JUNE 11 to SEPTEMBER 7 2013
Season Media Sponsor
Season Sponsor
ARTISTIC DIRECTOR PETER SMITH
BOX OFFICE 1.877.862.5984
blythfestival.com
stories from where
2013 Playbill ........................4-9 SEASON SCHEDULE ..............10 TICKETS How to Order..........12 Young Company ....................14 Special Events ........................15 Blyth Centre for the Arts ......16 Plan Your Visit ......................18 Membership ..........................20
SPONSORSHIP | If your business or organization would like to be involved with the Blyth Festival, consider one of our sponsorship programs. The Business Circle Membership Program and the Corporate Sponsorship Program provide multiple levels of contribution to suit any size business. Experience the benefits of an arts partnership in your community. For details of the varying levels of contribution, please visit blythfestival.com or contact: DEB SHOLDICE General Manager Tel: 519.523.9300 ext.204 Email: development@blythfestival.com The Blyth Festival gratefully acknowledges the generous support of:
Season Image, “Primarily Huron” by Elizabeth Van Den Broeck. Graphic design by CreativeFeats.com. Photos are credited or contributed and published with permission. Printed in Canada by Blyth Printing. Information in this brochure is correct at time of printing but is subject to change. ©2013 Blyth Festival CF/BP/Feb13/45M
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we live PETER SMITH | ARTISTIC DIRECTOR
There are many roads that lead to Blyth. You could come to the village from any of the directions on the weather vane. You might arrive on a weekday evening, or in the blue sky and sunshine of a summer afternoon. However and whenever you get here you’ll find us ready to include you in the Blyth experience - an experience that starts as you walk up the street toward our Memorial Hall. As you are greeted by one of the many volunteers who make the Festival go, you’ll soon be sitting in one of our seats gazing at a set that is beautifully lit, both designs created by two terrific Canadian artists. The work of these designers has been put together by a professional crew of fine technicians. As the Stage Manager calls her first cue from the booth up in the balcony and the lights drop to dark, the anticipation grows. You might hear the shuffle of actors getting into place for the commencement of the show. And as the lights come up and the play begins you are now in the company of Canada’s finest performing talent, speaking the words of a living Canadian playwright – someone who might be sitting beside you in the audience. It gives me great pleasure to invite you to the Blyth experience, to this uniquely Canadian experience, and to the stories from where we live.
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World PreMIere
from the farm, of the farm and for the farm
Photo: Telfer Wegg
JUNE 26 – AUGUST 16
Beyond the Farm Show BY
THE COLLECTIVE SEVERN THOMPSON
DIRECTED BY
Inspired by the original Farm Show, these are the stories of the men, women and families who work the farm now. led by Severn Thompson, a group of actors have gone out along the concession roads and built a play based on the sights, sounds and characters of the barns, ďŹ elds and homes of Huron County - a play about the incredible and ever-evolving culture of agriculture.
Production Sponsor
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Media Sponsor
World PreMIere
a town and country affair
Photo: Azarah Eells
JULY 3 – AUGUST 11
Yorkville ~ the Musical CAROLYN HAY TOM SZCZESNIAK DIRECTED BY DONNA FEORE BOOK AND LYRICS BY MUSIC BY
Think “Green Acres” in reverse. Instead of the city folks coming to the country without a clue, this is the story of two country gals heading to the heart of Toronto seeking love, fame, and fortune. Their gift? Step-dancing. What could possibly go wrong? Yorkville - the Musical is a whole lot of singing and step-dancing fun all the way to the final kiss. Production Sponsor
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CAnAdIAn ClASSIC
will have you fixed for laughs all summer
Photo: Maria Daniela Martin
JULY 31 – AUGUST 31
Garrison’s Garage A COMEDY BY THE INCOMPARABLE DIRECTED BY
TED JOHNS
PETER SMITH
Premiered in Blyth in 1985, it became an instant hit and toured the province to great acclaim! A revenue Canada field officer’s car breaks down in the ‘middle of nowhere’. He brings it to a local garage and the eccentric mechanic who runs it. He inadvertently discovers what he thinks is the scam of the century, but the truth of the matter is something else entirely. Filled with humour and a cast of characters you’ll not soon forget, Garrison’s Garage has no idea how to fix your vehicle but certainly has your fix for plenty of laughs. Production Sponsor
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World PreMIere
a nurse, the other nurse, and everyone who couldn’t tell them apart
AUGUST 7 – 31
Prairie nurse BY
MARIE BEATH BADIAN SUE MINER
DIRECTED BY
It’s november 1969. Two young nurses, just off the plane from the Philippines, arrive at a rural hospital in Arborfield, Saskatchewan - population 300. no one in town can tell them apart, including the lab tech at the hospital whose real job is playing goalie for the Arborfield Flyers. He falls in love with one of them but accidentally courts them both. It’s a comedy of errors with a great heart. MATure lAnGuAGe - Watch out for swears! Production Sponsors
Media Sponsor
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lIMITed run
back by popular demand!
