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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 1997-06-18, Page 19THE CITIZEN, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 18,1997 PAGE 19. ntertainment Graduation nearsE Theatre review Light touch on tragedy Continued from page 2 to our. school. She is currently teaching at Clinton Public School. She will be teaching Grade 7-8 and Music for various classes. We are glad she has come to visit a few times so we could meet her. The Grade 6,7 and 8 band went to Zurich last Friday. In the morning we performed at Huron Centennial, and then we went to Zurich Public School. We had Grade 7-8s went to Tech. 21 Centre last Tuesday. It was a success! It was the last time we go this year. Grade 7 and 8 will be going to the IMAX Theatre in London to watch the new release Titanica. We have learned a lot about the Titanic, and it will be a great success. We are sorry to hear that Mrs. Perrie and Mr. Hooftman are retiring. We will miss them. By Bonnie Gropp Citizen staff While tragedy remains the formidable focus of Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet, this season's Stratford Festival production is treated with a lighter hand than usual. The first act in particular, before obsessive infatuation and naive wrecklessness fully come into play, effectively evokes the jocosity of its characters. Director Diana LeBlanc draws attention to the playwright's sardonic bite, sharpen­ ing it to expose as much humour as possible. From the mercurial Mercutio and the lovesick Romeo to the naughty nurse the actors have as much fun as they can with the tragic roles, playing them, if not for laughs, then with the frivolity of youth. The story of the star-crossed lovers was moved for this produc­ tion from Verona, Italy to the tropi­ cal Nereva. While it leant a certain sensuality to the play, helped by costuming's filmy, unfettered gowns, I didn't see that it enhanced the play in any way. Nor for that matter, did it detract. Casting was interesting with some less than obvious choices. Diana D'Aquila is an attractive Nurse, with a fiery Mediterranean look. The elegant Chick Reid is a sultry Lady Capulet, who looks lit­ tle older than Marion Dav. who plays Juliet. Her husband, the wealthy Lord Capulet is portrayed by black actor Roy Lewis. While this may seem incongruous at first, with the different setting there is a sense of change, of ideas and val­ ues apart from the rest of the world that happen to make it work. As Lewis carries the role of the patri­ arch with authority, it shouldn't take long to ease any consternation a theatre-goer may have. In his first major Stratford role, Jonathan Crombie is an endearing Romeo, possessing just the right mix of impetuous fire and youthful insouciance. Day, on the other hand is a less effective Juliet. Though the 28-year-old, who considers herself to be more a character actor than a romantic lead managed to carry off the ingenue, it seems at times that she is trying so hard, she forgets to act. When agitated or upset, her monologues tended to be more recitation than emotion. rariing^ sucn sweet sorrow Stratford Festival's Romeo and Juliet, Jonathan Crombie and Marian Day, are reluctant to say their final farewell, debating the songs of the nightingale and lark. Romeo has been banished for killing Tybalt, Juliet's cousin, who had slain his friend Mercutio. Geordie Johnson, who dazzled last year in Sweet Bird of Youth, is a flamboyant Mercutio, while Stephen Bogaert does a sinister turn as the troublemaking Tybalt. Graham Abbey is a gentle Paris and Benedict Campbell gives a solid performance as the padre, who befriends the young people. Conrad Coates, is an imposing presence, as the Prince. With no major star to carry the show, as in the last Stratford mounting of Romeo and Juliet, starring Megan Follows, the only attraction for audiences would be Shakespeare's most recognized work, itself. The compelling story of young love, of hate and foolish haste has mesmirized for centuries. As the full-house in attendance on this particular night would attest, this production is no different. And while this Romeo and Juliet may not be the best it has given it new life, pulling back slightly, trad- Saturday, June 23th 3 am -1 pm All Morning Pancakes & Sausages [Entertainment] 11:30-1:00 9:30-11:30 "Jammin with Phil Main" Berry Many & Magic in Motion's Fun and Games with Children’s Theatre The Optimist Club Admission Fee for Entertainment lunch there and met up with our Pen Pals. Zurich school was nice to supply hot dogs and pop for each of the students. The Kindergarten A and B went to a sheep farm. Annamieka Kerhof said she loved the sheep and just loved the chance to see them. Ben Gowing loved the sheep too. He said he got to pet the babies. Some children got to even feed the sheep. They thought it was cool that there was one black sheep. They saw sheep dogs chasing the sheep around. Ben thought that the bus ride was really cool! All the kids would really like to go again. The sheep farm is owned by Lismores, near Gorrie. The Grade 8s are busy making decorations for their graduation. Grade 7 is invited to the dance. DJ is Corey Smith. Some Grade 8s have been counting down the days since May. Theme of the party is Tropical Garden. Congratulations to Katie Clark for being chosen for valedictorian. The supper includes chicken, pie, mashed potatoes, com, peas and to drink is apple juice. The Grade 7s would like to thank you for getting us ready for next year and we are going to miss you. Vanastra Recreation Centre SUMMER PROGRAM ‘97 June 30 to September 6 SUMMER WITH A SPLASH • Youth Red Cross Lessons • Adult Lessons • Pre-School • Aqua Fitness • Swim Team • Daily Recreational Swims For information or to register call 482-3544 egy's dark cloak, to reveal light and variation. capitoc kib f TWIN CINEMA ] | SURROUND SOUND STEREO LISTOWEL 291-3070 l l l l l l l l STARTS FRIDAY i n i i r i i CINEMA 1 (AA FRIGHTENING 7 & 9:30 SCENES) BATMAN AND ROBIN SUNDAY MATINESS 2 PM 2 CINEMA 2 (pg may _ _ OFFEND)7:15 AUSTIN POWERS m i .. . . . . . . . 9 ROMY & MICHELLE’S HIGH SCHOOL REUNION SUNDAY MATINEE 2 PM (AA LANGUAGE MAY OFFEND) A sincere thank you to our family for the surprise limousine ride to Woodstock for a wonderful family dinner to celebrate our 50th wedding anniversary June 14. Also thank you to family, relatives and friends for cards and best wishes. Special thanks to friends at Bainton's Old Mill for the beautiful flowers. Harold and Bernie Gross ^Country Market^ Family Farm Adventure Hwy #6>6E Lucknow 52.&-2.9OO The family of Alex and Helen Cullen cordially invite you to an open house in celebration of their 5071/ WEDDING ANNIVERSARY Saturday, June 21, 1997 2-4 p.m. Grey Central Public School Best wishes only BLYTH LIONS CLUB presents GUITARS & A Tribute to Dwight Yokum CADILLACS Also performing Bouyou (Kim Souch) Blyth & District Community Centre ~ Arena Floor Saturday, June 28,1997 Dancing 9:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m. Tickets available at the door $15.00 per couple or $8.00 per person Age of Majority Required Lunch Available Being held in conjunction with Santa's Summer Toy Ride Proceeds to Community Projects For Information ~ 523-9121 or 523-4545