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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 1995-06-21, Page 23The Ballad ends Randi Helmers as Vivian makes peace with her father, Jack Tanner, portrayed by Jerry Franken in one of the final scenes of Ballad for a Ruth Runner's Daughter, which opened to a sellout crowd on Friday evening at Blyth Memorial Hall. Several musical talents highlighted this 21st season opening show. Theatre review `Ballad', a walk in the past June 20th, 1995 'Through the years of laughter and tears Love is the greatest 'gift" we are given to share .9-rappy 20th Anniversary Sweetie $4,700 TOTAL PRIZE MONEY Fri. - Thurs. June 23 - 29 Fri. & Sat. 7 & 9:10 PM Sun. - Thurs. 8 PM LONG DISTANCE? CALL 1.80'-255-3438 FOR TOLL FREE MOVIE INFO SATURDAY NIGHT DOORS OPEN 5:30 P.M. BINGO 7:00 PM SHARP $1,500 JACKPOT MUST GO! License # M068996 AT THE GODERICH COLUMBUS CENTRE BING '4N4AMIri By Bonnie Gropp The 21st season of The Blyth Festival kicked off on Friday evening with an imaginative, beautiful story of memories and regrets. Ballad for a Rum Runner's Daughter is a Romeo and Juliet story, with a Dickens' flavour, set during Prohibition. The ghost of an Irish female pirate, Granuaile, was once the imaginary playmate of Clare, her older sister, Vivian and their friends, Hiram and Willis. Granuaile comes back to haunt a skeptical Vivian the day before her birthday. She takes Vivian, now a bitter, middle-aged woman on a tour of the past, stirring memories that open, then heal wounds. Vivian is sanctimoniously angry about her rum running father's disregard for the law and the dictates of proper society. She is frustrated by what she sees as her sister's irresponSible foolishness in loving an RCMP officer and is blind to the love before her eyes in favour of a respectable liaison with a preacher. Vivian's reflections, as seen through the eyes of Granuaile, show the importance of family and forgiveness. What she learns is that we are all in control of our own lives, our own destinies and must not hold regret for any wrong turns we perceive we might have made. The story, written by Laurie By Janice Becker Well-known Canadian performer Kate Trotter has returned to Blyth, the home of her theatrical begin- ning, but this time it is to direct her first production at the Festival. Trotter, known for her appear- ances on many Canadian and American television productions, most recently Kung Fu, will be directing The Tomorrow Box, writ- ten by another veteran of the Blyth Festival, Anne Chislett. "Having performed in Box 15 years ago, I feel personally con- nected to the play," says Trotter. "It will be interesting seeing it from a different vantage point. As an actor, you cannot see it from the outside; you are just an instrument in the orchestra." "I don't know how different my vision of the play will be (as corn- Fyfe, who has had two other Blyth premieres, Bush Fire and Field of Flowers, has presented these life lessons in an entertaining, often poignant manner. Though the play does have some weak spots, most notably in its treatment of why the relationship between Clare and her officer ends, it is innovative and intelligent. Though the beginning may be a bit confusing, the development of character and plot becomes quite clear after only a short while, if the audience perseveres. Directed by the Festival's Artistic Director Janet Amos the play moves smoothly from scene to scene though transition from mood to mood, most obviously with the character of Vivian is a little blurred. Why she is high and mighty with regards to liquor then drinks it after a lengthy speech on its evils is a little bewildering. The acting is excellent with special note being given to Angela Fusco, who slips from the roles of the flamboyant Granuaile, to steady Aunt Melba, and the flirtatious Pearl with understated ease. Jerry Franken, a Blyth favourite, gave a typical solid turn as Jack Tanner, Vivian's father. Casting kudos go to Amos for her selection of the four young leads. Randi Helmers, last seen on the Blyth stage as Wild Mary in Tapestry Music Theatres Colours in the Storm is a perfect sensible pared to previous directors), but it will reflect how I see the world in the 90s. There may be subtle, unconscious differences." Trotter says she admires the past through which Maureen (central character in Box) has walked and wants to salute her integrity and strength as well as the men around her, as they come to understand her. "I want to show a younger gener- ation which comes to admire and respect the older generation." "This play explores the impor- tance of self-respect and freedom and expresses it with healthy and healing laughter." If you can get 400 people to enjoy and learn with laughter, it has been a good night at the theatre, says Trotter. The Tomorrow Box opens June 21 and runs through Aug. 26. East Coast girl, holding in the passion of her Celtic ancestry. The red-haired Trish O'Reilly is equally suited for the hot-blooded, impetuous younger sister, while Ted Atherton is so well-cast as the officer, one could believe he is really an RCMP posing as an actor, rather than the reverse. Equally good is Daniel Giverin, who seemed born to the cloth in his role as the young preacher. Though some of the characterizations were a little forced in the early scenes, particularly O'Reilly and Helmers, by the end of the first act all appeared to have settled into their roles. Another highlight of the play is the wonderful music composed by Beth Bartley and performed throughout by Bartley Musical Director Cathy Nosaty, Bartley's husband Mark Clifford and actor Daniel Giverin. Barney'sl husband Mark Clifford and actor Daniel Giverin. Bartley's music is powerful, haunting and beautiful. She displays an adeptness at composing various styles which blend well with the era and the tone of the story. The final ballad between Vivian and her father is a poignant piece that perfectly complements its bittersweet ending, in which Vivian has managed to "silence her innermost need so that it fades with a whisper of regret." Ballad for a Rum Runner's Daughter was a solid beginning to this Festival season. It runs until July 21. The interest was high and the turnout was large. Young actors vying for a spot on Blyth Festival's Young Company troupe came out in such large numbers on the first day of interviews that a second date has been scheduled. Anyone interested in acting should contact the Blyth Festival Administration Office to set up an interview for Monday, June 26, between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. This year's presentation, Hee Hee: Tales from The White Dia- mond Mountain, a journey through the magical stories and beautiful country of Korea, will be brought to life with music, story, mask and movement. Rehearsals for the production begin on July 10 and run through mid August with performances on Aug. 15 to 19 at 7:30 p.m. For the younger set, the Chil- dren's Drama Workshop will be offered from June 29 to July 7. The resulting sketch will be pre- sented to parents on July 8. Registration will be held on Wednesday, June 28 at The Garage from 9 a.m. until noon for five to eight-year-olds and from 1 p.m. until 4 p.m. for nine to 12-year- olds. Anyone wishing further informa- tion may call the Festival office at 523-4345. Happy 75th Mom June 25, 1995 Love, Glen, Ruth, Sandra, Leo, Dale, Fiona, Beth, Don, Karen, Rich & families THE CITIZEN, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 21, 1995. PAGE 23. E ntertainment t'estival interviews for Young Company K. Trotter comes to Blyth to direct 'Tomorrow Box'