The Sylvan Lake Theatre is presenting a new show 52 Pick-Up in collaboration with Bukz, on Feb. 14 and Feb. 15.
The show, written by TJ Dawe and Rita Bozi, is a romantic comedy that is told in 52 short scenes and explores one couple's relationship over a few years.
"From ‘love at first sight’ to’ love after first fight’, the humorous and relatable relationship joys, jealousies, foibles, and frustrations are on display with comical consequences. With a twist," Artistic Director Tanya Ryga said.
"The two playwrights chose to create a story arc of two people who fall in love, with all the relatable ups and downs but have the journey played to the audience out of sequence."
The show is based on the card game 52 Pick-Up, and during the show, the actors will select an audience member to shuffle a deck of cards, each card containing a scene's title.
"The shuffled cards are then placed face down around the stage and the show begins. 52 cards. 52 scenes. As each card is randomly picked up the actors perform the scene until the cards are gone and the play is over. No two shows are alike! No one knows, not even the actors, what will happen next," Ryga said.
With the show performed in random order, even though every word is scripted, Ryga knew she needed two actors who could switch from being flirty to being angry at the drop of a card.
"I chose Ash Rose and Aaron Ranger, two highly skilled improvisers and stage actors who have worked together previously. The trust and their chemistry for the rollercoaster ride is there," she said.
For Sylvan Lake Theatre, this is the third event of the 2024-25 theatre season following Theatre Trail 2024 and The Three- A Monster of a Musical.
"What attracts me to this play is how the jumbled highlights of a complicated and yet classic relationship are recreated over and over again with highly entertaining results. Memory is rarely chronological. Anything can spark it, a smell, a sound, or a sudden feeling and we log into the past at any point in the timeline," Ryga said.
For the show, Bukz was a perfect venue.
"We wanted dinner theatre for our Valentine’s show so it was a simple matter of finding a restaurant in Sylvan Lake that had a stage where the entire audience could easily see and hear the actors. Bukz was the ideal choice," Ryga said.
In September 2023, Sylvan Lake Theatre previously used the Bukwildz pavilion for a show during the Theatre Trail. From there, a relationship was developed between Bukz and Bukwildz business owner Kjeryn Dakin and Sylvan Lake Theatre.
"She is extremely supportive of the theatre, and the arts in general. We were only doing two performances and she came up with the great idea that the second one should be a mimosa brunch," Ryga said.
For the Feb. 14 show, there will be a dinner theatre where audience members can either have a prime rib dinner with mashed potatoes and ceasar salad, or a vegan red pepper and cremini white wine ravioli dinner with House Salad. Then for dessert is sticky toffee pudding and there will also be a cash bar available.
Doors will open for the show on Feb. 14 and food service will begin at 6 p.m.
For the Feb. 15 show, there will be a mimosa brunch, where audience members will be able to build their own eggs benny, with hashbrowns, and bacon, have a mimosa of their choice of orange, pineapple, or watermelon, and for dessert a parfait. There will also be a cash bar for the brunch.
Doors will open for the show on Feb. 15 and food service will begin at 10 a.m.
With the show, anyone who's been in a romantic relationship or has wanted a romantic relationship will find something to relate to, Ryga said.
"There will be laughs, groans, breath-holding, and smiles. That’s the play’s impact and the root of much of the humour. What makes this show extra enjoyable is that like the audience the actors never know what is going to happen. Not until they pick up the next random card and they play that scene."
Tickets are available to purchase online for $70 on the Sylvan Lake Theatre's website, www.sylvanlaketheatre.com.
On the website, individuals can also find out more information about Sylvan Lake Theatre, the show, and the menu.
