Tag Archives: theatre

It’s not just about the Guys

6 May

By Diva Jenna Ujiye

Guys in the Garage

I’ve never really wondered what went on in the garage when I wasn’t there. My garage seems to be a revolving door of guys coming to hang out, drink a beer or two and fix some item or another. I attended the second night of the newest play currently running at the Livery in Goderich on Friday. This show is called Guys in the Garage and is written and stars local writer and actor Rob Bundy. I don’t want to give away anything on the show, as there are still three more shows that you can get tickets to (which I will post later on!), but I will tell you that it gives you a bit of an insider on what happens in the garage!

Guys in the Garage 2

Many guys call it their “man cave” and it becomes a place where they have a sanctuary away from all troubles, women or kids! While watching the show I felt a bit like I was invading someones space. Local actors Ben Scholten, Wes Macvicar, Phil Main, Dave Subert and Steve Howard played the characters of the guys. They sure complained about their wives and being married quite often and seemed really concerned that their wives would find out they were having a beer. This is where Margery, played by Blanche Savage, saved the scariness of the show. She knew what they were doing and most of the wives probably did too. The garage is just a place where they could let a load off and get away, they all loved their wives and family!

The show runs may 9, 10 and 11 at 8pm, tickets are available online at www.thelivery.ca or you can call 519-524-6262 or visit the box office at 35 South Street in Goderich – The box office is open:

Tuesday: 10 am – 1 pm
Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday: 3 – 5.30 pm
Rush seats, if available, on sale 30 minutes before performance

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It’s World Theatre Day

27 Mar

Created in 1961 by UNESCO, World Theatre Day is celebrated annually on March 27 by theatre communities around the globe.  UNESCO’s goals were to

1)  Celebrate the power of theatre as an indispensable bridge-builder for mutual international understanding and peace.

2)  Promote and protect cultural diversity and identity in communities throughout the world.

Here, in Huron County, we’re fortunate to have two professional theatres.   I asked the artistic directors to share their comments on World Theatre Day.

Artistic Director - Peter Smith, Blyth Festival

Artistic Director – Peter Smith Blyth Festival

Blyth Festival‘s, Artistic Director Peter Smith ~ I believe there are two stories. The first is our experience; the second is relating that experience to another. There are many ways to relate a story about something that happened. I’ve heard terrific tales on a long prairie car ride, from someone at the front of a classroom, late at night around a kitchen table, coming from a radio on the windowsill, or on a small or big screen. I’ve also had experience related to me while gathered with a collection of others in one of the many theatres from across our blue planet.

Theatre is a live event – it’s people together in a room, or maybe somewhere outdoors, that has another crowd relating an experience back to them. It is shared.  It’s like being at a wedding. So many generations represented, so much anticipation, so much joy. Life is theatre and theatre is life. I encourage those who haven’t been to a play to check out the original 3D story this year. And for those who have, to head up or down the road and check out a theatre they’ve never been to before and witness the experience being related there.

World Theatre Day is every day for me. Theatre is simply the best of story.

_ _ _ _ _

Alex Mustakas, Artistic Director, Drayton Entertainment

Alex Mustakas, Artistic Director, Drayton Entertainment

Alex Mustakas, Artistic Director of Drayton Entertainment, including Huron Country Playhouse ~

Today, Drayton Entertainment proudly celebrates World Theatre Day in each of the unique southwestern Ontario communities in which it operates:  the original Drayton Festival Theatre in Drayton, Huron Country Playhouse and Playhouse II in Grand Bend, King’s Wharf Theatre in Penetanguishene, Schoolhouse Theatre in St. Jacobs, St. Jacobs Country Playhouse in Waterloo, and the new Dunfield Theatre Cambridge, located in the heart of Galt.

At its core, Drayton Entertainment has always understood that good theatre doesn’t just portray life – it encourages us to participate and experience it at a much deeper level. It encourages us to think, to cry, to laugh, to learn, to form a sense of the purpose of life, to be sympathetic with others – the list goes on and on.

