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Current Production: Novel House opens April 13th 
NOVEL HOUSE - by Jayson McDonald, April 12 (P), 13, 14, 15 (M), 18, 19, 20, 21 A warm look at the Novel family as they deal with life events. A novelist father, a scatterbrained wife and an eccentric grandfather combine to make a delightful evening of entertainment. Heather Bailey is playing Rebecca. She recently moved to Woodstock from Brantford, where she played Mary Snow in Salt Water Moon. Heather spent a year as a Rotary exchange student in India, and is an interesting young woman to talk to. Our very own fabulous ASM, Brian Jackson, will be playing the role of Thomas. Mary will be played by Janet Orr. While Janet is often SM for Theatre Tillsonburg, she has won a WODL out of festival award for best supporting actress in her role as the wacky Carmen, in Cooking with Gus, and a cameo award for a role in Odd Couple. We are excited to see Brian George on stage in the role of James Novel, the centre of the play. Mr. Marcus Tonner will be playing the eccentric grandfather Geoffrey.
Director's Notes When I first saw Novel House performed at Ausable Theatre in 2000, I was impressed by what a delightful work it was. So when the opportunity arose for me to direct once again, it wasn't a difficult decision to select Jayson McDonald's play. People will often ask me, "What's the play about?" or "Is it a comedy?" On the surface Novel House is a three-year slice in the life of James Novel's family, a multi-generational family of eccentrics. Dad slaves away on his great Canadian novel while life swirls on around him. And, yes, it certainly has its comic elements but, like life, it has its moments of deep sadness too. In a sense the setting itself, a rambling old house, represents a sixth character in our play. In the words of a real Canadian novelist (unlike, dare I say it, James Novel): "Like most homes, it contained life and death, inseparable... Home as an allegory for self. A self-portrait of our choices. And our blind spots." (Louise Penny, Still Life, 2005) And just as for the Novel family, our blind spots and our choices are the very stuff that adds grit to all of our lives. Sincerest thanks to my supportive cast and crew. Each has made a unique contribution to focussing a compassionate light on the joys and sorrows of the wonderful characters that Jayson McDonald has created. As always it's been a privilege. I would especially like to thank my partner, Falcon, for his ongoing support and for taking on the formidable task of assembling the show's music, writing out parts in some cases and rehearsing the Novel House Light Orchestra. The musicians are: Diana Haandrikman, Brian Jackson (aka Thomas Winding), David Lavell and John Ransom. Kudos to Brian J. for his artistic contributions on stage and off. Our guest pianist is Olive Cornwell. Some of the music is well-known. Some, including songs by Falcon, are being aired for the first time publicly. All of the music was performed by local musicians and recorded live by Ed Williams. As well, the artwork that decorates the hallway on stage, the cabinet in the lobby display and our posters was designed by Woodstock artist, Patrick Landsley, my set designer from The Motor Trade. His whimsical sketch of the Novel family house is a lovely reflection of this eccentric yet wonderful clan. Finally, the art and the music reflect my desire to create, in the words of the late lamented urban sociologist, Jane Jacobs, "import replacement." Much of our culture does not have to be imported; as with all communities, Woodstock does indeed have talent.
Woodstock Actors in ITOPA production
Joanna and Jeff Sweete are teaming up to star in ITOPA's production of Fatal Attraction by Bernard Slade, directed by Harry Edison, coming to the Park Place Theatre, 88 Thames St., Ingersoll on April 20, 21, 22, and 26, 27, 28, 29. Box Office: 519-485-3070. Theatre Woodstock Auditions for Storm Warning
Sunday, June 3, 7:00 pm at the Market Centre Theatre, 22 Reeve Street Casting: 1 man, 1 woman ages 30-45 No prepared piece required, but it is recommended that you read the play. Production dates: October 11-20, 2007 For scripts and further information please call:
Heart FM presents Woodstock's Got Talent! A TW Fundraiser
By the end of the night our field of 40 performers in 24 acts was brought down to the top 5 finalists. In first place we had a dancer, Meaghan Patterson who in the words of the judges gave a very art filled and professional performance. Jim Cocchetto, our second place winner made the accordion very cool and CAST kid Kyle Rose performed his self written song and impressed everyone. Heart-FM (our sponsor) was so impressed with Kyle's song they played it on their morning show and then again during the request show the next day because so many people had called in about it. Rene McIntyre and Julia Morden-Phipps were our forth and fifth place finalists. Rene sang a country favourite while Julia sang a classical vocal piece. All of the contestants showed how diverse our show was. Many times the question has been asked if we are going to be having this talent show next year. Right now Heart-FM is very interested and so is the outstanding committee that put the whole thing together. If anyone is interested in getting involved in a possible show next year let Jason Paquette know and we'll see what happens from there. Finally I would like to thanks everyone who handled their very big jobs with enthusiasm and professionalism and we should all give ourselves a pat on the back for raising close to three thousand dollars for Theatre Woodstock. --Jason Paquette
Don't miss this fun and entertaining musical classic! CAST presents Pirates of Penzance, one of Gilbert and Sullivan's most popular comic operettas. Thirty of Oxford County's most talented young performers from ages 14 to 20 will be featured along with a 15 piece live orchestra! Sing along with favourites like The Pirate King (Kyle Rose), The Major-General (Jason Keyes) and dim witted young lovers Frederic (Dan Van Winden) and Mabel (Teale Poirier). Add to that bumbling policemen, sentimental pirates and dewy-eyed daughters and you have a recipe for a great evening of music and laughter! Directed by Jennifer Paquette, music by Chuck Baxter and choreography by Juliana Sherk -- special cameo appearance by TW veteran and favourite Mark Tonner! CAST musicals often sell out so call the box office now to reserve your tickets! 519-537-2582 or in person at Craftworks at the Springbank plaza.
CAST would like to congratulate Kyle Rose, Teale Poirier, Taylor Markham, Chloe, Leah and Sylvie Weir, on being chosen for the finals of Woodstock's Got Talent. Way to go! Kyle Rose received a third place award for his performance. Contact our Editor Backstage is edited by Claire Lewis. You can reach Claire by telephone at 519-421-4425. Please make submissions for the newsletter to clairebear@bmts.com. "He who seeks rest finds boredom. He who seeks work finds rest" --Dylan Thomas |
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A play by Norm Foster
All the comments have been very positive for the first ever Woodstock's Got Talent! Talent Show. On Saturday March 24th the Market Centre Theatre was alive with the talent of dancers, musicians, singers, and even a poet. The calibre of acts that were on stage was undeniable and the feeling in the theatre was professional and fun. The judges, Vicki St Pierre, Ron Cameron, Jennifer Paquette, and Dan Henry all offered positive and constructive criticism to all the contestants. Our preliminary judges Doug Marsh, Juliana Sherk, Jennifer Paquette, and Betty Ford picked very accomplished acts that contributed to the great show. 
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