AMHERST, N.S. – Lunch with hookers?
That’s what is being serve Oct. 11 and 12 at the Royal Canadian Air Force Club in Amherst.
“It’s a story about a minister who is having difficulty filling the seats and he gets some advice from his handy man, and it goes from there,” said Bette Douglas. “It’s a hilarious comedy and I know the audience will really enjoy it.”
Written by Valerie Moore and directed by Douglas, The Hooker and the Handy Man, a Brown Bag Theatre production, will be performed at the Air Force Club during the Fibre Arts Festival.
“Deanne (Fitzpatrick) has turned this into a world-class event, and to see the town come alive and to be part of the festivities is great,” said Douglas.
The play features Reverend Goodly, played by Anthony Black.
“He’s concerned about hookers coming into his church,” said Black. “His handyman thinks it might be appropriate that he helps the hookers and guides them.”
James Hand plays the handyman.
“He’s a down-to-earth guy and really likes to give Reverend G a hard time. He’s a jokester,” said Hand.
Marlene Hebert is an older hooker introducing the younger hooker, played by Caitlin Carter, to the business.
“I’m very proud of the actors and the work they’re doing,” said Douglas.
This is the 20th year Douglas has directed the Brown Bag Theatre.
“I still enjoy it as much as I did 20 years ago. Theatre is my life,” said Douglas.
“There’s so much enjoyment in entertaining people and it’s enjoyable to work with actors who want to entertain people,” she added. “As long as I enjoy it I’m going to keep doing it. It’s very important to me, and to see actors develop a character is a thrill.”
Doors open at 11:45 a.m., and the one-act play runs for about 40 minutes.
“The brown bag lunch is popular because people come from offices, pick up their fresh lunch, talk to their neighbor, have some laughs, and get back to work by 1 p.m.,” said Douglas.
This is the third year the Brown Bag Theatre has performed at the Air Force Club, and Douglas thanks them for all their help in staging the play.
“They have bent over backwards for me. They have done everything to try to help me.”
The lunch includes a chicken sandwich, cookies, juice, tea and coffee.
The Royal Canadian Air Force Club is located at 31 Havelock Street, across from the Post Office.
Tickets for The Hooker and the Handyman cost $15, and are available at the Amherst Music Centre, located at 113 Victoria Street East, or by calling the Tantramar Theatre at 902-667-7002.
