Content Warning:
Fat-phobic jokes and references to diet culture.
A Word from our Director
Marriage is a full time commitment, and there are endless things that get in the way. How do you keep the romance alive after 23 years, 2 kids and stressful work lives? As someone who has been in a committed relationship for 12 years, this production really struck a chord that you have to continually chose your partner. When things are going well, when things are going bad, in sickness and in health, and even when your partner loses the car keys.
This cast has been incredible to work with. This team of incredible performers have such great ideas, solutions and were always ready to collaborate. A huge thank you to the creative team who were always willing to bounce ideas with me and keep my dreams rooted in reality. I feel so lucky to have such a reliable team for my first time directing with RCTC.
We hope this production gives you a bang for your buck with the incredible buffet options and this heartwarming, hilarious production. Enjoy the show!
Meet the Cast
Jeffrey Kim (He/him) - Peter
Jeffrey has been acting in Korea and Canada after graduating from the theatre school in Toronto. He recently played inspector Craddock in the production of A Murder is Announced by Dogwood Drama Club and also played Simon in RX, produced by Langley Little Theatre. He is very excited and happy to be a part of this wonderful show in the new year and hopes you enjoy it.
Amanda Smith-Weston (She/Her) - Irene
This is Amanda’s 4th production with the Royal Canadian Theatre Company and she is delighted to be performing as Irene in Wendy MacLeod’s Slow Food with these fantastic folks. An award winning performer, Amanda has been performing on stage or film for most of her life and still feels that zing of nerves and excitement in those tiny moments before the curtain goes up or the director calls Action. She most recently performed as Kitty Sunderson in Pivot Theatre’s Canadian premiere of Perfect Arrangement by Topher Payne. When Amanda is not on-stage, she can be found in the audience marveling at the sheer talent of performers here in the Lower Mainland.
Mark Vandenberg - Stephen
Mark is downright giddy to dust off his acting shoes and perform in this production of Slow Food. He can usually be found teaching drama or directing plays at Surrey Christian School or putting on his own Vancouver Fringe musicals with his company, District 13 Presents. Previous acting credits include Die Hard: The Musical-ish (D13) and The Servant of Two Masters (Shadows & Dreams). Recent directing credits include Shawshank: The Musical (D13), The Importance of Being Earnest (SCS). Slow Food (SCS), and The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time (SCS). Currently, Mark is directing his remounted Hunger Games Musical Trilogy at SCS with Catching Fire: The Musical running February 7-10, 2024. Mark would like to thank his amazing wife, Maria, for her unbelievable support with all his flights of fancy.
Meet the Crew
Crystal Weltzin (she/her) - Director
Crystal is excited to direct RCTC for the first time! This show is beautiful and ridiculous but I have definitely found myself in the same situation with my husband. Everything has gone wrong and every time you fix the leak, another one twice as strong seems to spring out of nowhere. Previous directing credits include Something Borrowed, Everyone Blue (RCTC Annual One Act Play Festival), Kitchen Innuendos (Capilano University) and Terribly Wonderful (Capilano University). Enjoy the show!
Hope Evans - Stage Manager
Hope (she/her) is a first-time stage manager and is looking forward to sharing this hilarious show with everyone! She’s been performing since she was a kid; her first shows were in her parents’ living room with stuffed animal co-stars. As she grew up, she found her way to the stage through community theatre and college productions. Most recently, she could be found in TWU’s production of You Can’t Take It With You last year. She’s also been involved with various theatre productions off-stage as a light/sound board operator, usher, and Front of House manager. She hopes you enjoy the show!
