Jitters is a play that will appeal to theatergoers and thespians alike. The story, written by David French (Salt-Water Moon, 1949) depicts the neurotic anxiousness of opening night and the desperations of working Canadian actors.
“I saw this play when it opened,” says director Patrick McDonald. “Ever since then it slips back into my life in different ways. I’d say that in my career I’ve worked with every one of the characters in the play.”
Jitters opened in 1979 and quickly became a popular comedy. McDonald says that it’s hard for Canadian plays to achieve the amount of success that this one did during its original run.
“Jitters, when it first came out, ran for eight weeks at Long Wharf Theatre in Connecticut, then it was slated for a Broadway run,” he says.
It never made it to Broadway, but it did make it to Canadian theatre history. And history is now a part of the play itself: because the play was written in the ‘70s, it will be treated as a period piece. Right down to the shag carpet, this interpretation of the play will be true to its roots.
“There will be lots of foretell, polyester, really big moustaches, and white belts,” says McDonald. “Everything you would expect to see.”
Another part of staying true to the play’s roots means including an all-Canadian cast. But no matter where those playing the characters are from, everyone in the play is insecure and insane in their own way, including a drunk leading man on opening night, an aging stage diva, and a sadistic stage manager who’s tired of running after actors.
“Every character was modelled after a Canadian actor of the era,” says McDonald.
But even those who aren’t actors will enjoy Jitters. This comedy has something in it that everyone can relate to.
“Everyone’s experienced a petulant co-worker who has a certain amount of power over you,” says McDonald. “Who hasn’t experienced those people in their job?”
Jitters
November 15-December 18
The Belfry, $28-38
belfry.bc.ca