A stairway to heavenly theatre is on the Main, two flights up, @ Freestanding Space.

Girl Got Lost Productions presents Amiel Gladstone's Hippies & Bolsheviks. Directed by Chelsea McIsaac. With: Miranda Handford (Star), Thomas Preece (Jeff), and Brent Skagford (Allan). Original music performed live by Melissa Trottier. Photographer - Terry Hughes.

Hippies & Bolsheviks, set in 1972 Vancouver, is a dramatic comedy about wining and losing, loving and leaving and making plans. "Do you know how to make God laugh? ... Make a plan." Through the haze of joints, one night stands, and 70's rock-n-roll gods the play examines how to get along in a world at war, with a lifetime supply of plastic and broken ideals. "How do you hold fast to your ideals and dreams when faced with the challenges of the 'real' world?"

Why has 1st time director, aka established casting agent, Chelsea McIsaac switched from handling a roster of actors to producing and directing theatre, a vocation known for its lack of funding and small audiences? She quips: “I needed a creative outlet. ... I figured if I was directing it, being known more as an agent than as a director, who would produce me, so I took on that role as well."

The casting of the ensemble is perfect, naturally, with a stand out pitch perfect comedic performance delivered by new comer and Concordia graduate Thomas Preece. Set design by Holly Simpson is ideally created for the intimate space. The sound design by Tom Mulins is also well conceived adding multiple layers to each scene. The live musical performance of Melisa Trottier and the song selections are well inserted throughout creating a very timely and romantic ambiance. Act one is marvelously well paced, insightful, and entertaining. Act two drags in spots, and is somewhat less interesting, falling prey to being a bit too preachy and predictable. The play runs approximately two hours with a 15 minute intermission. Refreshments are available on site. GO C IT!

Encore performances: December 9, 10, 11 @8pm. Freestanding Space, (two flights of stairs) 4324, boul. St-Laurent; Limited seating, RESERVE @ Box Office (514) 279 - 5219.