Cochrane Vision Theatre has been experiencing a drama with a drama.
Rehearsals for the comedy I think you think I love you by Kelly Younger – Vision’s entry into the Foothills Region One-Act Play Festival in Canmore this weekend – were well advanced when, with just four weeks to go, the entire cast had to be replaced. A 20-minute production with two actors might not seem that difficult but both are on stage throughout and the script demands some very precise timing so rehearsal is key.
Production director, JoAnne Ayotte, had to find new actors and fast. Fortunately, Cathy Cox, a new theatre member, and Jonathan Bennett, a Vision board member, stepped up and hit the ground running to take on the roles of Branwyn and Mark.
“It never ceases to amaze me when faced with what may seem like an insurmountable obstacle – like losing both actors with only four weeks to go – that individuals like Cathy and Jonathan step up to put the plate and put 150 per cent into their craft,” said Ayotte. “Their synergy on stage is nothing short of amazing and their dedication to this production makes my heart sing. They have made my job extremely easy.”
The play is a fast moving comedy that starts with Cox’s character Branwyn returning from a grueling and somewhat unusual hike. Home for mere seconds there’s a knock on her door from Mark who is all set for a blind date with our heroine. The pressing need to sell her late mother’s house, combined with grief, sibling rivalry, an ill wind and a dead cat, however, cause Branwyn to totally lose the plot.
Vision Theatre’s entry in the festival is just one of 15 from across the Foothills Region, all of which will be adjudicated by actor Stephen Hair, famous for his annual portrayal of Scrooge in Theatre Calgary’s A Christmas Carol. The winning production will be invited to perform at the Provincial One-Act Festival in Fort McMurray in May when they’ll be up against the winners of similar festivals across Alberta. The Canmore Festival takes place at the Canmore Miner’s Union Hall April 29 and April 30 with Vision’s entry the last production in the first session on the Saturday afternoon. For schedule and ticket information go on-line to pinetreeplayers.com or e-mail [email protected]
