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HomeMy WebLinkAboutHuron Expositor, 2017-06-07, Page 9Wednesday, June 7, 2017 • Huron Expositor 9 Local playwright explores rural Ontario's history in Kingsbridge The Musical On June 15, Kingsbridge The Musical— AV an original play that showcases local talent and tells a story of rural life in the '50s—premieres at Kingsbridge Centre as part of Ontario 150 celebrations. Sheila Pritchard Postmedia Network Kingsbridge The Musical, an original theatre produc- tion written and directed by Goderich playwright Warren Robinson depicting life in rural Ontario in the 1950s, will premiere at the Kings- bridge Centre on June 15. The show features local volunteer musicians, actors, and technical talent of all ages from the Kingsbridge community and will run Thursday, June 15, Friday, June 16, and Saturday, June 17 at 8 pm and on Sunday, June 18 at 2 pm. Robinson, who has written three other musicals that were set in Goderich at vari- ous historical times, says this story looks at Kingsbridge life in the late 1950s. "So much was changing in rural life— electricity and indoor plumb- ing—the move to the cities by young people, the selling off of lakefront property to sup- port the farm, and how these changes affected the dynamic of the community" The idea for the musical came from St. Joseph's Kingsbridge Community (SJKC) and was commis- sioned by the Kingsbridge Centre, with support from the Province, as part of SJKC's Ontario 150 program. The not-for-profit organiza- tion wanted to highlight its community in Canada's 150th year. Robinson says his time with the community and his love of music and local his- tory made this an ideal pro- ject for him. He and his wife owned a cottage in Kings- bridge and attended St. Joseph's Church (now Kings- bridge Centre) for 20 years. "I knew the community was extremely musical and that inspired me to make it a musical. I also have long admired the strength and cohesiveness of the commu- nity. Adversity only toughens them." As for his creative process, Robinson wrote the script and songs together. He says often a song idea would sug- gest a scene or vice versa. "I laid out a plan based around three sets of relationships that continue throughout the play. I also tried to ensure there were scenes covering essential elements of the community." Robinson needed to research the rich history of Kingsbridge. For this, SJKC members spent time with senior community members to learn firsthand what vari- ous aspects of life looked like in the tight -knit hamlet in the '50s. "I felt that the elders would be more forthcoming with people they knew," says Robinson. "Fortunately SJKC members were able to gather lots of material:' "The play is what I call 'faction," Robinson says. "The story and characters are based on reality but I have fictionalized them." He says sometimes it worked to combine several similar sto- ries into one and sometimes it was necessary not to reveal names. "However, anyone familiar with local characters will soon know who is being presented." The musical score was a collaborative effort. "I was so lucky to have Mike Reynolds and [wife] Eleanor Robinson as composers. They are both creative and flexible," says Robinson. "Sometimes the melody would come first and sometimes the lyric would." The trio tried to strike a balance between rol- licking comic songs and ten- der ballads, he says. "As this is a 'folk musical,' the instru- mentation is fiddle, banjo, guitar, keyboard, bass, man- dolin family instruments and concertina. Coinciden- tally, the late 1950s was the beginning of the folk music boom so having a folk musi- cal seemed appropriate" Robinson says working with the Kingsbridge com- munity has been "a dream." "I have never had this many fine singers in a single cast. There are 37 people in the cast and the vast majority of them sing very well. [The tal- ent] will blow you out of the hall." In true musical fash- ion, there is also dancing. "Along with the acting and singing talent there is a great crew of builders and people with technical expertise. They are super talented and Kingsbridge The Musical premieres at the Kingsbridge Centre June 15. committed. Their enthusi- asm, drive and willingness to trust me has been great." The best part, says Robinson, was collaborating with the community. '1 get to work with people I respect, in an exciting venue, on a project that we all love. Life doesn't get much better than that." But the project came with its challenges, says Robin- son. "Every area has Courtesy of SJKC Warren Robinson directs a rehearsal for Kingsbridge The Musical at the Kingsbridge Centre. Many local volunteers have lent their talents and time to the production. characters and you want to include the characters but not in such a way that you offend their relatives. We try to celebrate the characters for they make life richer." "This show will appeal to everyone," assures Robin- son. "It is very lively, has lots of humour, and fantastic singing. Whether or not you are familiar with the area or a total stranger you will have a good time, I promise." Tickets for Kingsbridge The Musical are available at the door and cost $20 for adults, $10 for students, and $5 for youth under 12. Doors will open one hour prior to the event. The Municipality of Central Huron is pleased to announce their annual Central Huron Donation Fund. The Municipality will again set aside funds to assist and promote community-based non-profit organizations. To Qualify Organizations must be non-profit. Proposed programs or events must clearly demonstrate a direct social or economic benefit for residents of Central Huron. Successful organizations will be required to submit a post project report identifying the use of the funds. When applying please include complete description, budget and date of the program or event, also supporting information including statistics for previous similar projects and the amount of funding requested, specifying whether a cash or in-kind donation is required. The Municipality reserves the right to fund only programs or events as deemed appropriate. Deadline for applications must be received by 12:00 PM, Noon, Wednesday, June 14, 2017 in person, by email: info@centralhron.com fax: 519-482-9183 or by mail and are to be addressed as follows: "Central Huron Donation Fund" Attention: Brenda Maclsaac, Clerk Municipality of Central Huron P.O. Box 400, 23 Albert Street Clinton, Ontario NOM 1L0 For further information please look for details on the website www.centralhuron.com.