Nigel Brooke - Lighting Design
Nigel began his theatrical career with a critically-acclaimed turn as ‘Tree’ and ‘Candy Cane’ in Hansel and Gretel at age five. More recently (and relevantly), he has designed lights for dozens of productions around the Lower Mainland, including Screwball Comedy, Ghost of a Chance and The Snow Queen: A Frozen Adventure for the Royal Canadian Theatre Company, where he is also the resident lighting designer, Holy Mo and Spew Boy for Gallery 7 Productions, Henry V for Stone’s Throw Productions/Pacific Theatre, and many more. He also occasionally performs, appearing recently as ‘Adam Lucas’ in Ghost of a Chance for RCTC and as ‘Belarius’ in Cymbeline for Shadows and Dreams, which he is a founding member of. In real life, Nigel is a computer programmer, and, oddly enough, does this for “fun”.
Aeron Elcheshen- Costume Design
Aeron Elcheshen is a grade twelve student who has been working with RCTC since she can remember. Though mainly acting, she has started to explore the wonderful art of costume design. She has worked on costumes with SAMC theatre and is very excited to have been given the amazing opportunity to costume her second of hopefully many shows.
Stephanie Bruce - Sound Design & Help
Well, it’s been quite the year! And while it feels like a century since we’ve seen people live in a social setting, we’re glad to be back! So sit back, relax, and enjoy the show!
The Menu
Saturday Dinner Buffet
V – Vegetarian
VV – Vegan
~ SALADS ~
Greek Salad, Arugula, Heirloom Tomatoes, Kalamata Olives, Feta Cheese, Oregano & Greek Dressing – V
Tender Green Salad, Carrot Shavings, Cucumber, Heirloom Baby Tomatoes, Sliced Fennel, Red Wine Vinegar & EVOO – VV
Caramelized Fennel & Onion Potato Salad: Whole Grain Mustard & Herb Mayo – V
~ ENTREES & ACCOMPANIMENTS ~
Lemon & Herb Roasted Chicken Thighs, Grilled Artichoke, Olive & Tuscan Tomato Sauce
Pan-Seared Local Sustainable Rock Fish, Lemon, Tarragon Essence, Fried Capers & Tomato Concasse
Spring Vegetable Succotash, Edamame, Peppers, Corn, Zucchini & Heirloom Cherry Tomatoes– VV
Roasted Smashed Baby Potatoes, Herb, Garlic & Shallots – V
Multigrain Wild Rice & Pulse Pilaf – V
~ DESSERTS ~
Small Bite Dessert Cakes
Crème Brule
Mini Pies
Square Bars
Sunday Brunch Buffet
V – Vegetarian
VV – Vegan
~ BREAKFAST TABLE ~
Scrambled Fraser Valley Free Range Eggs – V
Roasted Rosemary Tomato – VV
Crispy Bacon
Small Batch Turkey Sausage
Herb Studded Breakfast Potato – VV
Brioche French Toast with Berries – V
Brule Bananas -VV
Accompanied by Cinnamon Mascarpone Cream & Maple Syrup – V
Croissants/ Danishes – V
Chia Coconut Pudding – VV
~ SALADS ~
Greek Salad, Arugula, Heirloom Tomatoes, Kalamata Olives, Feta Cheese, Oregano & Greek Dressing – V
Tender Green Salad, Carrot Shavings, Cucumber, Heirloom Baby Tomatoes, Sliced Fennel, Red Wine Vinegar & EVOO – VV
Caramelized Fennel & Onion Potato Salad: Whole Grain Mustard & Herb Mayo – V
~ ENTREES & ACCOMPANIMENTS ~
Lemon & Herb Roasted Chicken Thighs, Grilled Artichoke, Olive & Tuscan Tomato Sauce
Pan-Seared Local Sustainable Rock Fish, Lemon, Tarragon Essence, Fried Capers & Tomato Concasse
Spring Vegetable Succotash, Edamame, Peppers, Corn, Zucchini & Heirloom Cherry Tomatoes – VV
Roasted Smashed Baby Potatoes, Herb, Garlic & Shallots – V
Multigrain Wild Rice & Pulse Pilaf – V
~ DESSERTS ~
Small Bite Dessert Cakes
Crème Brule
Mini Pies
Square Bars