in Maple Ridge every Saturday until the final show.
The draw for the winning ticket will be held at intermission at the final performance on Saturday, July 25, in Maple Ridge.
For more information go to: www.emeraldpig.ca.