Arrival of professional summer theatre big news for area
Posted Jul 29, 2010 By Ian Doig
Email
Print
Tweet ThisEMC Lifestyle - Well, I have to say that the biggest news to hit the theatrical world of our area for a long while has been the arrival of professional summer theatre here, specifically, at the Studio Theatre in Perth. I was fortunate enough to have attended the opening night of The Classic Theatre Festivals first production, Noel Cowards classic, 'Blithe Spirit', and to say that I was impressed would be a sad understatement! Just to touch on a few points, the set was superb, the direction outstanding and the acting excellent. I had never seen the play performed, nor read it, even, and one thought that struck early on was, the writing is amazing every word fits perfectly but, well what would one expect from the likes of Noel Coward?
It's a long production, three hours, roughly, but that's really the only even remotely non-laudatory comment I could say about it. And for those of us who tread the boards as amateurs there's a lot to be gained from watching the acting, the staging and especially the direction. The show continues on Wednesdays to Saturdays at 8 p.m. with 2 p.m. matinees on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays until the first of August.
And then, building on the successful run of Blithe Spirit, The Classic Theatre Festival mounts a charming Second World War romantic comedy, John van Druten's 'The Voice of the Turtle', August 6-29. Directed by Lezlie Wade (who is currently assistant to Stratford's artistic director Des MacAnuff), the show stars Krista Leis and Michael Dufays (both of whom have worked at Stratford), along with Sarah Joy Bennett (a veteran of Ottawa's Odyssey Theatre). The play deals with the changing roles of women during the 1940s, and is the ninth-longest running show in Broadway history. Playwright van Druten also created 'I Am a Camera' (the basis for the musical 'Cabaret') and 'Bell, Book and Candle' (which inspired the TV series 'Bewitched'!). Judging from what I saw of Blithe Spirit I would do my level best to get out to take in The Turtle too! For further information or to order tickets visit www.classictheatre.ca, email info@classictheatre.ca or phone 1-877-283-1283 (or 613-264-8088).
During August, a number of benefit evenings are set aside to help raise funds for Lanark County Interval House as well as the Mississippi Valley Textile Museum.
The Festival is busy planning its second season in Perth, and details will be announced later this year once next summer's plays are confirmed.
The Smiths Falls Community Theatre has transported Shakespeare's notorious sorcerer, Prospero, from his perpetual island in the sea to Manhattan, NY where his plans are to wreak havoc. Melanie, a dramaturge with magical powers, joins forces with Prosperos runaway son, Caliban, a trio of drag queen Furies, and a love-sick Momma's boy lifeguard, who endeavour to defend humanity from this rampant fictional character. 'Rough Magic', by Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa is a fantasy comic-book - like story that promises laughter amidst a battle of wills and a most startling ending. The show opens on August 19 and runs until August 28. Watch for information regarding specific dates, times and tickets shortly on their website http://www.smithsfallstheatre.com and in the local media, or contact Christine Winter at 613-284-3815.
And up in Almonte, the Valley Players are rehearsing their up-coming production called 'Quilts from Hell', which will be presented as part of the Fibrefest 2010 at the Mississippi Valley Textile Museum on September 10, 11 and 12 but more on that next month.
So there, then, things are starting to pick up already and where better to chill out on a hot-and-sunny/cool-and-wet summers evening than at the theatre!
blog comments powered by Disqus
