It's been somewhat of a rocky road this season for Stage 43.
Last September, the Coquitlam theatrical society started so far in the red that many members considered closing the club for good after more than 30 years. Its capital account for a new stand-alone facility was tapped to pay for operations and its January production was scaled back to make ends meet.
Then, just before Christmas, two gifts arrived: the city awarded Stage 43 a $20,500 Spirit of Coquitlam casino grant and another $10,000 cheque was deposited by the provincial government as part of its gaming revenues.
But less than two months later, they got more bad news. A unit close to the Aberdeen warehouse where the club rehearses and stores costumes and sets was destroyed fire; luckily none of its possessions was damaged though they had to use a generator for power supply until the building repairs were complete.Also that month, the club marked the sudden passing of director Gaye LePage and actor Steven Burridge.
Despite the ups and downs, Stage 43 has shared a lot of laughs, said director Jacqollyne Keath. Its last event of the season that opens next week is Seduced by Moonlight - "a delightful comedy, an audience pleaser with a twist that has been a fun one to do," said Keath.
Penned by Claire Harrison and Clive Doucet, the narrative centres on a middle-aged couple who write romance novels but need to rekindle the passion in their marriage. The rom-com will be Stage 43's entry in the Theatre BC Fraser Valley Zone Festival next month.
Still, it won't be the only thing on the members' minds in May as they try to source out new digs when their five-year lease runs out on May 31.
Producer Claire Pinkett said the club will put many pieces in a storage locker until an area can be found. "We will look for rehearsal space in community centres, community halls, schools, etc., for the time being while we restructure and figure out what direction we should head."
Seduced by Moonlight runs at the Evergreen Cultural Centre (1205 Pinetree Way, Coquitlam) from April 24 to 27 and April 30 to May 3. All shows are at 8 p.m. except April 27 is a 2 p.m. matinee. The content has adult themes and the audience should be over 18. Call 604-927-6555.
