|
First Person
New Theatre Heads to the Great White North
Thespians and Supporters Attend Shaw Fest
in Canada
By Ricky J. Martinez
Ricky J. Martinez
|
When Floridians hear the name Canada they immediately think
“land of perpetual snow,” but 17 of New Theatre’s patrons experienced a very
different wonderland.
Part fundraiser/part theatre vacation, this jaunt into the
territories of Canada was excellently arranged by theatre enthusiast Paula
Levine, who made us aware that Canada has more to offer than Mounties and
moose. In five full days the attendees covered three towns, seven theatrical
shows, three talk back sessions with cast members, three tantalizing five-star
dinners, a guided tour and tasting at a renown vineyard, while enjoying the
scenic motor coach ride which shuttled us from one hospitable hotel to the next.
In the heart of Toronto’s urban downtown, we were
catapulted into our journey by the spectacular world premiere epic The Lord
of the Rings, based on J.R.R. Tolkien’s trilogy and currently the largest,
most ambitious production ever staged; employing 65 actors, singers and
musicians alone. From there the next day we were whisked off to
Niagara-On-The-Lake for the elegant Shaw Festival where again we were spoiled by
flawless acting and top-notch productions. Here we had the chance to walk
around and delight at the cozy Victorian niche of a town between attending
Bernard Shaw’s Arms and the Man, Cole Porter’s High Society
(whose book was updated by Arthur Kopit, one of my playwrighting mentors), and
rounded it out with Noel Coward’s ménage Design for Living. Then,
just when we thought nothing could top this, we were shuttled off to Chateau Des
Charmes Winery in Niagara’s Napa Valley North before arriving at the 54th
anniversary season of the Stratford Festival of Canada. Besides attending an
intimate open dialogue luncheon with director/choreographer Donna Feore and her
talented husband Colm Feore (who stars in three of the repertory companies shows
this year; two of which we saw) the next afternoon, we caught Rodgers &
Hammerstein’s romantic South Pacific, Lionel Bart’s Shakespearian
Oliver!, and finally Shakespeare’s stubborn Coriolanus.
Paula Levine with Barry & Hannah Rich in Stratford
|
Amazingly enough, there was still time enough to wander
along the Avon river and feed the gorgeous white swans which glide across its
surface, catch an arts and craft show, dine at some of the most luxurious
restaurants, shop till you drop, dive into the rejuvenating pool, socialize over
a few drinks, and sure enough—sleep.
Though none of us attending had a chance to encounter a
moose or any Mounties, we did have a chance to explore and enjoy Canada’s many
other treasures while simultaneously contributing to “the little gem in the
Gables,” New Theatre.
Ricky J. Martinez is the artistic director of New Theatre in Coral Gables.
|
Front
page
.gif)
