Skip to content

Maple Ridge theatrical company receives accolades at festival

Fraser Valley Zone Festival took place
32862616_web1_230529-MRN-CF-Emerald-Pig-awards-Fraser-Zone_2

A Pitt Meadows actor has won for his role in a Maple Ridge production at the Fraser Valley Zone Festival over the weekend.

Henry Bartak, who played the role of Herbert Tingley in The Last Real Summer took home Outstanding Male Actor in a Supporting Role, at the festival Saturday night, May 27.

The production itself, The Last Real Summer, put on by the Emerald Pig Theatrical Society, received the Runner-up trophy, meaning it placed second.

Adjudicator Stephen Drover, told the cast and crew, who were at the awards celebration, that he had a difficult time deciding between first and second place.

“So, We’re excited and honoured that we gave him so much to think about,” said the society online.

In addition, three other cast and crew received honourable mentions for the production: Tyler Boe for his tender portrayal of Dougie Cameron; Cindy Peterson for her emotional portrayal of Elizabeth Tingley; and director Angela Bell for her sensitive and clear direction.

The Fraser Valley Zone Festival ran from May 21-26 with performances every night from six different theatrical groups across the Fraser Valley, culinating in the awards night on May 27.

The Last Real Summer, written by Warren Graves, is a story set in rural Alberta, that goes back to when Lizzie Tingley, played by Rachel Jansen of Maple Ridge, and Douglas Cameron, played by Tyler Boe of Pitt Meadows, were both 17-years-old.

Lizzie, who has since grown up, decides to go back to her old home town to reminisce, after losing her husband.

When she gets there the story takes the viewers back in time to when she was young, and takes them on a emotional rollercoaster as her memories come to life on stage.

READ MORE: Maple Ridge theatrical company brings heartwarming story of war and woe to stage

ALSO: Touching story of love and heartbreak under backdrop of WWII to coming to Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows

“It was lovely to see everyone come out in their fancy dresses and suits, smiling faces, and everyone enjoying an evening of celebrating all these fine clubs and their dedication to our craft,” added the society in the post. “Emerald Pig would like to extend tremendous congratulations to each and every one of them, and to ALL the participants of the week. It takes a ton of courage just to put yourself out there in a regular production…but to also take on the additional pressure of the festival, and all the elements of competition that come with it…that takes a special level of fortitude and dedication. You all have so much to be proud of.”

The complete list of all the award winners:

• Outstanding Set Design, Caitlyn Stanley, God of Carnage, Stage 43

• Outstanding Set Decoration to The Sisters Three, Problem Child, Langley Little Theatre

• Outstanding Lighting Design to Tarrah Tanaka for Problem Child, Langley Little Theatre

• Outstanding Sound Design, Debra Archer, The Book of Will, Chilliwack Players Guild

• Outstanding Costume Design, Maggie Saunders, The Book of Will, Chilliwack Players Guild

• Outstanding Ensemble, God of Carnage, Stage 43

• Outstanding Novice or Youth Performance, Zack Loescher, The Book of Will, Chilliwack Players Guild

• Outstanding Male Actor in a Supporting Role, Henry Bartak, The Last Real Summer, Emerald Pig

• Outstanding Female Actor in a Supporting Role, Camille Atebe, The Cave Dwellers, Opening Nite Theatre

• Outstanding Actor in a Male Role, tie between Graham Archer and Andy Rolleman, The Book of Will, Chilliwack Players Guild

• Outstanding Actor in a Female Role, tie between Brittany Vesterback and Beck Marie in Perfect Arrangement, Pivot Theatre

• Backstage Cooperation Award went to Perfect Arrangement, Pivot Theatre

• the NEW Spark Award for Outstanding New Tech Person went to William Bear, Stage 43

• The Gaye LePage Spotlight Award went to Raymond Hatton

• Outstanding Director, Kayt Roth, Perfect Arrangement, Pivot Theatre

• Runner Up to Outstanding Production, The Last Real Summer, Emerald Pig

• Outstanding Production, Perfect Arrangement, Pivot Theatre

The festival was hosted by the Chilliwack Players Guild.


Have a story tip? Email: cflanagan@mapleridgenews.com
Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.


Colleen Flanagan

About the Author: Colleen Flanagan

I got my start with Black Press Media in 2003 as a photojournalist.
Read more