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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen-Blyth Festival 2000, 2000-06-21, Page 26PAGE 2. BLYTH FESTIVAL SALUTE, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 21, 2000. Classic stories, past hits, an intriguing new story on playbill Two hits from last year, a new non-musical version of the Anne of Green Gables story, and a new Peter Colley play — the 2000 Blyth Festival season seems to offer lots for audiences. If you didn’t get to see Death of the Hired Man, sorry to say you've missed out on the biggest hit of last year. Paul Thompson’s collective recreation of the last days of the threshing era was presented as a pre­ season treat at the Festival for all those who couldn’t get tickets last year. The spectacular show, featuring a near-life-size model threshing machine was, according to critics, even better this year than last. But now it’s time for the official opening of the season, beginning with the June 23 gala opening night performance of Anne, a new adaptation of the Anne of Green Gables stories by playwright Paul Ledoux who as a youngster growing up in Halifax, often visited Prince Edward Island and Green Gables and remembers being singularly unimpressed. In fact he refused to have anything to do with the story until he watched the television series and suddenly, like everyone else, was captivated by the story and got out the book and read it. The key to any production of Anne of Green Gables is the role of Anne and those who remember Samantha Reynolds from her parts in That Summer and Every Dream at the Festival last year will be looking forward to her in this charming role. Her “bosom friend” Diana is played by newcomer Birgitte Solem while the object of her affection, Gilbert Blythe is played by Caleb Marshall. Favourite festival stars Thomas Hauff and Terry Tweed play Matthew and Marilla, the brother and sister who become Anne’s adoptive parents. Another long-time festival friend, Diana Belshaw, directs the show. The Maritimes is again the setting for the second show of the season, though this time the setting is Nova Scotia in modem times. In Corker, playwright Wendy Lili (who is also a member of parliament) tells the story of a very busy and successful woman who “inherits” a problem from her sister, in the form of a mentally-challenged young street person named Corker who the sister had taken in before she died. Amid comedy and poignancy, the woman fights to keep her life from changing because of this strange young man but finds herself growing to love him anyway. Michelle Fisk, a star of the last two seasons in productions such as Yesteryear and Every Dream, takes on the pivotal role as Merit while Jamie Robinson, new to the Festival stage, plays the difficult part of Corker. Anne Anglin makes her return to Blyth for the first time in several seasons as Florence, Merit’s mother. Another long-time favourite who hasn’t acted on the Blyth stage in several years, returns when Layne Coleman takes on the role of Morgan in The Drawer Boy. As artistic director of Theatre Passe Muraille in Toronto, Coleman was the producer when this show took Toronto by storm last year. The story dips into the mythology of the making of The Farm Show in Huron County back in 1972. Gil Garrat, who was in The Death of the Hired Man earlier in the season, plays Miles, one of the actors who comes to visit two farmer brothers, Morgan and Angus while doing research for the show. He finds himself the brunt of the practical jokes of Morgan, who looks after his brother Angus (John Blackwood) who had a head injury during World War II. Originally commissioned by the Festival when it was called Morgan and Angus the play is written by a popular Blyth Festival actor, Michael Healey. It went on to win the Governor General’s Award for drama as well as the Chalmers Award for the best new play in Toronto. The play is directed by actor/director Eric Coates who has a busy summer, first playing the lead role in Death of the Hired Man and later directing the remounted version of his smash hit from last summer, When the Reaper Calls. A new play by Peter Colley is always something to look forward to and when it involves one of the most fascinating stories of recent times, the combination is irresistible. Stolen Lives — The Albert Walker Story, recounts the story of the Ontario businessman who made off with the lifesavings of his friends, neighbours and clients, abandoning his wife as he takes off for England to build a new identity. Later he is found out after he murders the man whose identity he stole. Caroline Gillis, who was an audience favourite in Wilbur County Blues and Jobs! Jobs! Jobs! in 1998, returns to play the role of Barbara, whose life is ruined by her husband who also steals their daughter, Sheena. Peter James Haworth makes his festival debut as the scoundrel Walker while Samantha Reynolds plays Sheena. Linda Moore, who directed Another Season’s Promise for its 1987 remount, directs Stolen Lives. Finally, the season wraps up with the return of When the Reaper Calls, Peter Colley’s comedy thriller which played at the smaller Garage theatre last season. When audience demand was too large for the smaller theatre, the decision was made to move the production to the main stage this season. Kate Hemblen returns in the role of the innocent Colleen, surrounded by scheming friends at a remote cabin in British Columbia. Other members of the cast are new including the husband and wife team of Derek Boyes as Victor and Arlene Mazzerolle, as Dora, the bickering husband and wife. Shawn Clarke plays Colleen’s husband Harlan while Jenn McCaw plays the police officer. This year also marks a milestone with the 25th anniversary of the Festival Art Gallery. Included will be the Silver Anniversary Show, highlighting some of the aspects of the 25 years as well as a season­ ending show by gallery co-founder Ron Walker. As well there will be an exhibition of the photography of Robert Evans and pottery by Shirley Clifford. (See page 12 for details.) Best Wishes for a great season Carrying stylish ladies’ clothing sizes 4-20 & cool kids’ clothes infant - size 14 Open 6 days a week evenings before theatre & Sundays 12-5 during July and August 523-9709Queen St., Blyth Looking forward to serving you with a smile this summer! /A 1 \ 4 Discover the Magic of ☆BLYTH this summer A warm WELCOME awaits you* COMING EVENTS The Bluewater Kennel Club Champion Dog Show & Obedience Trials July 4, 5 & 6 ★ ☆ ☆ Blyth Festival 2000 is produced by The Citizen a division of North Huron Publishing Company Inc. This special issue is edited by Keith Roulston Advertising manager: Jeannette McNeil For further information contact 523-4792 ★ Live Professional Canadian Theatre Marvellous Little Shops Quaint Bed and Breakfasts Restaurants Offering Home-Cooked Meals An Art Gallery featuring Canadian Artists The Old Mill and Bainton’s Old Mill carrying Canada’s largest selection of wool and leather Camping Facilities with hydro and water Enjoy a Nature Walk along the Brook Community Greenway Trail * ☆ * The Village of Blyth is committed to providing you with opportunities for a most enjoyable visit VILLAGE OF BLYTH COUNCIL AND BLYTH PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION Blyth ★ ☆ Jv. w Motorcycle Millennium Event August 18, 19 & 20 at Blyth Fairgrounds ★ Huron Pioneer Thresher & Hobby Association 39th Annual Fall Show September 8, 9,10 Thanks Blyth Festival for all the seasons of magic!