Sell Out

January 23, 2010 by Leave a Comment

It has never happened this early in the season!

I am excited to announce that the two performances of Charlie Farquharson and Dem Udders featuring Don Harron are Sold Out.

The speed with which tickets sold, for what is sure to be a delightful evening, has surprised even the most veteran members of the Festival. Usually at this time of the year, just after the close of the season pass sale, we can anticipate that some performances will fill rapidly, likely before the season opens, but never have we had had to announce a sold out situation this early.

The rapid sale of seats speaks highly for this icon of the Canadian stage. He is a popular and well-loved performer, who, though probably best known for his comedic roles, is a talented actor and writer. Most of us probably know him for his delightful impersonation of gentle back country character Charile Farquharson. Through Charlie, we have seen Don Harron appear on countless television shows and many more stage performances. The Malaprop-dropping buffoon is the quintessential fool who, through his ramblings, makes us laugh. But like all characters of this sort, there is always more than a kernel of truth in their observations, making the commentary even more humorous. In addition to being the lyricist of the long running musical Anne of Green Gables, he has served for five years as the host of the popular CBC Radio program Morningside. Don Harron has also been invested as also a member of the Order of Ontario and Order of Canada.

Two fortunate groups of patrons will enjoy the magic of this 83 year old veteran of the Canadian stage on July 26 and 27. And while we are always delighted to slap “SOLD OUT” on any production, we are disappointed that couldn’t have offered more performances so everyone who wanted, could have enjoyed the wit and wisdom of Charlie Farquharson and Dem Udders.

Filed Under: 2010 Season Archive, Announcements, Ticket Info

Audition Call

January 17, 2010 by Leave a Comment

January is an exciting for those of us involved in Highlands Summer Festival.

With the productions chosen and the scripts being passed around for everyone to read, the next step will be auditions. This year the auditions are scheduled for January 23 and 24 at the Northern Lights Performing Arts Pavilion.

Auditions are always a bit nerve-wracking for those of us who enjoy stepping onto the stage. As the scripts make the rounds, the actors are looking for parts that may be appropriate and challenging for them. Often there is more than one “good fit“, but Highlands Summer Festival attempts to avoid casting one actor in two productions. It can be tough on actors to be involved in two productions in the summer, particularly when it comes to rehearsals. They begin in April and take place on the weekends leading up to the various opening nights. Occasionally it is necessary to cast an actor in two productions to take advantage of his or her special talents. We certainly appreciate those who are willing to make that extra sacrifice.

The mandate of the Highlands Summer Festival is to encourage the growth and development of theatrical talents and skills. We are also committed to using as much local talent as possible. We encourage local actors to audition for our productions. The size and quality of the theatrical community in the Highlands has grown over the years and we believe that Highlands Summer Festival can take credit for a large part of that development. We have also encouraged individuals with an interest in acting but no experience to give it a try. In the past, we have “discovered” some exciting talent in individuals who stepped onto the boards for the first time with our company.

If you have an interest in acting, please follow this link to our audition page to learn more about this year’s auditions….but take a look at the audition page soon, because the call is coming up soon. Perhaps this is the year we`ll see you on stage!

As always, we welcome your comments.

Filed Under: 2010 Season Archive, Announcements, Auditions