Charlie Chaplin Solo Play Runs in British Columbia in Feb.

Charlie Chaplin Goes to War, a multi-media black comedy by Simon Bradbury and Dan Kamin, will have its British Columbia premiere at the Gateway Theatre from February 1st through 17th.

Starring Bradbury as the legendary film comedian, the solo play is "based on the collision of art and politics that occurred when Charlie Chaplin created his classic film The Great Dictator," according to press notes. "Intended to illustrate Hitler's lust for world domination to an as-yet-uninvolved American public, Chaplin used comedy to speak out. Filming is going well until Chaplin finds himself facing his two most famous screen creations, Hynkel and the Tramp, both vying for their creator's attention and both convinced that their world view is the correct one."

The show features costumes and scenery that are based on an original design by David Boechler, with music by Paul Sportelli, video design by Simon Clemo, original sound design by Trevor Hughes, sound assembly by Ron Way, and lighting design by Del Surjik.

Charlie Chaplin Goes to War will be presented in an expanded and revised version.  It was previously seen at the Shaw Festival in Ontario in 2002 and at Pittsburgh Irish and Classical Theatre in 2005.  The play was previously known as Chaplin.

Bradbury's career as an actor spans 25 years, including four seasons at Stratford and sixteen at the Shaw Festival. Co-writer Dan Kamin, an internationally famous performer in his own right, trained Robert Downey, Jr. for his Oscar-nominated performance as Chaplin and created that film's comedy sequences in Chaplin's style.

In addition to The Great Dictator, Chaplin's many classic films included The Kid, The Gold Rush, City Lights, Modern Times, and Limelight.

Visit www.gatewaytheatre.com for tickets and more information.