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The Goderich Signal-Star, 1984-11-21, Page 29-IENTERTAINMENT Bus Stop brings talented cast of newcomers to GLT BY JOANNE BUCHANAN With six newcomers out of a cast of eight, Jenj lifer Black certainly had her work cut out for when she directed Bus Stop, a three act, romance staged by Goderich Little Theatre at The Livery last week. Happily, the director proved equal to her task and the production came Off quite well. It was refreshing to see so many new faces on ; the local stage and the talent they brqught with them was an added bonus. Bus Stop, written by William Inge, is a play which explores different types of love. Although it is not a comedy per se, it is amusing. It is also thought-provoking. Set in Grace's Diner, a small restaurant near, Kansas City, the story brings together a bus load of people stranded overnight by a snow storm. The main romance centres around a rambunctious young cowbody named Bo Decker, and the object of his af- fections, a nightclub singer named Cherie. According to Cherie, Bo has kidnapped her with plans to whisk her off to his ranch in Montana so she can become his wife. For her first time on the GLT stage, Shelli Berlet -Barlow was a stand -out as Cherie. With her soft innocent voice and blonde hair, she came across as a vulnerable Marilyn Monroe -like character. Even though the au- dience knew that this was a gal who had been around, they couldn't help but like her. The highlight of the play came when Cherie, dressed in a skimpy nightclub -style costume, sang a terribe off-key version of That Old Black Magic'. It was then that the audience realized that she had absolutely no musical talent and would probably be better off on that ranch in Montana whether she wanted to go there or not. Jim Wilkin, another GLT newcomer, was good in his role as the rowdy cowboy Bo Decker. Although he acted as a somewhat obnoxious character at first, the audience warmed up to him after learning that he also had a `tender' side. This tender side THEATRE REVIEW was exposed with the help of his side -kick Virgil Blessing. Blessing was given an excellent portrayal by Phil Main, Jr. Although Wilkin and Main are not much different in age off-stage, there is supposed to be quite an age gap between the two of them in the play, with Virgil being a fatherly -type figure to the high-spirited Bo. Much to his credit, Main made this age gap fully believable with his stiff walk and tired mannerisms. He delivered wise advice to Bo in a slow drawl and thoroughly convinced the audience that he was the only one who could keep the big kid in line. Bill Metcalfe was fun to watch as Dr. Gerald Lyman, a drunken poetry -reciting professor with questionable intentions toward the restaurant's innocent young waitress, Elma Duckworth, played by Samantha McDonagh. Their scene together- -him as an intoxicated Romeo and her as a sincere Juliet–was another highlight of the play. The cast was rounded out by Diane Mit- chelmore playing restaurant owner Grace Hoylard; Don Siemon playing bus driver Carl; and Cletus Dalton playing local sheriff Will Masters. The set gave an.accurate depiction of a greasy spoon, complete with outdoor privy and day-old doughnuts. The play has an upbeat ending (except for poor old Virgil walking off into the cold) so audience members could leave feeling hap- py and entertained. The next GLT production will be the musical, Anything Goes, directed by Eleanor Robinson. It opens on February 20. Art Gallery now open year-round The Blyth Festival art gallery has made a progressive step with the exhibition of works by Edwin Krauter currently on display. The show marks the gallery's in- itiation as a year-round facility. The move comes as a response to the continuing in- terest by the public and frequent request by artists .for an extended season. On exhibition through November are pain- tings, prints and plates by Ethel area artist Edwin Krauter. Using a variety of mediums, he depicts the surrounding coun- tryside and its residents, the down-home scenes from which he draws his inspiration. If you're NEW IN TOWN and don't know which way to turn, call the Ae-rwpifirgo)t, hostess at 524-7165 or 524-2544 L. JIM A recent departure from his usual work is his painting of the Tall Ship The Marquez, which he fortunately captured with his brush before it sank this past summer. The Blyth Festival gallery will present a series of one -artist shows featuring local ar- tists during the coming months. Any profes- sional artists interested in displaying their work are asked to contact the box office for further information. Opened during normal box office and per- formance hours, the gallery is located adja- cent to the box office at Blyth Memorial Hall. 598 Lorne Ave, STRATFORD (Across from the Drive-in Theatre) "SHOP IN COMFORT" Come on in out of the cold and look over our complete Zine -up of 1985 Civics, Accords & Preludes. STRATFORD HONDA has up to 28 cars on display indoors every weekend! Only 5 more shopping weeks till Christmas! GODE1UCH SIGNAL -STAR, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 21,1984—PAGE 11A \re, C hri,tm,is is, only a short time away. If you're wondering what to buy tor all those sisters, brothers, cousins, aunts, uric les - all the people you're of the Goderich Signal - to make this Christmas gu'rng gills to • keep your eye on upcoming issues ',tar 'vti e ll 'have lots of gift suggestions and ideas buying season a little easier for you! the Godericn - SIGNAL—STAR Your guide to Christmas gift giving Shelli Berlet -Barlow, Cletus Dalton and Jim Wilkin are shown in an emotional scene from Bus Stop, Goderich Little Theatre's first pro- duction of the 1984-85 season. The three act romance opened at The Livery last week under the .direction of Jenny Black. ( Photo by Joanne Buchanan) Novel explores history of lower Maitland River A colourful story of the history of the land people who settled along the lower reaches and people of Goderich and Colborne of the Maitland River in Goderich and Col - Townships titled, "Windings", has recently borne Townships. been published. by the Maitland Valley Con- , As you weave your way along the servation Foundation. Maitland River, this 125 page novel With the guidance of Maitland Valley Con- recognizes several familiar family names servation Authority, author Mrs. Margaret and allows you to reminisce of times past Beecroft of Belgrave, whose own ancestors with numerous illustrations and were among the earliest settlers to come in- photographs. to the area, has brought to life many of the For an autographed copy of "Windings. A History of the Lower Maitland River," Mrs. Beecroft ' will be at the Suncoast Mall in Goderich on Saturday, November 24 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. For more information or to purchase your copy of "Windings, A History of the Lower Maitland River," visit your local bookstore or phone Maitland Valley Conservation Authority at 335-3557. Auxiliary donates $200 to Nurses' Library e regular meeting of the Alexandra Final arrangements were made for a November 30 at 1:30 p.m. \ Mar a and General Hospital Auxiliary was baking and craft sale to be held in the In the course of business, a donation of held November 19 with a very good auxiliary room at the hospital on Friday, $200 was voted to the Nurses' I ' brary. atten ce. AND IN THIS CORNER... A defenseless child. One of the thousands of children in our prov- ince subjected every day to perhaps the most brutal of all'crimes- child abuse. Professionals, working with or treating young people, have a legal duty to report suspected cases of child abuse to their local Children's Aid Society or Family and Children's Services. But more importantly, we all have a moral duty to report suspi- cions of child abuse. A respon- sibility we all share - to ensure that every young person in Ontario enjoys a childhood free from neglect or abuse. Give a kid a fighting chance. Report child abuse. Ministry of Community and Social Services Prank Drea, Minister William Davis, Premier Ontario Write for the free booklet 'Child Abuse Prevention,- c'o•( )mann Centre for the Prevention of Child Abuse, 700 Bay Street.Toronto, Ontario M7A 1F..c)