Rebecca Auerbach, J. D. Nicholsen Photo: Terry Manzo
JUNE 11 – 22
dear Johnny deere BY
KEN CAMERON
BASED ON THE MUSIC OF
FRED EAGLESMITH
ADDITIONAL MUSIC AND ARRANGEMENTS BY
DAVID ARCHIBALD ERIC COATES
DIRECTED BY
There will be more drivin’, shootin’, cheatin’, schemin’ and boozin’ down on the farm. Johnny and Caroline struggle to keep the farm afloat while the bills pile higher and The Man from Toronto wants to put a big ol’ overpass right through their farm. What will it take to keep it all together? Musical Support Sponsor
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PHIllIPS STudIo
on a night that changed everything
Image: Alyzen Moonshadow
AUGUST 28 – SEPTEMBER 7
Falling: A Wake GARY KIRKHAM CATHERINE FITCH AND TONY MUNCH DIRECTED BY PETER SMITH BY
STARRING
one autumn night, high in the sky above an isolated farmhouse, there is an explosion. retired couple elsie and Harold figure it must be a meteor. Their yard is suddenly filled with falling debris from a jetliner. They run for cover. When all is quiet again they venture out – sitting in their front yard is an airplane seat. And in that seat is the body of a 20 year-old man. The story that evolves is an emotional ride that is laced with humour. Inspired by a real life event Falling: A Wake is driven by a pair of unforgettable characters – people who will stay with you long after the lights go down.
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2013 schedule
SUN
9
MON
10
TUE
11
Preview P Opening O Closing C
MAIN STAGE
JUNE
8:00 DJD P 16
17
18
8:00 DJD
8:00 DJD
23
24
25
30
1
2
Blyth Memorial Hall June 11 – August 31
DJD Dear Johnny Deere
Canada Day
Farm Beyond the Farm Show
Garrison Garrison’s Garage
7
Nurse Prairie Nurse
14
9
15
16 2:00 York 8:00 Farm
21
22
23 2:00 Farm 8:00 York
Phillips Studio 209 Dinsley Street in Blyth August 28 – Sept 7
28
29
30
Falling Falling: A Wake
4
5
6
Civic Holiday
Note: PASSES are valid for main stage productions only. Young Company productions and Special Events do not apply. Information is correct at time of printing. Program subject to change.
11 Bonanza
12
2:00 York C 18
13 2:00 Farm 8:00 Nurse
19
20
8:00 8:00 Nurse Garrison 25
26
27 2:00 Nurse 8:00 Garrison
SEP
Check our website for location and dates.
AUGUST
Young Company
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STAY CONNECTED LIKE the Blyth Festival’s facebook page, follow us on twitter or find us on LinkedIn for up-to-the-minute news, events and promotions. 10
8
2:00 Farm 8:00 York
J U LY
York Yorkville The Musical
5 Labour Day
3 2:00 Falling Studio 8:00 Falling Studio
920NIGHT | JUNE 26 Join us and our friends at CKNX Radio for 920Night. All tickets are $9.20 – one night only – for the first preview of the season! Proceeds to benefit the Actor’s Fund of Canada.
