The Citizen, 2012-06-07, Page 23THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, JUNE 7, 2012. PAGE 23.
The Wingham Heritage Theatre
Board of Directors announced in a
letter to North Huron Township
council that it would be terminating
its rental agreement with the
township.
The group, according to Chairman
Dave Wallace, has run into problems
with staffing and finances making it
impossible for the group to continue
operating.
One insurmountable problem the
board faced, according to the letter,
is the necessity to have the building
they rent meet fire codes and,
according to the letter, council is
unlikely to “undertake such
expenditure in the foreseeable
future” and that would make any
attempt by the board to continue
operating unsuccessful.
Councillor Alma Conn said she
felt very badly for their group and is
appreciative of their work.
“This group has worked very
diligently and put their heart and
soul into it, they’re just not getting
the uptake they need,” she said. “I
think they’ve had some people come
in that were detrimental to their
cause that cost them a lot of money.
I think they are very disappointed
that they have to close because I
know those involved have put a lot
of effort into it.”
Deputy-Reeve David Riach
moved that council accept the letter
with regret and express condolences
at the closing of the group and
welcome them if they ever decide to
attempt reorganization.
Councillor Brock Vodden said that
he echoed Conn’s sentiment but felt
that the group might find success in
another situation.
“I would think that we should
encourage them to make use of the
Blyth Memorial Hall,” he said. “We
would like to see more activity and
more performances in that place.
They would be able to do just as well
if not better and have excellent space
and equipment.
“Perhaps that would be an
alternative for them if they didn’t
have to carry the weight of year-
round rent,” he said.
Council agreed to make the
suggestion and passed Riach’s
motion.
The loveable characters from
Charles Schulz’s iconic comic strip
Peanuts learn life’s lessons in the
fun and upbeat musical You’re a
Good Man, Charlie Brown. The
production, which is directed and
choreographed by Donna Feore,
began previews at the Avon Theatre
on May 15.
With book, music and lyrics by
Clark Gesner, with additional
dialogue by Michael Mayer and
additional music and lyrics by
Andrew Lippa, the show depicts a
typical day in the life of Charlie
Brown and his friends. Through a
series of vignettes and show-
stopping song and dance numbers,
this musical explores the characters’
inner lives, their relationships, and
the various challenges and obstacles
they face.
“Schulz’s characters deal with real
human questions and issues in a way
that has resonated with audiences
for over 60 years,” says Feore. “We
all lack confidence and have doubts
at times. We all need to be reminded
of our better natures. This is
Schulz’s genius. It is my hope that
our production will introduce
Peanuts to a new generation and
remind an older one of a cherished
friend.”
An innovative take on this classic,
the production includes the
additional songs that were written
for the Broadway musical in 1998,
and several dance styles that reflect
everything from classic Charlie
Brown moves, to the athletic style of
Gene Kelly, to more modern
movement, like hip hop and funk.
With elaborate orchestrations and
stunning sets this production also
features some of the most exciting
young talent in the country,
including Stephen Patterson as
Snoopy, Erica Peck as Lucy and Ken
James Stewart as Charlie Brown,
with Andrew Broderick as
Schroeder, Amy Wallis as Sally and
Kevin Yee as Linus.
“Beneath its deceptively simple
charm, You’re a Good Man, Charlie
Brown is a work of tremendous
sophistication, both musically and in
terms of its writing,” says Artistic
Director Des McAnuff. "As with
Peter Pan and many other children’s
classics, there is far more to Charlie
Brown than meets the youthful eye,
so adult audiences can expect a rich
and multi-layered experience.”
“This is a musical with
extraordinary heart,” says General
Director Antoni Cimolino. “The
dreams and aspirations of these
characters that we all know and
love, their foibles and their failings,
speak to all generations. With its
warm but perceptive humour and its
energetic and entertaining song-and-
dance numbers, Charlie Brown
makes for a terrific afternoon or
evening at the theatre for the entire
family.”
The design of the production
draws on the pop-art style of the
1950s and ’60s, when Peanuts was
at the height of its popularity. The
show will be bright and colourful
with giant set pieces, making the
adult actors look like pint-sized
children.
The artistic team for You’re a
Good Man, Charlie Brown includes
Musical Director Laura Burton, Set
Designer Michael Gianfrancesco,
Costume Designer Dana Osborne,
Lighting Designer Kimberly Purtell,
Video Designer Sean Nieuwenhuis,
Sound Designer Peter McBoyle and
Stunt Coordinator Daniel Levinson.
The Stratford Shakespeare
Festival’s 2012 season runs until
October 28, featuring Much Ado
About Nothing; 42nd Street, The
Matchmaker; Henry V; You’re a
Good Man, Charlie Brown; The
Pirates of Penzance; A Word or Two;
Cymbeline; Wanderlust; Elektra;
MacHomer; The Best Brothers;
Hirsch and The War of 1812.Wingham Heritage Theatre to close
‘Charlie Brown’ play
opens at Stratford Festival
Fast talker
Ken Cameron, playwright and author of this season’s lead
production at the Blyth Festival Dear Johnny Deere, was in
town a little early ahead of rehearsals for his play and he
hosted a business seminar at Memorial Hall. Cameron
aimed to help people with their communication skills and
help them make more persuasive presentations. (Denny Scott
photo)
Happy 45th
Anniversary
Don & Lenora Scrimgeour
June 10
Love your grandchildren,
Ethan, Claire, Joey, Bryan,
Ainsleigh, Aleigha,
Calleigh and Steffan
Happy 65th
Birthday
Anna Hamilton
June 12th
Love Troy, Shauna,
Dalton & Camden
Graduation
Wishing you happiness in all your future endeavours
Congratulations to
Jamie Lewis
on graduating
on May 7, 2012
from Wayne State University,
Detroit, MI
with her degree of
Doctor of Audiology (AUD).
We are very proud of all her
hard work and dedication.
Love from Mom, Dad,
Jeff and Matt.
Entertainment Leisure&
By Denny Scott
The Citizen
Get entertainment
information on the
Entertainment section
of our
website at
www.northhuron.on.ca