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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 vww.hurontel.on.ca 519-395-'3800,1