Director’s Notes
President’s Message Since last year’s Mother’s Day production, the Thompson Valley Players Society has seen several victories, with our award winning floats in both The North Thompson Fall Fair & Rodeo parade, as well as our Grinch float in the Barriere Christmas Parade. Christmas also saw a great performance by members Anna & Bernice offering up a wonderful Christmas portrayal of Mike Poirier’s “A Change of Heart” for the Fall Fair Christmas Party. Preparing for “Jenny’s House of Joy” has been a fun and rewarding experience for everyone involved, and I am sure you will find the performance a wholeheartedly entertaining event to remember. Producing quality Community theatre can be challenging and time consuming but every moment is worth it to be able to bring our community the best entertainment we can create.
Kevin Bryant President Thompson Valley Players Society May 2008
W
elcome to Jenny’s House of Joy! Let us take you back in time to the late 1800’s to a place in Kansas, a little cowboy town called Baxter Springs. In the corner of town is a little brothel filled with highspirited woman trying to survive the only way they know how. These ladies of the night will capture your hearts with their humour, wit and charm. They are hardworking, fast talking, rough edged woman who learn to lean on one another and share their dreams of the better life. So sit back and enjoy Jenny, Frances, Anita, Natalie and Clara as they share their story at Jenny’s house. I am extremely proud of our talented all woman cast who have made these characters blossom on our stage. The commitment of the cast and the endless work behind the scenes that goes into one of our production is unbelievable. This performance could not happen without the individual efforts of many different people coming together for one special passion. Our set this year is your basic parlour scene that comes to life with fancy costumes and up do’s. This production was a sincere group effort and was a pleasure to direct. Special thanks to my co-director Mel and stage managers Bernice and Katja, there is so much to be said for teamwork! To our producers Barry and Kevin we thank you for your valiant effort and keeping us woman in line. Robin we always appreciate your input as well. Kitty, Brenda and Therese my little runabouts you are the best. Thanks to our Anna for looking after us all. This production has been a journey of many twists and turns and I am amazed at the group’s effort to keep things on track even when the going got rough. I thank you one and all for your continued support and dedication through it all! The Thompson Valley Players and myself would like to thank everyone for the ongoing support this community has shown. Enjoy the show everyone and thank you for being a part of this great event!
Beverly Murphy Director - Jenny’s House of Joy
B
everly is a founding member of the Thompson Valley Players and has been involved in every aspect of the past eight production. Enjoying the work behind the scenes, she has done everything from building sets, making costumes, decorating, working in the kitchen and planning the music. Beverly has produced and directed but has yet to act, maybe next year.
Amanda Jonasson “ Natalie”
A
manda has been a member of the Thompson Valley Players for the past 5 years, she has acted in productions such as “The Doctor Will See You Now” and “Zara Spook and Other Lures”. She is a past president of the group, and has been on stage since High School, where she was a member of the Drama and Acting Club.
A
my was born in Kamloops and raised in Barriere, where she currently resides with her six year old daughter. Amy has not been on the stage since she was five years old, and she is excited to make her debut performance as Francis, the washed up saloon singer in Jenny’s House of Joy.
Donna Kibble “Clara”
D
onna ia a long time resident of Barriere. She and husband John raised their family here and are now enjoying retired life. This is Donna’s first appearance with the Thompson Valley Players but did have a few small parts in her high school plays.
Melinda Austin “ Jenny”
A
fter living in Prince George for 25 years, Mel moved to Barriere 11 years ago with her two sons. This is Mel’s third production with the Thompson Valley Players. Her acting debut was in “Purple is for Flowers”, followed by her performance as Margery in “Zara Spook and other Lures”
Caitlyn Gadoury “Anita”
17 year old Caitlyn attends Barriere Senior Secondary School and is currently in grade 11. This is her third year with the Thompson Valley Players. She appeared in last years performance of “Zara Spook and Other Lures”, and is very excited to be apart of this years somewhat saucier performance. After high school she plans to attend performing arts school, and looks forward to building a career around acting.
Amy Irving “Francis”
Behind The Scenes Barrie McLean “Producer” Barrie has worked as a film and television director in Canada, the US and internationally for many years, in programming as varied as major concert series, drama documentaries, news and public affairs, commercial production, corporate video and feature film production. His last assignment, two years producing live court television coverage of the Pan AM 103 trial, in the Netherlands. His only stage appearance was in “The Skin Of Our Teeth” which won the Dominion Drama Festival best play award in Halifax in 1956.
Behind The Scenes Music Prudence Ann (Therese) Victor Van Aiken (Robin) Assistant Director Melinda Austin Props Bernice Randrup Kitty Hurdle Seamstress Brenda Wauters
Kevin Bryant “Producer” This is Kevin’s second year with the Players. Last year he acted in “Zara Spook & Other Lures”.
Katja Hundt “Stage Manager” Katja is stage manager and assistant director for “Zara Spook & other Lures”. She is a teacher by profession.
Bernice Randrup “Stage Manager” This is Bernice’s second year with the Thompson Valley Players.
Behind the Scenes Kim Rhodes Reba Sharpe Hall Helpers Pat Daley Denise Howe Sylvia Chivers Shannon Thengs Set Design & Construction Barrie McLean Robin Wilson Kitty Hurdle Hostess Anna Schlingermann Sylvia Chivers Graphic Design & Photography Kevin Bryant
Robin Wilson “Sound & Light Technician” Robin has been involved in the production department with the Thompson Valley Players for eight productions. He is a musician and has been involved with bands for 35 years. He is on the board of directors for the Barriere & District Television Society, who helped bring TV broadcasts to Barriere.
So many people put in much time and effort. Thank you one and all!
Thank You The Thompson Valley Players would not exist without the continued support of local clubs and businesses.
Our Heartfelt Thanks To: Country Store Antiques WJ & Sons Trucking Gemini Video AG Foods Art & Aimee Aucoin Barriere Employment Services North Thompson Star/Journal North Thompson Fall Fair & Rodeo Association Maggie Cox & CFJC TV Barriere Elementary Remax Integrity Realty