WED
THU
FRI
SAT
12
13
14
15 2:00 DJD
8:00 DJD P
8:00 DJD O
Supper: Walton Church
Supper: United Church
8:00 DJD
8:00 DJD
19
20
21
2:00 DJD 8:00 DJD
22 2:00 DJD
8:00 DJD
Supper: United Church
Supper: United Church
8:00 DJD
8:00 DJD C
26 920 Night*
27
28
29
8:00 Farm P
2:00 Farm P 8:00 Farm P
Opening GALA Dinner Supper: Anglican Church
2:00 Farm
8:00 Farm O
Supper: Anglican Church
3
4
5
2:00 York P 8:00 York P
6 2:00 York
8:00 York P
Supper: Legion
Supper: Anglican Church
8:00 York O
8:00 Farm
10
11
12
2:00 York
2:00 York 8:00 Farm
13 2:00 Farm
Supper: Legion
Supper: Walton Hall
8:00 Farm
8:00 York
17
18
19
2:00 Farm
2:00 Farm 8:00 York
20 2:00 York
Supper: Legion
Supper: Walton Hall
8:00 York
8:00 Farm
24
25
26
27
8:00 York
2:00 York 8:00 Farm
Supper: Anglican Church
2:00 Farm
8:00 Farm
Supper: Legion
31
1
2
3
8:00 Garrison P
2:00 Garrison P 8:00 Garrison P
Supper: Legion
2:00 Garrison
8:00 Garrison O
Supper: Legion
7
8
9 Bonanza
8:00 Nurse P
2:00 Nurse P 8:00 Nurse P
10 Bonanza 2:00 Farm
Supper: United Church
Supper: Fish Fry
8:00 Nurse O
8:00 Garrison
14
15
16
2:00 Nurse 8:00 Garrison
2:00 Garrison
17 2:00 Nurse
Supper: Anglican Church Supper: Legion
21 2:00 Nurse
8:00 Farm C
8:00 Garrison
22
23
2:00 Nurse 8:00 Garrison
24 2:00 Garrison
Supper: Legion
Supper: Legion
8:00 Garrison
8:00 Nurse
28
29 30 31 5:00 Falling Studio 2:00 Nurse C 2:00 Garrison 2:00 Garrison Supper: Anglican Church Supper: Walton Church 8:00 Nurse 8:00 Falling Studio 8:00 Falling Studio 8:00 Nurse 8:00 Garrison C
4
5
6
7
2:00 Falling Studio 2:00 Falling Studio 8:00 Falling Studio 2:00 Falling Studio 8:00 Falling Studio 8:00 Falling Studio OPENING NIGHT DINNER | JUNE 28 Start the party early at the Gala Opening Night Dinner on Friday June 28 at 5:45 p.m. $35 per person.
TALK BACK Join cast members after the 2:00 pm performance for an informal Q&A.
COUNTRY SUPPERS A Blyth Festival tradition! Home-cooked meals served at local venus every Friday and Saturday evening. Tickets $15.50 per person. 11
TICKETS
Photo: Robert Watcher
HOW TO ORDER IN PERSON Visit the Box Office at 423 Queen Street in Blyth
BY POST Mail your ticket request and cheque or credit card details to: Blyth Festival, P.O. Box 10, Blyth, ON N0M 1H0
BY TELEPHONE Toll Free 1-877-862-5984 or 519-523-9300
BY EMAIL info@blythfestival.com
ONLINE blythfestival.com TICKET SALES | Tickets go on sale to: Members | February 1, 2013 Groups | March 1, 2013 General Public | April 1, 2013 REGULAR BOX OFFICE HOURS Monday to Friday | 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. SUMMER BOX OFFICE HOURS May 18 to September 7, 2013 Monday to Saturday | 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Evening performance days | until 9 p.m. BLYTH FESTIVAL SEAT PASSES make excellent gifts for birthdays, anniversaries, or just because. Seat Passes are available by phone, online or at the Box Office. GROUPS A Baker’s Dozen! Buy 12, get the 13th ticket free anytime. Special group rates apply. Call the Box Office for complete details. MORE INFORMATION Visit our website for more information on the theatre, ticket prices and policies. 12
BLYTH MEMORIAL HALL STAGE A B 21 20 C 19 18 17 16 15 14 13 12 11 10 9 D E F G H I J K 27 26 25 24 23 22 21 20 L 19 18 17 16 15 14 13 12 11 10 9 M N O P ORCHESTRA Q
25 24 23 22 21 20 19 18 17 16 15
SINGLE TICKETS Regular shows Previews Youth (18 under)
Regular 30.00 22.00 15.00
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q
8 7
8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1
AA BB CC 14 13 12 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 DD BALCONY EE
Preferred 34.00 26.00 15.00
We accept VISA MASTERCARD AMERICAN EXPRESS
