GORE BAY—In just one week Gore Bay Theatre will be producing its summer season of plays, two comedies, ‘One-Actmanship’ and ‘Lunenburg’ each by , Canada’s most popular and produced playwright. Mr. Foster is frequently compared to US playwright Neil Simon because both playwrights are considered the funniest writers of intelligent comedy with an international appeal.
“This will be the 12th and 13th plays written by Norm Foster produced by Gore Bay Theatre. His plays are extremely funny and poignant,” said co-director Walter Maskel. “Audiences know that with a Foster play, they are going to laugh and be entertained.”
“We wanted to produce something light and humorous because we all need a laugh after the pandemic and Norm Foster was the perfect vehicle,” said co-director Andrea Emmerton.
‘Lunenburg’ has been very popular whenever it has been produced. Playwrights Guild says, “when Irish inherits a house that she didn’t even know existed she and her friend, Natalie, travel to Lunenburg, Nova Scotia to have a look at the new property. What follows is a series of world-changing surprises, heart-warming personal transformations and a fall-down funny romantic adventure.”
Kawartha Now wrote “a mix of mystery, comedy and romance, well-written, intelligent, funny and filled with heart.”
The Gore Bay production features three experienced and award-winning actors, Shannon McMullan, who has been in numerous Gore Bay Theatre productions and Ray and Helen Landry, who you may recall appeared in last year’s successful summer production of the Foster play, ‘On a First Name Basis.’
‘One-Actmanship’ is comprised of two one-act plays, ‘My Narrator’ and ‘The Death of Me.’
Both one-act plays have received accolades.
The Calgary Herald said, “‘The Death of Me’ at times gets funny enough to almost become the death of us all.”
And the Peterborough Review by Sam Tweedle stated that, “simply put, ‘My Narrator’ is one of the most charming and funny love stories I’ve possibly seen on the Peterborough Theatre Guild stage.”
Stage Door’s review concluded that both one-act plays are “comedic gems full of emotion and truth.”
‘One-Actmanship’ features four award winning actors, Tara Bernatchez, John Robertson, Tammy Robinson and Will Smith. This production competed in the Northern Ontario Drama Festival (QUONTA) this past May against groups from North Bay and the Sault and received the most awards including the outstanding male in a lead role for John Robertson, the outstanding female in a lead role for Tara Bernatchez, an adjudicator’s newcomer award for acting for Tammy Robinson and an ensemble award for acting for the entire cast. Will Smith and Tammy Robinson were also nominated in the outstanding supporting actor and actress category.
Gore Bay Theatre also received the outstanding production award for the entire festival.
This was the third consecutive year Gore Bay Theatre has received the top prize. Mr. Maskel said, “the festival features very strong community theatre groups from across Northern Ontario. I have been involved with the festival since 1985 and I cannot recall another group winning three consecutive outstanding production awards.”
Ms. Emmerton added, “we are extremely proud and honoured to be acknowledged for the quality of our work and that all our actors in both ‘Lunenburg’ and ‘One-Actmanship’ have been recognized for their skill and commitment to the art.”
Both plays will be represented in repertory so that audiences will be able to see both plays on consecutive nights. Only major theatre companies like Shaw’s and Stratford are capable of producing plays in repertory, so it is amazing that Gore Bay Theatre is able to offer this service for audience members who are visiting the island for shorter time periods.
Advance ticket prices have remained constant at $20 dollars for the past 10 years as well.
Information about show times and dates are in the advertisement in this week’s Expositor. And remember, laughter is the best medicine.
