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The Citizen, 1991-02-20, Page 23THE CITIZEN, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 1991. PAGE 23. nt er t a inment Theatre review ‘Sinners’ sinfully funny BY BONNIE GROPP Revealingly clad in a cream coloured teddy, the leggy red-head stretches seductively atop her queen sized bed as the erotic strains of Ravel’s “Bolero” provide the audio backdrop to this titillating fantasy. Got your attention? It certainly got the attention of the people who braved the wintry weather Satur­ day night to see Muskoka Festi­ val’s production of “Sinners” by Norm Foster at Memorial Hall. As the lights went up on this first scene, we see Michelle Hart as Monica Lloyd, a sensual seduc­ tress, who happens to be married to the Reverend Lloyd, as she anticipates the arrival of her lover, played by David Naim. As Peter Kramer, (Nairn) is a furniture store owner, who met Mrs. Lloyd while reupholstering her chair. A widow­ er of five years, he was easy pfey for the alluring, persuasive atten­ tions of the armorous woman, though somewhat reluctant. When he arrives at her home on this particular evening for a night of romance he is nervous and agitated at the prospect of her husband’s unexpected return. Monica assures Blyth Festival launches national newsletter on play development The first issue of “The Canadian Voice” came off the press last week in Blyth. Peter Smith, Blyth Festival Ar­ tistic Director is co-ordinator of this new venture of theatres devoted to new plays and new play develop­ ment in Canada. “In September, I sent out the call to 63 theatres, asking them to contribute to this newsletter and I received a very enthusiastic response. This issue represents the new play develop­ ment programs of 44 theatres drawn from across this land. ‘The Canadian Voice’ will be produced three times a year.” "The Blyth Festival has edited, distributed and sponsored the first issue. Jane Gardner, as Editor and Stephen Oliver, ^as layout and design artist, have done an in­ credible job, compiling all the information for the first issue. If their concentrated energy is a sign, we are in for a great ride. The Banff Playwrights Colony will produce the second issue in the Summer and Theatre New Brunswick the third in the Fall.” “The Canadian Voice” is divided into two parts, an editorial and a facts section listing premieres and workshops being done in theatres Happy Birthday Love Cindy him this is quite unlikely and the two eventually get on with their “plans” for the night. It came as no surprise, however, when the Reverend did return. When he climbes the stairs and peeks in the door of their bedroom he calls his wife’s name and the stage lights go down. When they come back on, there is a dead minister, a passed out lover and Monica. Norm Foster is an award winning Canadian playwright. He wrote “Sinners” in 1983 and it was produced by Theatre New Bruns­ wick. The play is a tangled mass of comedy, mayhem, and mystery and as it unravels we are introduced to a host of delightfully, funny charac­ ters. I had overheard comments from other theatre-goers that night, that the play is anti-feminist. However, while the female characters may not possess a lot of admirable traits, there is no question in my mind that the men are wimps. The cuckolded Reverend, played briefly by Michael Pare, is belittled by his wife at every opportunity. Well-known Canadian actors, Ted Follows and Araby Lockhart, across Canada. On the cover a “Focus on Dramaturgy” is featur­ ed with two artistic directors offer­ ing their views: Kim McCaw of Prairie Theatre Exchange/Banff Playwrights Colony and Sky Gilbert of Buddies in Bad Times Theatre. “Dramaturgy” - it’s a challenge and everyone has their own tales of successes and failures in the pro­ cess. The facts section of The Canadian Voice presents synopses of 152 plays which are in the workshop process or recent pre­ miere production category, cover­ ing the period from September, 1990 to February, 1991. Also included in this issue is an explana­ tion of the new play development programmes of many theatres. “The aims of the project are many and all the hopes center around communication” says Smith. “There are writers in Canada who write for a specific region but because of distance, time or whatever, their words are not shared beyond a local audience. For example, a theatre in New- Happy 22nd