Theatre is one of the cornerstones of a healthy, vibrant society. It is a conduit for the convergence of community, commerce, and creativity, building new synergies between the traditional and innovative … enhancing the lives of all Canadians in the process.

_ _ _ _ _

Watch for details of the 2013 season’s in upcoming blogs at OntarioTravelDivas.com or visit these websites today.

Blyth Festival Drayton Entertainment’s
Huron Country Playhouse
P.O. Box 10, Blyth, ON R.R. #1, B Line, Grand Bend
519.523.9300 519.238.6000
1.877.862.5984 1.855.372.9866
www.blythfestival.com www.draytonentertainment.com

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Oscar fever!

26 Feb

Fighting over the Oscar

Fighting over the Oscar

By: Diva Jenna Ujiye

I have not watched the Academy Awards in about 6 years, as I haven’t had cable and I usually spend my Sunday evenings at home! This year my friend Kate Johnston, who is the manager of the Livery in Goderich, mentioned to me that there was a Livery fundraiser Oscar Night at the Parkhouse in Goderich and that it was a formal dress-up night. If you haven’t noticed, I hate to miss out on getting dressed up, so I told her I would be there!Oscar party decor at the Parkhouse in GoderichOscar party decor at the Parkhouse in Goderich

I realized that all I had for formal wear were my prom dresses and a couple of other dresses that were very tight. So I went with the larger of the tight dresses! I arrived at the Parkhouse at around 7:30 and our Hosts Ben Scholton and Ian Doyle had already started the evening commentary. I really felt like a star myself! The ticket price of $15.00 included a glass of sparkling wine, tons of door prizes and ½ price appetizers. I hadn’t had dinner, so I ordered a BLTC (Bacon, Lettuce, Tomato and Cheese) sandwhich… I know it doesn’t sound glamourous, but it sure hit the spot for me!

Doyle just about to interview Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie!

Ben Scholten and Ian Doyle just about to interview Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie!

We were each given ballots to put our votes in on all of the awards. I had seen 4 of the movies, so I had to do some “educated” guesses. There were prizes for best dressed, male and female and of course a prize was given to the person who scored highest on the awards list. The awards were fun, but I would have to say my favourite part was the photo booth. As you can see from the pictures we had a lot of fun! I hope the Livery has more entertaining nights such as these and it was great to spend the night with friends at the Parkhouse!

Photobooth at the Oscar Party

Photobooth at the Oscar Party

A thorn between 11 roses?

A thorn between 11 roses?

The Livery hosts the Goderich Little Theatre, The Livery Film Fest and Live! at the Livery. If you are looking to see a great theatre production, one is starting on March 15. I’ll Be Back Back Before Midnight” Written by Peter Colley and Directed by Nina Reynolds, sounds to me like it is going to be a great murder mystery show! So if you are looking for information on more great events visit www.thelivery.ca

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2012 Blyth Festival – Eaglesmith music and life on the farm

26 Jun

The small town of Blyth, Ontario is host and home to the Blyth Centre for the Arts. It is a year-round cultural activity centre with a plethora of opportunities, including – Blyth Festival Theatre, an Art Gallery that showcases three professional exhibits and the Blyth Festival Singers.

The season is coming together very well with one show already started. The world premier of Dear Johnny Deere kicked the season of on June 22. This show  takes songs and music by Fred Eaglesmith and shows us the ups and downs of life on the farm. The Divas haven’t mad it out to the show yet, but they wanted to make sure that you all had the opportunity to hear about it! London Free Press wrote a great review about the show, check it out here: http://www.lfpress.com/entertainment/stage/2012/06/24/19915226.html and see a bit of information below. Look for more information to come soon about the other shows happening this summer!

If you are looking to get tickets or are looking for more information you can visit or call here:

www.blythfestival.com/ or call 1-877-862-5984

dearjohnnydeere.jpg

June 19 – July 7

WRITER(S): Ken Cameron
DIRECTOR: Eric Coates

Drivin’, shootin’, cheatin’, schemin’, and boozin’…just another day on the farm when Fred Eaglesmith is writing the tunes!  But it’s not all fun and games…Johnny and Caroline struggle to keep the farm afloat and their marriage together while the bills pile higher.  What will it take to keep them together?

