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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 2000-07-12, Page 18PAGE 18. THE CITIZEN, WEDNESDAY, JULY 12, 2000. Bly th season off to generally good start The first block of productions at Blyth Festival, Anne and Corker, have got the season off to a general­ ly well-received start. While the former receives consis­ tently good reviews, the latter cre­ ates a little more controversy among critics. Samantha Reynolds received glowing reviews for her perform­ ance as the young red-headed orphan. Robert Reid of The Kitchener-Waterloo Record says Reynolds “hits the jackpot as Anne.” “She successfully conveys the four qualities that define Anne: her irrepressible spirit, her intoxication with language, her insistence on the validity of the imagination and her growing affection for Matthew and Marilla. James Reaney of The London Free Press in discussing the play’s attributes says Reynold’s perform­ ance is “central to its success.” The Focus's Shelley McPhee Haist refers to Reynolds as being vivacious, while Bonnie Gropp of The Citizen called Reynolds “enchanting.” Reviewers generally had high praise as well for the rest of the cast, though Reid and Gropp did note a weak link in Thomas Hauff as Matthew. Reid said, “Hauff is unable to give Matthew a sub­ stance”, while Gropp said he seemed unsuited to such a low-energy per­ formance. However, Helen Hewitt of The Listowel Banner felt Hauff “recre­ ates the Matthew we all remember.” Terry Tweed as Marilla also received praise from the reviewers. “Tweed is the perfect foil for Reynolds’s exuberance”, said Reaney. “The moment when they realize just how much they rely on each other is a poignant one for the audience.” Reviewers also agreed that Anne is excellent family entertainment, with humour and poignancy. Reaction to Wendy Lili’s Corker was a little less consistent. While Reid said “Lili proves that politics and art can be compatible lovers”, Spiritgathering opens at Bainton Art Gallery Spirit of time, spirit of place, spirit of being. Open July 14, the latest Blyth Festival art show Spiritgathering combines the pho­ tography of Robert Evans of Elora and the pottery of Shirley Clifford of Ingersoll. “We thought that the abstract qual­ ity of Robert’s photos would fit very well with the raku and porcelain pots of Shirley,” said Gallery exhibi­ tion chair and curator Jerry McDonnell. After checking the tide tables for the day Evans takes his camera to the shores of Prince Edward Island. Some ot his photographs are taken from an airplane, focusing on the Wear a hat to Doon’s special day On Sunday, July 16 visit Doon Heritage Crossroads and explore the wonderful world of hats as the farm­ ers and villagers show off what was fashionable and practical at the turn of the century. In 1914 a lady or gentleman didn’t leave the house without a hat - prop­ er etiquette required it! Today, we are being advised to cover our heads Jamie Portman of National Post said, “..the social and political con­ cerns raised by the play are valid ones - and had the script actually lived up to its satirical claims Corker might have emerged as a provocative and dramatically valid piece of theatre. Instead we get tis­ sue-thin characterizations and shal­ low rhetoric, often delivered with the subtlety of a sledgehammer.” Jamie Robinson was given high marks from reviewers for his turn as a mentally-challenged young man. However, while Portman called his performance “persuasive” and “carefully detailed”, the remaining cast did not make the grade. “Director Ross Manson seems to be having problems finding the right style for this play and the other per­ formances suffer accordingly. They range from the tentative to the brit­ tle,” said Portman. Rick Whelan of The Beacon- Herald however, called the cast “first-rate and Janice Becker of The Citizen said the performances were “wonderful”. Though most reviewers noted the political message behind the play they believed it to be delivered well. Sarah Caldwell for Focus said the message does not come out “through a sermon”. Kevin Shillinglaw for The Wingham Advance-Times writes “this play takes a look at the uncar­ ing part of society and shows how even the most stubborn person can be taught that life is more than dol­ lars and cents.” Whelan said the play raises social conscience with “a great deal of humour and introspection”. Portman, however, said Lili “ham­ mers home her point” by creating a character whose job it