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Batten down the hatches for a Storm Warning

Penticton theatre group Many Hats Theatre Company takes on Norm Foster's Storm Warning.
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Eric Hanston and Shannon French star in the Many Hats Theatre Company production of Norm Foster's Storm Warning which opens on the Cannery Stage Sept. 6 in Penticton.

They were awarded the best troupe of multi-tasking actors and for Many Hats Theatre Company’s upcoming production that holds true.

Ed Schneider acts, helps get the sets ready and takes care of publicity. For their latest production, Storm Warning, he is donning the director hat.

Storm Warning is set in the turbulent years after the Second World War when much of the world was still reeling from the war’s aftermath. It is the story of Jack (played by Eric Hanston), a shell-shocked  Second World War veteran. Emma (played by Shannon French) is a bubbly jazz arranger who is thrown together with Jack by an accident of fate one weekend. A weekend that will change their lives forever.

“They are just brilliant and work together so well. They make a really great couple and they have transported themselves back to 1953 with the help of the costumers and make up artists and it is very believable,” said Schneider.

The poignant love story from the pen of Norm Foster reveals the hurts and hopes of both Jack and Emma. Over the course of three days in a September weekend in 1953, Jack and Emma allow the audience into their souls to see how external events affected each of them.

“Norm Foster writes these plays with real people in them and tells great stories. It is a romantic comedy, with some extremely funny bits that aren’t meant for the children. The inevitable happens, without telling you the whole story, but they each have their own scars,” said Schneider. “The title Storm Warning comes from the fact there are storms in everyone’s life but how you weather them, how you deal with them, is part of it.”

Schneider complimented the work of Sean Kimberley, a local architect, who designed the set. The director added the hands that constructed it did a great job creating two long log cabins. With the help of Sue Gibbs the decorations, right down to a Coleman cooler and milk bottles from the 1950s, has really set the atmosphere.

Storm Warning opens on Sept. 6 with a gala reception following the performance and runs until Sept. 29. Shows are Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. with Sunday matinees at 2 p.m. All shows are at the Cannery Stage in the Cannery Trade Centre on Fairview Road.

“We still have one more show to do this year and we have just been blown away by the response from our very loyal fans,” said Schneider.

Tickets are $22 for adults and $19 for students and seniors and are available at the Penticton and Wine Country Visitor’s Centre or by phone at 250-276-2170.

Many Hats Theatre Company also has reserved seating available. Visit www.manyhatstheatre.com under ticket information to find a seating plan. When you purchase your ticket at the Penticton and Wine Country Visitor's Centre or by phone let them know your selection.