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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 2005-06-23, Page 23THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, JUNE 23, 2005. PAGE 23. Entertainment & Leisure Theatre review Avon Theatre’s ‘Cat’ not all that hot Steamy Cynthia Dale as Maggie, attempts to seduce her drunken husband Brick, played by David Snelgrove, in Tennessee Williams’ Cat On A Hot Tin Roof playing at Stratford’s Avon Theatre until Oct. 29. (David Hou photography) I95X film ot the play because it removed any suggestion ol homosexuality in lhe relationship of Brick and Skipper, there was no question about its sensuality. Elizabeth Taylor was all heat as Maggie and Paul Newman's Brick made it easy to sec why she was frustrated. This may be a problem lor people accustomed to that version. Few do sultry and simmering better than Taylor. Conversely, while no one would argue that Cynthia Dale, who plays Maggie at Stratford, looks fetching in a slip, she fails to bring to life The Cat’s smoldering sexuality. For his part, no one could doubt Newman's good looks could drive a woman to desparation. And his Brick was a complex mix of anger , confusion and hopelessness. The boyish David Snelgrove didn't quite convey the necessary level of cynicism and frustration, succeeding more in giving a rather lackadaisical portrayal. While the young leads fall a little short, however, the dependable James Blendick as Big Daddy does an excellent job. Though not grand of stature he is a strong enough presence to confidently impart the idea of power and strength. Likewise one can always count on Lally Cadeau. Her Big Mama breathes some life into the production, adding humour and heart. What may have been a caricature stops short. And she delivers the best, most consistent, southern accent. The set design by Lorenxo Savoim is one element that stirs up the heal With such a vivid depiction ol a plantation house bed chamber, one can almost feel the mugginess ol a southern summer. Though the production flows smoothly, director Richard Monette tails to spark any inspiration, leaving this Cat to slink along adequately, rather than spectacularly/ It delivers, just not enough. Cat On A Hot Tin Roof playing al lhe Avon Theatre until Get 29. By Bonnie Gropp Citizen editor Hot. it’s not. Stratford Avon Theatre’s production of Tennessee Williams’ Cat On a Hot Tin Roof is like a slow- starting fire. There seems to be heat, but it just won’t ignite. The Pollitt family have gathered at the plantation to celebrate Big Daddy’s 65th birthday. Everyone but the guest of honour, who has not made a will, and his wife know that it will be his last as he is suffering from cancer. There is much interest and concern from some family members regarding the estate. Big Daddy has two sons. Gooper, a lawyer and Brick, an alcoholic former athlete who is his father s favourite. While Gooper and his wife Mae, however, are expecting their sixth child. Brick’s wife Maggie has yet to conceive. Her husband has refused to touch her since the death of his close friend Skipper. Throughout the play that friendship is examined. Many truths are brought forward and questions are answered. Eventually, with Brick’s inheritance threatened by their childlessness. Maggie takes desparate measures to fake a pregnancy and seduce her husband. While Williams didn’t like the ----- -----------------------------------------------------------------------• 3tap.p.y. 25tk fUteb- <£ Eautie I —— Farmers ’ Market open this Saturday Blyth Area Farmers’ Market opens for the 2005 season on Saturday. The downtown market, located at the southwest corner of Dinsley and Queen Sts. will operate from 1-4:30 p.m. every Saturday until Sept. 10 this year. The market has become more established this year with a market association formed and Keith White hired as market manager. It’s hoped that the market experience will be enhanced from time to time with entertainment. The market is still seeking new vendors (last year the number of vendors ranged from six to 10) and anyone interested can call Keith Roulston at 523-4792 (days) or 523- 9636 (evenings and weekends). f Ron & Betty M Callum 'I together with • Gloria MacGillivary • C: &r Tom Clegg Q .' wish to announce the*, forthcoming marriage of their children i Janice Marie I | MCallum & I Robert Erik MacGillivary 1 Saturday, June 25, 20051 at the home of < e , Ron and Betty (Q McCall um wy:—:-------—F forthcoming^ Marriage Paul and Kathy Elliott of Brussels and Robert and Carol Rahm of Leamington are pleased to announce the engagement of their children Lesley Denise and Jeffery Robert The wedding will take place on June 25, 2005 at 2:00 p.m. at Holy Name of Jesus Parish in Essex. Reception to follow at Folgolar Furlan Club in Windsor. L Love, Coultes & Campbell I families ft Sat. June 25, Craig Fair coming home CRAIG FAIR IN CONCERT 2005 2 & 8 p.m. Wingham Town Hall Heritage Theatre Res. Seating $22.00 Box Office 357-4082 Ticket outlets - Gibson’s Men’s Shop, Anchor Pub Ernie King Music, Sillick Pro Hardware (Teeswater), Susan Fair 357-2096 or 7904 www.craigfair.com