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Aug. 18, 2006
Elias becomes play producer
The void left by TUTS creates a new opportunity for local actors.
KYLE BERGER
On Broadway, when one musical production shuts down, another one
inevitably takes its place.
The same can be said in Vancouver's theatre scene, as three talented
enthusiasts took the opportunity presented by the cancellation of
the Theatre Under the Stars (TUTS) program this summer to create
their own show.
Shira Elias, a member of Richmond's Jewish community, along with
Chris King and Jenn Suratos, became first-time producers after realizing
there would be a void left behind by TUTS.
"With the hole left by TUTS, we decided to put on our own show
and give up-and-coming actors the opportunity and a venue in which
to shine," Elias told the Independent.
The three producers formed Ignite Productions and quickly got to
work on an original musical revue.
The script for the show, Waking Up a Generation, was written
by Elias and King and is based around the music of modern Broadway
shows. The story, according to Elias, is about relationships and
helping people get through obstacles to achieve their goals.
"It is about people communicating and pushing each other to
do the things they always wanted to do, but never could," she
said, "and in rehearsal, the eight cast members really gave
life to these characters."
Although acting is nothing new to Elias, serving as a producer,
much like the story itself, is a new accomplishment that she has
now finally conquered.
"This is an entirely different side of the theatre that I had
never seen before," she explained. "It's a lot of responsibility
and work, but [it] definitely has been a labor of love.
"When you produce your own show, you really have to put your
entire self into it and oversee everything," she continued.
"Hopefully this will be a stepping stone to many more productions
in the future."
Elias, now 20 years old, has been strutting the stages around Greater
Vancouver since the age of six. She was most recently seen as Donna
Marsala in Hoarse Raven's production of Tony 'n' Tina's Wedding.
In addition to musical theatre, Elias writes her own music and records
in her spare time. She is attending the University of California
at Irvine this fall for musical theatre.
Waking Up a Generation will play at the Norman Rothstein
Theatre Aug. 25, 26 and 27 at 8 p.m. Tickets are $18 for adults,
$15 for students and can be purchased at the Vancouver JCC or by
calling 604-257-5111.
Kyle Berger is a freelance journalist and graphic designer
living in Richmond.
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