The Woman in Black: a ghost play

Directed by Terry Todd. Starring John Turner, C.J. Boyse, and Samantha Johnston

The life of lawyer, Arthur Kipps, was dramatically and tragically altered by what he saw, heard and discovered in Eel Marsh House, Norfolk, England in the late 1800s. It was only years later that he could find the courage to place every terrifying detail on record.

"The play, The Woman in Black is a brilliant exercise in the creation of atmosphere and controlled horror." --Director Terry Todd

"With Halloween just around the corner, I can't think of a better play to begin our 2006-2007 season.

"It has been such a privilege to produce The Woman in Black. Two years ago my family and I saw this production on P.E.I. I knew that this was a play for Theatre Woodstock. Terry is absolutely a wealth of information and a real gem to work with. Not only does he have a wild imagination and an incredible sense of what works and what doesn't work, he also brings with him a very talented team which, together, have made my job so much easier. TW is very lucky to have him.

"Terry has cast three fine actors to tell you this chilling story. John and C.J. are both perfectionists and professionals. This comes through loud and clear during their performance. You won't believe where these two men will take you. We're also happy to introduce a newcomer to our stage. Well, at least a newcomer to the front of the stage. Samantha is no stranger to the work that goes on behind the curtain and although she has no lines in this production, her presence is incredibly powerful. You will certainly know what I mean when you see her in action.

"Because of the way the story unfolds, our set has to look like an old, empty, Victorian Theatre with only a few pieces of furniture leftover from a previous production. This means there was very little set to create. But don't let this fool you. The lighting and sound designs for this production are absolutely unreal. These two aspects of this production are essential. If we don't have it right, this play simply will not work. Well, Ed and Rob have it right! They play with your mind as they bring this horrifying tale to life.

"You won't believe where your imagination can take you. I promise you will be on the edge of your seat until the last line is delivered!" --Producer Sally Johnston

The Woman in Black
Adapted by Stephen Mallatratt
From the novel by Susan Hill
Published by Samuel French Ltd.
Directed by Terry Todd
October 13-14, 15(matinee) 18-21
Sponsored by Innovative Graphics

Call Theatre Woodstock Box Office for tickets at 519-537-2582.

Next Production: Dear Santa by Norm Foster

Directed by Brian George

November 30 (P), December 1, 2, 3 (M), 6, 7, 8 - 2006

Spend time with Santa at the North Pole as he tries to fulfill a child's special Christmas wish. Meet Santa's staff, a travelling salesman and a stowaway as Christmas Eve approaches. This laugh-filled holiday play, by Norm Foster, is innocent enough for the youngest child, but full of fun for everyone.

President's Corner

Theatre Woodstock is kicking off its 60th season of providing quality theatre experiences to this community.

The words 'community theatre' so aptly describe Theatre Woodstock. Not only does TW serve the cultural needs of our community, it is in fact a community unto itself; a community comprised of directors, actors, crew members, designers, board members, carpenters, seamstresses, parents and children -- all offering their time and talents in pursuit of their shared visions and personal passions.

Our community is supported by a larger community made up of local business owners who provide corporate sponsorship and who donate a vast array of services, including floral arrangements and lounge displays, set pieces and props, upholstery services, photography; the list is endless. There is of course also the community of subscribers and audience members whose stalwart support has allowed us to reach this milestone.

Thank you for being a part of the Theatre Woodstock community. We invite you to join with us in celebrating 60 years of award winning theatre! --Tanya Thompson

Diamond Jubilee

This year, Theatre Woodstock is celebrating 60 years of entertaining the public, and has been recognized by the Prime Minister, the Governor General, and local politicians for reaching this milestone. An excellent article in the Sentinel-Review featured an interview with Edythe Smith, who has watched the theatre's progress for much of its 60 years. Congratulations Theatre Woodstock!

Audition Notice: Sylvia

Who: 2 males, 35-45 years of age
3 females, 35-45 years of age
1 female 20-35 years of age
(some athletics involved; this reading is for the part of a dog)

Where: Market Centre Theatre, 22 Reeve Sreet, Woodstock Ontario (right behind City Hall)

When: Sunday, October 15th at 7:00 pm and Monday, October 16 at 7:00 pm

*Show Run Dates are: February 8(P), 9, 10, 11(M) and 14, 15, 16, 17 - 2007

For questions or to acquire scripts please contact Tony Harding at 519-421-2171.

