By Darren Lum
Staff Reporter
April 25 2017
The Highlands Little Theatre is inviting the public to explore the human psyche with a trio of one-act plays this week.
The lineup includes three one-act comedies: Sure Thing directed by Guy Pritchard The Philadelphia directed by Barry Willhelm both written by David Ives and Something to Eat directed by Jack Brezina and written by Norman L. Rhodes.
Sure Thing is set against the backdrop of an eatery in the U.S.
It will challenge its audience and showcases the what ifs of life.
“We all are performers. We all rehearse things. There are things in my mind OK I’m going to see this person tomorrow and maybe there is something I have to get off my chest and I’m going to say this and he’s going to say that or just being in a social gathering and wonder: Well that person looks interesting. I’m going to say such and such” Pritchard said. “It’s sort of an exploration of what could happen with a chance encounter with a stranger.”
The play is centred on a pair of 20-somethings (played by Hannah Klose and Stephen Thayer) Betty and Bob on their series of humorous laugh-out-loud interactions repeated with slight variations in the scenes. Pritchard said Sure Thing is similar to the cult-classic movie Groundhog Day where the central theme is about how a day repeats itself for the main character.
“The audience I think will come to a resolution about where this variety of interactions come from. I don’t want to give it away. You can take it on the surface of this is just a mutation of interactions and variety of potential interactions between two people” he said.
The leads of his upcoming play were quick studies learning their lines well and possessed a strong ability to embody their characters. Kate Butler plays the server in the show.
This is Pritchard’s second effort as a director since his debut with the dark comedy George is Dead this past autumn. Sure Thing principals Klose and Thayer earned recognition for George is Dead at the Eastern Ontario Drama League Festival for One Act Plays in Perth last fall. Klose won the award for best actress while Thayer was nominated for the best actor category.
Although Pritchard wishes he had more formal director training he strives to maintain a light atmosphere at his rehearsals to benefit his cast and ultimately for the audience.
“If they’re enjoying themselves in rehearsal then the audience is going to like it” he said.
Tickets are $15. Performances are from April 28 and 29 at 8 p.m. and April 30 at 2 p.m. at the Northern Lights Performing Arts Pavilion in Haliburton. Preceding the evening performances there will be live jazz music. Present your theatre tickets at McKecks and receive 15 per cent off your meal (not including alcohol). For more information and to reserve a dining seat call 705-457-3443. Email April Martin at ajmartin769@me.com or buy tickets at Master’s Book Store in Haliburton or call 705-457-8764 for tickets and information.
