GORE BAY—The new format of the Gore Bay Theatre for this season—five one-act plays as part of its showing of ‘Love and Laughter’ and four one-act plays in ‘Dreams and Duets’—is a hit among theatre lovers.
“I enjoyed it, and they are all very different one-act plays,” stated patron Don Nelson. “I think the one act plays is a nice change in format. I thought everyone played their roles well, and I really thought Kayla Greenman did an excellent job in ‘Graceland,’ she is a real up and coming star.”
“I certainly enjoyed it and the variety the theatre offers,” said Mr. Nelson. “And it was interesting to see Walter (Maskel) acting (in Blind Date) opposed to directing, he did very well. I quite enjoyed both productions.”
“Everything was good,” stated Karen Noble. “The dinner-theatre idea on opening night with the Gore Bay Rotary Club putting on the dinner before the play was very good.”
Last Thursday evening ‘Love and Laughter,’ which included five one act plays, was previewed by a fantastic delicious dinner put on by the Gore Bay Rotary Club, followed by the plays. There were 125 people in attendance the first evening, and about 60 people for the second night of this production with approximately the same number in attendance for the opening of ‘Dreams and Duets’ on Saturday.
Directors Andrea Emmerton and Walter Maskel were very pleased. Mr. Maskel said “we had a great turnout for the opening weekend and judging from the comments and emails we have received people really enjoyed the dinner theatre. Many people also enjoyed the one-act play format because it gave a good variety of types of theatre and there was something for every theatrical taste.”
“When you do nine one-act plays there will always be a few glitches initially, particularly with live theatre, but things have been worked out,” said Mr. Maskel.
Ms. Emmerton added, “we hope to do more dinner theatres in the future and will seriously consider more evenings of one-act plays. It is wonderful for the group to get new faces on the stage and the one-act form gives more opportunity for new actors to get involved. Seven actors appear in ‘Love and Laughter’ (Michael and Linda Erskine, Walter Maskel, Susan Garlock, Jack Clark, Kay Valentine and Emily Weber) and six actors are in ‘Dreams and Duets’ (Kay Valentine, Vincente Belenson, Tara Bernatchez, Walter Maskel, Lori Evans and Kayla Greenman).In total seven actors are making their debut with Gore Bay Summer Theatre.”
This reporter had the opportunity to see both productions over the weekend. I love the one-act play format because it provides a vast array of stories and characters. There is a lot of comedy, but also poignant emotion stirring performances. And the acting is superb in all the plays.
The Gore Bay Theatre certainly has another major hit, in my opinion. Be sure to see both productions!
‘Love and Laughter’ is on stage July 19, 24, 25, and August 1, while Dreams and Duets hits the sage July 18, 26, 31 and August 2.
For more information on times and tickets call 705-282-2420 extension 3.
