If you’re looking for a fun community theatre production then you’re in Luck!
ZAP Theatre’s spring production is set to happen this May with Luck! being performed. Daniel Allers, director and general manager, said the play came off broadway in 2009.
“It’s based on an old Yiddish folk tale,” said Allers. “It basically operates under the premise that good luck and bad luck are actually people.”
Mazel (Good Luck) and Schlimazel (Bad Luck) are two characters who, while invisible to the outside world, influence events in what Allers says becomes a cosmic battle between the two.
“It has hilarious results,” he stated.
Along with a strong cast, this is the third year of ZAP’s production at the Ponoka United Church.
A new addition to the production will be live piano music, which is going to enhance the feel of the play.
“We focus on family friendly musical comedy,” said Allers.
Another benefit of the ZAP theatre program is it gives young adults a chance to continue their love of theatre but with a more flexible rehearsal program.
“We’ve got a lot of fresh, young talent. We’ve got an 11-year spread now in the cast with kids from 17 to 28,” said Allers.
He added there’s about 20 actors in the cast.
One of the bigger challenges was getting a large staircase built and then installed on the United Church stage. Allers said that Red Deer College constructed the staircase.
Tickets are by donation, said Allers. The proceeds of the money received from the ZAP plays goes to Project Mwanza, an orphanage built in Tanzania. Along with Debbie and Dean Zepick, the production company has helped donate $300,000 to the project.
This year’s focus is to help rebuild a wall at the orphanage that was damaged from an earthquake, says Allers. “Anything we raise this year will be put towards projects.”
“They’ve got a little bit of a bee infestation in the attics,” he added.
Allers said this is a three-fold benefit: bringing high end family fun plays to the community, allowing thespians to get into the acting spirit and to raise money for the orphanage.
Opening night is May 11 with the play going at 7 p.m. The play is also set for May 12 at 1:30 and 7 p.m., May 18 at 7 p.m. and May 19 at 1:30 and 7 p.m.
For more information contact Zap at 403-348-1891 or info@zaptheatre.com. The website is www.zaptheatre.ca.
