“As stunning visually as it is musically”- The Calgary Herald

“Uniquely funny, moving and suspenseful” – The Gateway

VERNON, BC — The Vernon & District Performing Arts Centre Society is proud to present the return of "The Invisible - Agents of Ungentlemanly Warfare" by Catalyst Theatre on Friday, October 11, 2024 at 7:30PM. The acclaimed Edmonton-based production is a major part of the VDPAC’s 2024-25 SPOTLIGHT Season’s Theatre Series.

Set in 1940 France, "The Invisible", written, composed and directed by Jonathan Christenson follows seven exceptional female operatives who risk their lives in a dangerous war of sabotage, propaganda and espionage during World War II. Defying norms and achieving the impossible, these women go completely unseen. This contemporary portrait of brave women betrayed by the world they fought to save is a musical tour-de-force inspired by the lives of Special Operations Executives.

VDPACS’ Artistic Director Erin Kennedy shares, “This show is our last COVID postponement from 2022 – and Catalyst Theatre is one of my favorite theatre companies – you might remember their past work Nevermore about Edgar Allan Poe, and their visually stunning Frankenstein!”

"The Invisible" was developed with support from the National Arts Centre’s National Creation Fund and additional support from Vertigo Theatre. The production premiered at Vertigo Theatre in the spring of 2019, followed by performances at Keyano Theatre, a two-week run at Maclab Theatre in Edmonton in February 2020, and a 2022 tour to Vancouver's York Theatre presented by The Cultch. The scheduled stop at the VDPAC that April was disrupted by COVID. This year, it performed at the Grand Theatre (London, ON) in January/February.

The show has garnered critical acclaim, winning three Betty Mitchell Awards for Outstanding New Play (Jonathan Christenson), Outstanding Costume Design (Bretta Gerecke), and Outstanding Lighting Design (Bretta Gerecke). It was also nominated for seven Sterling Awards, including Outstanding Production of a Musical.

Catalyst Theatre, known for creating bold, distinctive, and highly theatrical productions, has presented works across Canada and around the world. Their innovative storytelling blends evocative music, haunting sound, poetic text, dynamic choreography, and stunning design. Their productions have been featured at prestigious venues such as London’s Barbican Theatre, The New Victory Theater in New York, Canadian Stage in Toronto, and The Citadel Theatre in Edmonton.

Artistic Director Jonathan Christenson says, "We're thrilled to be returning to the Vernon Performing Arts Centre after the warm reception we received from Vernon audiences to Catalyst's award-winning productions of FRANKENSTEIN and NEVERMORE. We're especially excited to be bringing Vernon hometown girl Justine Westby back to the beautiful VPAC stage, along with our stellar cast or powerhouse women, each of whom has western Canadian roots!"

Christenson has his original musical plays presented at major theatres and festivals throughout the U.K., Australia, the U.S., and Canada. Christenson’s work has earned over 40 awards and nominations, including a Lucille Lortel nomination for Outstanding New Musical of New York’s 2015 Off-Broadway season.

The Vernon & District Performing Arts Centre presents "The Invisible - Agents of Ungentlemanly Warfare" on Friday, October 11, 2024 at 7:30PM. Tickets are $55 for Adults, $52 for Seniors, $50 for Students. The performance is 2 hours plus an intermission. For tickets, contact the Ticket Seller at 250-549-SHOW (7469) or visit ticketseller.ca to purchase online.

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Ticket link: https://www.ticketseller.ca/tickets/event/the-invisible

Video: https://youtu.be/c4cM0QaddIQ

About Vernon and District Performing Arts Centre

The Vernon and District Performing Arts Centre Society is a non-profit, charitable organization devoted to fostering artists, their work, and live performance in all genres and for all ages. The Society operates the Performing Arts Centre (VDPAC) on behalf of the Regional District of North Okanagan (RDNO) and with the support of over 30 staff and 200 volunteers. Each year, we present our SPOTLIGHT Season of over 30 diverse performances, complemented by over 125 professional guest concerts, festivals, and special events. We select professional touring productions to entertain, enlighten, move and amuse our patrons. Altogether, they offer audiences of all ages a world of unforgettable live theatre experiences. Please visit: https://vdpac.ca/ & https://ticketseller.ca/

Facebook: @vdpac
Instagram: @vernonperformingarts

For interviews and more information, media can contact:

Raj Jain

Marketing & Community Engagement Coordinator

250-542-9355

[email protected]