Theatre Collingwood announced its summer line-up last week at a special press conference at Blue Mountain Village. In an interview last Friday morning Thomas could barely contain his enthusiasm for the four productions that popular organization will stage this season.
"It's going to be a dynamite season. We've added an extra musical this year to test the waters and see how that goes over with our audiences," said Thomas.
Theatre Collingwood has dubbed the 2007 season: Scales of Laughter. Thomas explained that title was for a couple reasons.
"It reflects the music and the comedy in each of our productions. Each of these four pieces deals with relationships in some way," said Thomas, who added that with rehearsals and production just around the corner - his excitement continues to grow. "The closer I get to this, the more I can't wait to get at it. Rehearsals are my time, that's when I have the most fun," he said.
The season will open with Side By Side By Sondheim. Thomas said this musical will feature Leisa Way, Lorena MacKenzie, Dale R. Miller and Greg Gibson.
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"You're going to see three absolutely first class musical theatre performers," said Thomas.
The next play will be popular with local audiences for sure. It is "Wingfield Unbound." The fourth in the wildly successful Wingfield series by Dan Needles. The play as always will star Rod Beattie in the Walt Wingfield role.
"Rod is such a consummate professional. He's been Walt for 20 odd years now," said Thomas. "This is the fourth of six Wingfield plays. It's pretty exciting. We're planning on doing all of them in order - like they were meant to be seen," said Thomas.
The third play of the season is a second musical called: "I Do! I Do!"
"It's about a married couple from their wedding day until they move out of their home into smaller quarters. It covers 50 years of their life," said Thomas.
"I Do! I Do!" stars Stephanie McNamara and Kyle Dadd.
"It's going to be a real tour de force for these two actors," Thomas noted.
The fourth and final production of the season will be Theatre Collingwood's version of Neil Simon's "Last of the Red Hot Lovers." Thomas is very happy to have this play on the docket this season and is looking forward to Viviana Zarillo's performance. She will play three separate roles in the play across from Sam Owen who will portray Barney Cashman.
"It's going to be great fun and it's Simon at his absolute best," said Thomas.
Theatre Collingwood has spread its season out this year. It will feature a different production in June, July, August and September giving patrons lots of time between productions.
"Side By Side By Sondheim" will run June 13-16 and June 19-23. "Wingfield Unbound" will run from July 17-21 and July 31-August 4. "I Do! I Do! runs from August 8-11 and August 14-18. "Last of the Red Hot Lovers" will run from September 19-22 and from September 25-29.
Thomas said he is particularly excited about each production examining different aspects of human relationships.
"Sondheim is a master at looking at the slightly edgy side of relationships. Walt Wingfield is about the rural vs. urban aspect of life. Dan is a master at showing that. I Do! I Do examines the marital relationship. There's going to be a lot of nudging going on in the audience. At the Neil Simon piece is a reflection of his relationship with his mother, his wife and the army," said Thomas.
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