Gallery 7 Theatre is pulling out all the stops for their first production of the year, the classic tale of survival by Daniel Defoe, Robinson Crusoe.

"We've stretched our technical abilities to create a visually stunning theatre experience, a compelling emotional and spiritual journey that features real humanity and generous sprinklings of humour," said Ken Hildebrandt, the artistic director of Abbotsford's Gallery 7 Theatre & Performing Arts.

The second production of the theatre's fall/winter season will feature a plethora of accomplished local actors and theatre lovers, including director Carissa Boynton.

Boynton directed last year's inspiring Tuesdays with Morrie, which went on to open at the Pacific Theatre's season this past September in Vancouver.

"I wonder who we are when we are forced to be real with ourselves and give up the influences of our world around us. How do these influences stick to us after we are forced to give up that world? These themes resonated with me," she explains.

"I wanted to explore how easily we fall back in to the same patterns of living we abandoned after finding them false."

Defoe's tale studies cocky explorer Robinson Crusoe, who is shipwrecked on a deserted island following a violent storm.

He experiences a crisis of faith and undergoes a spiritual and emotional transformation, excellent fodder for Gallery 7's aim to move its theatre audience and to compel them to contemplation through live drama.

With his vision of the world shattered and his imperialist sense of entitlement dashed, Crusoe endures 26 years of complete isolation, surviving on the ship's supplies and his own ingenuity.

When he befriends Friday, a Caribe Indian, Crusoe discovers the power of friendship and experiences the value of acceptance in spite of differences.

Playing the title role in a tour-de-force performance is veteran performer, Andrew Abrahams.

Well-known for rich and compelling performances, Abrahams has played such roles as C.S. Lewis in Shadowlands, Atticus Finch in To Kill a Mockingbird, and Captain Hook in Peter Pan.

Ben Wert, who first appeared in last year's production of Quiet in the Land, plays the redemptive influence in the character of the Caribe, Friday.

This summer Wert was busy performing from coast to coast and is thrilled to be back at Gallery 7 Theatre for this epic production.

Jay Danziger rounds out the cast, playing two distinctive ship captains, characters that bookend Crusoe's emotional and spiritual journey of survival.

Danziger last appeared on the Gallery 7 stage as Christie Bauman in Quiet in the Land and is remembered for his performances in Twelve Angry Jurors, The Boys Next Door and Damien.

Set and lighting design is by Nicole Bach of New Westminster. Bach recently completed an MFA in theatre design, has numerous professional design credits to her name, and has won two Jessie Awards.

Costume design is by Joyce Wan, sound design is by Eldon Letkeman and make-up design is by Sarah Wiget. Stage manager is Janik Livera and the production photographer is Dianna Lewis of Creative Memory Studio.

? Robinson Crusoe runs Jan. 20 & 21, 26 - 28 & Feb. 2 - 4 at 7: 30 p.m., with additional discounted matinées on Jan. 21 & 28 at 2 p.m.

All shows are at the MEI Auditorium, 4081 Clearbrook Rd., Abbotsford.

General tickets are $18, with discounts for seniors, youth and groups.

Tickets are available at the House of James, 2743 Emerson St., Abbotsford, or call 604-852-3701.

You can also visit www.gallery7theatre.com for more details.

CToth@abbotsfordtimes.com