PLEASE RETURN TO EMPIRE VIDEO
By James Odin Wade
March 25 - April 13, 2025
A coming-of-age comedy in a video store.
2003. VHS is out and DVDs are in, and thousands of tapes have been unloaded on a small franchise location of Empire Video in southern Alberta. Friends Cass and Owen, and their surly coworker Thomas, have to survive a shift of endless sorting, stickering and rewinding in time to get to an advanced screening of The Matrix Reloaded. In the midst of movie references and workplace shenanigans, the world of the video store begins to unspool around them, testing their friendship as never before.
Poster Artwork by Kate Beck
Note: Video and audio recording of this production is strictly prohibited.
Cast and Crew:
John Tasker | OWEN
Natasha Strickey | CASS
Greg Wilson | THOMAS
BRONWYN STEINBERG | Director
Anton degroot | Sound DESIGN
LISA FLOYD | LIGHTING DESIGN
HANNE LOOSEN | SET DESIGN
MICHAEL LUONG | STAGE MANAGER
JAMES ODIN WADE | PLAYWRIGHT
Nicole Oscar | Apprentice STAGE MANAGER
Show Dates:
TUESDAY MAR 25 – 12PM (PREVIEW)
WEDNESDAY MAR 26 – 12PM (PREVIEW)
THURSDAY MAR 27 – 12PM (OPENING)
FRIDAY MAR 28 – 12PM & 7PM
SATURDAy MAR 29 – 12PM & 4PM
SUNDAY MAR 30 – 1:30PM (Relaxed & aUDIO-DESCRIBED, SUPER masK FRiENDLY) & LEGACY PRICING
TUESDAY APR 1 – 12PM
WEDNESDAY APR 2 – 12PM
THURSDAY APR 3 – 12PM (Talk back)
FRIDAY APR 4 – 12PM & 7PM (Eighty-Eight Brewing Co. POP UP tasting)
SATURDAy APR 5 – 12PM & 4PM
SUNDAY APR 6 – 1:30PM
TUESDAY APR 8 – 12PM
WEDNESDAY APR 9 – 12PM & 7PM
THURSDAY APR 10 – 12PM (Talk back)
FRIDAY APR 11 – 12PM & 7PM (OWL’s NEST POP UP SHOP)
SATURDAy APR 12 – 12PM & 4PM (OWL’s NEST POP UP SHOP)
SUNDAy APR 13 – 1:30PM (CLOSING)
Location:
Lunchbox Theatre performances take place in the Studio at Vertigo Theatre, at the base of the landmark Calgary Tower.
#161, 115 - 9 Ave. SE
Calgary, AB T2G 0P5
Note: Online ticket sales stop 60 minutes before the show but you can still call the box office 403-221-3708 to book your tickets or get them at the box office window before the show.
Doors open 30 minutes before the show.
You are welcome to pack your lunch or dinner and eat it during the show. The bar will be open before each performance to purchase snacks and drinks but there are no sandwiches or lunches for sale at the venue.
Note: We aim to have a scent-sensitivity environment. Please avoid wearing scented personal care products such as perfume, cologne, aftershave, scented lotions or creams for the body, face or hands.
We suggest this show for 12+.
Legacy Ticket Pricing
On the first Sunday afternoon performance of each production in our 50th anniversary season, we invite you to celebrate 50 years with special pick-your-price Legacy ticket options:
Original Price: $1 — the price that we charged in 1975 for our very first shows!
Legacy Discount: $19.75 — in honour of our founding year, 1975.
These special ticket prices are available over the phone at 403-221-3708 or in person at the box office window. The performance that the special Legacy pricing will be available for Please Return to Empire Video is on Sunday, March 30 at 1:30 pm.
What is a Talk Back?
After the show's performance, most (usually all) of the actors return to the stage to answer your questions and provide insight into the play you have just experienced.
Group Bookings
Make some memories with your staff this holiday season - get the group discount! Group rates are available for bookings of 10 or more and are a very affordable $25 per ticket. Call our box office at 403-221-3708 from 10 AM - 4 PM, Monday to Friday.
Volunteers
Our volunteers make it possible for us to do what we do, and we're always on the lookout for dedicated and passionate individuals to help us out!
See a show for free! Usher or volunteer front of house for any of our shows.
