HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 2011-11-10, Page 26PAGE 26. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 2011.
Blyth’s Duncan McGregor didn’t
know how to best support those who
were affected by the tornado that
struck Goderich in late August but
he knew he wanted to do something.
“The tragedy of the event made me
think how can I help?” he wondered.
McGregor, known for his work as
a director on the plays Narcisse and
Dr. Barnardo’s Children, decided to
ply his trade to try and raise money
for people in Goderich.
“I wasn’t going to do a Christmas
play,” he said. “But I decided this
would be the best way to help.”
McGregor apparently wasn’t alone
in that sentiment.
The cost for the play, The Best
Present of All, which is going to be
shown at Blyth’s Memorial Hall
Nov. 30 to Dec. 3, is going to be
completely covered by donations
from local companies. This means
that all the money raised will go
directly to the Goderich and Area
Disaster Relief Fund.
The play, an adaptation of Dave
MacKenzie’s play of the same name,
really spoke to local business
owners.
“The support has really been a
Blyth initiative,” McGregor said.
“The donor list is really a who’s who
of large business in town.”
McGregor said the play was
appreciated by the business owners
and representatives. The local setting
(Goderich) and the timeliness of the
play really spoke to them.
“They really liked the idea of the
story,” he said.
The play, adapted to modern day
to reflect the problems Goderich has
faced, is about a family preparing for
Christmas after the tornado.
“The tornado isn’t a main aspect
of the story: the family and
Christmas and character growth are,”
McGregor said.
The main character, a young girl
played by Ally Connelly, wants
things for Christmas that aren’t
reasonable for her family and after
meeting a Christmas fairy played by
Blyth’s Anne Elliott, the girl finds
herself in the past learning what
Christmas is really about.
“Connelly is an extraordinary
talent,” McGregor said. “She was in
Narcisse and Dr Barnardo’s
Children.”
McGregor said that through those
two roles Connelly showed her
range and made her the obvious
choice for this play.
He said that Connelly and all the
other actors involved were
handpicked for the production.
“I didn’t audition,” he said. “I
knew who I wanted and I got them
for the roles.”
Also involved in the play will be
Steve Cook of Blyth, Julie Bullivant
(or Julie B.) from CKNX 101.7 and
the Blyth Festival’s John Bezaire.
McGregor chose this play because
he has done it several times since
1976 and feels it’s an enjoyable play.
“There are no stereotypes in the
play. Each person is a unique human
in a dramatic circumstance,” he said.
“The surprises are genuine and fun.”
The play will be a family show but
one that adults can understand and
appreciate according to McGregor.
“The humour and the lessons are
accessible to everyone,” he said.
McGregor said that the support he
has seen for the play has been
extraordinary but not unexpected.
“With Narcisse I saw what the
communities of Huron County are
capable of,” he said. “Grand Bend,
Exeter, Goderich and Bayfield came
to support us and people became so
involved. The support for the people
of Goderich isn’t unexpected but it is
good to see.”
The production sponsor list for the
show includes the Blyth Festival
(which is donating practice space
and access to their workshops),
Sparling’s Propane and Elliott Nixon
Insurance.
Production partners include
Howson Mills, G.L. Hubbard
Limited, The Old Mill and Bainton’s
Old Mill.
Media supporters include CKNX
AM920, MyFM, 104.9 The Beach
and CIBC.
The play will run at 7:30 p.m.
from Nov. 30 to Dec. 2 and at 2 p.m.
on Dec. 3 with adult tickets costing
$12 and youth tickets costing $7.
Special student performances will be
held on Dec. 1 and 2 at 1 p.m. with
student tickets costing $7 and
teachers and chaperones free.
Contact the Blyth Festival box
office for tickets at 519-523-9300.
Red Green
Comedian Steve Smith, also known as Red Green or Uncle
to Harold, took to the stage on Tuesday Nov. 1 and
Wednesday Nov. 2 to entertain Blyth and area as part of his
Wit and Wisdom tour. The first show had sold out,
prompting the creation of the second show, which was
nearly as full. (Denny Scott photo)
McGregor directs Goderich fundraising play
Blyth Memorial Hall
www.BlythFestival.com
519-523-9300 (local) • 1-877-862-5984 (toll free)
ONE SHOW ONLY!
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 4TH ~ 3:00 PM
Tickets
Only $25
Hear all the Hits: Islands in the Stream,
The Gambler, 9 to 5, Coward of the County and more!
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Happy 65th Anniversary
Bill & Gertie Kellington
Come & Go Tea
Sunday, November 13 ~ 2-4 pm
Brussels United Church Auditorium
Best Wishes only please
50th Wedding
Anniversary
Celebration
for
Dan & Marg Webster
Saturday, November 19
2 to 4 pm
at the Wingham Golf
& Curling Club
No gifts please.
We’ve been overly blessed!
Donations for Candles for Kids
Christmas Trees appreciated.
Happy
80th
Birthday
Iris Young
November 16
Best wishes from Roy,
all your kids, grandkids
and great-grandkids
Tickets Available at McGavins - Walton
Hyde Brothers Equipment, Hensall
Lucknow Co-op.
For more details email
emmajordan88@hotmail.com
or Call David Haney at 519-522-0011
JUNIOR FARMER
Blyth Community
Centre
Sat. Nov. 19
th
ALUMNI
DINNER
& DANCE
$35Tickets
Happy 40th
Laurie
Love Mikayla, Cameran
and Daddy
Entertainment Leisure&
By Denny Scott
The Citizen
KENNY & DOLLY
★ TOGETHER AGAIN! ★