If you haven't experienced an evening at the Kelowna Actors Studio it's high time you discover this unique gem in Kelowna.

Opening night of the newest production at the Studio took place on Wednesday as the actors took to the stage for Edward Albee's Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf. This dramatic-comedy consisted of a single set, with just four characters, but the play did not disappoint. The Kelowna Actors Studio is the city's best-kept secret as dinner and a show is a unique evening everyone needs to experience.

Photo Credit: Kelowna Actors Studio

When you enter the building, you are immediately taken to a place of old-time theatre as the carefully selected decor excites your senses. From the glass chandeliers to the rich carpet, the theatre exudes luxury from the moment you enter. 

Once inside the theatre itself, you are greeted with stage-side tables to enjoy a three-course dinner followed by the production. The room instantly whisks you away to something almost imaginary, and this sets the stage for the show to come. Prompt service greets you as soon as you are seated at your table, followed by the first course of the three-course meal.

Photo Credit: Kelowna Actors Studio

Enjoying a delicious dinner and perhaps a glass of fairly priced wine, by the time the curtain is set to go up, you are divinely prepared to watch the production. What many may not know about the Kelowna Actors Studio is all the actors are volunteers. While this may make you think the production value will not be as grand as somewhere with paid actors, this is not the case.

From the moment the play begins, you will immediately hate the characters. It was easy to fall into the production thanks to the dedication to the characters portrayed by the actors. Ray Mordan who plays George was instantly annoying as an arrogant, pompous old man. His wife Martha, played by Patricia Burns, was equally annoying as she fully embraced the self-righteous character. While at times Burns heavily overplayed her part as she worked to steal the spotlight, overall her performance had me laughing and shaking my head though-out the night.

Photo Credit: Kelowna Actors Studio

The play also starred Zan Klein as Nick, the young, pretentious biologist who recently moved to the area with his wife Honey, played by Michelle Deighton. Deighton stole the show with her performance as a drunk and lovely, albeit stunned, young woman. Her portrayal of Honey kept the audience laughing and all eyes on Deighton as you could not wait to hear the next ridiculous line to come out of her mouth.

While the production was a lengthy one, it was so well performed that it kept the audience's attention. The production runs until June 11 and can be enjoyed with or without dinner. Ticket information can be found on the Kelowna Actors Studio website.