Meghan Gardiner’s To Perfection

shameless hussy productions, in association with Surrey Civic Theatres, presents the world premiere of To Perfection written by Meghan Gardiner. Tackling the issues of modern life and family conflict in relatable and hilarious way, the play ensures audiences of all ages will enjoy the perfect food-for-thought theatre outing.

Meghan Gardiner’s To Perfection

• When: September 14 to 17, 2022
• Where: Studio Theatre Surrey Arts Centre (13750 88 Ave, Surrey)
• Tickets: $22–$29 Buy tickets online or call the box office at (604) 501-5566
  • $15 Student/Senior matinee on September 15

‘Gloria’, a former celebrity TV chef, played by the inimitable Patti Allan, is finally reuniting with her estranged grandchild ‘Alex’. However, the temperature heats up when Alex, played by Rae Takei, comes out as non-binary and opens a ‘genderational’ divide. Can ‘Gloria’ and ‘Alex’ find the perfect mix for their family recipe? Or will it all bubble up and explode?

Written by Meghan Gardiner during the height of the pandemic, this new work tackles issues dear to Gardiner’s own heart. She said, “Although this is a fictional story with fictional characters, I drew inspiration from my own family’s journey. Every child comes with their own personality—their own everything. They’re born who they are, and we can’t change that, we just have to adapt and love them. My philosophy is love first and let them be the guide.”

Although To Perfection is an issue-based play with hefty themes, it is a comedy, and Gardiner said that is in part because she wanted the play to reach and be relatable to people from all walks of life.

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The play went through several drafts and a workshop process and both actors, Patti Allan and Rae Takei have been involved since the start. Gardiner said: “The performers in the roles – we truly have the best of the best. The fact that both actors worked with us in the workshop process and then wanted to be the actors in the actual performances means so much because they really believe in the work and that means the world to me.”

Gardiner would like the play to reach a wide audience of people and hopes that the play strikes a chord with families going through their own similar journeys. “If I were to give advice to any parent whose children are showing gender creativity, I would say let them lead. Support. Support. Support. Don’t fight it. Parents are not the experts. Our children will let us know what they need. Our family mantra is ‘one day at a time’ and right now, every day is really great because our daughter is living who she wants to be.”