GORE BAY—Last weekend this reporter was able to watch a dress rehearsal for Gore Bay Theatre’s upcoming production of ‘This is How We Got Here,’ by Keith Barker. The play was nominated for the Governor General’s Literacy award for drama in 2018 and it is easy to see why. It is a powerful, compelling drama leavened with humour and with the effects of an unexpected loss on a mother, father aunt and uncle.
This artistic production and performances are stellar. Everything about the production exhibits the skill and creativity of the cast and crew. The poster is the original art work of Will Smith and provides a striking visual image of the various symbols in the play.
The original music created and performed by Vern Dorge beautifully exhibits the mood and tone of the production. The set depicts the Northern Ontario pine tree landscape with trees that are in partial decay, reinforcing the theme of loss, and the lighting presents striking images creating the various locations and atmospheres in the production.
The high artistic standards of the visual and technical elements for which Gore Bay Theatre is well known are there in abundance, but the primary focus of the production is on the actors. Here we have one of the strongest ensembles ever to appear on the Gore Bay stage. Tara Bernatchez, Shannon McMullan, John Robertson and Will Smith give stunning performances that are powerful, heart-wrenching and heart-warming. They will make you laugh and they will make you cry, but most importantly they will make you reflect about this is how we got here.
The presentation is without a doubt one of the finest artistic and theatrical productions by Gore Bay Theatre.
The production opens this weekend. Ticket information is available in the advertisement in this issue. Don’t miss the opportunity to experience the magic of live theatre on March 8, 9 or 10 at the Gore Bay Community Centre.
This production is a definite must see; see you there.
