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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 1997-09-10, Page 27E ntertainment Theatre review ‘Wingfield’ nothing but laughs THE CITIZEN, WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 1997. PAGE 27. By Janice Becker Citizen staff Comical, humorous, hilarious. No matter what words are used to describe Rod Beattie in Stratford’s Wingfield Unbound, they would be an understatement. From his opening dialogue as editor of the local newspaper to his description of a rather unpleasant confrontation with a ram and his meeting the ghost of Miller McNab, Beattie is more than a laugh a minute, as the old saying goes. Barely a phrase is spoken which does not elicit laughter from the audience. Though some may wonder how one man can portray a variety of characters and make them distinc­ tive enough to follow through a two hour production Beattie does so in stunning style. Each of his 13 characters is easily identifiable by stance, gesture and word. The players in the production come to life as Walt Wingfield (Beattie) acts out his weekly col­ umn which he submits to the local paper. He tells of the foibles of rural life through the eyes of an urbanite transplanted to the countryside, yet shows the humour which his neigh­ bours see in his often unwise deci­ sions. Some of the most hilarious scenes come when Beattie portrays Wingfield, his wife, Maggie, and her brother, the aging bachelor Freddie. The ingenuousness of Maggie is shown in his every move and heard in the words. Though her ways may be simple, and basic, one can see in her eye that she really knows what is best and is merely letting her husband believe he is in control of the situation. As far Freddie, anyone with bachelor farmers as relatives, friends or neighbours is sure to see the inspiration for the character. Freddie has lived in the community of Hollyhock his entire life, is familiar with the legends, the peo­ ple and the comings and goings yet seems too insecure to leave the house. The strength of Maggie is shown when Freddie and his nephews declare it a party weekend when Maggie is out of town. It would seem it is the only time they are allowed to drink. Even when her husband Wing­ field gets himself in trouble, her expression seems to say, in the sweetest and mildest manner, “Well dear, I warned you”, while subsequently chiding him. On one such occasion, Wingfield decides it is time to purchase a ram for his sheep herd. When Maggie learns he picked up a strapping specimen at the auction for a mere $25, she tells him it must be the notorious Pink Floyd (The explana­ tion of how he acquired such a name can be learned by attending.) When Wingfield receives a vicious butting, Maggie teases him about the imprint left on his back­ side because of anti-acid tablets he had in his back pocket. The humour comes when she explains to Wing- Phenomenal faces Rod Beattie displays an amazing abiltiy to portray a wide variety of characters in the one-man production, Wingfield Unbound, at the Tom Patterson Theatre in Stratford. field that the name of the tablets have been imprinted in reverse and are sure to cause chatter around the community. To discuss the comic scenes or each farcical face shown by Beattie would be endless. It must be expe­ rienced. ' Preview begins at 7 p.m. Continued from page 3 will be displayed in the Bainton Gallery starting Oct. 18 and a preview will be held the night of the event at 7 p.m. This is the second time around for such an event at the Festival. The idea came from former Festival board member Marian Doucette who got the idea at a national theatre conference in Edmonton. "It sounded like the perfect fundraiser for the .Festival, especially with our wonderful gallery space and long involvement with the visual arts and I just waited for the right time to try it," she said. It was first held in 1993 and called 3 x 3 in '93. Now, in 1997, the artwork dimensions remain the same to maintain the appealing "miniature" aspect. Anticipation and excitement surround the event as ticket holders get to choose their own pieces of artwork according to when their names are drawn. To help ease the suspense, there will be wine, gourmet hors d'oeuvres, door prizes, great company and entertainment by Goddard & Lewis, a married couple just returned from a six-month tour in Japan, who perform an eclectic range of music from rock to jazz to folk. If unable to attend 3 x 3 on Oct. No less credit can be given to the wonderful writing of Dan Needles who has put the words on the page for Beattie, in his fourth Wingfield composition. Wingfield Unbound has been extended through Oct. 1 and is a must see of the theatre season. 25, people can still have their choice of artwork by using a proxy page in the exhibition catalogue available to every ticket buyer. Choices will be honoured by the designated proxy at the event. A single ticket, including artwork, door prizes and refresh­ ments, is $97. One additional guest ticket for $3 allows the holder to enjoy refreshments and entertain­ ment but does not include the art draw. Draws begin at 8 p.m. Tickets may be ordered through J,he Festival Box Office at (519) 523- 9300. Media sponsor is CFPL Radio '98. FALL PROGRAM FOR SWIM AND FITNESS CLASSES starts Monday September 22 VANASTRA RECREATION CENTRE See Focus Sept. 6 or call 482-3544 Keep the "physical" in education! Research confirms that children who partidpate in daily physical education are more fit, have better health habits, are less susceptible to stress, and perform better academically. Sharing a Healthier Future - ^paRTiupacTion 11 SURROUND SOUND STEREO |M LISTOWEL 291-3070 I STARTS FRIDAY CINEMA 1 7 p.m. & Sunday Matinee at 2 p.m. GEORGE OF THE JUNGLE 9:00 pm (Restricted) HOODLUM 1 CINEMA 2 7 & 9 pm (AA) COP LAND SUNDAY MATINEE 2 PM LINE DANCING LESSONS NEW LOCATION now at the VANASTRA RECREATION CENTRE starts MONDAY SEPT. 15 •NEW BEGINNER CLASS AT 7:00 P.M. •INTERMEDIATE CLASS AT 8:00 P.M. for more information call Norma Preszcator (519) 482-3141 50th WeddingArit'dversary The family of George and Aileen Mutter extend an invitation to attend a party in honour of their parents' 50th Wedding Anniversary on Saturday, September 20 from 8-1 p.m. at the Llstowel Parkview Gardens. By special request there is to be no gifts. PARK THEATRE ENDS THURSDAY 8 PM NITELY Contact With Osteoporosis a fractured hip could be a life sentence. • • •• Osteoporosis /•. ••8*‘• Society ■ "r ’ of Canada Call 1-800-463-6842 for more information. Guess who is turning 18? Happy Birthday From Dad, Mom, Michael, Adam, Laura & Shane Golden Wedding Anniversary The family of Glen & Verlaine Van Camp would like to invite friends and neighbours to a COME & GO TEA at Belgrave Institute Hall from 2 to 4 p.m. on Saturday, September 13 in honour of their 50th Wedding Anniversary.