COMMUNITY Theatre Under the Trees has deep roots

PROJECT X THEATRE PRODUCTIONS PRESENTS TWO FAMILY-FRIENDLY SHOWS FROM JULY 10 TO JULY 29

Project X Theatre Productions is back with Theatre Under the Trees, which will begin Monday, July 10, and run until July 29 at Prince Charles Park.

This summer’s presentation includes The Hobbit and The Incredible Adventures of Mary Jane Mosquito, two new exciting shows for families in the cozy outdoor setting in the popular downtown park.

Each year under a canopy of trees, crews work to build an outdoor venue from the ground up, including the set, backstage, audience seating and concessions.

The month-long production has become a popular summer event on many Kamloopsians’ calendars.

Adapted for the stage by Greg Banks, The Hobbit promises to take viewers on a quest of their favourite home-loving hobbit through Middle Earth as he learns that friendship is more valuable than “my precious” gold.

The new adaptation of the epic story features music, monsters and promises something more.

With a run time of 120 minutes, including an intermission, The Hobbit is best suited for viewers ages six and older.

Directed by Jennie Grienke, the cast reveals a few familiar faces for Kamloops theatre-goers.

Morgan Benedict, Jessica Buchanan, Randi Edmundson, Laine Gillies and Rem Murray each take on their Middle Earth acting roles with enthusiasm and attention to their own character’s traits.

“The stories are excellent,” Gillies said.

She said she remembers watching them as a kid and then re-watching them now, in preparation for the play.

“They have the Elvish language that is an actual language. The sword has an inscription on it, the lore of it is so incredible and it’s so easy to be a part of that world [and] to get wrapped up in all the goblins and all the orcs. It’s so fun,” she said.

Gillies said it’s really nice to being working outside in such a great venue.

“Sometimes the birds will be chirping at the perfect time, we’re like, ‘Look at that, natural sound effects.’”

The Incredible Adventures of Mary Jane Mosquito is a delightful musical cabaret featuring Cree language and a beautiful message of belonging featuring Alex Ward and Winona Myles.

The 45-minute show features Myles’ character, Mary Jane, a wingless mosquito from Petit Petit LePaw, Manitoba, learning to overcome fear and adversity to make new friends.

The book, lyrics and music is written by Tomson Highway and directed by Cheyenne Scott. It is recommended for ages three and older.

Director Cheyenne Scott — originally an actor with Project X in her first professional gig at the age of 16 — finds herself in a “full circle” moment, now being on the other side of the table.

“It’s a new process for me to direct. It’s been interesting to be such a decision-maker,” Scott said.

“I like to be a lot more collaborative in my process — especially knowing what it’s like on the other side.”

She said working with central character Winona Myles has been phenomenal.

“We really wanted it to feel like Mary Jane’s cabaret, in that she built this project for the audience of Kamloops. And so everything that you will see on stage is something she has manufactured herself in telling the story,” she said.

Scott’s hope, is that people will come away with a better understanding of a young Indigenous person who lived with a disability.

“She’s a mosquito with no wings, and so her trying to find her way in a system that isn’t really built for her. In sharing her song she’s connecting and creating a friendship with the people of Kamloops.”

The Incredible Adventures of Mary Jane Mosquito will show at 11 a.m., 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. on select days.

The Hobbit has show times of 7 p.m. on selected days.

Both shows have a 2 p.m. matinee on Saturdays during the festival.

Tickets are available online up until one hour before showtime, after which they can be purchased in-person at the festival gates on site.

For a complete schedule and to purchase tickets online, search for Theatre Under the Trees at eventbrite.ca or go to shorturl.at/ wSX78.