Huron Expositor, 2005-11-23, Page 6Page 6 November 23, 2005 • The Huron Expositor
- - - Opinion__..
Van Bakel has commanding presence in South Pacific
Jeff H e u c h e r t
11.221.11)
The Stratford Community Player's
production of South Pacific re -tells
the classic love story intertwined
with one of war, and thanks to
strong musical talent and some sur-
prising comic genius from local tal-
ent, the play is stirring entertain-
ment.
The main character of Emile De.
Becque is played by Seaforth's
Casey Van Bakel, while three other
roles are performed by Seaforth
natives Todd, Jeremy and Danielle
Chisholm.
The musical takes place, where
else, on a south Pacific island, and
tells the story of De Becque, a
French plantation owner who falls
for an American nurse.
She is on the island to care for the
US navy officers who have taken
rest there, while they fight the
Japanese, on a nearby island.
The two stories of love and war
become one when De Becque,
because of his knowledge of the
Japanese occupied island, is asked
to join the war effort and spy on the
American enemies.
In the lead role, Van Bakel spends
much of his performance standing,
looking out to the audience, singing
with a deep booming voice, that
commands our attention.
His character, although a single
father living a
quiet life with
his two children,
is a courageous,
confident man,
when around the
woman he falls
in love with, and
when faced with
the decision to
risk his life by
joining in the
war effort.
It's this confi-
dence Van Bakel
Chu ch
Services
You are invited to attend these area churches
St. Thomas
Anglican Church
A Congregation of the Parish of The Hoty Spirt
Jarvis St. Seaforth 527-1522
Rector: The Rev'd Sue Malpus. M. Div
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 27Th
Worship at 9:30 a.m.
FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT
RECTOR'S COFFEE HOURS
Every Thursday 9-11 a.m.
Drop into the office for a coffee & chat
St. James Roman
Catholic Church
Welcomes you
14 Victoria Street, Seaforth
527-0142
Weekend Masses: Sat 5:15pm
Sun. 11:00 am -'
Fr. Chris Gillespie
Bethel Bible Church
An Associated Gospel Church
126 Main St. Seaforth 527-0982
Sunday School - 9:45 a.m.
Sunday Worshlp - 11:00 a.m.
YOUTH ACTIVITIES Wed. 7 p.m.
B&G CLUB - Wed. 7 p.m.
YOUTH DROP IN CENTRE
Open Fri. 7:00 - 10:00 p.m.
EVERYONE WELCOME
Egmondville •
United Church
Sunday, November 2r
Worship 11:00 a.m.
FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT
Sunday School - 10:00 a.m.
Celebration of Holy Communion
EVERYONE WELCOME
Steve Hildebrand
Lay Pastoral • Minister in Training
NORTHSIDE UNITED
CHURCH
54 Goderich St. W.
Rev. John Gould
Sunday, November 27"'
Worship at 11 a.m.
Nursery during Worship
Adult & Teen Bible Discussion 9:30 a.m.
Sermon: Preparation
Without A Deadline
First Presbyterian
Church
Goderich St. W., Seaforth
Rev. Henry Huberts
Sunday, November 27"'
Worship at
EVERYONEE 1 a.m.
WELCOME
Sunday School & Nursery Provided
Watch k'r our Christmas Bureau float in
the parade to collect your k'od items
ST. PATRICK'S CHURCH
81 Mill St. Dublin
ST. VINCENT de PAUL
29 Nelson St. Mitchell
Father Alan Dufralmont Office 345-2972
Mass Times
St. Patricks St. Vincent de Paul
Sunday 11:00 a.m. Sat. 5:00 p.m. Sun. 9:00 a.m.
Wheelchair Accessible - Everyone Welcome
Casey Van Bakel and Elizabeth Cooper
beams with on stage, thanks in part
to his years of stage experience,
including performances in past com-
munity players production perfor-
mances of Annie and Blame it on
the Gun.
At the opposite end of the acting
spectrum, when it comes to experi-
ence, Todd Chisholm's character of
Commander Harbison, has a much
different role to play.
When he is not marching around
stage barking orders at the navy
officers, he gets to display some
comic relief, a tool used throughout
the play.
With no singing roles, Chisholm's
presence on stage lets the audience
know a laugh is coming, which
wouldn't have worked without his
laudable comic timing and body lan-
guage.
As for 12 -year-old. Danielle and 10 -
year -old Jeremy, both performed
without even the slightest notion of
doubt, and with more confidence
than I could ever wish to have.
The play never goes long between
rousing songs, with the actors
bouncing from one end of the stage
to the next with animated enthusi-
asm during Nothing like a Dame
and Wash that Man Right out of
my Hair.
South Pacific hit broadway in
1949, when memories of the Second
World War were still very fresh.
Although that may not be the case
today, the Stratford Players produc-
tion of South Pacific incorporates
many endearing qualities that still
hit home.
South Pacific, which began its per-
formances last week, are still per-
forming Wednesday through
Saturday, at 8 p.m., at Stratford's
city hall.