Live theatre returning to Colchester starting this week

By Ron Giofu

The return of live theatre to Colchester starts this week and will benefit the restoration of the nearby schoolhouse.

Heritage Colchester and the University of Windsor’s Inspired Acting Lab have teamed once again this year for a series of performances out of Christ Anglican Church in Colchester. This year’s show is “Almost, Maine” by John Cariani with four actors, director Lionel Walsh and stage manager Chloe Brescia.

“It’s a comedy,” said Walsh. “It’s nine scenes and the premise is they are happening at the same time. There is magic in every single scene. It’s humorous but also will tug at your heartstrings.”

Actors include a mix of recent graduates and some that are returning to the University of Windsor in the fall. Featured are Jackson Balint in the role of Randy, Kaden Hill playing Chad, Caitlin Miller as Deena and Annie Roberts as Shelley.

“I chose (Almost, Maine) because I really like the play and because I have four actors at the school who can really fit the roles,” said Walsh.

Walsh also remarked it is a good play for summer theatre, the play is actually set in winter.

Heritage Colchester is a good partner, Walsh added.

“The people we work with are fabulous,” said Walsh. “It’s a good collaboration.”

The schoolhouse that is planned for restoration sits directly across the street from the church.

Last year’s show was sold out every night, he added, and they hope for the same this year. Audiences were engaged and questions were insightful after the play during the question-and-answer period. The play is roughly two hours in length, he added.

“It’s a real ensemble show,” he said.

“It’s great to be back here,” said Balint, who was in last year’s performance of “Falling: A Wake.”

This year’s show is “a rural show in a rural area” and added the show is largely based on love.

“It’s an amazing space,” he said of the show. “I’m appreciative of Heritage Colchester for allowing us to use this beautiful space to showcase art.”

Roberts said “I love how the show captures fantastical realism” and the play shows what it means to fall in love.

“It’s a very human play,” she said.

Hill said every person has a definition of what love is and what it is like to fall in and out of love.

Miller added the actors all have a close relationship, and that she hopes that is reflected in their performances. They have worked and studied together for at least four years at the university.

“I’m excited the pieces are coming together,” added Brescia. “It’s going to be quite lovely, I think.”

“Almost, Maine” runs July 6-9 and July 13-16. Thursday through Saturday shows are at 7 p.m. with Sunday shows being at 2 p.m. Tickets are $35 for adults and $30 for seniors and students.

Christ Church in Colchester is located at 220 Bagot St.

For tickets and information, contact events.heritagecolchester@gmail.com or call 519-790-9022.

Neighbourhood Watch program to be explored by Town of Amherstburg

By Ron Giofu

Could a Neighbourhood Watch program return to Amherstburg?

Councillor Linden Crain made a motion, which was subsequently passed by town council, that administration meet with the Safety Village in Windsor regarding the implementation of a Neighbourhood Watch program in Amherstburg. The motion also called for associated costs be included as part of

2024 budget deliberations.

“A few residents have reached out expressing a concern over an increase in theft and break-ins in neighbourhoods,” said Crain.

Crain said statistics from the Windsor Police Service – Amherstburg Detachment show an increase in thefts.

According to 2023 first-quarter statistics, Windsor police say there have been 27 theft under $5,000 charges laid over the first three months of the year including 13 in March. There were 16 break-and-enter charges laid in the first three months of the year as well. Statistics for 2022 show 40 break-and-enter charges for the year and 72 theft under $5,000 charges laid. There were three theft over $5,000 charges laid in 2022 and one through the first three months of this year.

“The idea of a Neighbourhood Watch was brought forward to me by a resident and it was mentioned that the Safety Village currently offers this program through the

City of Windsor,” said Crain. “It is really a community-driven initiative aimed at enhancing safety and security within residential areas. The Neighbourhood Watch program co-ordinates the crime prevention efforts by committed citizens and the law enforcement community.” There are 132 watches in Windsor, each with a block captain that acts as a liaison with police and the program, Crain pointed out.

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