Loading...
Times Advocate, 1991-06-19, Page 14Page 14 Times -Advocate, June 19, 1991 (TOMM!JWJTY Wilder's Our Town Is everyone's Byy s story STRATFORD - Vit and a refreshingchange,The play itself is very informal, offering the com- Thornton Wilder's Ow- Town has somethinfor evetains fe oprops. The audience ele gg sJ lea The ysthe stage ryone. The play, being performed at the Stratford Manager, played by veteran actor Douglas Rain, in Festival's Avon theatre, is a brilliant production of his 27th season at Stratford. Because of his ability, the author's masterpiece. he his able to hold you, because he Makes it your The stage manager emerges on a barren stage, to town too. informuests of the events in the small, American Making her debut at Stratford this year, is Ann town of�Grover's Corners, New Hampshire. But it Baggley in the role of Emily. A member of Strat- could be any town. ford's Young Company, Baggley recent) It's because it could be your town, that the story is from George Brown College, but her candor onvu ncc. so intriguing. Everywhere you find aspects of your es you she is a veteran of the stage. own daily life; the same comments, events, and mis- Although written in 1937, without being changed, Lakes. When the Stage Manager talks, he includes Our Town very accurately reflects the problems of to - the audience in the discussion. You trust him, and day. The piece is full of instances where the actors are captured by his wit. attempt to anticipate events. They are so intent on The first act, "Daily Life", describes the events on the future,that they live the present blindly. a typical May day in 1901. "Love and Marriage", The plaincorporates an entire lifetime, and there the play's second act, focuses on the courtship and is something or someone with whom everyone can marriage of Emily Webb and George Gibbs. The fi- relate because the play is cyclical. We hear that the nal act, "Death", brings the play full circle with the paperboy, a future scholar, will be killed in the war. funeral of Emily in 1913, who has died in childbirth. We also learn that there to take his place is a younger brother. Emily is offered a chance to return to the living for Moving to the story's end, we find George crying at one day, and selects her twelfth birthday. Advised the grave of Emily, who is able to overlook the scene. against it, she returns anyway to find it painful, for "They don't understand very much do they," ponders she cannot appreciate the small moments treasured Emily, as she rests beside her mother-in-law. "No by the living. With a new, broadened horizon, Emi- dear, not much is the reply." But coming away from ly and the others in the graveyard cease to care about a grand performance, the audience does. life. suchOur Town, or your town runs until October 19. Two Brothers by Ted Johns opens Blyth Festival's 17th season By Rhonda Vandeworp BLYTH - After a seven year absence, Ted Johns's new, satirical play Two Brothers took centre stage as the 17th season of the Blyth Festival opened on June 13. Johns, a native of Seaforth, has always focussed his works on the heroes, stories and issues of concern to the community. This time, he reflects upon the Canadian federal government and its impact on local business people, women, students, and unemployed workers. "Two Brothers continues the theme [of a previous play] of the effect of government upon the people and in particular their mutual distrust. The two brothers are actually two sets of brothers covering two generations.... The play is primarily about a family. It is also about history, work, and anxiety - all of which, it seems, were made in Canada," de- scribes Johns. Not only does. Johns write the script, but he also assumes the roles of two of play's opposing charac- ters - Jake, an ex -owner of a garage struggling to make ends meet, and Dr. Tory, a stereotypical repre- sentative of the Conservative government who at- tempts to win the hearts of his audience with flowery campaign speeches. With satirical insight and per- sonal interpretation, Johns delights the audience with his overly -dramatic actions and timingly execution of lines. Johns uses Dr. Tory's intermittent monologues con- cerning Canada's history, economy, political struc- ture and residents seem to tie together all of the sub- plots created by characters such as: Vincent (Kevin Bundy) who is one of the younger brothers and a de- voted gopher for for the Conservative party; Gus (David Fraser) the other brother, a high school fail- ure, and a Canadian colonialist at heart; Fred (JOtIPU Jarvis) the father of the two men and owner of the family furniture factory; and the mother of the family played by Wendy Noel. Johns wants his audience to laugh, and he provides many opportunities to do just that. However, hidden amongst the witty lines and comical anecdotes lies a serious message, one that evolves because of