On any given day, at least one member of the Roberts family is likely to be performing on a stage somewhere in the Lower Mainland.
The family of four - Russell Roberts, his wife Colleen Winton, and their sons Sayer, 22, and Gower, 18 - are all consummate actors.
What is unusual about this summer, however, is that three of them are on the same stage at the same time.
Russell and his sons are acting and singing in a production of Titanic: A New Musical, produced by Theatre Under the Stars this month.
Russell and Colleen have been working as professional actors for more than 30 years, and their boys have now made their way into the world of theatre themselves.
Sayer graduated last year from the musical theatre program at Capilano University, and Gower, who graduated from New Westminster Secondary this year, is heading to Douglas College in September to study music tech.
At New Westminster Secondary, both of Russell's boys studied music and got into acting in their senior years.
For Russell, the chance to perform with his boys in a profes-sional setting is pretty special.
"To be on stage with my two sons, well, it's the highlight of my career, really," Russell said. "It's a dream come true to watch them and to be there with them; to share the stage."
In the show, Russell plays E.J. Smith, captain of the R.M.S. Titanic, while Sayer plays Fred Barrett, a stoker, and Gower plays the part of bellboy.
This production follows the characters in first, second and third class, as well as the officers, on the doomed maiden voyage of the famous ship in 1912.
The script was written based on diaries and historical records from that time.
Other than the fact that the ship sinks in the end, this show "has absolutely nothing to do whatsoever" with the 1997 James Cameron blockbuster film of the same name, Russell said.
Titanic: A new musical opened on Broadway in 1997, and won five Toni Awards, including Best Musical.
Despite its accolades, few theatre companies in Canada produce the show because it includes a large cast of 44 actors and 21 musicians.
But it's well worth it, Russell said.
"It's a magnificent sound to have that many people singing with a full orchestra."
So far, the turnout to the show in Stanley Park has been good, Russell noted, with an average of 400 to 500 people per night.
Titanic: A New Musical is directed by Max Reimer, with musical direction by Kevin Michael Cripps.
Performances are at the Malkin Bowl in Stanley Park on odd dates until Aug. 17.
The show runs a total of 2 hours and 45 minutes, with a 15 minute intermission.
Doors open at 6: 45 p.m. and the show starts at 8 p.m.
For tickets or more information, visit www.tuts.ca.
