Taking an idea and running with it was the evolution of the Canadian College of Performing Arts’ upcoming event and fundraiser.
The Lucille Ball, a tribute to the late comedienne and madcap star of stage and TV, began with an idea to auction off an item of memorabilia.
“Richard Lucas, a talent agent in Vancouver who ended up teaching on our faculty, has an authentic Lucille Ball gown and he wanted it to go to charity,” said college director Ron Schuster.
After conversations around how to best do that, they came up with the idea to host an all-Lucy event in Victoria.
“We’ve got 24 lovely Lucies that will be floating around — all of our students will be dressed as Lucy or (fellow I Love Lucy characters) Fred or Ricky Ricardo or Ethel,” Schuster said.
Among the festivities will be a recreation of the classic physical comedy scene featuring Lucy and Ethel working on a chocolate assembly line.
Lucas will be on hand to share stories about times on set with Ball.
Among the silent auction and raffle items are a Warhol-style portrait of Lucy by local artist Christopher Lucas, and a Hawaiian holiday.
The dress auction proceeds will be split between the college and the Vancouver Performing Arts Lodge.
Tickets for the Nov. 4 fundraiser, $115 each, are available at the college, 1701 Elgin Rd. in Oak Bay from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Friday.