Five Alarm – The Show and it’s Performances

Press Release: Five Alarm

With COVID-19 protocols practiced for Safety First ALWAYS, Metro Theatre is thrilled to raise the curtain for the spicy, hot comedy FIVE ALARM on stage Oct 29 to Nov 21. Written by Canadian playwright Kristen Da Silva and directed by Nicky Anderton the show is a BC premiere.

As the sauce simmers, bitter rivalry, mystery and zany comedy come to a rolling boil in this small town – traditional Chili Cook-Off

Ava Rose wants to win her hometown chili cook-off after years (16 to be exact) of failing to nab the top prize. Before the day is over, childhood secrets will be exposed, blood will be shed,a pot of chili will be tossed, and another sabotaged. If she can piece together her father’s missing Five Alarm Chili recipe and keep her assistant from maiming herself, Ava is sure to finally take home the trophy, cash prize and most importantly – prestige of the annual Memorial Chili Cook Off  named for her father Wayne Rose.

“This funny, heartwarming and spicy comedy by Kristen Da Silva will fill your bellies with laughs and remind us of the triumphs, challenges and joys of being human.  Small town shenanigans, warm hearted fun with extra zing abound in this Five Alarm Chili cook-off competition. ”  Nicky Anderton, Director. 

Cast and Production Team

CAST

Ava Rose…………………………..Marcia Strang
Ellen Pellham……………………..Erica Bearss
Connie Gardiner………………….Cindy Hirschberg-Schon
Tucker Dell………………………….Mark “Sparky” MacDonald
Caleb Seaton……………………….Shane Steward

PRODUCTION TEAM

Director…………………………………………………………………Nicky Anderton
Assistant Director……………………………………………………Simon Roberts
Production Manager………………………………………………..Heather Stewart
Stage Manager…………………………………………………………Kate Chubbs
Set Designer…………………………………………………………….Heather Stewart
Costumer Designer……………………………………………………Claire Turner
Lighting Designer………………………………………………………Les Erskine
Sound Designer…………………………………………………………..Roger Monk
Properties……………………………………………………………….Barbara Walsh
Technical Director…………………………………………………………Les Erskine
General Manager…………………………………………………………..Les Erskine
Head Carpenter………………………………………………………Robin Richardson
Set Decoration…………………………………………………Tracy-Lynn Chernaske
Publicity……………………………………………………………..Debra Danny
Graphic Design…………………………………………………….Barbara LaBounta
Photography……………………………………………………Tracy-Lynn Chernaske

The Story

The fairgrounds of small town in Lumby, BC is home to the annual Wayne Rose Memorial Chili Cook-off where local residents fight tooth and nail for the title (and cash prize) of Chili Champion.

The most determined is Ava Rose, who has pursued the title (unsuccessfully) for sixteen years, to commemorate the memory of her father and former chili expert. This year with the help of her new and quirky assistant (Ellen), Ava returns for a 17th time to battle her former childhood friend and rival, Connie, who has bested her five years in a row.

If Ava can piece together her late father’s missing Five Alarm Chili recipe she might just have a chance at piecing together the mysteries of her past and finally bring home the trophy.

Stories from the Fair

Marica Strang – Ava Rose

I’ve tried for years to create a good chili, one that is both delicious, not too spicy, and is gentle on the digestion!  My best tip has been to try a combination of different meats, and make sure to soak and cook the beans enough beforehand; that seems to be the way to go. Like my character Ava in the play, my Dad loved to cook, and I have great memories of him in the kitchen or at the BBQ cooking a big meal for our family.  

Kate Chubbs – Stage Manager

It’s not exactly a fair, but I have good memories of going to the Saturday market on Salt Spring Island. My family would go camping every May long weekend, and it would always include a day at the market. I love trying all the food, exploring the artists’ stalls, and sitting in the park listening to the xylophone musicians.

Mark ‘Sparky’ MacDonald – Tucker Dell

“One time when I came home late from something, I had an hour or so to grab a bite to eat before I had to go to work my usual night shift. So I decide to heat up a can of chili. I spend a few minutes cutting up some carrots and browsing the internet while I wait, but when I check on the chili it hasn’t heated up at all. I turned the dial to a relatively low heat, but it should’ve warmed up by then. I spend a good 10 minutes fiddling with the stove trying to figure out what is going on, but then I find out that the element it was on wasn’t plugged back in after it was cleaned earlier that day. I was screaming internally as I ate my chili. When I actually FINALLY heated it up of course.”

Cindy Hirschberg-Schon  – Connie Gardiner

I’m a working mom like many. When my kids were small I would make chill often for dinner. I thought it was pretty good. But every time I’d hear their same response “Daycare makes it better”…

CORN JOKES:

“I got a dog last week. His name’s Cornelius.”  

“You know, I was born in December…I’m a Capricorn.” 

“What did I say when my mom told me we’re having corn for dinner again? Aw shucks!” 

“Some people say popcorn is hard to chew, and you know, there’s a kernel of truth to that.”

Reviews & Being Said

Huge thanks to Lorraine Graves of The Richmond Sentinel for coming out to opening night of Five Alarm and Hannah Scott for writing a great review.

Thanks for the shoutout for #FiveAlarm BCIT Arts and Entertainment Evolution 107.9  in the article by Brooke McCarthy.

Big thanks to Mark Booth of The Delta Optimist for conducting an interview with FIVE ALARM cast members and publishing a review.

BEHIND THE SCENES: FIVE ALARM

Set Design amid COVID

We are in an interesting time due to COVID-19. With safety protocols in place – time to open the theatre. On with the show.

FIVE ALARM SET DESIGN

Set Design – wait, hmmm… how to design the set keeping in mind the protocols for the Performing Arts returning to operation.

First step: Reading the play – oh, Dr. Bonnie will be pleased. Five (5) characters on stage “fewer faces,” and this play takes place outdoors “bigger spaces.”

Then: Create furniture plot; really, 2- tables, that is the only set dressing required? Phew! And, easily to keep sanitized.

Feeling a little more confident that I can create a fun space – a safe space – for the cast and crew create in.

Social distancing at 6 feet, so, if I start with the floor and create a series of 6 foot squares, thus allowing the actors to have a visual reference for social distancing purposes; allows the Director to block the show using social distancing.

Turns out this show couldn’t be more COVID friendly to design for. “This is not forever. It is for now” – Dr. Bonnie Henry

Heather Stewart
Set Designer  for Five Alarm