Bluff
About the Play
Emily and Neal are doing fine as a new couple in New York until her brash and vulgar stepfather comes to town for a convention. Gene brings with him all of the contradictions Emily has been trying to bury. Incorporating theatrical techniques pioneered by Chicago’s Second City comedy troupe, Bluff alternates between farce and drama to build a disturbing comedy about love and family on a collision course. This provocative play, a hit when Jon Cryer starred in it at the Tony Award winning Victory Gardens Theatre, was nominated for the Joseph Jefferson Award for Best New Work.
Bluff is produced by special arrangement with Concord Theatricals (Samuel French)
DIRECTOR’S NOTES
Bluff: to deter by pretence or a mere show of strength. So much of life is built on illusions and bluff. What is real or not real? What will we do or not do? These central questions run through Jeffrey Sweet’s beautifully written witty play that examines what lies at the heart of the family. But Bluff is also a play that challenges the conventions of theatre, including the use of a “ghost light” at the start of the show, allowing the audience to dive into the heart of theatre, experiencing its every aspect. The cast and crew are pleased to bring Bluff’s bold adventure to the Hendry Hall stage and we sincerely hope you enjoy the ride. Because as Gene says: … “what’s the point of putting up something that shows you people getting along, right? That’s not what you came to see. – Stephen Torrence
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
Thank you for joining us for the first show of our 2012/2013 season. We can all identify with so much in this clever dark comedy, presented imaginatively. The actors and director have had fun with this one. Grateful thanks to all the backstage crew volunteers who have contributed many hours to present you with this fine production.A limited number of Season Ticket packages are still available. Call 604-983-2633 to order, or fill in the form available in the lobby and drop it off at the Box Office. We look forward to sharing the magic of live theatre with you again very soon! – Glynis Brassil
| Character | Played by |
| Neal | Nick Palidwor / Alex Ross |
| Bonnie | Jennifer Huva / Elaina Austin |
| Emily | Elaina Austin / Jennifer Huva |
| Loring | Alex Ross / Nick Palidwor |
| Georgia | Marianne LaRochelle |
| Gene | Simon Roberts |
| Fred | Alex Ross / Nick Palidwor |
| Marta | Jennifer Huva / Elaina Austin |
| Director | Stephen Torrence |
| Author | Jeffrey Sweet |
| Production Manager | Rosemary Hundal |
| Stage Manager | Paul O’Shaughnessy |
| Set and Décor Designer | Glynnis Brassil |
| Set Construction | David Read, and Gordon Pope |
| Set Painters / Decorators | Glynnis Brassil, Linda Sharp, and Leslie Whittaker |
| Properties | Karen Golden |
| Lighting Designer | Randy Poulis |
| Sound Designer | Stephen Torrence |
| Sound Programmer | Greg Dent |
| Lighting and Sound Operator | Tommy Challoner |
| Costumes | Karin Bews |
| Graphic Artist | Linda Sharp |
| Publicity and Program | Anne Marsh |
| Front-of-House Coordinator | Nigel Barker |
| Box Office | Glynnis Brassil |
| Photographer | Gary Schwartz |
| Videographer | Chris Wolfe |
| Original Performance Dates | September 7 to 22, 2012 |
| Venue | The Theatre at Hendry Hall, North Vancouver, BC |
| Production Length | 1 hour and 40 minutes |
| Production Style | Dark Comedy |
| Special Thanks To | Therese Smortchevsky, Sharon Alexander, Carolyn Coles, Chenier Hundal, Jeannie Brown, Francesca Vivanti, and Linda Jackson |
| Stephen Torrence | Director – Having taken time away to stage manage Bea’s Niece, Stephen is happy to be back directing at Hendry Hall. He wants to thank his great cast, old friends and new, for their tireless energy, insights and good humour and who have made this a great experience. He wants to especially thank Randy Poulis, Glynnis Brassil, Paul O’Shaughnessy, David Read, Gord Pope, Greg Dent, Karin Bews and Rosemary Hundal for their guidance, friendship and genuine love of theatre. To the rest of the crew, in the booth and front of house, he extends a big thanks. To Karen, he is grateful for her patience, support and insight. Finally he offers a big thanks to the patrons of NVCP who support us with their presence. |
| Elaina Austin | Bonnie, Emily and Marta – After a three-year hiatus from acting, Elaina is honoured and excited to be on the Hendry Hall stage. Great thanks to Stephen for providing her another chance, and to his gifted production team for their amazing work creating this world. For late nights and long Sundays, much love to this relentlessly talented cast. And, of course, thanks to Brett for midnight line runs, ridiculously early mornings and unwavering support. |
| Jennifer Huva | Bonnie, Emily and Marta – A graduate of AMDA, Los Angeles, Jennifer is very excited to be back at Hendry hall after performing in the 60th Anniversary Cabaret. Other North Shore credits include: Death by Chocolate, Beauty and the Beast, If We Are Women, Book of Days and These Shining Lives. It’s been so fun working with this relentlessly wonderful cast and crew. Jennifer loves Sci-fi, cooking, the outdoors, and the colour Orange. Huge love to all her friends and family. |
| Marianne LaRochelle | Georgia – After a two-year hiatus, Marianne is very pleased to be back on stage. Last seen at Hendry Hall as Peggy in The Fourth Wall, some of her favorite roles include, Sister Aloysius in Doubt, and Maureen in Beauty Queen of Leenane. Marianne is dedicating this show to her Dad who never missed an opening night. |
| Nick Palidwor | Neal, Loring and Fred – Nick has his BFA in theatre from SFU. He is once again proud to be performing at Hendry Hall. This has been such a talented cast to work with, and we have the hardest working crew this side of the Fraser working behind us. Just some of Nick’s past credits include: Leading Ladies (Deep Cove Stage Society), Living Together (Theatre West Van), Moon Over Buffalo, She Stoops to Conquer, The Real Thing and A Night of One Acts (NVCP). He would like to thank Stephen for the opportunity to play and make mistakes, and his family, friends and Camille for their love and support. Cheers!. |
| Simon Roberts | Gene – Credits include Habeas Corpus for Theatre West Van (2005), North Shore Zone and Theatre BC Mainstage, How the Other Half Loves for Laughing Matters Theatre Company (2007), Absolutely, Maybe, I Don’t Know for Wildfire Productions (2007 – independent devised theatre project) Havana Theatre, Speaking in Tongues (2009) and Book of Days (2011), both for Deep Cove Theatre Society. Simon performs regularly with The Comedy Company and is a graduate of the Atlantic Acting School, Summer Intensive Program, NYC (2008). A special nod to the crew who actually do the hard work around here! |
| Alex Ross | Neal, Loring and Fred – Alex is truly grateful for this opportunity to perform. He received his BA in theatre from Thompson Rivers University. You may have seen him in That Other Theatre company’s production of Bedroom Farce. He would like to thank everyone, especially his parents ’cause without them none of this would be possible. |