Rivercity Players invites you to an enjoyable evening at the theatre as you explore The Bookstore, with it’s eclectic mix of staff and patrons, and very unusual rooms!
This comedy/drama by Adam Szymkowicz tells the story of a whimsical, almost magical bookstore in New England. The owner has died and left the shop to her niece, Rachel (played by Cielo Richardson). Rachel works in New York City, and between juggling her job and her fiancée, doesn’t have time to run a bookstore. But as Candace, the store’s manager (played by Melony Larre), shows her around and introduces her to the eccentric staff and patrons, Rachel is drawn to the charm she finds there, but she is now faced with a decision … should she keep the store or sell?
In addition to Rachel and Candace, 27 other characters pop up in this play. As we see the daily workings of the store, characters such as real estate tycoons, mystics and those looking for love share the stage. James Clack, Erika Clark, Isen Pellegrin, William Selby and Haley Smith have the challenge of bringing all of these characters to life.
Director Alistair Taylor is enjoying the opportunity to bring The Bookstore to the stage, following his popular production of Murder on the Orient Express last spring. He said he was drawn to The Bookstore by the quirky collection of characters, and how they interacted.
“I like the relationships between the characters,” he said, “and the positive messages in the play.”
Audiences will agree that this particular bookstore, which the playwright describes as “the largest and most idiosyncratic bookstore in New England,” would be a great place to spend a day or two.
This production will be Rivercity Players’ entry into the North Island Zone Festival, to be held in Qualicum Beach in May.
The Bookstore will be performed May 1 to 3 and 8 to 10 starting at 7:30 pm, and May 4 and 10 starting at 2 pm. All performances are at the Rivercity Stage, 1080 Hemlock. Tickets are on sale now at rivercitytickets.ca.