Birthday Darwin (who appeared in Blyth in the play, “Another Season’s Promise”) are Chief of Police Roy Cavanaugh and his wife Carolyn. While the chief may be the boss downtown there is little doubt who rules at the Cavanaugh roost. Peter is a puppet to the whims of the man-eater Monica, who mani­ pulates him throughout the first act. Even after he eventually gains control, it’s not long before he loses it. Rounding out the cast is Glynis Davies, as Diane Gillis, who ap­ pears at first as a meek mouse, but is possibly the gutsiest one of the whole group. Directed by Michael Ayoub the cast of Sinners is wonderful. While David Narin did not seem as strong a performer as the rest, he had many moments that shone. The production is what audien­ ces have come to expect when they visit Blyth - an entertaining show, with familiar characters and quality production. My guests, who had never had the pleasure of seeing a play in Blyth before were not disappointed. And with a Huron County winter storm thrown in, it was truly a memorable experience. foundland might discover a kindred spirit in British Columbia. ‘The Voice’ will allow them to reach each other. The methods of workshopp­ ing can be discussed. Rather than inventing the wheel each and every time, we can arrive at a better place and be able to serve the playwright as they need to be served. The number of theatres involved will also allow us to build a lobby group in dealing with government agen­ cies, foundations, etc. Initially, it is to put us in contact and get us discussing what we do. I believe, like everything else, it will evolve and with continued healthy energy, will assist not only this Festival but all of the development houses in Canada devoted to the Canadian experience and story.” In Montreal, a cricket player was charged with attempted murder and possession of a dangerous weapon for using his bat to assault an umpire. Happy 18th Birthday February7 23, 1991 Love Your Family Pepper clowns for kids “Pepper the Clown”, an actor, a clown, a mime artist, and an acrobat, all rolled into one per­ forms for children at Blyth Memor­ ial Hall on Sunday, March 10 at 2 p.m.. Formerly of Ringling Brothers Barnum and Bailey Circus, Pepper Kaminoff is a most worthy succes­ sor of the great cinematic clowns: Buster Keaton and Charlie Chap­ lin. Pepper introduces us to the world of mime, where gestures speak louder than words. On stage, Pepper is the actor, the set designer, the director, and the stuntman. A perfect show for children aged 3 to 10 years old. For as long as he can remember, Pepper says he and his brother Stephen have been acrobats. “There are photographs of my father balancing us on his hands even before we could walk.” Pepper began his entertainment career as a magician 28 years ago but later dropped that act when a friend suggested that he should try what he’s doing now. After study­ ing with the world-famous mime teacher, Jacques Lecoq for one year in Paris, he created his “silent movie on stage” which he has since performed around the world. One of his most memorable moments in the show is the creation of a tall Eiffel tower, using a series of wooden boxes, some boards, a step ladder and a barrel. Box by box, plank by plank, he completes this tall structure, with extra help from the audience. The gymnastics and stunts throughout the show, keep audiences of all ages entertained. Pepper has tour­ ed Canada, USA and Australia, appearing at Children’s Festivals in Vancouver and Toronto, Van­ couver Festival of Fools, Just for Laughs Festival in Montreal and Winnipeg International Mime Fes­ tival. Pepper the Clown appears . at Blyth Memorial Hall on Sunday, March 10 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $6.50 each. A limited number of tickets are on sale now at the Blyth Festival Box Office 523-9300. UN1CEF cards & gifts year-round. X GODERICH ' 524 78 11' ~ NOMINATED FOR IL ACADEMY AWARDS BEST PICTURE BEST ACTOR BEST DIRECTOR—Kevin Costner LONG DISTANCE? CALL 1-800-265-3438 FOR TOLL FREE MOVIE INFO / Nifty, Nifty.... I I Mom Turned Fifty! Happy Birthday - Love your Children the Blyth Iw 523-9381 SPECIALS THURSDAY NIGHT IS WING NIGHT Wings 30c Each Minimum order 10 A variety of sauces available SORRY NOTAKE-OUTS THUR$.,FRI.&SAT. NITES 5 P.M. « MIDNIGHT WINGS & CHIPS EAT IN OR TAKE OUT THURS., FRI. & SAT. NITES PIZZA BUY ONE & GET A 2nd FOR _ 5 P.M. - MIDNIGHT EAT IN OR TAKE OUT