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David Nairn: Starlight Gala and the coming Series – We’re Back!

July 29, 2021   ·   0 Comments

By Constance Scrafield

When Artistic Director, David Nairn says “We’re very busy here at Theatre Orangeville,” he means it ­more than ever. Let us begin this feature, then, to give you the complete schedule:

The Third Life of Eddie Mann, a play by John Spurway, produced online in the same format as The Rules of Playing Risk, runs on your big screen television from July 30 to August 15. Mr. Spurway’s one act play brings a man on the edge, to sit on a window ledge contemplating a jump, when “Angel” engages him in conversation. Humorous and thoughtful dialogue ensues but where will it lead?

Tickets are virtual as before, for all the online entertainment Theatre Orangeville has brought to you since September of last year.

Then at last! Live theatre to be performed at the Mount Alverno Luxury Resort. A former Franciscan seminar and later a Capuchin retreat next to Caledon East, the now luxury resort has partnered with Theatre Orangeville. This time it will host Chase the Ace by Mark Crawford, live from August 11 to August 20. On August 18, there will be dinner and the show at $200 a ticket, this year’s Starlight Gala.

“The tickets are extremely limited. If people want to see it live, they have to jump at those tickets.”

Mr. Nairn promised to maintain his tradition: “I will stand on a chair at the Starlight Gala, on August 18 and announce the upcoming season for October, 2021 to June 2022!”

Chase the Ace is Mr. Crawford’s one act, one man play, about a city-slicker radio jockey coming to work for a local radio in a small town, only to find circumstances much more demanding and surprising than he could ever have expected. 

David Nairn explained the inclusion for the Starlight Gala for people who do not feel ready to attend an in-person event, “When Chase the Ace opens, we will be doing a video capture from about three different camera angles and edit [it] for the 18^th. At the same time that we are doing the event live, Starlight, we’ll live stream it online.”

He told the Citizen, “People can watch the show and my announcement live and order a meal from Lavender Blue, Rustik or Blue Bird, if they are unable or uncomfortable to be there. They can be in their own homes with a beautiful meal and the show on their own television.

“Mount Alverno has a capacity of 72. It’s really exciting to have a new partner. Starlight is August 18^th at $200 a ticket for the dinner and show. Then, Chase the Ace will be online from August 18 to Sept 7.” 

Next at Mount Alverno: Theatre Orangeville produces live on stage, Josiah, running from September 8 to September 19. Josiah, starring Cassel Miles and written and directed by Charles Roberson, is the story of Josiah Hanson and his historic escape from slavery in the southern U.S. to freedom here in Canada. Once free, he went back to the States to bring other escaping slaves to their own freedom in this country.

Cassel Miles, in this one-man show, takes on the 30 characters he and Mr. Robertson collaborated to put into this amazing story.

There is a fine tent at the resort where the plays are staged but patrons are welcomed to enjoy dinner on the patio by the restaurant before taking their seats to see either one.

Theatre Orangeville is selling tickets for the plays in pairs at $70 for every two seats. This helps to accommodate seating that allows for social distancing.

Young Company has in-person programs back again! Following the Intensive Music Program that was run by Colin Simmons for Young Company for two weeks in July, with Dan Reale, a fully sold out Young Company Drama is ready to rehearse and present Clue.

Said Mr. Nairn, “Clue is directed by Colin Simmons and it is live in person under a canopy that is closed on two sides,” adding, “you can’t close all the sides because you can’t sit inside an enclosed tent because that makes it indoors.”

Clue runs from Thursday, August 26 to Sunday, August 29.

The live version of Chase the Ace will continue until August 20. Commencing August 18, people can watch the show online until September 7.

“Then we will open Josiah at a venue yet to be determined on September 8 until September 19. We will record the show and it will be online too. So, if people are not comfortable to come, with social distance, mask and bubble, they can watch it at home on their television,” David Nairn explained.

Above it all, are the Covid protocols: “We’re coming back strong, live and online. So, everybody must be comfortable – and feel safe. For whatever changes, we will be adaptable and compliant.

“We did a two week intensive Young Company musical. We could only admit 14 kids as opposed to the usual 24.”

He assured his patrons, “Our safety standards are beyond what public health dictates. We will be back in the theatre for the first show in October and do smaller shows with smaller casts. When I announce the play bill, they will be smaller casts, one or two person shows. Any cultural event where people congregate, that is the first to go and last to come back. People are going to be a while wanting to come back indoors but it’s so hard to put a hard number on anything because it changes every day.

“We’re over the hurdle of closures and now we’re back. If we want to stay alive and vital, we just can’t serve all our patrons live. It means watching, enjoying and spreading the word about what our creativity is.”

Vice Chair of the Board of Directors and Chair of the new Fundraising Committee, Laura Sheehan Austin, joined us for a chat about how Covid has helped the Board review its governance.

“Governance is an importance aspect of the Board,” she told the Citizen. “Bylaws, policy manual, all those things have been examined during Covid.”

She said, “We’re very excited about our Board because we’ve breathed new life into it. We have really diversified; this is a time for change. It’s an exciting time for theatre. The virtual is always an option.”

Ms. Sheehan Austin has been a long term volunteer with Theatre Orangeville, starting out with T.O.Y.S. and as an usher.

“Our Board has made great strides during Covid. I think we have to produce more modern and innovative entertainment. I think in response to Covid, we have changed. Our patrons have an appetite for the future and different types of entertainment. We need to appeal to a broader audience and that virtual entertainment could be of significant use in the future. We’ve always respected the story telling of everyone.”

Optimistically, she said, “It’s so exciting. Last year, Starlight was only online, so, this year, Victorian Christmas may well be a go.”

Let us hope so.

For all the details and to purchase tickets, go to www.theatreorangeville.ca or call the lovely people at the theatre box office on 519-942-3423.

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