Play Reading Committee

The committee which selects the plays for the 2007-2008 season is getting into action and we need your help. If you have seen a play or heard of one that you think Theatre Woodstock might consider, please let me know; Or if you are interested in reading and discussing scripts, we'd love to have you join our group. If you have questions or suggestions, please contact Bonnie Hartley, Artistic Chair 519-537-5836.

WODL Blog

Dianne Clark, Membership and Development chair for WODL has sent notice of a blog site at http://wodlmembertheatres.21publish.com. This site can be accessed for information, discussion, or to post announcements. Dianne asks for feedback from members.

Also Showing...

ITOPA presents "The Saloonkeepers Daughter", Oct. 13-15. and 19-22, at Park Place Theatre, 88 Thames St.S., Ingersoll. Matinee at 2 p.m. Oct. 15, 22, remaining performances at 8 p.m. Adults $15, seniors/students $12. www.itopa.ca.

Out in the World

Former CAST members are continuing the theatre experience that began in Woodstock, and Jen is always thrilled to hear of their successes. Some recent examples: Clint Fraser has been hired by Stage West in Toronto to do set design and construction; Devan Estey is working for a theatrical lighting company in Mississauga; Kait Gray has started a second season with Touring Players Theatre of Canada. All three are graduates of Sheridan College.

Another graduate of Sheridan, Stephen Roberts, attended a senior CAST rehearsal recently as a guest artist, and CAST members gave him a rousing ovation after he treated them to an amazing dance solo. Stephen is currently at Stratford, performing in "OLIVER", "DON JUAN", and "CORIOLANUS". Later in the rehearsal, he shared his skills with the seniors, helping them with tumbling and acrobatics.

CAST

CAST's performance of Cinderella was a huge success. This year CAST will be supporting The Stephen Lewis Foundation to help fight the HIV Aids crisis in Africa. Special thanks to songwriter Nancy Telfer for generously giving CAST permission to sing and record her beautiful song, "When A Child Lights a Candle." Proceeds were raised through the sale of CDs, a family barbeque and a generous donation of $100.00 from Cheryl Keyes, a CAST member that donated her own money through the sale of purses that she had made. CAST has sent their first donation of $1,300.00 to The Stephen Lewis Foundation as well as a copy of a CD with the Summer Camp song on it. The staff are so proud of these fabulous kids. Way to go CAST!

Emily Hall

This is my first year working with CAST, and it has been a pleasure choreographing for the Theatre. I've been dancing since I was three years old. I do every type of dance there is, including ballet, jazz, tap, acro, lyrical and modern dance. I've travelled to Portugal to teach children how to dance and I have travelled to Germany to compete against 7 other countries for World Champions. Our tap routine won first place. I really enjoy dancing and working with all the children at CAST!

Mike Crabbe

I have been working at Theatre Woodstock for the past 5 years. It all started when I was asked to help backstage for the CAST Senior Company show, "Our Roots Are Showing". From there I was asked if I would like to work for the next two years with kids in the CAST summer camp as a camp counsellor. I was also asked if I would be interested in joining the Senior Company in their  production of  "Peter Pan". Getting the part of Smee was a big feather in my cap, for it was my real, big performance. It helped me get to know a lot of people and make a lot of new friends. I was also Linus in  CAST Sr. Company production of "You're A Good Man, Charlie Brown". Currently I'm in rehearsal for Gilbert and Sullivan's "Pirates of Penzance", and lucky enough to Stage Manage the CAST Jr. Company show, "101 Dalmatians". I find working with kids to be a very exciting and rewarding experience, and I hope to continue working with them!

Contact our Editor

TW is pleased to welcome our new editor, Claire Lewis. You can reach Claire by telephone at 519-421-4425. Please make submissions for the newsletter to clairebear@bmts.com. "Today I bent the truth to be kind and I have no regret, for I am more sure of what is kind than I am of what is true."