Hint: it’s green.  And it’s a tractor.

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Do you know what Goderich was like in the early 1950′s?

19 Apr

By Diva Jenna Ujiye

Red Sails in the Sunset – April 26 – May 6 at the Livery in Goderich

Click here for more information: http://www.thelivery.ca/Season.html

In the fall of 2011 I was chatting with Warren and Eleanor Robinson and they mentioned a play they were putting on in the spring. I have always loved acting and singing, so I told them I would try out! The time has flown so quickly and the show that was just a thought is now about to start in a week today.

This play has so much going on, it is a testament to life in Goderich from 1953 – 1955.  So of course, my favourite part is the costumes! Who doesn’t love poodle skirts, crinoline and men in dapper suits? With a cast of over 50, this show has it all. I have enjoyed getting to know new people and acting out the unique stories of Goderich over 50 years ago.

Warren Robinson partnered up with his childhood friend Richard Wilson to create this history based show. Warren wrote the script and lyrics and Richard wrote the music.  There is love, loss and challenge, all told through story, song and dance! I don’t want to give away any details, but have posted a bunch of photos to entice you all to check this amazing community theatre show.

I hope you can make it! Here are more details:

Red Sails in the Sunset

http://www.thelivery.ca/Season.html

Book & Lyrics by Warren Robinson

Musical Direction by Eleanor Robinson

Score Composed by Richard Wilson

Performance Dates

April 26, 27, 28, 29

May 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

TICKETS

Adults $20  – Seniors $18 (+65)

Youth $15 (13 -18) – Children $10 (10 and under)

*Group Rate 10% off

10 People or more*

 

CANCELLATION POLICY

No refunds without 24 hours notice.

After the 24 hours have passed, there will be NO exchanges and NO refunds.

NEW BOX OFFICE HOURS

Tuesdays 

10am – 1pm

Wednesdays,

Thursdays & Fridays

3pm – 5:30pm

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Have you gone to the theatre yet? Part 2 – Huron Country Playhouse

15 Jun

Huron Country Playhouse has a bunch of really great shows on this summer. Check them out below, or visit: http://www.draytonentertainment.com/theatre_information/huroncountryplayhouse/

Hairspray

Hairspray – June 8 – July 2, 2011 – The Broadway Musical

Ian Deakin stars as Edna Turnblad and Stephanie Pitsiladis stars as Tracy Turnblad in Hairspray

Get ready for something big with Hairspray, Broadway’s musical-comedy phenomenon that inspired a major motion picture and won eight Tony Awards, including Best Musical.

It’s 1962 … the ’50s are out and change is in the air. Baltimore’s Tracy Turnblad, a big girl with big hair and an even bigger heart, has only one passion – to dance. She wins a coveted spot on the popular Corny Collins Show, and overnight is transformed from social outcast to irrepressible teen celebrity. But can a trendsetter in dance and fashion vanquish the program’s reigning princess, win the heart of heartthrob Link Larkin, and integrate a television show … without denting her ‘do?

Join us for Broadway’s big fat musical hit!

Blood Brothers

Blood Brothers –  July 6 – July 23 -Paul McQuillan stars as Mickey in Blood Brothers

Their lives were worlds apart … but their destiny joined them together.

Regarded as one of the all-time great British musicals, Blood Brothers has touched the hearts and minds of a generation dealing with two of the most pressing social issues of our time –  inequality and unemployment.

In this haunting rags-to-riches story, fraternal twins separated at birth are driven by prophecy to cross paths later in life and fulfill a tragic fate when they both fall in love with the same girl.

A powerful tale that deftly combines humour with pathos, Blood Brothers is a thrillingly original production that has earned its rightful place as one of the most successful musicals to emerge from London’s West End.

