Now that summer days are behind us, it seems appropriate that we brighten the days ahead with the magic of stage lights. And, the good thing is that there is much to be excited about.
Fresh from its triumphs with the productions of Come From Away and The Play That Goes Wrong, the Arts Club has started its new season with an electrifying bang. Heist is an intriguing and mesmerizing crime caper drama that delivers a powerful punch.
Telling the story of a decided low-life, the play reveals how he rounds up a small group of unlikely co-conspirators to undertake a daring crime.
The first Act shows how they plan and undertake the theft of a valuable sapphire. Though things do not quite go according to plan, the second Act shows ho the gang is reunited to steal a priceless diamond from the abode of an international crook known as the Spiderman.
To reveal any more of the plot would be to spoil the fun of a play that engages in a multitude of twists and turns which keep the audience constantly surprised. The use of character, plot flashbacks, and unexpected developments requires the audience to stay alert – yet, this is not all that makes the production memorable.
Technically, the performance is amazingly complex; the use of projections, clever use of scenery, and an ever-moving set, makes Heist a mind-boggling experience. Creative direction by and through the complex efforts of the talented cast, complete the pleasures of the evening. The Arts Club has done us proud, once again!
Moreover, if one needs further encouragement to attend, it should be noted that this is truly a Canadian production, authored by Canadian Arun Akra, and first performed in Edmonton, at a time when we are all encouraged to be fiercely patriotic, this is indeed a wonderful opportunity to celebrate our homeland while, at the same time, enjoying the experience enormously.
And, as a further reminder to support our local Arts scene, we can also look forward to the opening of the Vancouver Opera’s season with a chance to revisit the ever-popular Tosca, to be followed later in the season with The Barber of Seville and La Traviata. All three are likely to be sell-outs; book your tickets early to avoid disappointment.
So there you have it: a golden chance to be patriotic, support large scale employers and the local economy, and, at the same time, be thoroughly and satisfactorily entertained.
Suddenly the passing of summer no longer seems a concern!