a family tragedy. With the aid, of free trade with the United States, Fred has designed a brilliant scheme for the furniture factory - the Dinky Dan. A monumental sum of mon- ey loaned to him by an American mattress company allows him to finance the project and to renovate his warehouses - a fine example of a Canadian who is prospering because of the Tory government's inven- tiveness claims his son Vincent. Unfortunately, the mattress company sells out, and the new owner de- mands payment on the loan. It is at this time in the' play that the audience is overwhelmed with sappy lines about the invisibility of the Canadian people and how they have no control over the direction of their country, the disappearance of Canadian nationalism and one's pride in the coun- try's history, in additjop tp.a pleaJQ.."het together and do something" bbfore Canada as if nation is de- stroyed. One feels a positive energy charge at this point in the play, but Johns won't allow his audience to be to mislead by these powerful, patriotic speeches. There- fore, with a humorous, yet dismal concluding mono- logue performed by Dr. Tory, we, the audience were once again forced to question the fur -re of our nation. Two Brothers runs until Septem' at the Blyth Festival. Wish comes true - After several years of fund raising, Allse Craig's dream to build a community recrea- tion centre will finally become a reality. An official sod turning ceremony was held on Saturday to Ini- tiate the construction of the mull urpose building. Special guests of the event Included: Bob Thom- son, son, town councillor; Ray Campbell, warden of Middlesex County; Irene Mathyssen, MPP of Middlesex; Don Shipway, Reeve of Ailsa Craig; Ken Johnston, town councillor; Owen Bice, representative of Robert Bice Construction; Andy Sprlet, Spriet Associates Architecture; John Bender, town councillor, Charles Corbett, Reeve of McGillivray; and Ralph Ferguson, MP. Deacon Sam Dixon spspeaks GRAND BEND - Deacon Sam Dixon spoke about his role as Per- manent Deacon at weekend Masses at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church. The seed of faith is sown in us at our Baptism but as adults the seed should flower into action. The role of deacons in the early church was to look after the needs of the sick, disabled, poor, widows, orphans and those in prison. There area host of ministries in this per- ish, to show our faith and give By Roberta Walker inxxneteick h sggof ourselves, like visit- GRAND BEND - Congratula- in hospital, homes for tions to Elmer and Verna Zim- the aged, or delivering Meals on mer wilcoare ekbrating their 55th The communion hymns were Jane 22, eyl J eespeedhlgsary on Saturday, "Song of all Seed" with the choir at home family, their ttwo h and a solo "Spirit of God" by Ro- dren and �Enir spas, and three hefts Wacker. Dolores Tighe was Cantor and Choir Director. • Ther eeis new taupe wall to wall g g FFater Beck asksthe parish to re- member Willie Michielsen, who is very ill in StratlroyHospital,, re- covering stroke. sympa- thy flesh Is extended to Louie Morris, in the death of his brother, Tom Morris. Celebrate 55th The summer thecae season is un- derway, and "Taro Brother" at Blyth Aestival b a good way to stem with a r sedge on week, were*Off an politics and die Tay t teems) ard oe at Huron Country Play - Patrol to have jet-ski , GRAND BEND - The beach pa- trol at Grand Bend will be getting their Sea -Doo beck. Monday night, council decided to overrule their original decision and will allow the patrol to have the use of the jet-ski on a proba- tion period. The reason it was decided not to let them use it was because of the over31,400 damage caused to the jet-ski a year ago. Co -captains of the four member patrol approached council Monday night asking them to grant the use of the jet-ski. "I think it's a big advantage to us," said Greg Shaw. This year there are no lifeguards' stands on the main beach owned by Archie Gibbs but Shaw and Greg Sturm pointed out they still have to patrol the water along the main beach. Shaw noted the importance of the jet-ski. "We're pushed farther down the beach. It's a source for us to get to the pier." In a recorded vote, council de- cided to let them use it, providing the company which is donating its use, Vincent Farm Equipment, provide six hours of training. "I figure it cost us money. We don't have it in the budget. I don't feel it's necessary," said deputy - reeve Shirley Mitchell. Not only did the patrol use the Sea -Doo for potential rescues last year, but they also have to keep other sea-doos and boats out of the swimming area. Sturm said there are as many as 15 privately owned jet -skis operat- ing near Grand Bend. They're a toy that people are be- ginning to like," said Sturm. Village bylaw enforcement offi- cer Keith Crawford said the jet -skis don't have numbers on them and identifying them is difficult. omen's; League