PASSES | On sale until April 30 only Purchase now and save up to 15%! Passes are redeemable for for main stage productions until September 1. Young Company and Phillips Studio productions do not apply. Flex Pass Preferred...............115.00 Flex Pass Regular .................110.00 Youth Pass ............................50.00 Adventure Pass Preferred.....110.00 Adventure Pass Regular .........95.00 BONANZA WEEKEND | August 9 to 11 Four plays in three days. Bonanza Pass ... 100.00 PHILLIPS STUDIO SERIES Single tickets, general admission Adult......25.00 Youth......15.00 YOUNG COMPANY Single tickets, all seating Adult......15.00 Youth......8.00 TICKET FEES: Applicable taxes are included in all ticket prices. Exchanges $3 per ticket. Exchanges are a free service to members. No exchange on day of performance. No Refunds. Each order is subject to a $4 handling charge. SPECIAL EVENTS: Ticket prices appear with event descriptions. 13
a discovery of a lifetime
Photo: Sarrah Sholdice
Working in the County YOUNG COMPANY MARTHA ROSS
A COLLECTIVE BY THE DIRECTED BY
We are very excited to have the dynamic director/writer/actor/teacher/clown Martha ross helming this season’s Young Company show, Working in the County. The company of young artists will venture out on the discovery of a lifetime - on the discovery of many lifetimes. Based on the workers of Huron County, this is a show about the past, the present with a look to the road ahead. A collective exploration about starting at the roots and growing from there. PERFORMANCE DATES AND LOCATIONS TBA Visit the website for enrollment and audition information Production Sponsor
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SPECIAL EVENTS WINGFIELD’S PROGRESS | FRIDAY APRIL 26 8:00 p.m. BY DAN NEEDLES STARRING ROD BEATTIE DIRECTED BY DOUGLAS BEATTIE Walt and the residents of Larkspur return in this sequel to Letter From Wingfield Farm. Tickets $33.00 | Dinner $15.50
WINGFIELD’S FOLLY | FRIDAY SEPT 27 8:00 p.m. Rod Beattie BY DAN NEEDLES STARRING ROD BEATTIE DIRECTED BY DOUGLAS BEATTIE Join Walt on the third of his epic adventures! Tickets $33.00 | Dinner $15.50
Photo: Terry Manzo
ith Fred Eaglesm
FRED EAGLESMITH TRAVELLING STEAM SHOW | SATURDAY MAY 25 8:00 p.m. Hear the man who inspired the musical Dear Johnny Deere. Concert $25.00 | Concert & Play Package $50.00
ANNUAL USED BOOK SALE | Friday May 31 5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. | Saturday June 1 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
OPENING NIGHT GALA & TRACTOR PARADE | Friday June 28
GALA DINNER & AUCTION | Save the date: Saturday October 26
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING | December 12, 2013 7:00 p.m.
TICKETS
Special Events Sponsors
blythfestival.com 1-877-862-5984 15
BLYTH CENTRE FOR THE ARTS
Ontario Street Columns by Brenda McDonnell
The Blyth Festival is part of the Blyth Centre for the Arts, which includes an art gallery that mounts ďŹ ve exhibitions annually, and a professionally-led choir and orchestra. For details visit blythfestival.com
BLYTH FESTIVAL ART GALLERY Art Gallery Exhibitions | 2013 Student Show 2013 | May 2 to May 23 Community Show 2013 | May 25 to June 14 Brenda McDonnell Exhibit | June 21 to July 17 Wayne Muma Exhibit | July 19 to August 14 Susan Hay Exhibit | August 16 to September 8
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BLYTH FESTIVAL SINGERS Concert Season 2013 | Around the World in Song Featuring the professional direction of Robert Blackwell and accompanist Laura McAlpine – now in its 33rd year. MUSIC OF THE AMERICAS | Sunday, April 7 at 2:30 p.m. Clinton United Church, Ontario Street, Clinton TICKETS | Adults $15.00 Children (12 and under) $6.00 Classical and traditional folk music from countries of the Western Hemisphere is featured. The Huron Harp School, under the direction of Sharon Johnston, is the Singers’ special musical guest. CANADIAN CONNECTION | Saturday, June 1 at 6:00 p.m. Varna Complex, Mill Road, Varna TICKETS | Adults $25.00, Children (12 and under) $12.00 Traditional ballads and humorous songs from Ontario and across the country. David Archibald, a very talented singer/songwriter with ties to the Blyth Festival Theatre, appears with the Singers in their highly popular dinner cabaret performance. TAKE THE MUSIC OF BLYTH HOME WITH YOU Copies of our CD Blyth Festival Singers in Concert - A Celebration of 30 Years of Song will be available for sale at all performances for $10.00 each.
