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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 2009-07-16, Page 19The Mail Order Bride which opened at Blyth Festival Friday, is as warm and stirring as a gentle prairie breeze. It’s been 20 years since Mail Order Bride was last seen on the Blyth stage. Penned by Robert Clinton, the production, though not even “homegrown”, was an instant hit in its 1988 showing, following on the heels of its premier at Edmonton’s Theatre Network. Directed by Katherine Kaszas, then artistic director, it was remounted the following year and toured throughout Ontario and western Canada that fall. When current Festival artistic director Eric Coates was looking for something from the theatre’s heyday that resonated with audiences it was Robert Clinton’s story of a lonely Alberta farmer, his mail order bride and their life unfolding that kept coming to mind. Kaszas, in the director’s chair again brings a fresh approach to the production but with a no less tender touch. She balances the dark undertones with the humour, so the result is a beautiful story of love, of calling a place home and making it one, of relationships and trials. With all of this, The Mail Order Bride can’t be categorized as drama or comedy. It is a human story and as such carries with it all emotional elements. Its characters are well-defined and very real, making their story all the more captivating. You like them and care. The story begins in 1954 with a rather intense Russell Teeter (Gil Garrett) and his wife Eva (Claire Burns) arriving from the city to prepare his grandparents’ farm for auction. While there, they meet Harold English (Brad Rudy) an old family friend, who takes them on a journey of understanding. Teeter’s grandmother, Charlotte (Catherine Fitch), was a 38-year-old spinister when she arrives in the dead of winter in 1908 Alberta, with a group of other mail order brides. Her ‘intended’ is a lonely, young farmer Charles Teeter (Daniel Roberts), who is less than satisfied initially with his much older bride. The play moves back and forth between that time and up to 1954, offering poignant glimpses into the life and family that the union creates. The audience learns of the Teeters’ son, who passes away as a child, and meets their daughter, Russell’s mother, Rachel (Marion Day), and his father, Art Milligan (Daniel Brière) a tractor salesman. The character of Harold binds the others together, and in Rudy’s portrayal we see a heart that is both time-worn and tender, a no-nonsense attitude, and a wry humour. Fitch is perfect as Charlotte, a woman with strength and courage that holds her up despite any challenge. Roberts as her husband strikes the right tone, his rough edges neatly tied with a thread of senstivity. Russell is a tightly-wrapped package of negative energy and attitude, bounding, hollering, and edgy and Garratt takes it unapologetically, full throttle. Rachel is a sharp, sensual woman, who feels suffocated and can’t wait to break out of her rural existance, then must find a way to live with the decisions she makes. Day sends those messages loud and clear. As the salesman, Briére has a slick, but endearing manner, while Burns is a sweet Eva. It is no small accomplishment for these two Blyth newcomers that they hold their own with the veteran performers. With today’s cavalier attitude to love and commitment, The Mail Order Bride is a breath of fresh air, a timeless classic that reminds some things are worth struggling for. The Mail Order Bride is on stage at Blyth until Aug. 15. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, JULY 16, 2009. PAGE 19.Entertainment Leisure&Theatre review‘Bride’ as stirring as a warm prairie breeze At the theatre In a tender scene from The Mail Order Bride, with a little imagination the audience is taken back in time as Marion Day, right as a young Rachel, and Brad Rudy, who briefly steps out of the role of Harold English to play her ‘little’ brother, hear a story from their father Charles, played by Daniel Roberts, top. The play, which was first on the Blyth Festival stage in 1988, is back again this season with shows until Aug. 15. (Terry Manzo photo) By Bonnie Gropp The Citizen Mr. & Mrs. Gerry & Nancy O’Reilly announce the forthcoming marriage of their daughter, Meaghan Marylou O’Reilly, to Kenneth Edward McCallum, son of Mr. & Mrs. Paul & Dianne McCallum, at St. James Church, Seaforth on Saturday, July 18, 2009. Forthcoming Marriage Help us celebrate 50 + 1 Wedding Anniversary for Pat and George Langlois 1958 - Hot Rods were cool, Beer was $5 a case, Montreal Canadiens won the Stanley Cup and Grama and Papa (Pat and George) were married. The family would like to invite everyone to the celebration on Saturday, July 25 at the BMG Community Centre Greetings at 7:30 pm Entertainment and presentations 8:30 pm Dancing to Wilbees and buffet to follow. Best wishes only or donations to Brussels Community Centre renovation fund. 50th Wedding Anniversary for Mel & Lois McArter You’re welcome to an Open House at the Brussels Legion Br. 218 Saturday, July 18, 2009 from 2-4 pm In lieu of gifts, best wishes or donations to the Brussels Legion Renovation Fund Stag & Doe for Sabrina Buffinga & Nick Knoop Saltford Valley Hall Saturday, July 18 9:00 pm - 1:00 am Tickets $5.00 Music by DJ Late lunch provided Age of majority For tickets call Susan 519-523-9216 Happy 16th Birthday Holly Love your family and friends HOW DOES ASTHMA AFFECT PEOPLE? • Sixty per cent of individuals with asthma have symptoms that are poorly controlled, which can often restrict their daily activities • Thirty-nine per cent of individuals report limitation in their physical activity due to asthma • Twenty per cent report absenteeism from school, work or social engagements due to asthma • In Canada, there are approximately 10 deaths from asthma per week; however, it is estimated that more than 80 per cent of asthma deaths can be prevented with proper asthma education and management