Blyth festival 2014 season brochure

where the heart is

40th SEASON JUNE 25 - SEPT 6, 2014

BOX OFFICE 1.877.862.5984

blythfestival.com SEASON MEDIA SPONSOR

SEASON SPONSOR

1975~2014 CELEBRATING 40 YEARS OF CANADIAN THEATRE

Marion de Vries Artistic Director

Happy 40th Blyth Festival!

Where the heart is ... That’s how I feel about this community and about Blyth Centre for the Arts – or, as everybody knows and loves this special place, Blyth Festival. It is remarkable that we are celebrating our 40th Season as a unique voice in Canadian theatre.

Why are we unique? Our compelling plays have always been inspired by the authentic stories, people, local history and current issues of Blyth, of Huron County and mid-western Ontario – or sometimes eastern Ontario or the Prairies or the Maritimes – because that’s the kind of theatre you, our audiences, come out to see. Shows that make you laugh out loud, that challenge your notions, that set your toes a-tapping, that bring a tear to your eye, that make you exclaim “Ain’t that the truth!”

The plays in this special “Ruby Anniversary” season are about home and heart, love, loyalty, struggle, commitment, bravery, passion. Three World Premieres – Kitchen Radio, Stag and Doe, St. Anne’s Reel – carry on the Blyth tradition of creating new work. The Canadian Classic Billy Bishop Goes To War launches our “Memorial Series”: one play each season from 2014 to 2018 dedicated to exploring stories of war and peace, marking the 100th anniversary of The Great War. The series also honours historic Blyth Memorial Community Hall, built in 1920 as a living cenotaph, and home of Blyth Festival for 40 years.

Whether you are an old friend or getting to know us for the first time, I invite and welcome you to our home – Where the Heart Is – to celebrate our 40th Season with us and enjoy unique Canadian theatre.

#bfADMarion #bf40 4

where the heart is 2014 Playbill.........................6-10

Young Company .....................11 Season Schedule .....................12 Tickets ........................................14 Special Events..........................16 Blyth Centre for the Arts......18 Plan Your Visit.........................20 Membership .............................22 Blyth Festival gratefully acknowledges the generous support of:

Season Image and inside spread: 39 years of season posters for Blyth Festival. Graphic design

by CreativeFeats.com. Photos are credited or contributed and published with permission.

Printed in Canada by Blyth Printing. Information in this brochure is correct at time of printing but is subject to change. Š2014 Blyth Festival CF/BP/Feb14/45M

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Musical

WORLD PREMIERE

“Inside my kitchen radio I’m in a whole other world.”

Kitchen Radio

JUNE 25 – AUGUST 9

By Marion de Vries Lyrics & Music by Marion de Vries and David Archibald Directed by Kelli Fox It’s September 1968 and Eleanor, the lonely young wife of a bank manager, is unpacking boxes yet again – this time in a small farming town. Because she and Dan move so often, her only friends are the female country music stars she listens to on her kitchen radio and she imagines she is one of them. But suddenly Elly finds herself entangled in the lives of the local women – and her world is turned upside down!

Blyth Festival’s 40th Season kicks off with a brand new country musical that’s full of comedy and heart – and “unplugged,” featuring the beautiful natural acoustics of Memorial Hall.

Production Sponsor

#bfKitchen 6

Media Sponsors

History

CANADIAN CLASSIC

“On the edge of destiny, you must test your strength.”

Billy Bishop Goes to War

JULY 2 – AUGUST 15

S

MORI

AL

ME

Written and Composed by John MacLachlan Gray in collaboration with Eric Peterson Directed by Janet Amos

ERIES

The heroic exploits of Billy Bishop, the celebrated WWI flying ace from Owen Sound – credited with seventy-two victories and billed the top pilot in the British Empire – are relived in this sweeping theatrical love-letter to a defining moment in Canadian history.

One of Canada’s most successful and enduring plays, winner of the GovernorGeneral’s Award, the Chalmers Award, and the Los Angeles Drama Critics Award.

Photo: From the collection of the National Library and Archives of Canada

Production Sponsors

Media Sponsor

#bfBilly 7

Comedy

WORLD PREMIERE

“It’s a hell of a lot more fun pretending you’re Kate planning her wedding to Will.”

