Fresh sounds, along with talented acting, define the musical theatre tour de force, Billy Bishop Goes to War, taking the stage 8 pm Valentine’s Day at the new Chilliwack Cultural Centre. Said to be the greatest success story of Canadian theatre, this award-winning show will score any boyfriend, husband or partner major points on the year’s most romantic night.
Commenting on the show’s main performer, Michael Harris from the Globe and Mail says, “Ryan Beil accomplishes the impossible… he takes one of the best-known plays in the Canadian theatrical canon and makes it howl on the stage as though it were just born. I was riveted…”
Guaranteed to be a sensational evening of entertainment, the story of Canadian World War 1 fighter pilot, Billy Bishop, captures the humour, the hellfire, and the derring-do of an extraordinary career. Follow Bishop into the trenches and up through the skies as he crosses swords with commanders, the Germans, and the British in this white-knuckle tale. Throughout the story, the myth of the man is revealed as he tells of those who saw war as a good time, reconciling the ecstasy of flying with the horrors of WWI.
“There’s lots of humour and wit in this show,” comments Director Sarah Rodgers, “and yet it is moving and powerful at times. It’s really the perfect night out for both couples and families—I find kids ages 10 and up absolutely love the excitement.”
You may well recognize Beil as Ryan-the-bumbling-trainee from the ubiquitous A&W ads, which just happen to be filmed in Chilliwack. But the A&W gig is only part of it. The Chilliwack Arts & Cultural Centre Society cheered enthusiastically earlier in the year when Jessie Richardson Theatre Awards (BC’s top theatre prize) were given to Ryan Beil for Best Actor for the role he plays in Billy Bishop and Sarah Rodgers for Outstanding Direction. Rodgers is married to Andrew Smith, the Artistic Director for the Chilliwack School of Performing Arts and Director of their blockbuster production, Seussical the Musical.
With its beloved songs and delicious wit, Billy Bishop Goes to War has delighted audiences around the world, making this show a must-see musical. Purchase your tickets today by calling the Centre Box Office at 604.391.SHOW(7469) or visit the friendly agents Monday-Friday 9:30am-9:00pm, Saturday & Sunday 9:30am-5:00pm. Tickets are also available online at www.chilliwackculturalcentre.ca.