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The Citizen, 1991-06-12, Page 23THE CITIZEN, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 12,1991. PAGE 23.~ 1 Theatre review Carousel leaves great first impression Mappy Birthday Aggie Honoured The art gallery at Blyth Memorial Hall was officially renamed the Bainton Art Gallery in a ceremony Thursday night. Long-time supporters of the Festival Cenetta and Frank Bainton (centre) were on hand for the ceremony along with Sheila Richards (left) past chairman of the board of directors and fundraiser and building committee chairman Don McCaffrey, -photo by Jim Fitzgerald. Theatre review Feore's intense acting dominates Hamlet BY BEN BARNES AND JASON GROPP This year the Stratford Festival's flagship Shakespearean play is Hamlet. Director David William, having to face comparisons with this year's film version of the play starring Mel Gibson, has presented an intriguing version of Hamlet. The role of Hamlet is played by Stratford veteran Colm Feore. Feore has been a Festival favourite with theatre-goers for a decade. He brings the same intense acting to the role of Hamlet that he brought to the roles of Iago, in Othello, and Richard the HI. Feore's acting is especially effective when he, as Hamlet, feigns insanity. When Hamlet reads while walking on the edge of the balcony, one misstep from death, his despair and longing for death are emphasized. Feore portrays the mad Dane in an emo­ tionally charged performance that overshadows some of the flaws in the production. There are a few flaws in William's production. Leon Pow- nall does not portray the murdering King Claudius with sufficient mal­ ice. Pownall's Claudius seems too amiable a man to have murdered his brother, stolen his brother's wife and throne, and conspired to kill his son-in-law. William's effort to make Claudius seem evil is to place his office in the middle of a torture chamber. The torture victims hang­ ing in the background are incongru­ ous and have no place in the plot. As well, the break for the inter­ mission came too late in the play. Il might be effective for those who have never before seen or read Hamlet, but for those who know the play, the break in the middle of one of its most important scenes may be annoying. These are minor flaws, however, in what is generally a very good production. Fine performances are turned in by Sidonie Boll as Ophe­ lia, Bradley C. Rudy as Laertes, and Edwad Aticnza as their father Polonius. It should still be relatively easy to get tickets to see Hamlet The theatre, on the night we saw this production was far from capacity. This is unfortunate; Stratford has once again produced high quality theatre which deserves to be seen. Give a child a future. Buy UNICEF all-occasion Greeting cards today, unicef (fe For a ne« full-colour brochure, contact: I XICEF Canada 443 Mt. Pleasant Road. Toronto. Oni. M4S 2L8 Telephone (4l6l 482-4444 OR call toll-free l-800-268-?""0iOperaior *4I) BY BONNIE GROPP When the lights go up on the opening scene of Stratford Festi­ val’s production of Carousel the enchantment has begun. The elabo­ rate set design by Neil Peter Jam- polis is more impressive than anything it has been my pleasure to see on stage and the rest of the audience must have felt the same as it earned a well-deserved applause. The colourful lights and merry- go-round could have been a lough act to follow, but dircctor/chorcog- rapher Brian MacDonald has put together a production that enter­ tains, despite its bittersweet story. For those not familiar with Rodgers and Hammerstein's famous play and wonderful score, it is a plot that is not normally some­ thing to sing about. Billy Bigelow, is a charming, though hot-tempered rogue, who works as a barker in an amusement park. The sweet Julie Jordan falls head over heels in love and after a brief courtship the pair weds. Most definitely not the ideal hus­ band, Billy does soften when he learns Julie is pregnant. In order to provide a good life for his unbom child, the unemployed Billy reluc­ tantly agrees to commit a robbery. When the attempt is bungled, Billy plunges a knife into his heart rather than go to prison. The second part of the story is when Billy comes back to earth in order to do a good deed so he can enter heaven. His life, they remind him, has been less than exemplary to this point. On his one day back on earth, he eventually, after a minor setback, offers hope and reassurance to his troubled 15-year-old daughter, Louise. The large cast is excellent, partic­ ularly, John Devorski as Billy Bigelow and Allison Grant as Julie Jordan. The two seem to have that rare chemistry that can make cer­ tain couples special. Billy is not always an easy char­ acter to like, but played by the Young people take part in Blyth service Greeters at Blyth United Church on June 9 were Debbie and Marilyn Craig. Ushers were Harvey, Pat, Karen and Kevin Bernard. Rev. Ramirez opened the service with the call to worship and hymn, "Jesus Shall Reign”. There was a responsive reading of Psalm 8. The scripture reading was Acts 11: 19- 30 and the hymn "O Spirit of the Living God" was sung. This being missionary Sunday the weekly groups made their pre­ sentations: Tyro, Junior Teen Club, Explorers, Messengers and Senior Teen Club. Rev. Ramirez’ story to the children was on what kinds of work the missionaries do. handsome Devorski, you can almost ignore his failings. While it is a little depressing to see such devotion from Julie to a man who treats her so badly, we also sense a strength and integrity in Grant's portrayal that makes her seem less a martyr or victim than she might otherwise have been. Also, the story was set in 1873, in the Maine fishing village and one must remember that the role of women, was unfortunately somewhat differ­ ent in that kind of place, in that time. Also, worthy of mention is Karen Wood, who plays Julie's loyal friend, Carrie Pippcridge, and who has one of the most expressive faces I've seen. When she was on stage it was often difficult to watch anyone else. Both she and Grant possess lovely soprano voices and it was a pleasure to listen to them. Actually, the only flaw with the musical numbers was the annoying theatre-goers, who felt compelled to hum along, with the familiar tunes. Some of the production numbers were a little heavy and seemed long, but for the most part, the choreography complimented the score perfectly. The dancers often looked like they were having such a good time, you felt like joining in. The sentimental closing was a flawless antithesis of the lively- opening act, with many a teary eye being wiped. While Carousel may not be a typical musical, and its mood is often a touch depressing, it has enough humour and warmth to have captured the hearts of audi­ ences for almost half a century. Whether you have seen it many limes before or never, the Stratford production is one you won't want to miss. 9dappy 3rd Anniversary Trish & Dan From your family & friends * Love Hank and your three brats! 9dappy 30tfi Anniversary Mom & Dad s From Paul, Trish & Dan, Linda & Rick Blyth Iw THURSDAY NIGHT IS WING NIGHT Wings 30c each MINIMUM ORDER 10 a variety of sauces available SORRY NO TAKE-OUTS FRI. & SAT. NITES 5 P.M. - MIDNIGHT CHICKEN WINGS & CHIPS $4.95 EAT IN OR TAKEOUT THURS., FRI. & SAT. NITES PIZZA BUY ONE & GET A 2ND FOR 1/2 PRICE 5P.M. - MIDNIGHT EAT IN OR TAKE OUT ENTERTAINMENT Junel4 - 15 Denis Siren 523-9381 L.LB.0 The Family of JACK & ELVA ARMSTRONG invites relatives, neighbours and friends to join them in celebration of their parents’ 50th Saturday, June 15,1991 at Blyth Community Centre 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. Friendship is a special gift and our parents request none other HRISTINA APPLEGATE DON’T TELL MOM THE BABYSITTER’S DEAD FRI-THURS JUNE 14 -20 Fri. & Sat 7 & 9 p m. Sun - Thurs 8pm LONG DISTANCE? CALL 1 PARENTAL f GUIDANCE 2nd s/g week