Photo: Thomas Weller

Stag and Doe

JULY 30 – SEPTEMBER 6

By Mark Crawford Directed by Miles Potter

In the community hall on a Saturday morning, Bonnie and Brad and their maid of honour Dee are making Jell-O shooters for their Stag and Doe. Mandy and Rob show up in a state of emergency, demanding the use of the hall that very night for their wedding reception. They cut an uneasy deal to share the hall – and the day spins out of control in this hilarious new comedy that shines a light on the true nature of love, friendship... and weddings. Join the fun!

Production Sponsor

#bfStag 8

Drama

WORLD PREMIERE

“I was gonna be a big musician, and play my own show on the CKNX.” Photo: William Henry

St. Anne’s Reel

AUGUST 6 – SEPTEMBER 6

By Gil Garratt Directed by Marion de Vries

Daniel, a washed-up Dollywood rhinestone cowboy, returns home to the farm near Wingham after many years, to mourn his mother’s death... and maybe patch things up with the old man. But he gets drawn right back into scrapping with Walter – who used to play fiddle with the Ranch Boys on Circle 8. This moving and humorous fictional drama about a prodigal son and his cantankerous father is woven with old-time fiddle tunes.

Production Sponsor

#bfReel 9

PHILLIPS STUDIO PRESENTATION

“Wickedly funny, unexpectedly moving” THE NEW YORK SUN

Radio :30

A Night Kitchen Production

SEPTEMBER 4, 5, 6

By Chris Earle Directed by Shari Hollett Starring Chris Earle and featuring Sam Earle

In Radio :30, a veteran “voice guy” named Ron (played by Toronto writer/performer and Second City alum Chris Earle) is recording a 30 second radio ad with the help of his faithful recording engineer Mike (Sam Earle, TV's Degrassi). Between takes, Ron shares the tricks of his trade with the audience, slowly revealing how the polished dishonesty of his profession has infected his personal life. Haunted by his conscience, Ron’s silver tongue begins to betray him.

Production Sponsor

#bfRadio 10

Blyth Building Supplies

YOUNG COMPANY

Bringing heroic tales of teens from outside the county in.

AUGUST 27 – 30

Out of This World

A Collective by the Young Company Directed by Jamie Robinson

Wander around the World with the Young Company as they literally guide the audience both indoors and out, staging a collectively created journey.

Through storytelling, role playing, stage combat and song, harrowing current events will both enlighten and inspire!

Blyth Festival Young Company is open to youths aged 13 - 19. It is FREE to participate. Creativity begins August 4.

Production Sponsor

#bfWorld

YOUNG COMPANY FUND SUPPORTERS

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2014 CALENDAR JUNE

SUN

Preview P Opening O Closing C

MAINSTAGE

Blyth Memorial Hall June 25 - Sept 6 Kitchen Kitchen Radio

22

23

24

29

30

1

JULY

Stag Stag and Doe

6

7

8 2:00 Kitchen 8:00 Billy

14

15 2:00 Billy 8:00 Kitchen

20

21

22 2:00 Kitchen 8:00 Billy

Reel St. Anne’s Reel

27

28

29

209 Dinsley Street in Blyth September 4 - 6 Radio :30

3

4

5

AUGUST

PHILLIPS STUDIO

YOUNG COMPANY August 27 - 30 World Out of this World

Bonanza Weekend August 8, 9, 10

Civic Holiday

10 Bonanza

12 2:00 Stag 8:00 Reel

17 Homecoming 18

19

2:30 40th Celebration

2:00 Stag 8:00 Reel

24

31

SEP

NOTE: Passes are valid for mainstage productions only. Young Company productions and Special Events do not apply.

Information is correct at time of printing. Program subject to change.

11

2:00 Stag

Homecoming Weekend

August 15, 16, 17

TUE

Canada Day

13

Billy Blly Bishop Goes To War

Stay Connected

Like Blyth Festival’s facebook page or follow us on twitter @blythfestival for up-to-the-minute news, events and promotions.

