Looking Glass Theatre closes season with Pilgrim’s Progress

Looking Glass Theatre’s inaugural season has brought a lot of joy to audiences in the Southeast. Bringing tales of adventure, comedy, and now drama, they are closing out their season with Pilgrim’s Progress.

“I think just the fact that if you’re a person of faith this is a story you’ll instantly be able to identify with. You’re going to love these characters and the challenges that they go through. If you’re not a person of faith, if you love a good adventure story and you like Lord of the Rings or Narnia or stories like that, or knights, I think you’re still going to enjoy (it). Everyone enjoys a great adventure, a great journey,” said playwright Marc Moir, who adapted the story that took 20 years to bring to the stage.

Originally published in 1678 by author John Bunyan, Pilgrim’s Progress is a Christian allegory. It tells the tale of Christian as he makes his way through life to the Celestial City. He carries a burden on his back, a metaphor for his sin, that he tries to lighten as he progresses through many trials.

The play stars Shannon Loewen as Christian, and Dryden Dilts as Bunyan. The play is directed by LGT’s co-artistic directors Moir and Laura Kathleen Turner who also round out the cast.

Pilgrim’s Progress is one of the most popular books ever written. It has been translated into 200 languages.

“I think part of (why it’s so popular) is just the fact that it is almost like Agatha Christie’s The Mouse Trap. I think its longevity is one of the things that draws people to it. I think the universality, as well. The main character Christian deals with so many things that people – whether they’re people of faith or not – will deal with,” said Moir.

The stage is very minimalist with just four ladders and a cast of four playing 70 different characters which means the focus will be on the acting, which has to be strong.

“(Shannon and Dryden) are both grads of the U of W theatre honours program and they’re both fantastic actors. Shannon, I’ve known for 20 years and she does a lot of film work. She’s a really good film and stage actress. She was in Treasure Island. And Dryden does a lot of local stuff and is a really well-known local actor. Both are really, really versatile. Both are really engaging, Shannon is one of the most watchable actresses that I’m aware of going in Manitoba right now. Incredibly talented and lovely people to work with,” noted Moir.

Pilgrim’s Progress will show from April 2 to 5 at Steinbach Arts Council. Show starts at 7:30 p.m., doors open at 7 p.m. Tickets are $40 for adults, $35 for seniors and students, and children 12 and under $10. Groups of more than 10 get a discounted rate. Tickets can be purchased online at lookingglasstheatre.ca/pilgrims or at the door. Limited seating.