“Tara Bernatchez is dazzling in the title role of Shirley Valentine”
To the Expositor:
Coming out after the Gore Bay Theatre’s opening night of ‘Shirley Valentine’ last week, we heard a tourist marvel at the high quality of such theatre for an Island of only 13,000 residents. (Our population more than doubles in the summer with cottagers, boaters, tourists and visitors; one exuberant statistic calls it 50,000.)
Gore Bay’s prize-winning productions ranks with, and often above, summer theatre in cottage country further south. Credit goes to the distinguished director and producer, Walter Maskel, to his co-producer/director Andrea Emmerton, and to his polished production team. Also, of course, to an ensemble of fine actors. They include two veterans, both of professional standard, who star this year in great female roles.
Tara Bernatchez is dazzling in the title role of Shirley Valentine, mastering a brilliant Liverpool accent.
Her Shirley vaults from loneliness to liberation in a hilarious, self-mocking interpretation more sensitive than I remember in the original productions in London and New York 30 years ago. They both starred the brassier Pauline Collins, directed, no more effectively than here, by the much esteemed Simon Callow. ‘Shirley Valentine’ is often revived. Critics agree it is a lovely play. Unlike the quite different movie version that lost its wit and imagination.
We left exhilarated. And looking forward to soon seeing Gore Bay’s successful ‘Boiler Room Suite’ with the magnificent Shannon McMullan in its talented cast.
Perry Anglin
Central Manitoulin
EDITOR’S NOTE: ‘Shirley Valentine’ continues with performances on July 12, 14, 19, 21, 26 and 28. ‘Boiler Room Suite’ continues on July 18 and 25.
