The Citizen, 2007-07-05, Page 23THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, JULY 5, 2007. PAGE 23.Entertainment Leisure&Theatre review‘Eyes’ looks at supernatural and spiritual
There are a lot of gaps in Beverley
Cooper’s The Eyes of Heaven,which
opened Blyth Festival’s 33rd season
on Thursday night — the generation
gap, the gap between imagination
and reality, between races, heaven
and earth, science and nature, even
between good and bad journalism.
All of this makes for a busy story.
But the central focus pulls it all
together. And Cooper takes such an
honest approach that the play is an
accurate account of what it means to
live in this perfectly flawed universe.
In the beginning we have Glen, a
50-ish woman, chatting on the phone
about being menopausal. She
continues her overtly upbeat chatter,
even as the entrance of her teenage
daughter Eloise brings with it an
aura of mild aggression. The pair
mix words and moods, struggling to
understand each other.
After grudgingly granting
permission for Eloise to attend a
party, Glen looks to the heavens and
her late husband for guidance,
feeling he would have done so much
better raising their daughter than
she. Besides grieving she is bitter
and angry that she has been left to
cope alone.
When Eloise comes home past
curfew with a story that is a little
difficult to swallow it sets the two of
them on a path to resolution.
However, their journey leads to the
many questions of most mere
mortals, about the heavens and
beyond.
Eyes is a tale of the supernatural
and the spiritual. It gives thought on
common views of what lies beyond
this world — in life and death. It’s a
lesson in values, on focusing on
what’s important, rather than
popular opinion.
Directed by Gina Wilkinson, the
play captures life’s frenetic flow,
constant, often unconscious,
movement.
The set design by Pat Flood is
perfect, simple but with effective
details. Watching the scene between
Eloise and her science teacher one
feels the omnipotence of the starry
evening as if they were under the
heavens themselves.
The earth bound star is Laura
Schutt, a second year George Brown
Theatre School student who shines
as Eloise. Susan Stackhouse as Glen
is every mom, an earthy mix of no-
nonsense guidance and insecurity.
Andrew Moodie, who penned the
Blyth Festival premiere Wilbur
County Blues, brings a rational voice
to the mix as the teacher, while
Andrea Donaldson plays the gal
with an ulterior motive, Christine.
Setting its sights high The Eyes of
Heaven keeps contemplation
moving from the mysteries of the
skies, to the wonder, and worries, of
being. Yes, it’s busy. But such is life.
The Eyes of Heaven plays at Blyth
Festival until Aug. 11.
Under the skies
Laura Shutt as Eloise, and Andrew Moodie as her science
teacher contemplate the heavens above in this scene from
the Blyth Festival’s opening play of the 33rd season The
Eyes of Heaven. (Terry Manzo photo)
By Bonnie Gropp
The Citizen
Blyth Rd., Auburn 519-526-7759
NOW LICENSED
UNDER LIQUOR LICENCE ACT
OF ONTARIO
Stickers Family Restaurant
Monday - 6:30 - 4:00;
Tuesday & Wednesday 6:30 - 8:00;
Thursday, Friday & Saturday 6:30 - 9:00;
Sunday 9:00 - 7:00
Saturday,
July 7
Steak & Wings
Night
5 pm - Closing
Friday Smorg. ~ 5 pm - 8 pm
Sunday Smorg. ~ 4 - 7 pm
Wingham & District Community
Living Association
Congratulations
Wray and Debbie Wilson of Fordwich
Winners of $500 in the
Wingham & District Community Living Association’s
Early Bird Draw
for their Annual Lottery Dinner & Dance
Dinner and Dance
will be held in Lucknow on September 22
Tickets $100 includes dinner for 2
- get yours before the next early bird draw on August 24.
Call Connie at 519-357-3562 (x 208)
Benefit Dance
to help cover travel expenses and
accommodations for
Jason and Donna (Pattison) Young and
baby Matthew, born December 22, 2006
(1 lb. 14 oz, present weight 10 lb. 1 oz.)
Matthew has remained in London
Hospital since delivery.
Saturday, July 14
Wingham Legion
9:00 pm - 1:00 am
Tickets $5.00 ea.
or donation at the door.
For more information phone
519-357-1790 or
519-357-2817
Lunch, silent auction,
door prizes, 50-50 draw
Happy 40th
July 5th
Russell Nesbitt
Love your family
STILL CUTE AS EVER
Oh my Lordy
our daddy is
turning “40”!
Love: Braeden & Kaeden,
Alesha, Kayla & Hunter
Continued from page 1
Parliament Paul Steckle, North
Huron Reeve Neil Vincent and
Ontario Arts Council representative
Pat Bradley applauding the success
of the theatre in their remarks. The
theatre’s season sponsors –
Sparling’s Propane and CTV were
applauded at the opening night
festivities along with Compliments
food products, 101.7 The One and
CKNX AM 920 – sponsors of The
Eyes of Heaven.
“On opening night we celebrate
the many people behind the scenes
who support our theatre and applaud
their contributions with special
presentations of season posters,”
said Jane Gardner, general manager.
“This year we have over 60 people
working with as actors, designers,
directors, or on the production team
to create sets, costumes, sound, and
props. After each of our opening
nights, we invite the entire audience
to join us in the Lower Hall to meet
the cast and creative team involved
in the show with the Benmiller Inn
sponsoring the gourmet treats after
the show.”
The next show,Queen Milli of
Galt opens on July 6 at 8 p.m. at
Blyth Memorial Hall.”
For more information:
www.blythfestival.com or call 1-
877-862-5984 for a brochure.
Festival
season
begins