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Gore Bay Summer Theatre offers two productions for its annua

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GORE BAY—Gore Bay Theatre’s summer season opens tomorrow with a performance of the romantic comedy set in Ireland, ‘Outside Mallingar,’ followed on Friday for the opening performance of ‘Waiting for the Parade.’ I attended a dress rehearsal for ‘Waiting for the Parade’ to provide audiences with an early review of this Canadian classic.

In ‘Waiting for a Parade,’ by John Murrell, the audience is invited to share in the lives of five women as each survives, in her own way, the Second World War at home in Canada while their men are away. It is comprised of 24 vignettes including monologues, songs of the time, comedic and dramatic scenes based on the actual events that occurred with historical accuracy. 

The stories they share are at times humorous, poignant, heartbreaking, but always entertaining and powerful testimonials reminding the audience of the hardships women had to endure to keep the home fires burning and their contribution to the war effort.

It is a very important story, rooted in the courageous and committed women who waiting six long years for men to return, all the more important because this is the 100th anniversary of the Royal Canadian Legion and an important reminder of Canada’s proud history of participation and sacrifice.

The five actors who inhabit their on-stage characters and bring life to this important story are Susan Garlock, Theresa Phiri, Tammy Robinson, Mehgan Woods and Renee Zilio, a stellar ensemble of gifted performers, each worthy to be praised and singled out with performances that will linger long after the curtain drops. 

They were, in short, a finely tuned team.

Co-directors Walter Maskel and Andrea Emmerton are to be commended for choosing this important Canadian play and bringing it to life in an entertaining, theatrical and compelling production. The experience and expertise they bring is evident in the staging, direction and technical elements. An example is the highly symbolic setting made up of five chairs for the waiting women, union jacks, and a Lest We Forget backdrop with an embossed poppy. Very simple but effective.

Ms. Emmerton said, “We are thrilled to be producing this play on the 100th anniversary of the (Royal Canadian) Legion and giving audiences the opportunity to honour the sacrifices made by Canadian men and women in World War Two.”

Mr. Maskel added, “To honour the 100th anniversary of the Canadian Legion Gore Bay Theatre has provided an opportunity for Legion members and family to attend a special matinee performance.”

Don’t miss this opportunity to see a Canadian classic. Ticket prices and performance times and dates are available in the advertisement in this week’s Expositor.