BLYTH FESTIVAL ORCHESTRA The orchestra performs frequently throughout the year and shines during special performances on the lawn during the theatre season. Its members are drawn from Huron County and the surrounding area.
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PLAN YOUR VISIT
Photo: H Holdsworth
“relax in the sun on the shores of sparkling lake Huron, explore the picturesque countryside and heritage streetscapes, experience a breathtaking sunset and discover why Huron County is a vacation destination of charm, culture, beauty and endless possibilities!� ontarioswestcoast.ca
The Blyth Festival is housed in the historic Blyth Memorial Community Hall in the rural village of Blyth. 431 Queen Street, Blyth, Ontario N0M 1H0
DIRECTIONS Located on Huron County Road 4, south of Hwy 86 and north of Hwy 8.
PARKING FREE on all side streets and in the town parking lot across the street from the theatre. 18
Photo: Keith Roulston
VISIT BLYTH AND EXPERIENCE ONTARIO’S WEST COAST! ATTRACTIONS, ACCOMMODATIONS AND DINING – SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE! When planning your trip to the Blyth Festival, be sure to make time and enjoy some local flavour while you are here. With countless events and activities, the County of Huron has become the new cottage country, vacation destination for families this summer. Take in one of the farmer’s markets, pristine beaches, antique shops, music festivals, bistros, cafés, hiking trails – the list goes on and on! Make your trip to the Blyth Festival the “stay”cation of the summer! WHERE TO EAT, STAY AND PLAY Blyth Festival blythfestival.com | 1.877.862.5984 Village of Blyth blythandarea.ca Huron Tourism Association ontarioswestcoast.com | 1.888.524.8394 ext. 3 Township of North Huron northhuron.ca | 519.357.1208 Shakespeare to the Shoreline shakespearetotheshoreline.ca Tourism Goderich goderich.ca | 1.800.280.7637
Orillia Owen Sound Barrie 4
Kincardine
400
LAKE HURON
4
Wingham
21
Goderich Bayfield
23
8
Grand Bend
4
401
9 Orangeville Drayton
86
BLYTH Clinton
Newmarket
6
Stratford
Toronto Mississauga
Waterloo Guelph QEW 7
Kitchener
LAKE ONTARIO
Hamilton
401
USA
403
Niagara Falls
7
Sarnia
6 402
London
24
3
401 2
LAKE ERIE 19
Join the Blyth Festival family by becoming a Member today! Contributions from individual donors directly support the exceptional repertoire of work brought to life on stage each season. Your membership donation of $35 or more ensures that the Blyth Festival can continue to provide a unique voice in Canadian theatre.
membership MEMBER BENEFITS INCLUDE: ■ Early booking privileges (Box Office opens to Members on February 1) ■ Free ticket exchange privileges ■ Advance notice of the season ■ Curtain Call – our exclusive Members-only newsletter ■ Recognition in the house programme ■ One (1) vote at the Annual General Meeting ■ Charitable tax receipt When you donate to the Blyth Festival, your gift can be directed to the following areas: OPERATING FUND A gift to the Operating Fund directly supports play production, including artist fees, wardrobe, props, carpentry, scenic art, lighting and sound. NEW PLAY DEVELOPMENT FUND A new play demands attention before it debuts on stage. Gifts to New Play Development help fund this process, and ensure that playwrights receive the necessary artistic support to prepare new scripts for full-fledged productions. YOUNG COMPANY The Young Company offers area youth the opportunity to collectively develop and present a new work under professional direction. Gifts to the Young Company allow the Blyth Festival to present this rare opportunity at no cost to participants. Other youth programming includes drama workshops for children aged 5 to 12, and a Theatre-for-Young-Audience production for elementary schools each fall. For more information, please contact the Box Office at: 423 Queen St., PO Box 10, Blyth Ontario N0M 1H0 Tel: 519-523-9300 Toll free: 1-877-862-5984 Email: info@blythfestival.com Memberships are valid for one year from donation date. Charitable Tax # 11881 2056 RR0001