How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying

How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying – July 27 – Aug 13  – A Big Business Musical

Power, ambition, greed … it’s just another day at the office in this Pulitzer Prize-winning musical comedy about one man’s climb up the corporate ladder of success.

After reading a life-changing book, humble window washer J. Pierpont Finch decides to put its principles to the test. He takes a job in the mailroom at the World Wide Wicket Company, and quickly rises to the top of the executive heap by following some rather dubious tactics. But when he suffers a crippling career setback, the handy how-to guide no longer has any answers.

Can Finch succeed on his own merit, or will his dreams go down in flames?

Guys and Dolls

Guys and Dolls – August 17 – September 3, 2011 – The Musical Fable of Broadway

Jackie Mustakas returns for her role as Miss Adelaide in Guys and Dolls Roll the dice and take a gamble on love with this perfect musical comedy.

A slick high-roller agrees to woo an upright but uptight “mission doll” as an elaborate bet … but unexpectedly raises the stakes when he ends up falling in love.

Rich in romance, humour, and exuberant dance sequences, along with bright, brazen musical numbers, Guys and Dolls is rightly regarded as one of the greatest Broadway musicals of all time. You’ll walk away a winner.

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Have you gone to the theatre yet? Part 1 – Blyth

14 Jun

I am pretty excited for the 2011 theatre season! Blyth has some great Canadian theatre happening and the Huron Country Playhouse has some awesome musicals musing away! Here are the 2011 Blyth Festival plays.

Hometown

June 21 – August 7

WRITERS: Jean Marc Dalpé, Mieko Ouchi, Mansel Robinson, Martha Ross, Peter Smith, Des Walsh with music by David Archibald

DIRECTOR: Peter Smith

Where is your hometown? Is it the prairie village where you learned to ride a bicycle or is it a condo by the ocean? An evening of six short plays tackles this question: is hometown a place or is it a state of mind? For some, hometown is dinner with the family, while others may find it tucked in the pages of a treasured book. Through memory, travel, and song, this dynamic group of seven shines a light on Canada’s hometowns from coast to coast.

Vimy

June 29 – August 6

WRITER(S): Vern Thiessen
DIRECTOR: Eric Coates

On April 9, 1917 more than 15,000 Canadian men went over the top to storm Vimy Ridge. Despite blinding sleet, snow, heavy enemy fire, and the endless quagmire of mud, our troops took the ridge and held fast. Many believe that Canada was truly born on this day. In a field hospital, four soldiers reflect on their lives as a young nurse from Shubenacadie, Nova Scotia tends to the aftermath of grief and fear.

“A victory of a play…” The Globe and Mail

Rope’s End

July 27 – August 27

WRITER(S): Douglas Bowie
DIRECTOR: Lee MacDougall

Toby Boone is a forty-something loser, living in a rundown apartment, unlucky at love and everything else. When he reaches his rope’s end, Toby stumbles across a photo of Marisa, his true love – and the written promise that they will one day reunite. The only problem is that thirty-one years have passed. When romantic fantasy collides with sober reality, Toby and Marisa face the toughest decisions of their lives. Join them on their fearless quest for love against all odds in this hilariously bittersweet romantic comedy.

“Uplifting romantic comedy…” Winnipeg Free Press

Early August

August 3 – August 27

WRITER(S): Kate Lynch
DIRECTOR: Leah Cherniak

In the women’s dressing room of a beloved Canadian theatre somewhere in Huron County, three urban actresses battle with the practical problems of rural life: mysterious critters, an amorous veterinarian, and the quest for a decent Chardonnay.  And just to complicate matters, they all want Albert, the handsome young actor with a heart of gold. Enter Stage Manager Teddy. She’s calm, she’s smart and she’ll whip them into shape if it’s the last thing she does. Early August is a love letter to summer theatre and a comedy for everyone who always wondered what really happens backstage.

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Motorcycle Riding and Mud Boggn’

23 May

During the summer I love to drive around on my quad and explore the sites. I usually only get out three of four times during the year, but it is worthwhile!

