The Peanut Gallery Blog....

We used to publish a quarterly newsletter called "The Peanut Gallery", and while that publication has gone by the wayside, we believe it's important to keep people informed as to what's happening behind the scenes here at Gallery 7 Theatre. So, I am resurrecting the name, The Peanut Gallery, but instead of the title referring to a paper publication, it will now be the title of this blog....

Here's the latest from G7 headquarters....

Pride & Prejudice Breaks All-Time Attendance Record

The title of Highest Attended Show used to belong to Anne (of Green Gables) and while a couple of recent productions nipped at the heels of this amazing record, none came anywhere close to toppling the red-headed jaugernaut. That is, however, until now.

Pride & Prejudice sailed to first place this past November and claimed top honors as our all-time, record-breaking show. Though the honor wasn't official until the audience was seated at our closing night performance, the final attendance reached just over 2,670. A BIG thank-you to all who attended the show, and to the entire cast and crew for making this a truly memorable and top-notch theatre experience. Yee hah!

Auditions for The Diary of Anne Frank Coming Up...

Auditions are set to go for Gallery 7 Theatre's March production of The Diary of Anne Frank on Monday, December 7, 2009 at 6:30 PM at the MEI Theatre, 4081 Clearbrook Road, Abbotsford. This date is a change from what was published in our season brochure.

Auditions are open to all male performers ages 16 & up and all female performers, ages 13 & up. Please regiser ahead of time by calling 604-504-5940, emailing This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it  or by clicking here. 

This story of hope, survival, love and tragedy opens March 5 and rehearsals commence after Christmas.

Follow the Making of Around the World in 80 Days

Our next production is already in rehearsal and you can follow the progress by checking out the production's video blogs, hosted by the play's director, Eldon Letkeman. These videos are a really neat way of catching all the work, the fun, and the drama of putting a production together.

Check out the blog by clicking here.

2010 Gala Fundraiser Date is Set

We announced a date originally for our 2nd annual gala event, but needed to make some changes. We are now pleased to announce that the 2010 G7 Gala and Fundraiser will be held on Saturday May 1, 2010 at the MEI Secondary School and Theatre. 

Now, you must be wondering, "Why at the school?" Glad you asked. Here are a couple of answers. We want to provide a top-quality event that maximizes our fundraising efforts. A change of location also allows us to show you where we work in that you will be inspired by our vision for a more permanent home for Abbotsford's only full-time theatre.

All the stops are being pulled to make this a truly memorable, fun, and magical event.  I guarentee you you won't be disappointed - the 2010 gala is going knock your socks off. The caterer has been booked, entertainment has been lined up, and a decorator will literally transform the gymnasium. It's going to be GREAT!

So, mark your calendars: May 1, 2010. It's where it's at. Tickets will be available in the New Year.  Hope to see you there.

Check out UFV's production of Schoolhouse

I went to the opening night performance of this show, being produced by UFV Theatre, my old educational stomping grounds. Here's a description of the show, lifted from the theatre's website:

The time: 1938. The place: S.S. #1 Jericho School, a one room schoolhouse just outside the fictional village of Baker’s Creek. There, a delightful but unmanageable group of children meets its match; Melita Linton, an 18 year-old- teacher fresh out of Normal School. Full of warmth and poignant humour, the play chronicles Miss Linton’s struggle to connect with a boy who has cut himself off from everyone, including himself – and to persuade the cautious and close- knit community to open its arms to this stranger in its midst. 

Check out a preview video by clicking here. 

This show holds a special place in my heart as it features a number of former students and G7 alumni. Ron Jackson, who played Aslan in our production of The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe as does former student, Katherine Beswick. I believe G7 alumni Catrina Lewis is working behind the scenes.

Schoolhouse by Leanna Brodie runs this Friday and Saturday at 7:30 PM and this Sunday at 2:00 PM at the Chilliwack Campus theatre. For tickets, click here.