There are a few lovely long weekends coming up this month, so why not go out and check out Calgary’s thriving theatre scene? Now, though I do have a secret love-affair with the Southern Jubilee Auditorium and Broadway Across Canada, sometimes it’s nice to see local actors and spend a reasonable amount of money (less than a movie ticket!) on local arts!
Playing at the University of Calgary Theatre from Feb. 16-27 at 7:30pm (except for the 22nd and the 23rd when there are NO shows and on the 21st when there is a 2pm matinee only) is a comedic play called The Humorous Magistrate by an unknown 17th century playwright. This is a production about a self-absorbed magistrate and his quest to woo the alluring Mistress Mumble while making sure his daughter is raised with the highest honour of a high class family in the 1600s. Complications arise however when his daughter’s suitor, once denied, comes up with a scheme to court her away from her controlling nurse, who has marital problems of her own. Their journey is broken up by thieves, rescued by charming country folk and always motivated by love.
Sound like a recipe for hilarity? I think so. What’s more is the play is cast/produced/manned by the University of Calgary’s Drama Department = all (very talented) student actors! And, if you ask me (as someone who knows one of the play’s actors), by that point alone The Humourous Magistrate will be a must-see!
But what makes this production even more unique (and locally awesome) is it’s history. The manuscript was discovered in the University’s Special Collections by a librarian who brought it to the attention of English professors. Resulting from more than five years of intense research, The Humorous Magistrate could only be produced at the University of Calgary. Scholars from across North America and England have been working on this project along with members of the departments of Communications and Culture, English and Drama. So, it’s a pretty big deal!
Tickets are only $10 for students (bring ID) and seniors, $15 for everyone else.
(403) 210-7576 or fineart.events@ucalgary.ca
great post as usual!