The World is a Stage
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There are two theatrical events coming up which are perfect for Tillsonburgers.
The first is Theatre Tillsonburg’s auditions for our next November presentation of Sex Please, We’re Sixty by Michael and Susan Parker. You have correctly surmised the approximate age group of the cast and you can’t tell me with the number of seniors that we have in Tillsonburg, that we will have a problem casting this show!
The plot is hilarious. Rose Cottage Bed and Breakfast is run by the very prim and proper, Mrs. Stancliffe. Her geriatric neighbour ‘Bud the Stud’ arrives daily to check the reservations to see if any ‘chicks’, will be checking in.
Mrs. Stancliffe has been courted for years by Henry, a retired, chemist who has produced a little blue pill called Venusia, to help the libido of menopausal women.
Bud tries to get Henry to follow his example of a man with sex appeal or test out the little blue pill on Mrs. Stancliffe.
We will add to the mix, Victoria Ambrose, a romance novelist whose new book can light a fire in the reader; Charmaine Beauregard, a Southern Belle, and a former chick arrives hoping for a rendezvous with Bud; and Hillary Hudson an old friend and former associates of Henry’s, who arrives undercover planning to test (in the name of science) the Venusia pill.
As Bud works his magic on the ladies and instructs Henry in the art of seduction, the Venusia scientific study goes array.
This farce requires two men, 50-plus, and four women, at least 50-plus, as well as anyone who would like to work backstage. No experience is necessary on or off stage, so even if you are unsure, please pop out to auditions and check us out on Monday, May 26 and Wednesday, May 28 at 7 p.m.
The auditions are held at the Otter Valley Playhouse located at 144789 Potters Rd.
Sex Please, We’re Sixty will be directed by Sandra Andrews and produced by Matthew Scholtz. Scripts are available by calling Sandra at 519-842-4150.
The second event is The Last Trench Fighter by Robin Barker-James. Recruitment was done last March and when 38 people volunteered for the cast. There is still a need, however for 12 more people. This is a great opportunity once again for Tillsonburgers from seniors to students of any age.
This is a unique production, which takes place on stage – and outside – where cast and audience will interact. It is also the first installment, for the first year of the 100th Anniversary of WWI. Robin has written a novel which encompasses all that the five years of plays are about. The book will be published in July. The first of the plays will take place in Canada and Belgium at Ypres, Ethe, Fort Loncin. Ethe is a village which the Nazis savagely destroyed; Ft. Loncin is a modern 300 Spartans story and the scene at Ypres is during the 1914 Christmas truce in the trenches.
Robin has been very busy recreating the outdoor sets of Fort Loncin and the village of Ethe as well as the sheltered outdoor viewing area for the audience.
If you are interested in learning more about this amazing production, Robin is having a read through of the script at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, May 28 in the barn at 164886 New Road. You can call 688-0066 for directions or if you’d like a script in advance of the 28th. There are a large number of medium and small speaking roles available and combat stunt actors are needed for the two battles. If they wish, girls can be cast for male parts, both speaking and as combat stunters.
Technically, this production will be epic. People for costumes, props, lighting, sound, make up, construction, etc. are all needed. Please give Robin a call if you are interested.
Here are a few items needed: uniforms for Canadians, Germans, Belgian troops, as well as helmets, hats, great coats, battle dress; 1900s Canadian civilian clothing and accessories as well.
Although Rick Shaver of The Canadian Military Heritage Museum in Brantford is helping, getting the number of uniforms and accessories that fit today’s much-larger population is difficult. So please rummage around in those attics and see if you have grandpa’s old uniform or helmets, etc.