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Couple drawn together by theatre

Maple Ridge newlyweds Alex and Melissa House involved in Theatre in the Country musical, Anastatia
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Maple Ridge’s Melissa and Alex House were married two years ago this September. They met through theatre, Alex proposed at a past Theatre in the Country (TIC) rehearsal, and now they’re working together in TIC’s upcoming production of ‘Anastatia’ in Langley. (Shannon Pauls/Special to The News)

It didn’t take a lot of arm twisting to convince Alex House to come on board at the last minute as lighting designer for “Anastasia,” a musical being presented next month by Theatre in the Country (TIC).

The West Maple Ridge resident had worked with the Langley-based theatre company in past, his previous credits including this year’s showings of “Amadeus” and “The Matchmaker.” But if past experience working with TIC wasn’t motivation enough, he joked that another persuading factor was the fact his bride just happened to be on stage.

Still relative newlyweds, Alex and Melissa House, are both playing significant but different roles in the Theatre In the Country musical that opens next week – one will be on stage, the other off.

Melissa is playing Gleb in “Anastatia” – the antagonist of the play.

She describes herself as “fortunate enough” to have attended one of the few elementary schools in Maple Ridge that offered drama classes (Alexander Robinson), and mustered up the courage to audition for her senior musical (“Grease”) at Garibaldi Secondary. She was hooked.

But while high school graduation often spells the end of theatre involvement for many, that wouldn’t be the case for Melissa. She pursued her bachelor of arts at the University of the Fraser Valley, where she spent most of her time in the theatre department participating on and off stage.

Now 34, Melissa works by day as project coordinator for a restoration company, and spends many of her evenings and weekends immersed in community theatre. That includes participating – on and off stage – with Theatre in the Country since 2019.

Melissa tells that she’s been “yearning” to be back into a musical again, and she’s particularly excited to be part of this production.

“Theatre in the Country is the first community theatre group to be presenting ‘Anastasia – The Musical,’ since the rights became available for amateur groups, so it’s very exciting to be a part of this first,” she said.

She described the beloved animated film that this play is based on as “near and dear to my heart.”

Asked what is it about her character that most resembles Melissa’s true personality, she pondered for a bit.

“I think perhaps some of Gleb’s stubbornness and certainly her loyalty are quite similar to myself. As the villain, some of the most difficult aspects to navigate have been trying to find the justification for some of Gleb’s more severe actions.”

Meanwhile, Alex bring a whole different set of skills to bear for this show.

In his role as lighting designer, Alex is working with the technical team to program the lights and integrate the other parts of technology into the show (such as video projections and sound).

Alex, 36, works full time in the arts; he currently is a theatre and audio-video systems designer, but has been the technical director at a few theatre venues around the Lower Mainland. He’s been doing it professionally for about 14 years now, and has been doing various forms of theatre as far back as high school.

Even though Alex was only approached to be a part of this production a few weeks ago, and only went to his first rehearsal May 19, he explained how impressed he is with the calibre of cast and crew involved in this show.

“The cast is so exceptionally talented. It is far and beyond the calibre you would expect from a community theatre group. You will be wowed from beginning to end. There are comedic moments, and heartfelt moments, and romance and danger. The songs are incredibly catchy, and particularly nostalgic for some knowing ’90s kids… I think TIC strives to put on a high-calibre production. Their unique space is tiny, and community theatre budgets are small, but with a team of very dedicated people, they make magic happen.”

TIC’s artistic director Reg Parks agrees, noting this production is under the direction of Langley’s Lauren Trotzuk, musical director Jayda Grant and choreographer Tamara Jaune.

“With unforgettable characters and timeless themes, ‘Anastasia’ is a musical experience like no other. Audiences can expect an evening of enchantment, laughter, and heartwarming moments that will stay with them long after the final curtain falls. Our directing dream team of Lauren, Jayda and Tamara has really brought this show to a magical life,” Parks said.

The Houses, married two years ago this September, are not the only Maple Ridge faces involved – on and off stage – in this latest Theatre in the Country production.

Graham Coates has been the technical director of TIC for 12 years now, Eli Hughes is an assistant stage manager, Elliot Morrison is doing special project builds for the set, Kelsy Tierney is an ensemble member playing multiple roles, including teen Anastasia, a communist officer, a Parisian aristocrat, areporter, soldier and more, and Vanessa Quarinto is a featured dancer in the show, as well as playing various ensemble roles.

The large cast and crew will present “Anastasia” from June 5 to 22.

Tickets are available online at www.theatreinthecountry.com or by calling 604-259-9737.

“So many wonderful voices, gifted dancers and actors are taking this show to a special place in TIC history,” Parks said. “It has been just a joy to watch it come together.”

auditions

RELATED: Theatre in the Country ‘Amadeus’ features local talent

and

HOW IT ALL BEGAN: Building ‘Theatre in the Country’

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Maple Ridge’s Melissa and Alex House were married two years ago this September. They met through theatre, Alex proposed at a past Theatre in the Country (TIC) rehearsal, and now they’re working together in TIC’s upcoming production of ‘Anastatia’ in Langley. (Shannon Pauls/Special to The News)


Roxanne Hooper

About the Author: Roxanne Hooper

I began in the news industry at age 15, but honestly, I knew I wanted to be a community journalist even before that.
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