12

MON

25

26

8:00 Reel

2:00 Reel 8:00 Stag

1

2

Labour Day

2:00 Stag 8:00 Reel

920 Night | JUNE 25 8pm | $9.20 Join us and our friends at CKNX Radio for 920 Night - one night only – the first preview of the season!

Proceeds to benefit the Actor’s Fund of Canada.

WED

THU

FRI

SAT

25 920 Night

26

8:00 Kitchen P

8:00 Kitchen P

27

Opening GALA Dinner 2:00 Kitchen Supper: Anglican Church Supper: United Church

28

8:00 Kitchen O

8:00 Kitchen

2 8:00 Billy P

3

4

5 2:00 Billy

8:00 Billy P

Supper: Legion

Supper: Anglican Church

8:00 Billy O

8:00 Kitchen

9

10

11

2:00 Billy 8:00 Kitchen

12 2:00 Kitchen

2:00 Billy

Supper: United Church

Supper: Anglican Church

8:00 Kitchen

8:00 Billy

16

17

18

2:00 Kitchen

2:00 Kitchen 8:00 Billy

19 2:00 Billy

Supper: Legion

Supper: Anglican Church

8:00 Billy

8:00 Kitchen

23

24

25

2:00 Billy

2:00 Billy 8:00 Kitchen

26 2:00 Kitchen

Supper: Walton Hall

Supper: Walton Hall

8:00 Kitchen

8:00 Billy

30

31

1

2 2:00 Billy

8:00 Stag P

8:00 Stag P

Supper: Legion

Supper: Legion

8:00 Stag O

6

7

8 Bonanza

8:00 Kitchen

9 Bonanza 2:00 Kitchen C

8:00 Reel P

8:00 Reel P

Supper: United Church

Supper: Fish Fry

8:00 Reel O

8:00 Billy

13

14

2:00 Reel

2:00 Reel 8:00 Stag

15 Homecoming 16 Homecoming 2:00 Reel Supper: Anglican Church

Supper: United Church

8:00 Billy C

8:00 Stag

20

21

22

2:00 Reel

2:00 Reel 8:00 Stag

23 2:00 Stag

Supper: Walton United

Supper: Anglican Church

8:00 Stag

8:00 Reel

27

28

29

2:00 Stag 7:00 World O

2:00 Stag 5:00 World 8:00 Reel

Supper: Anglican Church

30 2:00 World 2:00 Reel

3

4

2:00 Reel

2:00 Reel 5:00 Radio :30 O 8:00 Stag

5 2:00 Radio :30

Opening Night Dinner | JUNE 27 5:45pm | $40 Start the party early at the Gala Opening Night Dinner.

7:00 World 8:00 Reel

Supper: Legion

7:00 World C 8:00 Stag

Supper: Walton United

8:00 Radio :30 8:00 Stag

Talk Back Join cast members after the 2pm performance for an informal Q&A.

6 2:00 Radio :30 2:00 Stag C Supper: TBA

8:00 Radio :30 C 8:00 Reel C

Country Suppers A Blyth Festival tradition! Home-cooked meals served at local venues every Friday and Saturday evening.

Tickets $16 per person.

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TICKETS

L-R: Sheila Richards, Alice Munro, and Joan Fitzpatrick, Opening Night, 1987

HOW TO ORDER

IN PERSON Visit the Box Office at 423 Queen Street in Blyth

BY POST Mail your ticket request and cheque or credit card details to: Blyth Festival, P.O. Box 10, Blyth, ON N0M 1H0

BY TELEPHONE Toll Free 1.877.862.5984 or 519.523.9300

BY EMAIL info@blythfestival.com ONLINE blythfestival.com

TICKET SALES | Tickets go on sale to: Members | FEB 1, 2014 Groups | MARCH 1, 2014 General Public | APRIL 1, 2014 REGULAR BOX OFFICE HOURS Monday - Friday | 9am - 5pm SUMMER BOX OFFICE HOURS MAY 17 - SEPT 6, 2014 Monday - Saturday | 9am - 5pm Evening performance days | until 9pm BLYTH FESTIVAL SEAT PASSES make excellent gifts for birthdays, anniversaries, or just because. Seat Passes are available by phone, online or at the Box Office.

