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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 1992-06-17, Page 23A tight rein Dwight McFee does some ropin' cowboy style in the Blyth Festival premiere performance of The Puff 'n' Blow Boys, which opened the 18th season of the festival on Friday night. The play was written by Vai Brandt Jenkins. Theatre Review Play a trip to the past BY LARRY CARDIFF characters, but instill a sparkling THE CITIZEN, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 17,1992. PAGE 23. E ntertainment Festival announces program It was like taking a trip into the past as The Puff 'n' Blow Boys by Valoreyne Brandt Jenkins, opened the 18th season of Blyth Festival to a packed house, on Friday, June 12. The comedy, directed by Bill Dow, is based on cowboy poetry, with vignettes, poems, songs and many humerous light-hearted tall tales of the west. Bill Dow will be remembered by Blyth Festival audiences for his portrayal of Harold in The Mail Order Bride and as director of Barbershop Quartet. Composer Michael Taylor weaves music and traditional cow­ boy songs into the western legends and stories told on stage, with such cowboy classics as "Back In The Saddle Again", "Home On The Range", "Tumbling Tumbleweeds", and "The Streets Of Laredo." To me, it brought back childhood memories of my father's country music, and of watching those old "dusters" on T. V. Many in the audience responded to these old favorites by humming along, and by actually joining in on "Home On The Range" and the final chorus of "Hang On Alberta, I Love You". The Puff 'n' Blow Boys, Ms. Jenkins' first play, recalls the tall tales of a beautiful mail-order bride that ran away, the hazards of roping cattle, the etiquette of eating prairie oysters (calf testicles), a saddle tramp's love lorn tale of "Miss World of Beef', the horse back vet, and the bull rider to name a few. The stories are all humorously told in western tradition with the colourful language of the cowpoke. The Puff 'n' Blow Boys is also about the passing of a legend, a vanishing of a breed. It is a fitting tribute to the spirited heroes of the Canadian west. But the play is not only just about Alberta, but of our own "native princess". There are admirable perfor­ mances by Jerry Franken, Dwight McFee and Patrick Masurkevitch as the cowboys who tell the tall tales by the campfire. The three cast members not only bring to life their breath of life into their stones as well. Warren Carrie has done a won­ derful job designing sets and cos­ tumes that virtually transport you to the foothills of the Rockies, com­ plete with corral, bales of hay, sad­ dles, and a campfire with a brewing pot of coffee. The lighting design by Lesley Wilkinson was quite impressive with its twinkling stars overhead, and the flashing strobe effects in the bullriding scene worked won­ ders on the imagination. Slow in parts, The Puff 'n Blow Boys often only drew sparse laugh­ ter and scattered applause, but there were plenty of humorous highlights that more than made up for for the slow moments. The opening crowd appeared to be quite impressed, if their lengthy applause at the play's conclusion is of any indication. I thoroughly enjoyed it and it seemed to be over far too quickly. Growing up exposed to the American film version of their western heritage, it was refreshing to be reminded that we have our own western heritage to be proud of. For a light-hearted, refreshing, and often humerous evening, I thor­ oughly recommend it. The hit of the 1989 Edmonton Fringe Festival, The Puff 'n' Blow Boys will continue playing at Blyth until August 29, 1992. Happy 40th GVC Happy 10th Anniversary The Blyth Festival is pleased to announce details for the 1992 youth workshops for children between the ages of five and 12 years. This year's youth workshops will focus on the environment and our community. Registration for all is Friday, June 26 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Blyth Community Memorial Hall. Registration is $10 per child for the two-week session. Friday, July 10 is the final day of their workshop, when parents and children can participate in theatre activities together. The youth workshop co-ordinator is Joanne Olson (Wingham), assisted by Rachel Brophy (Lucknow), Michelle Carter (Clinton), Renee Devereaux (Seaforth), Dave Latour (Zurich), and Rachel Thompson (Montreal). Daily sessions are: mornings 9:00 to 12 Noon (ages 5-8) and afternoons 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. (ages 9 - 12). No need to register early, just show up on registration day, June 26 or call the Blyth Festival at 523- 4345 if you're not able to register on that day. Beginning July 13, the Blyth Festival is once again offering its six week summer programme for students aged 13 to 18 years - the Young Company. They will present an environ­ mental play written and performed entirely by the students under the direction of professional, Jennifer Brewin. Registration is free and BUCK & DOE for Kevin Lee & Bobbi Jo Marks Friday, June 19 Blyth Community Centre 8:00 p.m. -1:00 a.m. Music by Soundproof Phone 523-9274 for tickets 4 or 40 You're still Sporty Happy Birthday GVC Love Adriana, Becky, Gavin & Colleen there are no costs to workshop participants. The Young Company members will research local environmental issues as well as those of national and global concern, work with guests workshop leaders and travel with their show to locations outside of Blyth. Rehearsals for the Young company are Monday through Friday (morning and afternoon) until the final performance day on August 15. If this sounds interesting to you, Call Jennifer Iutzi at the Blyth Festival administration office at 523-4345 for more information. CLEAN-UP BRIGADE Put yukkies in their place! Graduation Julie Howson, daughter of Bill and Susan Howson of Blyth, graduated from Queen's University, Kings­ ton, with a Bachelor of Science degree In Physical Therapy on May 23, 1992. She will be working at Stratford General Hospital. THURSDAY NIGHT IS WING NIGHT 5 P.M. - MIDNIGHT WINGS 35e EACH MINIMUM ORDER 10 a variety of sauces available Wings available for take out at regular price of 50c each. THURS., FRI., & SAT. 5 P.M. - MIDNIGHT WINGS & CHIPS $5.45 EAT IN OR TAKE OUT THURS., FRI. & SAT. NITES PIZZA 5 P.M. - MIDNIGHT EAT IN OR TAKE OUT ENTERTAINMENT The Clamps June 19 & 20 Graduation Oscar Van Den Assem graduated from Redeemer College on May 23, 1992 with majors in History and Religlon/Theology and a minor in Philosophy. Oscar Is a graduate of F.E. Madill and Brussels Public School. Congratulations from your family.