HomeMy WebLinkAboutGoderich Signal Star, 2011-08-17, Page 41c sold out, world premiere
rmance of Early August did
isappoint on opening night.
udience at the Blyth Festival
re loved id
is inside look backstage of a
mer company --thinly
uised as Blyth's own—
nates with the myriad
rics that occur behind the
es, liberally infused with
dy and satire.
onto playwright ICate Lynch
t on with dialogue, nuance
her realistic take on what
ens after the spotlights as a
n winds down in small-town
n County.
rly August is my homage to
•town of Blyth and the
erful artists I've had the
ure of working with at the
Festival," says Lynch.
rector Shari Hollett's
retation and presentation of
hs well written script is
d the talented cast romps
ugh Early August with
siasm, enacting the 'early
st hump' that can take place
ng a summer season—
ily scattering one-liners and
rs along the way.
Myth regular Gil Garai( adeptly
portrays "Albert," the good-looking
actor who flirts on auto pilot,
typical of a playboy performer.
But maybe, just maybe Albert
wants to be real.
Newcomer Haley McGee is
perfect as "Chelsea" whose tattoos
and Gotta make-up are a front for
someone who is serious about
'acting.
Chelsea's hysterical outbursts at
her current lot in life are
wonderfully authentic, entirely
typical of the age of her character.
Sara Orenstein, also new to
Blyth, delivers an entirely genuine
"Gina," a stage star a litde-past her
best -before date, mostly broke,
and slightly full of herself.
Gina's economic pragmatism
and earthy personality contrast
the latent romanticism that leaves
her vulnerable.
Tova Smith's capable
performance -as "Stephanie," the
sincere acting professional hoping
to do Shakespeare, includes
drama queen meltdowns that Just
might thwart these aspirations.
Catherine Fitch, familiar to
Blyth theatregoers, once again
serves up a flawless pertbrmance
as the long-suffering 'Teddy,"
Tem Muni
Haley McGee, Tiiva Smith, Sarah Orenstein and Catherine Fitch in EarlyAugust
by Kate Lynch,
stage manager cure den mother to
the eccentric bunch from whom
she needs, indeed demands, "the
performances of your lives."
Efficient, stressed and capable,
Teddy somehow keeps the show
on track and on time, even when
her job a lot more like herding
squirrels—and
manages more than the stage in
the process
As Teddy says in exasperation,
"There's more drama in this
dressing room than on the stage!"
"Early August serves up a
carefree evening at the theatre
that's loaded with laughs and full
of heart," reports Blyth Artistic
Director Eric Coates.
Intrinsic to "Early August" is
the fact that it is actually a play
within a play. The cast on stage is
also preparing for and ersatz
performing on another stage
offstage.
Chelsea, Gina and Stephanie
deftly change costumes for their
summer production while acting
Ira Early August—dresses, hats,
shoes, wigs all go on and off
smoothly in the midst of
complicated lines, an amazing
feat in itself.
A play that includes Chanterelle
mushrooms, Chateau Haute -
Brion '89, lingerie, a Fire Marshall,
country critters and a Mountie in
uniform has something for
everyone.
And if you've ever wondered
what really goes on in the dressing
room, "Early August" will let you
in on the scoop --framing it in
brilliant comedic moments.
As your reviewer has said
before, don't miss this one either!
Performances August 5 to 27
Tickets: www.blythfestival.com
1-877-862-5984
THERE
Channelsas low as
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