is “to lecture us about the dire consequences of government cutbacks.” Blyth’s next block of openings begins July 25 with Michael Healey’s award-winning The Drawer Boy, followed Aug. I, by Stolen Lives - The Albert Walker Story, by Blyth favourite Peter Colley. tidal flats of the St. Peter’s Bay area, while others are from locations in Ontario or as far away as France. A renowned music composer, Evans transfers the melody, form, and music to the line, colour and light of photography. For Clifford the complications of living a fast-paced lifestyle are bal­ anced by the quiet satisfaction of exploring, discovering and creating her pots. Clifford has been intrigued with the art of^vessel-making for 30 years. The fine pieces of Spiritgathering will be exhibited in the Bainton Gallery from July 14 to Aug. 5. Admission is free. whenever we are out in the sun for health reasons. Hats and head cover­ ings are very much back in fashion. Bring a camera and get a picture taken in a favourite hat fashion from the turn of the century or bring your own favourite hat. A guaranteed fun-filled day for the entire family at Doon Heritage Crossroads from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Whitewater excitement Members of the Blyth Venturers enjoyed a trip recently that included a whitewater rafting expe­ rience. The group was accompanied by leaders Mike and Arden Scott. (Photo submitted) Venturers take on rapids Members of the First Blyth Venturers spent from June 25 to 29 on a big adventure for which they had raised funds for the past two years. They left Blyth on Sunday and overnighted at Bonechere Provincial Park, just east of Pembroke. Monday morning they met Alastair Baird of Canadian Voyageur Adventures and put in at Pontiac, Quebec. From there they all paddled a 32 foot-Voyageur canoe, retracing a route used by the original Voyageurs. They paddled to Oiseux (bird) Rock, where they hiked up a 500-foot cliff to a fresh, crystal clear lake for a refreshing swim. Guide Alastair, kept them spellbound with stories of the typical Voyageur life. Tuesday was an adrenaline-filled whitewater rafting trip. Suffice to say they got wet and swallowed lots of water. Some even felt they should Bread dough rising at Doon The bread dough is rising and the smell of fresh baked bread fills the air! Come to Doon Heritage Crossroads on Sunday, July 23 and use all of your senses to learn about bread making at the turn of the cen­ tury. For hundreds of years bread has been the staff of life and a staple in homes everywhere. At the turn of the century, bread was an important part of every meal. Discover how bread varied depending on availabil­ ity of supplies, ethnic and cultural heritage, personal taste and of course, the skill of the baker. Try your hand at kneading, see how different recipes were used and sample fresh bread as it comes out of the oven. A guaranteed fun-filled day for the entire family at Doon Heritage Crossroads from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. * Medic Alert SPEAKS FOR YOU www.medica I e r t . c a have received a reduced rate as they spent more time in the river than in the rafts. The water level was exceptionally high, to be matched only by the Venturers’ spirits. Their motto is “CHALLENGE” and the rapids of the Ottawa River certainly posed one. Venturers on the trip were Jen Jackson, Nathan Hubbard, Adam Jackson, John Storey, David Kelly, Kyle Aldnch and advisors Mike and Arden Scott. The First Blyth Venturers acknowledge those who supported their fundraising endeavours in the past and advisors Mike and Arden Scott. A spokesperson said, “As advi­ sors, they have provided us with numerous once-in-a-lifetime experi­ ences. Their hard work has been greatly appreciated by both Venturers and other parents. Welcome Home Cowboys Drew, Bryce & Chad Lots of Love, TheGirls Upc&tning. Ataviiape Doug and Gerry Fortune of Belgrave, Ontario and Bill and Joyce Diamond of Guelph, Ontario wish to announce the upcoming marriage of their children Julie Alanna and Gregory James The wedding will take place in the garden at the home of the bride’s parents on July 22, 2000. Graduation Shaun Walker, son of Jack and Lynn Walker graduated with honours from the University of Guelph - BSc Environmental Science program (Natural Resource management with emphasis in water management). Shaun has accepted a position with the regional office of the MNR at Thunder Bay. Congratulations, we. are very proud of you, Dad, Mom, Dean, Lauren & Erin