Girls’ Weekend bringing comedy and chaos to the stage in Truro

TRURO, N.S. - When the curtains open on Hubtown Theatre’s new show, they will also open on a new experience for one cast member. It will be Rebecca Coombe’s first time acting in front of an audience.

“I’ve always been interested in getting into theatre,” she said. “It was just something I wanted to try so I reached out to the Marigold and asked about acting lessons. They told me about Hubtown Theatre.”

Coombes decided to audition for a part in Girls’ Weekend and got the part of Ellie.

“My character is kind of sassy,” she said. “She’s the young one in the bunch and she just wants to have fun.”

The play is a story about four women who gather at Dot’s cabin to drink wine, laugh, share stories and chat about their book club's latest selection.

Carol is hoping to get pregnant with her husband, Rick, and hides him in a shed. Meg is having a secret relationship with Dot’s son and finds he’s shown up, hoping to further their relationship. She sends him to hide in a boathouse. Ellie, Meg’s daughter, meets a young man and invites him to hide in a barn. Dot wants to stay up all night and party with the other women, but there’s comedy and chaos as she discovers the men at her girls' weekend.

“This is a fun play,” said director Brian Sears. “It’s quite tongue-in-cheek. One of our props people found this and when I read it, I thought it was good. The more times I read it the more I liked it.”

Sears has been involved with Hubtown Theatre for about 40 years and has acted in and directed quite a few shows. He met Marlene, who became his wife, when they acted in Plaza Suite many years ago.

“I love theatre,” he said. “Being onstage and having the reactions of the audience is great when things click. In theatre we want everyone to win. If it works, everyone wins.

“Theatre is pretending. Children understand about play but as we get older, we often forget. This is play and the actors and the audience can be part of it.”

This will represent Hubtown Theatre’s 100th full show and the play’s author, Karen Schaeffer, posted on Facebook, saying she was honoured to hear her work was chosen for the milestone.

The producer for the show is Niki Henderson and Paul Gamble is the stage manager.

“Being part of this is so much fun,” said Coombes. “It’s more fun than I expected. Everyone welcomed me and showed me the ropes. They’ve been very patient and helpful. I’m really grateful for this opportunity and I’m excited to experience the energy that will be in the theatre on opening night.”

Girls’ Weekend will run Oct. 26-30, with shows each evening at 7:30, as well as a Saturday matinée at 2 p.m. Tickets are $24 and can be purchased online at http:// www.marigoldcentre.ca/

Cast and crew members have their COVID 19 vaccines, and audience members must be double vaccinated and must wear masks.