Portraying raw emotion on stage is difficult. But it’s even tougher to watch, writes Liz Dadson, in her review of In the Wake of Wettlaufer, posted on the Kincardine Record‘s website. However, the Blyth Festival has not only produced a brilliant and timely play, it has done so with finesse and incredible sensitivity, she wrote. Such is the world premiere …
REVIEW: In the Wake of Wettlaufer is a “powerful artistic achievement”
In the Wake of Wettlaufer, written by Kelly McIntosh and Gil Garratt, who also directed, is a powerful artistic achievement but, more importantly, it puts a human face and sharp focus on a horrific tragedy that has exposed the weaknesses in a long-term care system in desperate need of repair, writes London Free Press reviewer Joe Belanger. That this play …
REVIEW: In the Wake of Wettlaufer bears a message of hope, reconciliation
The Blyth Festival has a history of creating dramatic works that address headline grabbing events in the province. The Pigeon King (2017), for example, was based on a $70 million ponzi scheme involving breeding phony “racing” pigeons. In the Wake of Wettlaufer continues the tradition. But whereas The Pigeon King told the story of how Arlan Galbraith bilked hundreds of farmers, Wettlaufer takes a different tack, one that …
In the Wake of Wettlaufer a play about triumph of love over trauma at the Blyth Festival
BLYTH – Writers Kelly McIntosh and Gil Garratt tell a poignant story of four siblings’ decision to place their aging father in long-term care only to find it is the same home where serial killer nurse Elizabeth Wettlaufer has been killing residents, in the world premiere In the Wake of Wettlaufer, running Aug. 7 to Sept. 6 at Blyth Festival. …
REVIEW: The Team on the Hill represents the epitome of Blyth’s mandate
“In Austin, the family patriarch, [playwright Dan] Needles has created the kind of rich comic character who, like Falstaff in the Elizabethan era, leaves audiences wanting more of his company. He is the heart and soul of the play and Layne Coleman gives him the kind of bravura performance that for once makes the standing ovation at the curtain call …
The Team on the Hill touches the heart of the farm family at the Blyth Festival
BLYTH – Canadian writer Dan Needles trademark wit and unparalleled observations of farm life come to the Blyth Festival stage with The Team on the Hill, running July 31 to Sept. 5. Needles, winner of the Stephen Leacock Memorial Medal for Humour, created the Wingfield Series and brought us True Confessions from the Ninth Concession earlier this year. The Team …
REVIEW: Cakewalk lovingly restored, thoroughly enjoyable
“To pull off a farce, you need relentless pacing and committed performances. Farce only works if the actors play their roles as if their characters are facing life and death situations. The tension must be palpable, and kudos to director Kelli Fox for ensuring that it is,” writes theatre critic Paula Citron in her review of Cakewalk on her blog. …
Cowbell Announces Multi-Year Commitment to Blyth Festival
BLYTH, ON – The Blyth Festival Theatre is pleased to announce a three-year sponsorship agreement between Blyth Cowbell Brewing Co. and the Blyth Festival. Cowbell Brewing will be the exclusive Hospitality Sponsor and will sponsor the development of a new play, focusing on a remarkable, historic Blyth resident. “Cowbell Brewing is proud to support the Blyth Festival Theatre, a unique …
Video: Designer explains Jumbo puppet
In this video, Artistic Director Gil Garratt chats with Gemma James-Smith, the designer and constructor of the puppet that dominates the stage in Jumbo, which plays at the Blyth Festival until Aug. 10. Photo: Jumbo, written by Sean Dixon, runs until Aug. 10. Pictured are: Tony Munch as Matthew Scott and Lucy Meanwell as Annie Jones. Creative team includes: Manon …
Blyth Centre for the Arts renews relationship with Blyth Memorial Community Hall
BLYTH, ON – At the outset of the 45th anniversary season, The Township of North Huron and the Blyth Centre for the Arts (Blyth Festival), together announce a new ten-year, year-round lease for Blyth Memorial Community Hall. This replaces a previous lease agreement between the township and Blyth 14/19. The change in leaseholder will not affect the historic use by …