Happenings on the Scene – Buri team one for the 7 Ages

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This article was published 15/01/2015 (4233 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

It’s been nearly two decades since George Buri and his wife Trish decided to start up the local theatre group known as 7 Ages Productions.

As the years pass by, the steady stream of popular stage production continues as their labour of love shows no signs of diminishing.

Approximately four years ago I had the distinct pleasure of enjoying the 7 Ages experience firsthand as I was cast in the “Buddy Holly Story.” It was an experience I’ll never forget.

Fortunately it was well received as we had capacity to near capacity crowds throughout our four-show run. To this day, people still remind me of that show and how much they enjoyed it.

The Buris are masters at building a team attitude and approach to their major stage productions — they always create a family-like community spirit with every cast and crew they work with. This is clearly evident with every player’s performance throughout each major production 7 Ages takes to the stage.

On the eve of yet another major stage production, director George Buri took some time out of his extremely busy schedule to play 20 Questions.

Exactly how many years have you been running 7 Ages?

I have been running 7 Ages for 18 years, since 1997.

When did you decide to start your own theatre group?

I decided to form the theatre group out of a request to do a play for a particular function. At the time, there weren’t any other community groups actively functioning in Brandon. We started up, did the play and kept on going.

How did you first get involved with theatre productions? Can you give us a general overview of your early years?

My first involvement with theatre was as a child in Winnipeg attending plays at MTC and Rainbow Stage. I got involved in high school and continued at university. Trish and I actually met at the U of M because we were cast in the same play, “The Canterville Ghost.” We moved to Brandon in 1969 and while I was going to BU we got involved in a new community theatre group called Dimension Drama. We did a number of plays both at the WMCA and the Evans Theatre. We moved away and I kept doing high school drama productions in Gilbert Plains and Grandview. We moved back to Brandon in 1976 and I did high school shows in Brandon until my retirement in 2003.

How many major productions do you take to the stage each year?

For the first four years, 7 Ages did one show a year, then we expanded to two and three and in some years four. We also do murder mysteries, musical revues and different plays for special occasions and groups. Right now, we are doing two shows a year, and also hosting the touring Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre show. How many shows we do a year depends on different factors.

How do you decide which major productions to replicate?

I like to choose shows that firstly are really good quality plays. I like to do plays that have not been done in Brandon recently, where possible. I am always looking for something interesting that hasn’t been done here before. That is why we were among the first in Manitoba to do Buddy Holly, and “A Closer Walk With Patsy Cline,” and “Always Patsy Cline,” and I believe we were one of the first to do “The Producers.” I have to really like the show before doing it as well. Also we look for shows the audiences will like and we look for variety, musical, drama, Shakespeare, comedy, etc.

From casting to rehearsals and the opening night curtain, how long of a process is it to get a major production ready for the stage?

The process of doing a show can be very long. There are many things involved, from travelling to see the show, reading it, applying for the rights and planning all aspects. “Les Miserables” was over a year in the planning and executing. I usually work 18 months to two years in advance.

Let’s do a few fun questions. Which big-time actors that rank among your favourites have you actually seen in action on stage?

Of the actors that I have seen perform live on stage I particularly liked Phillip Seymour Hoffman, Brian Dennehy, Al Waxman, and David Suchet. My favourite stage actresses that I have seen are Vanessa Redgrave, Martha Henry, and Seanna McKenna.

Who is your favourite actor?

My favourite movie actors included Peter O’Toole, Gregory Peck, Laurence Olivier and Spencer Tracy.

Favourite actress?

Favourite film actresses include Katherine Hepburn, Gracy Kelly, and Meryl Streep.

What is your favourite movie?

“Lawrence of Arabia”

“Young Frankenstein” is one of my favourite Mel Brooks films. Is the stage production close to the movie?

The stage production of “Young Frankenstein” follows the film exactly. Mel Brooks had written brilliant music and great songs for the show.

Do you prefer comedies or do you have a preference when it comes to deciding which next major production to get stage ready.

I don’t have a preference as long as the play in really good. I like musicals, drama and comedies all the same.

Here’s a two-part question. How many cast members will take to the stage in “Young Frankenstein” and is the cast made up of Brandonites or are the players from various towns in Westman?

Thirty actors will hit the stage in “Young Frankenstein” and they are from all over Manitoba, from Brandon, Portage, Neepawa, Rapid City, etc. — this is often the case.

I’m told one of the musical numbers in the play will feature eight-part harmony! That must be fun to co-ordinate, that will be worth the price of admission right there. Who is your music director for this one?

Mindy Choy is the musical director and she has done a great job with the singers.

Who is handling the choreography chores?

Linda Kearns has done her usual first class choreography.

Best of luck with the “Young Frankenstein” run, George! As usual tickets are available at the WMCA box office. Have ticket sales been brisk?

The show is full of laughs and a lot of fun. We are going all out to make it a very entertaining night. I anticipate now that we are past the holiday break that ticket sales will be very brisk in the days leading up to the opening on Jan. 15.

You aren’t taking much of a break before your next major production as the auditions for “Mary Poppins” will take place Jan. 20 and 21 at the Park Community Centre from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. How does one go about getting an audition?

To schedule an audition for “Mary Poppins” one can call 204-727-3156. One needs to prepare a song and a monologue.

Are you going to be replicating her flying umbrella?

I am working on technical details and flying now.

A couple things that have always impressed me about 7 Ages is the team work between you and your wife Trish and the passion for the theatre you two always exude — it’s instantly noticeable from the word go. Her attention to detail with the wardrobe and other behind-the-scenes things is a major contribution that aids in all the success 7 Ages has enjoyed. Was that the plan from the beginning for you two? You direct and she takes care of costumes, etc.?

We do work together on the shows. Trish has done an amazing job behind the scenes as well as an actress in shows. She has also directed shows for 7 Ages. We do work as a team with a number of wonderful individuals. Our whole team of people is amazing and work very hard to bring about a quality production.

Any thoughts on which major stage production you will tackle next?

I have lots of thoughts and irons in the fire beyond “Mary Poppins” but am not at liberty to divulge at this time.

Frank McGwire is a veteran of the local radio industry, a musician and booster of the music scene in Brandon and Westman.

» opinion@brandonsun.com