GORE BAY—Gore Bay Theatre opened its summer season last week with two outstanding productions, ‘The Housekeeper,’ a comedy by James Prideaux and ‘Painting Churches,’ a comedic drama by Tina Howe. One word describes both theatrical experiences: ‘Wow!’ The plays are entirely different, but have one thing in common—performances that are stunning.
Last Thursday, ‘The Housekeeper’ played to an appreciative sold-out dinner theatre audience of 96 people hosted by the Gore Bay Rotary Club. The Rotarians lived up to their reputation of providing a fabulous roast beef dinner and scrumptious dessert.
Dave Rogalsky, president of the Rotary Club, noted that Max Burt of Burt’s Country Meats prepared and carved the beef for the dinner, with Finnia Chocolate providing the desserts. He noted proceeds from the dinner will go to the Western Manitoulin Community Garden for the purchase of a garden tractor and storage shed.
Next came the play.
‘The Housekeeper’ is about an author, Manley Carstairs (played by John Robertson), who hires a housekeeper, Annie Dankworth (played by Helen Landry), to look after his large home. When she first arrives, he is taken aback by her appearance, but she seems so eager to please that he relents, after which their relationship progresses from initial reserve to biting humour to well, I won’t give away the plot, but I assure that it is one of the most hilarious, laugh out loud comedies that becomes funnier as it builds toward its unexpected conclusion.
This is achieved by two incredible performances by Mr. Robertson and Ms. Landry, both award winners at the regional and provincial level. For two hours, two actors with a great deal of experience and talent held the audience to the highs and lows and in between of a class in comedic acting. And at the curtain call both performers received bravos and a well-deserved standing ovation.
“The acting was outstanding,” stated Steve Shaffer who attended from Mindemoya.
“We thoroughly enjoyed the play,” said Rick Gjos of Sheguiandah. “There were a lot of laughs. Her (Ms. Landry’s) facial expressions were unreal, and both actors did really well.”
Jo Woods said, “I thought the play was great. I thought it was hilarious and the acting was great. I thoroughly enjoyed it.”
‘The Housekeeper’ is one of those truly entertaining evenings of theatre, true to the saying that laughter is the best medicine.
‘Painting Churches,’ which hit the stage last Friday evening, is a play with provocative themes that grab you through laughter and tears and doesn’t let you go. The experience is unforgettable, one of those rare plays that will stay with you long after the curtain drops. It is easy to see why it was a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize for drama.
Gore Bay resident David Edwards said, “it was incredibly powerful,” and Jean Bentley added that,” it touched all our senses and emotions,” and both agreed, “it was one of the best shows they have ever seen.”
“The story line and the acting in the play was excellent,” said Theresa Carlisle. “I thought everything was very well done and I enjoyed the show. And I’m so glad we can enjoy great theatre like this in Gore Bay.”
The story of ‘Painting Churches’ is about a retired couple, Gardner and Fanny Church and their having to downsize to much smaller accommodations. Gardner is a respected author and Fanny demonstrates her artistic talent in other ways. They are visited by their only child, ‘Mags’ (Margaret), an up-and-coming visual artist who would like to paint their portrait before they move. The play explores their relationship—at times playful, tempestuous and loving—three souls coming to grips with their past and present.
The play is successful because three skillful and experienced actors are able to navigate the depths of tragedy and the highs of comedy. The play features Dario and Theresa Laurenti, both award-winning actors at the regional and provincial level and their daughter, Rebecca, following in the family tradition of stellar acting. Playing a family by a family added another dimension to the production.
And like ‘The Housekeeper,’ the standing ovation and bravos were well-deserved.
The architects of these two exhilarating evenings of theatre are co-directors Andrea Emmerton and Walter Maskel. To create two marvelous sets rotating on consecutive nights is an achievement only a few professional theatres have accomplished. The music in ‘The Housekeeper’ was evocative and reflected the character’s feelings.
Rather than music, the scene changes in ‘Painting Churches’ used the beautiful singing voices of the Laurenti family with lovely melodies and harmonies reflecting their inner thoughts. It was an inspired choice and likewise, the use of props and costumes served the players to a tee, creating numerous humorous moments.
Both directors voiced their praise for the actor’s dedication required for the intense five-month rehearsal period. Mr. Maskel said, “The Laurenti’s and Helen Landry travelled from Espanola and Sudbury to rehearsal for three months before their camps opened on the Island. The commitment and love for the process of creating theatre was evident from all our actors.”
Ms. Emmerton added, “Both Walter and I agree that this is one of our strongest seasons and we are thrilled to offer our audiences two entirely different, yet entertaining evenings of theatre. We are very proud of both productions.”
Mr. Maskel and Ms. Emmerton have directed around 200 productions including 26 as co-directors. The experience and knowledge required to produce first-rate theatre is obvious from this award-winning group. Gore Bay Theatre is known and respected by its peers across the province.
Advance ticket prices for both plays are the same price that they have been for the past 15 years, $20 each. Be sure to get yours. Information about dates and tickets are available in the advertisement on Page 8 of this week’s Expositor.
