News from B.C.
“Leacock for Literacy” — Show Raises $$

A stage show based on the life of Canadian writer and humourist Stephen Leacock that is touring across the country to raise money for literacy groups will make two stops in B.C. next month.

“Stephen Leacock’s Whirlwind Campaign to Cheer Up Canada” is a Toronto-based production being offered as a fundraiser to literacy groups. The two-man show features Powell River-born actor Neil Ross as Stephen Leacock, and supporting actor /musician Aaron Duncan, from Leacock’s home town of Orillia.

The show features Leacock “telling the story of his life in literature and his academic career in his own words.” In it, “he comments on the changes in the modern “Leacock for Literacy” — Show Raises $$ world, from mergers to metaphysics. Ross is joined on stage by Duncan, a multi-talented mime, sketch performer, saxophonist, pianist, and harmonica player, to present some of Leacock’s most brilliant material in a style that merges modern sketch and standup comedy with Vaudeville.”

The show will be performed at the Douglas College Performance Theatre, New Westminster on May 11 and at Malaspina University College Theatre in Nanaimo on May 12.

Ross says, “Stephen Leacock’s international reputation as a man of letters and as a humourist makes him an ideal advocate for Canadian literacy.” The Whirlwind Campaign is sponsored in part by book publishers McLelland and Stewart and VIA Rail.

New Westminster
For tickets, call the College Bookstore or reserve by calling (604) 527-5409. Or contact: Joni Rose at (604) 527-5694. Proceeds from the New Westminster show will go the Douglas College I-CARE (Individual Community Adult Reading Education) volunteer tutor program.

Nanaimo
For tickets, contact Carolyn McWhinnie at Literacy Nanaimo. Phone: (250) 754-8988. All net proceeds will support Literacy Nanaimo.

Tickets are $15.00.