White Rock Players Club’s production of Fools brought home two wins at Theatre BC’s Mainstage festival in Kamloops this month.
Sheila Greentree won best supporting actress for her portrayal of scatterbrain Lenya Zubritsky, mother to Sophia, the love interest Dr. Leon Tolchinsky, who must save the village he lives in from a 200-year-old curse of stupidity and ignorance.
It had been 25 years since the 43-year-old Langley resident performed on stage, but with both her daughters now graduated and heading on their own paths, Greentree decided it was time to pursue her passion.
“Earlier this year I thought that I will just go to an audition,” she told Peace Arch News. “It was immensely fun. I loved (Lenya’s) character and playing the role.
“I just poured myself into the role.”
Greentree credited the warm and welcoming atmosphere created by director Ryan Mooney, her fellow cast mates and crew as what allowed her to lose herself in the role.
“It’s kind of like a family. That’s where I found my confidence to be really fearless and be silly.”
Greentree, who said she is still in shock after the best supporting actress win, has also been nominated for a Community Theatre Coalition award for her performance in Fools.
“Those awards are in September and I’m just completely honoured and absolutely flattered,” she said. “It’s crazy.”
Written by Neil Simon, the comedy also took home a Mainstage award for best poster in the non-professional category.
The Players Club won best production at the Greater Vancouver Zone Festival in May, qualifying for the annual provincial festival.