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April 4 - May 4, 2013
Granville Island Stage

My Turquoise Years

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By M.A.C. Farrant

Memoir of a Canadian GIRLHOOD
Based on Farrant’s memoir of her fourteenth summer, My Turquoise Years is a comic coming-of-age story set in 1960, a time of postwar optimism, when plastic reigned and the colour turquoise was the height of chic. Marion, raised by Aunt Elsie in sleepy Cordova Bay, has grown up hearing tales of her glamorous, globe-trotting mother, Nancy. Just as Marion is blossoming into womanhood, Nancy suddenly announces a visit to Canada, throwing everyone into a tizzy.

Running time: approx. 90 minutes, plus one intermission



Video clips:

PLAY
PLAY
PLAY
Trailer Interview with
Bridget Esler & Wendy Noel
Interview with
Rachel Ditor


"Five reasons to see My Turquoise Years" –Shawn Connor, The Vancouver Sun [Read More]

"Teenybopper learns to survive" –Glen Schaefer, The Province [Read More]

 

Audience Comments

"Gather your best high school friends from the 60s, as I did, and head to the Arts Club production of My Turquoise Years. You won't be disappointed! The experience will tweak memories of your own 'turquoise years' and summon nostalgia for a simpler and more innocent time: those days before tacky plastic lawn chairs and pedal pushers had morphed into chaise lounges and capris. The props were delightful and had us reminiscently laughing long after the performance ended.
We thoroughly enjoyed the actors' portrayal of M.A.C. Farrant's various characters, and were particularly awed by Bridget Esler's performance as Marion. Given the talent shown at such a young age, (an eighth grade student), she must surely have a bright future ahead"
—Nancy, Vancouver

"A fun look back on my era. I thought Bridget was great as well as the other cast"
—Yvonne, Vancouver

"FANTASTIC!"
—Maureen, North Vancouver

"I loved the show.... The young girl was fabulous, so natural...a real talent.... Everyone, actually, was terrific. Never a dull moment.... The time just flew by.... I felt like I could really relate to everything that they talked about. So much fun. I only wish we could get these Vancouver audiences to give standing ovations because it was well deserved"
—Leslie

"This play presented an engaging story that was well-told. The cast did an excellent job. It was an enjoying evening's entertainment"
—JoAnn

"My husband and I saw My Turquoise Years last night and we loved it. Delightful! Light and feel-good, great script, great acting; costumes and set were perfect. For me the standout was Marion: a very poised young actress, a wonderful performance! Many thanks for a great evening"
—Karla

"So very enjoyable, and such good memories. All the cast were amazing as always. The Arts Club never lets you down. I have gone since it was on Seymour"
—Mary-Lynne, Vancouver

"We, four women who grew up in the sixties, all enjoyed the show. It was fun to look at the items on the stage as we recognized so many. The young girl who played Marion was fabulous. What a talent for someone so young"
—Alyson , Vancouver

"The play was so much more than I expected, in every way. The stage was perfect and charming. The actors, from the youngest up, are all incredibly talented and memorable. I left the play with a fuller heart than when I walked in!"
—Sibel, North Vancouver

"M.A.C. Farrant has been so clever in adapting her book to a screen play—such a funny and touching look at an unusual but very real family where the emphasis is on what really matters—“it's all about the family,” as Elsie said. Thought the set was clever and the actors were wonderful! I look forward to seeing My Turquoise Years again!"
—Lynn, North Saanich

"An excellent first production from this writer. Enjoyed the play"
—Gloria, Richmond

"This was a delightful look back to the explosion of new colours and products hitting the market in the fifties and sixties that lead to a new lifestyle. I remember my mother's California Modern turquoise dishes and the turquoise accents in the living room. Bridget Esler played the role of Marion superbly! She is a very talented young lady"
—Valerie, West Vancouver

"Wendy Noel and the cast are fantastic in My Turquoise Years! I really enjoyed the acting and music in this wonderful play"
—JoAnn

"I loved the play. It brought back so many memories from that era. I thought the production was so humorous.... I had many great laughs as did most of the audience and thought the actors were very talented. This production should be on your "to do" list. Don't miss it"
—Leslie, Oakville, ON

"We recently saw the production of My Turquoise Years on our Spring Break Visit to Vancouver with our teenage daughter. We found the show to be delightful—experiencing a full range of emotions from this story. The small, talented cast did a wonderful job and the unique set provided for a most enjoyable evening!"
—Susan, San Diego, CA

"I enjoyed it—Marion was just a few years younger than I, and I related to the social mores and the giggling teenagers-ah yes, I remember it well! Also loved studying the period pieces for the props, such as the Formica topped table.
I thought the acting was very good, especially Marion—loved the way she screwed up her face. It was fun!"
—Lorna, Surrey

"I have been very impressed with a high level of professionalism. The story, the scene, the choreography, the actors and the acting—everything was fabulous. I have already recommended My Turquoise Years to all my friends.
Thanks for the great evening"
—Gordana, Vancouver

"Fantastic show! Amazing acting all round! Wonderful!"
—Petra, West Vancouver

"Wow what a great little show. When the show started I must admit I wasn't sure if I was going to like it. However, as we got into it and then the second part came on we were rolling in our seats. The acting was superb. Oh man the young girl was amazing. Great show and I have already recommended to my friends at the gym. Came out feeling really good. Well done"
—June, Vancouver
 

Artistic Team

By M.A.C. Farrant
Starring Peter Anderson, Georgina Beaty, Bridget Esler, David Marr, Wendy Noel, Dawn Petten, Michael Rinaldi
Director and Dramaturg Rachel Ditor
Set Designer Alison Green
Costume Designer Christine Reimer
Lighting Designer Adrian Muir
Sound Designer Michael Rinaldi
Stage Manager Ingrid Turk
Assistant Stage Manager April Starr Land


PRESENTING SPONSOR:

Mercedes Benz Sprinter