Anyone familiar with the hijinks of the classic television sitcom Get Smart will be able to enjoy ZAP Theate’s newest production Sympathy Jones.
Replete with 1960s references, ambience and set design, this will be ZAP’s first time putting on a play at the United Church, now with its tiered seating, explained director Daniel Allers. “We’re super excited about that.”
“We really needed a larger stage. Something we can do some stage isolation with,” he added of the United Church stage.
Approximately 30 people make up the cast and crew that have created a fun recapture of the 1960s genre of movies, except this time it’s for the stage. Allers says it’s a classic good versus evil play that is lighthearted and full of comedy and musical numbers.
“It’s an enchanting play that is a little bit different from your standard show,” he said.
Expect fun, laughs and some definite intrigue. “You’ll find a rocket ship on stage.”
No spy story could be complete without an “alcove of death,” a place where almost every hero-versus-villain story meet up in an easy-to-escape last stand. Allers says they have created a fun set for this last face off.
Actors are from 18 to 26 years old, many of whom are familiar with the ZAP productions. Not only can the thespians act, they can sing as well, which makes for a fun production. ZAP’s productions have no ticket fees, instead the group asks for donations, which helps pay for the productions and provides money to an orphanage in Mwanza, Tanzania.
Working with the Central Alberta Home School Choir, ZAP Theatre has been supporting the orphanage for several years now and the plays help continue that support. Allers estimates $180,000 has been raised through different efforts starting in 2008. ZAP Theatre started in 2012.
Sympathy Jones plays for two weekends with opening night on Friday, May 13 at 7 p.m. with a matinee the next day at 1:30 p.m. and evening performance at 7 p.m. The same hours hold for the weekend after. Doors open 30 minutes prior to the play start.
For more information check out www.zaptheatre.ca or on Facebook.