GROUPS A Baker’s Dozen! Buy 12, get the 13th ticket free anytime. Special group rates apply. Call the Box Office for complete details.

MORE INFORMATION Visit our website for more information on the theatre, ticket prices and policies.

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BLYTH MEMORIAL HALL STAGE A B 21 20 C 19 18 17 16 15 14 13 12 11 10 9 D E F G H I J K 27 26 25 24 23 22 21 20 L 19 18 17 16 15 14 13 12 11 10 9 M N O P ORCHESTRA Q

25 24 23 22 21 20 19 18 17 16 15

SINGLE TICKETS Regular shows Previews Youth (18 under)

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q

8 7

8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1

AA BB CC 14 13 12 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 DD BALCONY EE

Regular $30 $22 $15

Preferred $34 $26 $15

We accept VISA MASTERCARD AMERICAN EXPRESS

PASSES | On sale until April 30 only Purchase now and save up to 15%! Passes are redeemable for mainstage productions until September 6. Special Events, Young Company and Phillips Studio productions do not apply.

Flex Pass Preferred......................$115 Flex Pass Regular .........................$110 Youth Pass ..........................................$50 Adventure Pass Preferred ........$110 Adventure Pass Regular ..............$95 BONANZA WEEKEND | AUG 8 - 10 Four plays in three days. Bonanza Pass.....$100

HOMECOMING WEEKEND | AUG 15 - 17 A celebration of 40 years of Canadian Theatre.

Three plays PLUS our 40th Season Celebration.....$100

PHILLIPS STUDIO Single tickets, general admission Adult......$25 Youth......$15

YOUNG COMPANY Single tickets, all seating Adult......$15 Youth......$8

TICKET FEES: Applicable taxes are included in all ticket prices.

Exchanges $3 per ticket. Exchanges are a free service to members.

No exchange on day of performance. No Refunds. Each order is subject to a $4 handling charge.

SPECIAL EVENTS: Ticket prices appear with event descriptions.

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40th SEASON SPECIAL EVENTS

BIDS, BITES AND BAZINGAS!

FUNDRAISING AUCTION hosted by Rob Bundy & Wes MacVicar SAT APRIL 12 | 7pm | $25 Blyth Arena & Community Centre Join us as we kick off our 40th season with our bi-annual fundraising auction. The evening will feature live and silent auctions, delectable hors d’oeuvres, and a few surprises along the way. The bids will be high, the bites will be delicious hors d’oeuvres, and the bazingas will be entertaining.

WINGFIELD UNBOUND

Rod Beattie. Photo: Terry Manzo

FRI APRIL 26 | 8pm | $33 | Dinner $16

By Dan Needles Directed by Douglas Beattie Starring Rod Beattie Walt’s attempt to restore the crumbling Hollyhock Mill pits him against the local council.

WINGFIELD ON ICE

SAT SEPT 26 | 8pm $33 | Dinner $16

By Dan Needles Directed by Douglas Beattie Starring Rod Beattie With a baby on the way, Walt’s eyes are suddenly opened to ancient feuds and grudges that simmer on the back roads of the township.

Special Events Sponsors

TICKETS

blythfestival.com 1.877.862.5984 16

Debra McGrath and Colin Mochrie

ROYAL FLUSH IMPROV 2

Nug Nahrgang

with COLIN MOCHRIE and DEBRA McGRATH FRI MAY 9 | 8pm | $30 Colin Mochrie and Debra McGrath join Nug Nahrgang and friends for a night of unscripted comedy that will have you laughing out loud.

ANNUAL USED BOOK SALE

A Blyth Festival tradition | JUNE 5 - 8 | Free Admission JUNE 5 – 4pm - 9pm | JUNE 6 – 9am - 9pm JUNE 7 – 9am - 4pm | JUNE 8 – Noon - 4pm Back and bigger than ever in honour of our 40th season.

On Friday visit the “Book Café” for a Soup and Sandwich lunch; on Saturday pick up a delicious homemade pie.

OPENING NIGHT GALA DINNER & TRACTOR PARADE

FRI JUNE 27 | 5:45pm | $40 Blyth Arena & Community Centre We've changed to a larger venue to accommodate our 40th Season celebration!

