A THANKSGIVING STORY IN MARCH: The Humans BY CHRIS ILLICH
On March 28-29, the Silver Spire United Church in St. Catharines will play host to the Niagara premiere of The Humans, a Tony Award winning and Pulitzer Prize nominated one-act play by Stephen Karam. The play, which was recently adapted into a major motion film starring Amy Schumer and directed by Karam himself, is centered around the Blake family meeting up for Thanksgiving, in an apartment in Chinatown, Manhattan.
“It’s a really beautiful play about how we all need to find ways to cope with fear in dark times. It’s a very urban script about how people in three generations deal with fear and anxiety, yet are still able to keep their family together,” director John Sweeney explained. “It has a sharp, satirical edge to it, and the ending is quite spectacular. There’s things that families don’t talk about, and when they do, and it finally all reaches it’s boiling point, it really
creates a much bigger impact outside of just that one family.” This particular production of The Humans will be an 'animated' and rehearsed reading of the play, featuring Colin Bruce Anthes, Genevieve Jones, Kirk Mitchell, Kristin Ojaperv, Karen Thacker and Sybil Wilson. Director Sweeney, was the Head of Theatre at Ridley College in St. Catharines for 12 years, and this will be his third production post-retirement. When deciding to do a rehearsed reading rather than a full production, Sweeney cited their need and want for local artists ie. ‘good people’, to be mixed with several from the congregation. “We just knew that good people would be busy, and we couldn’t pay them by the hour to rehearse this play. Luckily, the thing about good people is
ON THE STAGE KASHEDANCE: FACING HOME A contemporary dance work that investigates the global impact of Bob Marley’s music – its expression of humanity’s struggle and inspiration toward love, redemption and hope. Set to renditions of Marley's music, as well as popular dancehall music, the work faces a West Indian paradox, which allows for the liberation found in Marley’s music while the lyrics in dancehall simultaneously suppress the abilities and oppress members of LGBTQ communities.
• FIRSTONTARIO PERFORMING ARTS CENTRE (Mar. 5-6)
DANNY CUSTODIO FLOWER CARPETS/TAPETES FLORIDOS Curated by Marcie Bronson
November 2, 2019 to March 22, 2020 109 St. Paul Crescent, St. Catharines, ON brocku.ca/rodmanhall Danny Custodio, Purple Maple, Blue Spruce, Rocket Cedar, 2019, archival pigment print, from the series Flower Carpets/Tapetes Floridos.
FOOTLOOSE Brock University students come together to perform a musical classic about Love, Freedom and Tradition. Larger than life dance numbers and big rockin' music from a live band and cast hit the stage! With dynamic new songs augmenting the powerhouse hits from its bestselling Oscarnominated score, Footloose celebrates the exhilaration of youth, the wisdom of listening to one another, and the power of forgiveness."
• FIRSTONTARIO PERFORMING ARTS CENTRE (Mar. 18-20) PORT COLBOURNE OPERATIC SOCIETY PRESENTS: MAMMA MIA Travel
with us to an island paradise in Greece for the smash hit musical that made ABBA’s songs famous again. This spirited show invites us to reflect on how the most unexpected events can bring out the
that they don’t need as much time. We wanted to have enough time that the reading would be well done,” said Sweeney. “We wanted to pay them, but couldn’t afford to pay for hours upon hours of rehearsal. But, it is more of a play than just a reading, it’s just that we’re only rehearsing it six or seven times.” One of the reasons Sweeney chose The Humans, is for it’s all encompassing relations to people from all generations. Within the play, there’s broke students living downtown. There’s the struggle between faith vs. science. The play also deals with careers, pensions, aging and health care. “These issues are big everywhere. The church is really trying to communicate with people here, trying to bring everyone together with a show that reflects downtown issues and that has some of the ideas and ethics of this church,” said Sweeney. “It’s a hard thing to get people to come and see a show that is too dark. No one’s laughing these days, because people are afraid to say the wrong thing. While The Humans has its dark moments, it's funny and entertaining as well. People need comedy these days. At the end of the day, we just want to give people the chance to laugh and reflect.” The rehearsed reading of The Humans will take place at the Silver Spire United Church, located at 366 St. Paul St. in St. Catharines, on March 28-29. Tickets can be reserved for Sat. March 28th at 7:30 either by phoning 905 6828328, Monday to Friday from 9-1pm, or by emailing: office@silverspire.ca.The 2pm Sunday, March 29th matinee is a general seating Pay What You Can performance. best in us and in our relationships. It is a celebration of love, family and friendship which features tunes that will bring back many memories. Be sure to join us – you’ll probably be dancing in the aisles before the final curtain!
• LAKESHORE CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL (Mar. 1-8)
SISTER ACT When disco diva, Deloris Van Cartier, witnesses a murder, she is put in protective custody in the one place the cops are sure she won’t be a found: a convent! Disguised as a nun, she finds herself at odds with both the rigid lifestyle and uptight Mother Superior. Using her unique disco moves and singing talent to inspire the choir, Deloris breathes new life into the church and community but, in doing so, blows her cover. Soon, the gang is giving chase, only to find them up against Deloris and the power of her newly found sisterhood. • MANDEVILLE THEATRE AT RIDLEY COLLEGE (Mar. 20 - Apr. 5)
ALL NIGHT LONG - HITZ OF THE 80s It's time to rock your funkiest fluorescents, because the 80s are totally back! Don't miss this high-energy, jam-packed party of a musical as we invite you to the 80s prom of your dreams! Come dressed in your 80s best ready to celebrate the decade's gnarliest songs, artists and fashion trends. Each night the students of “Richmond High” will battle for the title of prom king and queen. So, "put on your red shoes", be "simply irresistible", and let’s have "the time of our lives!" • OH CANADA EH THEATRE (Mar. 1 Apr. 11) theSOUND.rocks | 9