It’s a busy fall for the Players who are rehearsing three very different short plays which will all take the stage at the Old Town Hall in Winchester on Nov. 15, 16, 17, 22, 23 and 24.
Lauren Casselman, director of Home Child by Laura Teasdale, chose the play for its strong emotions and connection to local history. “I like the fact that it’s written by a female Canadian playwright”, explained Casselman, “and that it tells the story of British Home Children, whose descendants are numerous in our area.” Home Child takes us to 1894 when Poppy is scooped up off the streets of London and sent across the Atlantic to live and work with a Canadian family. She finds her place in the family, growing close to the eldest son, Matthew, while struggling to keep the truth of her origins secret. “I’m amazed by the real- ism and maturity delivered by these two young actors”, added Casselman, “They are naturally talented and able to convey a wide range of emotions that will resonate with audiences.”
Second in line is How to Survive Being in a Shakespeare Play by Don Zolidis, directed by MT Robinson. It’s a humorous take on the tragedies of Shakespeare which usually end badly. This play is here to show how endings can be changed so that no-one dies. “I love comedy, and this is a hilarious and fun introduction to Shakespeare,“ remarks Robinson, as she works with her cast of 13 who juggle numerous roles. “Giving young people an opportunity to develop their artistic creativity, and foster the next generation is absolutely essential in keeping local theatre vibrant and alive.”
Thirdly, audiences are in for a treat with Last Tango in Little Winchester by David Tristram, directed by Erik Hutten. Plenty of laughter is expected in this play about a fictitious drama group that has fallen on hard times. As a last ditch effort, they decide to take a risk and put on a somewhat risqué play. A former youth actor with Dundas County Players turned real actor, Hutten is enjoying his local directing debut. “This play is funny, I love it!”, quips Hutten. “Not only are my four adult actors super keen and talented, they have helped me add a sprinkling of local references for extra spice to the script.” Hutten added that he is excited to take the show to the Eastern Ontario Drama Festival in Perth at the beginning of November.
Dundas County Players are pleased to announce that all money raised from the November 16 show will go to the fundraising efforts for the new Dundas Manor.
Performances will take place on November 15, 16, 17, 22, 23 and 24. Friday and Saturday shows (November 15, 16, 22 and 23) start at 7:30 p.m. There will be matinees at 2 p.m. on Sundays, November 17 and 23. The running time is approximately 2.5 hours, including a 20 minute intermission.
Tickets are $20 for adults ($10 for under 18) and are available through Eventbrite at dcplayers.ca, or by contacting the DCP Ticket Line at 613- 297-0097.
The Dundas County Players Theatre Society is a community volunteer organisation that promotes theatre arts in Dundas County. For the past 28 years, Dundas County Players has been providing quality entertainment including plays, children’s summer workshops, and cabarets.