HOMECOMING WEEKEND

AUG 15 - 17 | $100 Join us for a celebration of 40 years of Canadian Theatre.

FRI – 5:45pm | Country Supper (additional) FRI – 8pm | Billy Bishop Goes To War SAT – 2pm | St. Anne’s Reel SAT – 5:45pm | Country Supper (additional) SAT – 8pm | Stag and Doe SUN – 2:30pm | 40th Celebration 17

BLYTH CENTRE ARTS

FOR THE

Dedication of the Bainton Gallery, 1990. L-R: Sheila Richards, Cenetta Bainton, Frank Bainton and Don McCaffrey

Blyth Festival is part of Blyth Centre for the Arts, which includes an art gallery that mounts five exhibitions annually, a professionally-led choir, and orchestra.

For details visit blythfestival.com

BLYTH FESTIVAL ART GALLERY 2014 EXHIBITIONS

MAY 1 - 22 | Student Show 2014 MAY 24 – JUNE 13 | Community Show 2014 JUNE 20 – JULY 12 | Rose Pearson Exhibit - Vestiges and Pauses JULY 18 – AUG 10 | Kelly Stevenson Exhibit - Who Heals You AUG 15 – SEPT 20 | Celebrating 40 Years with Blyth Festival

Rose Pearson, Teapot and Field, Oil on canvas, 30" x 40" 18

BLYTH FESTIVAL SINGERS

Blyth Festival Singers is a county-wide community choir under the professional direction of Sharon Poelstra. The choir performs primarily in Huron County and has endeavoured to present a high standard of choral singing since its inception in 1980. A variety of music is performed: arts songs from all eras, popular music, Canadian and world folk songs, sacred and secular masterpieces.

I DREAMED OF RAIN SUN APRIL 13 | 2:30pm | $15 | Blyth Memorial Hall

SMCC Singers (formerly St. Marys Children's Choir) join Blyth Festival Singers for the performance of two great pieces by Canadian composer Larry Nickel, I Dreamed of Rain and All the Little Rivers, in a concert celebrating water and life!

SONGS FROM THE STAGE SAT MAY 31 | 6:30pm | $25 | Varna Complex, Mill Road

Blyth Festival Singers’ cabaret dinner and silent auction features the remarkable performance skills of singer/songwriter Mark Cassius, part of the 2012 Stratford Festival and Broadway revival of Jesus Christ Superstar. This concert features the lighter side of the choir with arrangements from some of the greatest Musical Theatre productions of our time.

ANNUAL CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION OF MUSIC SUN DEC 7 | 2:30pm | $15 | Location TBA

TICKETS to all concerts available at the Blyth Box Office or from choir members.

BLYTH FESTIVAL ORCHESTRA

Formed in 1995, the Blyth Festival Orchestra performs frequently throughout the year and shines during special performances on the lawn during the theatre season. Its members are drawn from Huron County and the surrounding areas.

SPRING CONCERT SUN JUNE 1 | Clinton United Church | Free admission

The orchestra is performing Vivaldi’s Gloria with thatotherchoir and members of Clinton United Church’s choir at their anniversary service during the morning worship.

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PLAN YOUR VISIT Attractions, accommodations and dining – something for everyone!

When planning your trip to Blyth Festival, be sure to take the time to enjoy some local flavour while you are here.

With countless events and activities, the County of Huron has become the new cottage country, vacation destination for families this summer. Take in one of the farmers’ markets, pristine beaches, antique shops, music festivals, bistros, cafés, hiking trails – the list goes on and on! Make your trip to Blyth Festival the “stay”cation of the summer!

WHERE TO EAT, STAY AND PLAY Blyth Festival blythfestival.com | 1.877.862.5984 Village of Blyth | blythbia.ca

Huron Tourism Association ontarioswestcoast.ca | 1.888.524.8394 ext. 3 Township of North Huron northhuron.ca | 519.357.1208 Shakespeare to the Shoreline shakespearetotheshoreline.ca

Tourism Goderich | goderich.ca | 1.800.280.7637 RT04 | iliketheatreing.ca

Ontario Summer Theatre | summertheatre.ca

ontarioswestcoast.ca 20

Discover why Huron County is a vacation destination of charm, culture, beauty and endless possibilities!

