GORE BAY—Gore Bay Theatre will be producing two shows this summer, ‘Boiler Room Suite’ by Rex Deverell and ‘Shirley Valentine’ by Willy Russell. I reviewed Boiler Suite earlier this year and was awestruck by the quality of the acting by John Hawke, Shannon McMullan and John Robertson. My review stated that this was one of the strongest ensembles I have seen on the Gore Bay stage.
I had the opportunity to sit in on a rehearsal of ‘Shirley Valentine,’ and not to be outdone, the acting was just as stunning. It stars Tara Bernatchez. This is the first one person show I have seen and I was amazed by Ms. Bernatchez’s ability to hold my attention for close to two hours. It was a virtuoso performance which you will not forget.
During the two-hour performance I got to know Shirley Valentine quite well, the 42 year-old woman from Liverpool, England, her marriage, her two children who have recently left home, her numerous friends, her hopes, her dreams, her fears, her philosophy and her determination to live a fulfilling and meaningful life.
We become inspired by her determination to take life’s challenges by the horns and root every step of the way for her on her journey of self-discovery. Ms. Bernatchez inhabits Shirley to a tee, including never faltering on maintaining a Liverpudlian accent. You will fall in love with Shirley and it is a performance not to be missed.
The play received many awards including Broadway Tony Awards and was made into an Oscar award winning movie for a reason. It is extremely funny. The stories Shirley tells will have you laughing heartily and yes, be prepared for some pretty frank talk about her knowledge of anatomy-or lack of knowledge. It is hilarious.
The first act is set in her kitchen and the second act is set on a beach in Greece. Cleverly directors Andrea Emmerton and Walter Maskel have created two distinct environments and when you realize that the very complicated ‘Boiler Room Suite’ needs to be alternated with ‘Shirley Valentine,’ one cannot help but believe in theatre magic.
Ms. Emmerton said, “our actors have all been recognized with nominations and awards at regional and provincial theatre festivals. These two plays would not have been possible without experienced, committed actors with a high level of expertise and we are thrilled with their level of professionalism and are confident that our audience will appreciate their performances.”
Mr. Maskel added, “if I was still teaching theatre students, I would be confident in using both plays as examples of master class acting. It is a joy and a pleasure to watch them work.”
We have come to expect a high degree of professionalism form this multi-award winning group, in acting, directing, technical and design. On all levels, ‘Boiler Room Suite’ and ‘Shirley Valentine’ confirms Gore Bay Theatre’s commitment to excellence.
Very few groups in the province offer their patrons the opportunity to see two quality productions produced alternatively. Don’t miss this opportunity to see two entertaining and moving productions. Information about tickets is available in the advertisement in this issue.
