Why not take a break for some laughs?

The Christmas season is coming and with it the usual hassles, crowds, and stresses. Why not take a break for some laughs? Ginger & Rosemary Theatre presents Seminar, a dramatic comedy by award-winning American playwright Theresa Rebeck, December 14 – 18, 2016.

Seminar features four young writers who hope a $5000 seminar with a supposed literary genius will make them the famous authors they deserve to be. There will be comedy about the stresses of trying to become a great writer, romance that arises from too many commiserating drinks, and the tragedy of discovering your hero may not be what he seems.

Seminar premiered on Broadway in 2011 with Alan Rickman in the role of the sour abrasive writing professor Leonard. The play has since had Canadian productions in Toronto, Vancouver, Winnipeg, and Halifax, but Ginger & Rosemary Theatre is presenting the first Edmonton production. With only five performances, this is truly a limited time opportunity and worth taking a night off from the Christmas rush.

Seminar is directed by Giorgia Severini (Three on a Seesaw, Apocalypse, Saskatchewan) and features local actors Monica Maddaford, Helen Massini, Braden Price, John Trethart, and Bill Roberts as Leonard.

Performances are at 7:30 pm December 14 – 17 and 2:00 pm on December 18, at the PCL Studio Theatre at ATB Financial Arts Barns (10330 84 Ave NW). Tickets are $18 general admission or $15 for students and seniors, and are available at Fringe Theatre Adventures box office or by phone at 780.409.1910.

Graphic by Lee Conrad.