meets GRAND BEND - Twenty mem- bers of the Catholic Women's League of Immaculate Heart of Mary met at the Alhambra Rill' on Tuesday, June 11. j Lia Vandenberk,Christian Family Life Convener announced the dates of the Annual Diocesan Pilgrimag- es to St. Mary's Shrine: July 2, 13, 16 and August 13-22 daily. Ses- sions begin at 11 a.m., till 3 p.m. with a Members arememeto on ring their p.m. lunch. To join our CWL pilgrim- age, call Lia at 238-8303. Lambton Right To Life wants to set up a table at the Plowing Match, held from September 17-22. They need volunteers to man the table from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., for five hours duty, and also need donations to cover costs of the booth rental and literature. It was decided to do- nate the proceeds of the June 30 Bake Sale, form 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., to Lambton Right to Life. Anyone interested in volunteer- ing for the booth at the Plowing Match, please call Lia Vrolyk at 238-8303. Risk Vandenberk showed her pbreauetiful afghan, all ready as third held in late August. 1 in the Quilt �eeexplained the procedures of the Marriage Tri- bunal in annulments and counseling of married couples. The next meet- ing will be July 9, at 8 p.m. in the Alhambra Hall. After refreshments were served. Cindy Maxwell demonstrated some easy exercises for seniors, which don't strain the joints; but still pro- mote a healthy lifestyle. Usborne & Hibbert Mutual Fire Insurance Company Exeter, Ontario NOM 131 (Established in 1876) Ptovldes Full Insurance Coverage for Farm Properties New Applications an Welcomed DIRECTORS a ADJUSTERS , Jadi Harrison RR $ Luca ...... ...227-4101 Larry Gardner, RR2, Sera ........$41.1K7a Uoyd Morrison, RR1 St. Marys ...229.8277 Lorne Feeney. Jodi Hodpert RRt, Linton 21s41a Joseph ChM", RRi Michell 34047011 AGENTS Rine Hedger!, Jahn Won, Odin -Man Amish tAllchd A refund from surplus was declare ler all policy hold- ers who qualify are on r000rd and M good stand - Ino as el December 31, 1990 It was noted the jet -skis which are rented from the river are marked. Last year the patrol had both a boat and the Sea -Doo. "Yes we had both last year. I know we had problems with It (jet- ski). Things happen, you can't avoid it," said Sturm. Councillor Bill Uniac agreed the jet-ski should be used. "We've had a good track record. It's the skill of the lifeguards why we haven't had any drownings," said Uniac. The guards will be on WS weekend and will be on thegysot beach on weekends only. They usually have a training week in which they put out their stands,the dboys out but reeve Brts anduce Woodley said he would be doing that because the village can't afford IO pay the guards fora training week. Subscription Renewal Rates Due to Postal Surcharge increases Beginning March 1, 1992 As of March 1, 1992, the Canada Post Corporation will no longer subsidize newspaper delivery in areas that are outsidg a 40 mile rads n of Exeter or those areas who have gloor to door mail delivery. Below are monthly pro -rated postal charges that will be added to the cost of a subscription ($30.00) to the Exeter Times -Advocate. Pro -rated Charges Subscriptions expiring May '91 $5.00 Plus Annual • Subscription G.S.T. June '91 $7.50 $30.00 + $2.45 Please Pay $37.45 July '91 $10.00 $30.00 1 $2.62 $30.00 $2.80 Aug. '91 $12.50 Sept. '91 $15.00 Oct. '91 $17.50 Nov. '91 $20,00 $30.00 $2.97 $40.12 $42.80 $45.47 $30.00 $3.15 $30.00 $3.32 Dec. '91 $22.50 Jan. '92 $25.00 Feb. '92 $27.50 530.00 $3.50 $48.15 $50.82 $53.50 $30.00 $30.00 $3.67 $3.85 530.00 Mar. '92 $30.00 $4.02 $30.00 I $4.20 $56.17 $58.85 $61.52 $64.20 c4medn©ao -OtiT CHARTERED ACCOUNTANTS Kime, Mills, Dunlop. Chartered Accountants Daniel B. Daum, B.A., M.Acc., C.A. Manager 412 Maln St., P.O. Box 2405 Exeter, Ontario NOM 1S7 (519) 235-0345 Fax: (519) 235-3235 j John A.M. Nos CHARTERED ACCOUNTANT 497 Main Street South, Exeter, Ontario NOM 1 S 1 Tel: (519) 235-3240 Fax: (519) 235-3246 AUCTIONEERS FILSON & ROBSON Th. Experienced Auctioneers that Guarantee You More $$ Considering A Sale or t36ti-0 � n Appra6 1967 Supplying ent30rssf Efficient Service• Mobile office • Immediate Payment • 2 Auctioneers h Is Our Pleasure To Serve You e.NORM WHITING LICENSED AUCTIONEER 8 APPRAISER Prompt Courteous Efficient ANY TYPE, ANY SIZE ANYWHERE W. II v. complete Nle service PROrIT sr EXPERIENCE Phone Collect 233.1064 DIETER MANAGEMENT & ACCOUNTING SERVICES iFRED ,,; SIMMONS $.A. Business & Financial Plans Call (519) 235'.1854 Bob Heywood, Licensed Auctioneer Specializing in household and estate auctions Reasonable rates Bob 235-0874 Laverne 235-1278 AUCTIONEERS Bruce & Brett oulter Household, Estate and Farm Auctions Grand Bend 238-8000 Parkhill 294-6164 REPAIRS ellowissg 1M.sdsiss.� REirs to all makes Free estimates 90 Dey Warr.% Experienced time 1932 Sow, M+ Savo strimordClolod Monday .rhen.2719440 ...., 1