Cranbrook Community Theatre (CCT) is thrilled to unveil its 2023/24 season.

This upcoming season is going to be filled with laughter and joy as the society celebrates 60 years since its formation and 50 years of being stewards of the historical Studio Stage Door.

Kicking off the season in October 2023, CCT proudly presents ‘Don’t Dress for Dinner’ by Marc Camoletti, adapted by Robin Hawdon. Bernard plans a romantic weekend with his mistress at his French farmhouse, but when his best friend and secret lover get involved, the situation spirals into a comical frenzy of mistaken identities, confused alibis, and a cook posing as the mistress. First time Director Patrick Baranowski and his Producer Janice Marschner will certainly have their hands full keeping up with the escalating chaos of this show.

Our second show which opens in February 2024, is Norm Foster’s ‘Here on the Flight Path.’ This delightful comedy follows John’s quest for a peaceful life in his apartment, which is constantly interrupted by the arrival of three distinct women next door. Through encounters with Fay, Angel, and Gwen, John undergoes unexpected personal growth and learns valuable lessons that he never anticipated. CCT’s President Peter Schalk will be directing this heartwarming and entertaining story.

In April/May 2024, CCT invites you to join them for a night of intrigue, suspense, and laughter with ‘Clue’ by Jonathan Lynn, Hunter Foster, Sandy Rustin, and Eric Price. The tale begins at a remote mansion, where six mysterious guests assemble for an unusual dinner party where murder and blackmail are on the menu. When their host turns up dead, they all become suspects. Directed by the talented Bob McCue, this stage adaptation of the classic board game brings the iconic characters and thrilling mystery to life.

Exciting news accompanies this season’s lineup as CCT introduces the inaugural 24 Hour Playwriting Competition as part of next year’s Spirit of the Rockies Festival.

This unique event will showcase the talent and creativity of local theatre artists who will bring teams together and will have 24 hours to create and produce a brand new 10 minute play. The plays will be performed before an audience on Friday, June 14, 2024 where the audience will decide the winning play. The competition promises to be a remarkable celebration of Cranbrook’s vibrant theatre arts community.

CCT extends its deepest gratitude to the BC Community Gaming Funds grant, the City of Cranbrook, Mike Paugh – IG Wealth Management, and the Rick and Marg Jensen Family Foundation. Their invaluable contributions have made this season possible and demonstrate their commitment to fostering a thriving arts scene in Cranbrook.

For more information, please visit the Cranbrook Community Theatre website or contact the CCT Box Office at 250-426-2490.

Follow CCT on Facebook and Instagram for updates and behind-the-scenes glimpses of the upcoming productions.

About the Directors:

Patrick Baranowski – Don’t Dress for Dinner

Don’t Dress for Dinner will mark Patrick Baranowski’s directorial debut at CCT.

Ever since he took part in Kimberley’s version of the play, he knew he wanted to bring this hilarious farce to a Cranbrook audience. Patrick has been active in Cranbrook and Kimberley theatres for the past 13 years and has grown a passion for both the performing and the community it harvests.

You may have seen him most recently in 9 to 5, Misery, and The Importance of being Earnest. He is excited and looks forward to the new challenge of directing and hopes you will join us for the non stop laughs that will kick off The Cranbrook Community Theatre’s new season.

Peter Schalk – Here on the Flight Path

In 2024, my involvement with the CCT will reach 38 years and during this time I have worked in many capacities: Actor, Set Builder, Painter, Building Renovator, Board Member etc.

As I enter next year’s anniversary year, my thoughts go to all those who mentored me over those years. David Stock, Paul Kershaw, Tanya Laing Gahr, and my good friend, the late Terry Miller, to name only a few.

During my time with the CCT I have actively worked with hundreds of people, on and off stage, who are like a second family, and many times during those productions I have been told that I have a director’s eye and should direct a play.

Well, the time has come to honour those who came before me and do my best to make them proud. Having been in a previous Norm Foster play, ‘The Foursome,’ I think ‘Here on the Flight Path’ will bring laughter and poignancy that are characteristic of Norm Foster. I look forward to beginning a new chapter at the CCT.

Bob McCue – Clue

Theatre has always been a passion of mine. It started in junior high as something to get involved with and continued through high school and became my major in university. Since moving to the area, I have been involved in numerous Key City Theatre and CCT productions as an actor. You may have seen my most recent performance in ‘The Shoplifters.’

About 10 years ago, my wife asked me to throw my hat in as a director. Steel Magnolias was the play and I am happy to say it was a huge success. Since then I have directed five other shows for CCT including Almost Maine which I directed with my lovely wife during a time when COVID was a huge stumbling block.

Fortunately we had an incredibly patient and socially distant cast. ‘Clue’ has always intrigued me as a play. It has its share of challenges but we have time and opportunity on our side. It’s been a great ride so far and as Otto would say, “I was loving every minute of it.”

Please see CCT’s casting call following this story in e-KNOW.

Photos submitted

Cranbrook Community Theatre

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