Bill Dow, veteran Vancouver and Vancouver Playhouse actor, makes his directing debut at the Playhouse with the roaring twenties comedy, Tons Of Money, which opened Nov. 21.

A co-production with Theatre Calgary, Tons Of Money was penned in 1922 by Will Evans and Valentine, then adapted by Alan Ayckbourn in 1986. The play follows destitute Aubrey and Louise Allington as they try to avoid paying their creditors by faking their deaths and assuming disguises.

Featured in the cast of Tons are Christopher Hunt, Lindsay Burns, Jennifer Clement, Vincent Gale, Gary Jones, David Marr, Barbara Pollard, Kerry Sandomirsky, Mark Weatherley and Allan Zinyk. Director Bill Dow has served as Associate Artistic Director at the Playhouse.

The show is lit by Alan Brodie, who's worked with Canada's Touchstone and Coconut Theatres, as well as their Nanaimo Festival. British set designer Helen Jarvis designs for Alberta Theatre Projects' annual Play Rites Festival. Costume designer William Schmuck has previously worked on Charlie's Aunt and The Importance Of Being Earnest at the Vancouver Playhouse. Schmuck, Head of Design at the Shaw Festival, has also created sets for Opera Atelier and Pacific Opera.

Tons Of Money plays through Dec.14. For tickets and information call (604) 872-6622. -- By David Lefkowitz