Doris and Ivy in the Home is classic Norm Foster

by Richard Young

Val Cavalini and I saw Norm Foster’s Doris and Ivy in the Home at Huron Country Playhouse on Opening Night, Thursday, July 11. After reading the description on the Drayton Entertainment site we didn’t know what to expect and hoped it would not be a play depicting seniors in a stereotypical, ageist light.

Instead, we were treated to a hilarious, but in places quite serious, play about the interactions between three very disparate characters in a posh retirement home in Canmore, Alberta.

Retired prison guard Doris Mooney (played uproariously by Valerie Boyle), Ivy Hoffbauer, a former champion skier (played by Elva Mai Hoover), and Arthur Beech, a dapper, retired academic (played by Rob McClure) keep the action and dialogue flowing for the play’s two hours.

As the Drayton Entertainment site says, it is a refreshing comedy and a testament to living each day to the fullest – regardless of age or stage.

Highly recommended.

Silver Spotlight Theatre announces Cast for Into The Woods.

by Richard Young

Hot on the heels of its sold-out production of Grease, London’s Silver Spotlight Theatre’s third show, Stephen Sondheim’s Into The Woods, now has its Cast in place.

“I am very excited to be part of Into the Woods. We auditioned many talented people from London and the surrounding area,” says director Rick Smith. “As a result, we have some original Silver Spotlight performers, some folks who haven’t been a part of a Musical Theatre Productions show in several years, and some first-timers with this group. Seeing Silver Spotlight Theatre grow and bring new members to the local theatre community is wonderful. I can hardly wait to begin rehearsing.”

A complete Cast List can be viewed on the Musical Theatre Productions website www.mtplondon.ca

Into The Woods is a playful and enchanting yet perilous woodland adventure that follows some of the Grimm Brothers’ most beloved fairytale characters like Cinderella, Jack, Rapunzel, Little Red Riding Hood, a wolf, a giant, and even a handsome prince or two, as they search for their wishes. Their stories collide in the woods where things don’t always appear as they seem.

Rehearsals begin on Sunday, July 14, and continue throughout the summer and fall. The play opens at the Auburn Theatre on November 21 and continues until December 1, 2024. Tickets go on sale soon.

Co-founded by Art Fidler and Rick Smith in 2022, Silver Spotlight Theatre is a branch of London’s Musical Theatre Productions. It features and is produced by performers and staff 55+ with a mission of presenting full-scale Broadway musicals.

Into The Woods Is presented through a special Music Theatre International (MTI) arrangement. All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI.www.mtishows.com.

Media Inquiries: Richard Young, Into The Woods Publicity & Program Head, 519-432-6986, richardyoung51@rogers.com

Mary-Ellen Willard on Into The Woods

by Richard Young

Mary-Ellen Willard on Into The Woods

Mary-Ellen Willard, adHOME Creative partner and Babes In Arms and Grease cast member, on Silver Spotlight Theatre’s next production, Stephen Sondheim’s Into The Woods:

“Our adHOME team was thrilled to help create the Silver Spotlight brand and launch it through their first two sold-out productions. Now, with Into The Woods, we have an opportunity to bring these magical fairy tale characters and stories to life,” says Executive Creative Director Mary-Ellen Willard. “Sondheim’s words remind us to choose our paths thoughtfully.”

As they did for Babes In Arms and Grease, Mary-Ellen’s agency will create the Into The Woods conceptual design, program, and advertising sales sheet, and provide social media banner graphics.

Into The Woods will be staged at the Auburn Theatre in November 2024. More information about the play can be found on the Musical Theatre Productions website: www.mtplondon.ca

Into The Woods is presented through a special Music Theatre International (MTI) arrangement. All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI.www.mtishows.com.

Fiddler On The Roof is the hit of the summer

by Richard Young

There are not enough superlatives to describe Huron Country Playhouse’s production of Fiddler On The Roof, now playing until June 30.

Let’s begin with Drayton Entertainment Director, Alex Mustakas, who steps into the role of Tevye, the stoic humble milkman and father of five daughters in the Ukrainian village of Anatevka, who attempts to maintain his Jewish religious and cultural traditions as outside influences encroach upon his family’s lives. Mustakas was born to play the role and he does so great relish. An outstanding ensemble cast supports him.

Directed and Choreographed by Lisa Stevens with Music Direction by Konrad Pluta, the play is a musical delight, and features many familiar tunes like “Matchmaker, Matchmaker,” “If I Were A Rich Man,” and “Tradition.”

The sets and costumes are fantastic, and the lighting and sound evoke the nuance of the small rural village where everyone knows everyone else. London’s Jesse Grandmont as The Fiddler provides the transition from scene to scene.

On opening night, the audience gave the company a well-deserved standing ovation. The show is a sure-fire hit and will likely play to packed houses during its run. Don’t miss it! (Richard Young, June 15/24)

Silver Spotlight Theatre presents Into The Woods: Stage Manager Cameron Johnston

by Richard Young

Stage Manager Cameron Johnston on Silver Spotlight Theatre’s next production, Stephen Sondheim’s Into The Woods:

“I am excited to have been tapped as Stage Manager for Silver Spotlight’s production of Into the Woods. Having started with Silver Spotlight as assistant stage manager for Babes in Arms, it’s a great honour for me to move into the Stage Manager’s role. With Rick Smith’s direction, and the team he has gathered around him, this is going to be a dynamite show. I’m encouraging everybody who loves musical theatre to make plans to attend.”

Be part of this magical show. Auditions will be held on Wednesday, June 12, and Thursday, June 13 at 150 Dufferin St., London from 7:00 pm to 9:30 pm, with callbacks on Saturday, June 15. Time slots can be reserved by email at intothewoods@mtplondon.ca

More information about the play can be found on the Musical Theatre Productions website: www.mtplondon.ca