Our next reading takes place on December 3, when we’ll dive into A. R. Gurney’s brilliantly conceived and richly humorous theatrical tour de force The Dining Room. The reading begins at 2pm, so please arrive by 1:45pm if you’d like a chance to read.
We have obtained the play reading set from the Vancouver Public Library which comes with twelve scripts. We encourage you to bring your own copy if you have it or borrow it from your local library. We won’t be making paper copies to reduce waste.
ABOUT THE DINING ROOM
Set in the dining room of a typical mid-20th century household, this brilliantly conceived and richly humorous theatrical tour de force showcases the now neglected room which was once the vital center of family life. In a mosaic of interrelated scenes—some funny, some touching—an ensemble of actors creates an in-depth portrait of a vanishing lifestyle. A theatrical experience of exceptional range, compassionate humour and abundant humanity, The Dining Room displays the neglected room in all its splendor, with the glassware, silverware and tablecloth used by generations past.
ABOUT A.R. GURNEY
A.R. (“Pete”) Gurney was born in 1930 in Buffalo, New York. He graduated from Williams College in 1952, served as an officer in the Navy, and afterwards attended the Yale School of Drama. For many years, he taught literature at M.I.T., but moved to New York in 1982 to devote more time to writing for the theatre. He has won a fair amount of awards during his career, and is now a member of the Theatre Hall of Fame and of the American Academy of Arts and Letters. Gurney has been married to his wife Molly for over fifty years. They have four children, and eight grandchildren, and now live in Roxbury, Connecticut and New York City. His plays include The Problem, Love Letters, and Scenes From American Life.
Reading Theatre is created for those with a passion for live theatre. A live play reading of iconic plays over the ages. All are welcome and encouraged — from the seasoned professional to the inquisitive amateur and everyone in between.
Show up and read, or listen to others read these incredible shows. A short discussion may take place…or not. This is an event led by the cast and audience.
Readers will be chosen just before the play reading begins and will be cast by those who show up and express an interest in being involved. Some roles may be double cast.
This event is being led by Allan Morgan, Senior Artist in Residence and Vancouver theatre scene stalwart. We’d love to see you there!
ABOUT ALLAN MORGAN
Allan has been a stage actor for more than thirty years. Some highlights include appearing in London, GB, Adelaide Australia, Wellington NZ and San Francisco, all with The Overcoat. He appeared for several seasons at Bard on the Beach, notably in The Tempest as Prospero, as well as King John, A Midsummer Night’s Dream and Much Ado About Nothing.
He has toured across Canada with the Electric Company in Studies in Motion. He has appeared at The Belfry, notably in The Drawer Boy, Dirty Blonde, and I am My Own Wife for which he received the Victoria Critic’s Award for best performance. Other favourites include Red, Thinking of Yu, and Abraham Lincoln Goes to the Theatre for ATP in Calgary.
Allan has two solo plays: I Walked the Line; and Pride: for the young gay, the ungay and the jaded queen in all of us.