ATTENTION PARENTS:

WEEcare!

NEW FOR 2014: Blyth Festival is offering child care for children aged up to 10 years old, on Saturday matinee days listed below, beginning 1:30pm to 5pm at Memorial Hall.

Participants will enjoy theatre games and activities. Please book at least two business days in advance. Call the box office at 519.523.9300 or 1.877.862.5984.

JULY 12 | Kitchen Radio AUG 2 | Billy Bishop Goes To War AUG 23 | Stag and Doe AUG 30 | St. Anne’s Reel SEPT 6 | Stag and Doe and Radio :30

Blyth Festival is housed in the historic Blyth Memorial Community Hall in the rural village of Blyth.

431 QUEEN STREET, BLYTH, ONTARIO N0M 1H0

DIRECTIONS

Located on Huron County Road 4, south of Hwy 86 and north of Hwy 8.

PARKING

FREE on all side streets and in the town parking lot across the street from the theatre.

Photo: Keith Roulston

Orillia Owen Sound Barrie 4

Kincardine

400

LAKE HURON

4

Wingham

21

9

Goderich Clinton

23

8

Grand Bend

4

401

Orangeville Drayton

86

BLYTH Bayfield

Newmarket

6

Stratford

Toronto Mississauga

Waterloo Guelph QEW 7

Kitchener

LAKE ONTARIO

Hamilton

401

USA

403

Niagara Falls

7

Sarnia

6 402

London

24

3

401 2

LAKE ERIE 21

MEMBERSHIP

Janet Amos, 2004

Join the Blyth Festival family by becoming a Member today!

Contributions from individual donors directly support the exceptional repertoire of work brought to life on stage each season. Your membership donation of $40 or more ensures that Blyth Festival can continue to provide a unique voice in Canadian theatre.

CORPORATE SPONSORSHIP

If your business or organization would like to be involved with Blyth Festival, consider one of our sponsorship programs.

The Business Circle Membership Program and the Corporate Sponsorship Program provide multiple levels of contribution to suit any size business. Experience the benefits of an arts partnership in your community.

For details of the varying levels of contribution, please visit blythfestival.com or contact: JOHN McHENRY, Director of Marketing & Development Tel: 519.523.9300 ext. 209 Email: jmchenry@blythfestival.com 22

MEMBER BENEFITS INCLUDE:

■ Early booking privileges (Box Office opens to Members on February 1) ■ Free ticket exchange privileges ■ Advance notice of the season ■ Curtain Call – our exclusive Members-only newsletter ■ Recognition in the house program ■ One (1) vote at the Annual General Meeting ■ Charitable tax receipt

When you donate to Blyth Festival, your gift can be directed to the following areas:

OPERATING FUND A gift to the Operating Fund directly supports play production, including artist fees, wardrobe, props, carpentry, scenic art, lighting, and sound.

ROULSTON ROY NEW PLAY DEVELOPMENT FUND A new play demands attention before it debuts on stage.

Gifts to New Play Development help fund this process, and ensure that playwrights receive the necessary artistic support to prepare new scripts for full-fledged productions.

YOUNG COMPANY The Young Company offers area youth the opportunity to collectively develop and present a new work under professional direction. Gifts to the Young Company allow Blyth Festival to present this rare opportunity at no cost to participants. Other youth programming includes drama workshops for children aged 5 to 12, and a Theatre-for-Young-Audience production for elementary schools each fall.

SHEILA RICHARDS MEMORIAL CAPITAL FUND Sheila Richards was a volunteer with Blyth Festival from 1978-1994. She was President of the Board of Directors in 1979, 1980, and 1985. She was a visionary in her insistence that money be raised to purchase items that would enhance our patron’s experience. It was from her passion, dedication, and tireless work that this fund was formed.

Gifts donated to this fund will help carry on this tradition.

Memberships are valid for one year from donation date.

Charitable Tax # 11881 2056 RR0001

For membership information, please contact the Box Office: 423 Queen St., PO Box 10, Blyth Ontario N0M 1H0 Tel: 519.523.9300 Toll free: 1.877.862.5984 Email: info@blythfestival.com 23