Delta Stageworks' fall play is all about gender, family, love and, ultimately, acceptance.
Written by Meghan Gardiner and directed by Renee Iaci, To Perfection us about a former celebrity TV chef reunited with her estranged grandchild who comes out as non-binary, opening a “genderational" divide.
Starring Patti Allan as Gloria (the grandmother) and Cece Ludwar as Alex, with direction by Renee Iaci, To Perfection is billed as a comedy that tackles issues of modern life and family conflict in a relatable and hilarious way without sugar-coating the challenges, ensuring the perfect "food-for-thought theatre outing" for audiences of all ages.
The play was developed by Vancouver-based Shameless Hussy Productions (Iaci is a founding member and serves as co-artistic director, among other roles) and premiered at the Surrey Arts Centre in 2022.
At the time, Gardiner told Black Press Media she tackled issues close to heart as she wrote the comedy-drama at the height of the pandemic.
“Although this is a fictional story with fictional characters, I drew inspiration from my own family’s journey,” Gardiner explained. “Every child comes with their own personality — their own everything. They’re born who they are, and we can’t change that, we just have to adapt and love them. My philosophy is love first and let them be the guide.”
To Perfection not only explores the issue of gender, it also tackles cancel culture.
“I want the play to help the audience understand that it’s okay to discuss what’s not working, or what’s hurting and offending,” Gardiner noted. “It’s okay to talk about those things and talking is important, whereas just cancelling people…I’m not sure that’s productive. I want to encourage the audience instead of calling people out to embrace calling in.”
This fall, Delta Stageworks, in association with Shameless Hussy Productions, is bringing To Perfection to Ladner's Genesis Theatre for six shows Oct. 2-6.
“We loved To Perfection for its humour and its ability to raise our awareness about one of the truly important social issues of our times for youth and their families: gender identity,” Delta Stageworks founders Peg Christopherson-Keenleyside and Eric Keenleyside said in a press release.
Tickets range from $23.50 for students to $25 for seniors and $33.50 for adults, and can be purchased online at tickettailor.com/events/deltastageworkstheatresociety.
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