HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Goderich Signal-Star, 2009-07-15, Page 16Page A16 -Goderich Signal -Star, Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Johns' The Bootblack Orator takes audiences to the 1800s
signal -star publishing
A long time ago, but not very far away at
all, John R. Clarke, perhaps better known as
The Bootblack Orator, toured Huron County,
bringing education and entertainment to resi-
dents of the area with the aide of his "magic
lantern" projector.
Friday night, at the Blyth Festival Theatre's
opening night performance of the play, The
Bootblack Orator, inspired by Clarke's illus-
trated lectures, those fortunate enough to be
in the audience got a taste of that long -ago
magic.
The Bootblack O►utor, penned by Seaforth
native Thd Johns, and inspired by Clarke's
travelling lectures, offers an engaging and
well -researched snapshot 'of life and the hot
topics of the day as they were in Huron Coun-
ty in the 1800s. The temperance movement,
artists, poets, the ominous threat of roller
rinks, and something cryptically referred to as
"the girl problem," are explored with enough
humour and wit to ensure that the history les-
sons contained aren't too dry.
Instead of the familiar request that patrons
turn off their cell phones and avoid crinkling
their candy wrappers often heard at the begin-
ning of a theatrical performance, the audience
is immediately whisked back to the 1800s,
amid much laughter, when they are asked in-
stead to surrender any flasks of alcohol to the
ushers at the top of the show.
Johns, who sports some serious mutton-
chops to play the title role of Mr. Bootblack,
is well matched onstage by Blyth Festival fa-
vourite, Janet Amos, who takes on the chal-
lenge of portraying the play's four remaining
characters, Mrs. Edith Bootblack, Mary Shel-
ley, Susie'I\ventycents, and Sarah Heany.
Amos' seemingly boundless energy and
lively delivery make for an engrossing perfor-
mance as she admirably handles the transitions
back and forth among different characters of
varying ages, while Johns' natural storytelling
ability makes him a delight to listen to.
As well as sharing and narrating a beauti-
ful array of "slides" featuring everything from
famed works of art, to views of every type
of beetle imaginable, reminiscent of science
class, both Amos and Johns spout an alnost
constant stream of fascinating references to
Huron County, as it was during the time when
there were three trains a day through Blyth,
and Clinton boasted an impressive total of 30
telephones.
They keep the audience chuckling through-
out.
The lighting, which plays a vital part in
bringing the "magic lantern" projector to life,
is flawlessly done and the relative simplicity
of both the set and costumes lends itself well
as a background for the colourful projections.
Johns' enthusiasm for his subject matter
and enjoyment in sharing his well -researched
knowledge of the county is evident in his per-
formance, script and lovingly crafted charac-
ters.
Residents and history buffs alike will find
The Bootblack Orator a charming celebration
of the history of Huron County, and rural On-
tario.
Photo submitted
Real-life husband -and -wife team Ted Johns and Janet Amos take on the roles of
Mr. and Mrs. Bootback in The Bootback Orator.
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