During a dark and stormy Dublin night, a game of cards takes a sinister turn. In Conor McPherson’s suspenseful, dark comedy The Seafarer (a Pacific Theatre production), old promises and forgotten bargains can come calling at any moment. For Sharky, that moment comes when an all-night poker game with a few old friends is attended by an unexpected guest.
Sharky and his friends may be the poster children for the “down and out” — their lives are marked with constant drunkenness, getting kicked out of bars and their homes, infrequent bathing, and failing health. Their visitor is different. Composed and well-dressed, he knows more than any man should about their pasts. Unbeknownst to the rest, he and Sharky are playing for more than just a few quid.
“The script is top-notch”, according to Ron Reed, Artistic Director of Pacific Theatre and Jessie Award-nominated actor, on the choice for the company’s 30th anniversary season. “Honestly, it’s a hard play. It’s a workout for the cast and director. It’s dark. But it’s also screamingly funny – one of those ‘I can’t believe I’m laughing at this’ kind of plays.”
Director Anthony F. Ingram thinks the artistic team is up for the challenge, “I get to work with – quite honestly – some of the best male talent in Vancouver.” Under Ingram’s direction are John Innes (King Lear), Ron Reed (A Christmas Carol), Andrew McNee (Boeing Boeing), John Emmet Tracy (Terminus), and Tim Dixon (The Music Man), with set design by Drew Facey, lighting design by Lauchlin Johnston, and costume design by Sydney Cavanagh.
Pacific Theatre Presents The Seafarer
Venue: Pacific Theatre, 1440 West 12th Avenue, Vancouver
Dates: March 7 to 29; Wednesday to Saturday, 8 pm; Saturday, 2 pm matinee; Thursday, March 20, 2 pm matinee
Tickets: From $19.99 to $29.99, excluding HST; available online or via phoning 604.731.5518.
There will be an Artist Talkback on Friday, March 14. Don’t forget about Subscriber Appreciation Saturday on March 8.