I was just looking at my calendar and realized that this coming weekend, May 27 & 28, is a big deal for people who are in to riding  Motorcycles and Four-wheelers. I was really involved in the Forbidden Ride in 2009 & 2010, but am just singing at the BBQ afterwards this year. Make sure to sign up for the events if you are in to either of these two sports! The South Huron Mud Boggn event is the first annual and I have heard that many people have signed up to make their way through the mud.

Ride Huron Perth, Forbidden Ride – May 27 & 28

On May 27 and 28, 2011, the streets of Perth Huron will be filled with the sound of roaring motorcycles cruising their way from Shakespeare to Goderich as they take a Forbidden Ride.

Perth and Huron Counties have once again partnered together to support the Perth Big Brothers and Big Sisters organizations while offering all motorcycle enthusiasts a fun weekend adventure they’ll never forget. The Forbidden Ride weekend will kick off with a police escorted ride through downtown Stratford to the Stratford Avon Theater for ‘Biker’s Night’. See the rock musical Jesus Christ Superstar on May 27 and save 25%! To save, call the Stratford Shakespeare Festival box office at 1-800-567-1600 or go online at www.stratfordshakespearefestival.com with promotion code 36815 to get your tickets!

On Saturday morning, participants are encouraged to visit one of our many fantastic restaurants for a delicious breakfast. Then be sure to browse through some of the unique shops before heading to the Perth County Welcome Centre and Artisan Market in Shakespeare to begin the Forbidden Ride. The cost to participate in the ride is $30.00 for the first rider and $15.00 for a passenger, with all of the proceeds being donated to the Perth Big Brothers and Big Sisters organizations.

The Forbidden Ride will take you from countryside to coastline, with bikers stopping in at least 5 different towns to collect stamps on the “roads less travelled”. You will stop at various attractions throughout the two counties to explore the exciting landscapes and forbidden finds we have to offer! It will end with a savoury BBQ featuring local foods, live music and great prizes will await you.

May 11, 2011
Ben Forrest
EXETER – Mud bogging, a popular motorsport where competitors race through mud pits, isn’t new to Exeter.But organizers of a May 28 event want to bring the sport to town on a bigger way, potentially creating an annual tradition on par with the Exeter Rodeo.

Dubbed “South Huron Mud Bogg’n 2011,” the event will allow ATV and utility vehicle owners to race through mud pits at Country Corners Rent-All and neighbouring property, at the south end of Exeter.

Participants will be divided into 10 different classes, with winners decided either by the distance travelled through a pit, or the time they take to make it through.

A partnership of Country Corners Rent-All and the Municipality of South Huron, the event will also serve as this year’s major fundraiser for the MainStreets Exeter downtown revitalization project.

Country Corners hosted a similar event in 2009 – a cancer fundraiser in memory of Mike Lightfoot that was well-attended.

South Huron Mud Bogg’n 2011 will run all day, with vendors opening at around 8 a.m. according to Peter Armstrong, chairperson of the MainStreets Exeter promotion committee.

ATV dealers and food vendors are expected to be on hand, and races are slated to run from about 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

There are plans to have a shuttle bus running hourly from Mud Bogg’n to downtown Exeter, where spectators can shop or dine.

Organizers hope to park the shuttle at the Exeter Parkette, where it’s expected Big Brothers Big Sisters South Huron will hold a fundraising barbecue.

Registrants for Mudd Bogg’n 2011 include those from as far away as Hamilton and Dunnville, according to Armstrong.

“People are coming a distance just to have the opportunity to play in the mud for a day,” he said.

Those participating must provide their own ATV or utility vehicle, and the hope is Mudd Bogg’n will become an annual event.

“We expect this to snowball into quite a large event year after year,” Armstrong said.

Organizers are looking for volunteers to help out, offering free admission and a free T-shirt as compensation.

Those interested can contact Mark Cassidy at MainStreets Exeter. Vendor space is still available, and registration for mud bogging itself was still open at press time.
For more information, visit http://www.mudboggn.com

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