Arts Club theatre production of Billy Bishop Goes to War comes to Malaspina

The great Canadian classic, Billy Bishop Goes to War, is coming to Malaspina University-College theatre in Nanaimo on March 16 and 17.

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Written and composed by John McLachlan Gray in collaboration with Eric Peterson, Billy Bishop Goes to War is a two-man tour de force that requires the lead actor (David Marr) to portray as many as 18 different characters, singing songs from the World War I era to popular musical theatre tunes.

The Arts Club Theatre Company production is about Billy’s story as he bumbles his way from military school into the Royal Flying Corps, unexpectedly becoming the most decorated RFC officer of the Great War. The show premiered in Vancouver in November, 1978 and has played all over the world, including Broadway.

Actor David Marr is well known to local audiences, having worked on Malaspina University-College theatre productions for 15 years, including lead roles in Hotel Freedom, City of Angles and in Titanic, The Musical. He has also worked for Nanaimo’s professional company, Theatre One.

“David is one of the finest actors in Canada,” said Tony Bancroft, director of the Malaspina Theatre program. “I’ve seen four different productions of Billy Bishop and David Marr is by far the best.”

Billy Bishop features Bill Costin as the pianist. “Bill is also well known to the local community,” added Bancroft. “He’s been my musical director for shows at Malaspina Theatre for 10 years, including the Titanic.”

Nanaimo was initially not included in the Arts Club Theatre production of Billy Bishop but Bancroft changed that.

“I called them up and asked them to come to Nanaimo because this is such a brilliant show. I guarantee patrons will be leaving the theatre with tears in their eyes. It’s a wonderful Canadian story about a true Canadian hero.”

Tickets are $21 for adults and $19 for students and seniors. Evening shows are 8 pm March 16 and 17 in Malaspina Theatre, 900 Fifth Street in Nanaimo. There will be a matinee show March 17 at 12:30 pm.  For reservations call 740-6100.