For whatever reason, audiences can’t get enough of animals who behave like humans.
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Adam’s Fanshawe Plays
Childhood inspiration becomes localized summer production
For whatever reason, audiences can’t get enough of animals who behave like humans.
Whether it’s George Orwell’s novel Animal Farm, the television series Tales From the Riverbank or Muppets such as Kermit the frog, Miss Piggy and Rowlf the dog, there is a long history of artists who use non-humans to tell their stories, imbuing the characters with the traits of homo sapiens to make them relatable.
Now, comes a new all-ages play from London’s Alvego Root Theatre, the company with a mission to tell local stories. It’s an adaptation of the much-reinterpreted 1908 novel The Wind in the Willows by British author Kenneth Grahame, and features actors playing storied characters such as Mr. Toad, Mole, Badger and Ratty.
“This new version reimagines the classic story in a Southwestern Ontario setting, steeped in the natural history of the region,” the troupe’s website says.
Artistic director Adam Corrigan Holowitz first saw a production of Wind in the Willows at the Grand Theatre in 1999 when he was three years old. That production, he says, is what inspired him to become involved in theatre. “It’s always been in my head as a reference point,” he said. “I adapted it the way I’d always imagined it.”
If you recall reading The Wind in the Willows as a child, you’ll remember that not much happens. The characters spend time punting on the river and generally messing about, in the process learning lessons about how to get along with others.
“I think it’s a story about friendship,” Corrigan Holowitz said. “Friends sometimes tell you what you need to hear,” as opposed to what you’d like to hear.
And although the performers – including Dan Ebbs as Mole, Kydra Ryan as Ratty and Jason Rip as Toad – don’t dress up in animal costumes, they do give the audience cues through their “animal physicality.”
“One of the things we did early on (in rehearsals) is explore the animal movement,” said Corrigan Holowitz.
One example is how Mole sniffs his way across the stage. “Mole leads by his nose; everything is driven by scent. Ratty uses her hands,” said Corrigan Holowitz.
One of the underlying themes of the piece is dealing with technology of the day, except in this case the leading edge of innovation is represented by a new-fangled motor car – not a cellphone – with which Toad becomes obsessed.
“The first time (the animals) see the car, it drives them off the road,” Corrigan Holowitz said.
And theatre lovers may find the laid-back, languid vibe of the piece is perfect for a mid-summer theatre production. “There is this tinge of melancholy in it,” said Corrigan Holowitz. “There’s moment you forgot they’re animals.”
The Wind in the Willows begins its run July 10. The other summer production from Alvego Root Theatre is Fools And Lovers.
IF YOU GO
What: Alvego Root Theatre’s adaptation of The Wind in the Willows
When: July 10 at 3 p.m., July 11, 17, 18, 23 at 7:30 p.m. and July 24 at 2 p.m.
Where: Fanshawe Pioneer Village, enter at 1424 Clarke Road through Fanshawe Conservation Area
How much: $20 for adults and $11 for children (12 years old and younger); $45 for two adults and two children
Online: For Fools and Lovers performance times, visit fanshawepioneervillage.ca/events/summer-theatre-presents-wind-willows-fools-and-lovers
Manor Park – Olde Tyme Variety Show
The Manor Park Evening Post
An Old Time Variety Show
of Song, Story, Antics
Hosted by Adam Corrigan Holowitz
Music by Stephen Holowitz
Featuring: Katy Clark, Paul Grambo, Kydra Ryan –
Guest appearances by our Epiphany poets Ron and Jan
Adam writes:
The warmth of a kitchen party mixed with the fun of an old time variety show in the heart of the neighborhood of Manor Park. The night will feature a brand new story from Manor Park, a great assortment of music performed by Stephen Holowitz on piano and vocalists Paul Grambo and Katy Clark. Plus another instalment of Lucky Thinnorth, checking in on where the Volgaborg is, the By the Pound Give Away and many more delights that the writers are busily coming up with!
And it was true! What a night! An amazing show of music and comedy. Songs and stories – Stories about The Coves own Ogo Pogo, the adventures of Lucky Thinnorth, and a Manor Park couple’s amazing and exciting adventure at a modern Farm style marriage ceremony. And of course where would we be without an update on the Volgaborg. I’m a bit reluctant to talk about this, but I really enjoyed the three sketches about Alvin the Clumsy Tailor.
The music was great! Paul Grambo with his amazing baritone voice was not to be undone by Katy Clark’s beautiful soprano tones, and the two of them together in “Lets Call the Whole Thing Off was breathtaking.
The sketches by Adam, Kydra, Paul and Katy were beyond humorous. Actually they were downright belly aching funny.
Thank you Adam, Stephen, Paul S, Paul G, Kydra, and Katy for another wonderful evening.
For those of you who missed the show this year, you can listen to a rebroadcast Sunday (Jun 16) midnight on Radio Western CHRW 94.9 on the FM dial. Here’s a few photos of the show.
LISA ALDINGTON
THANK YOU FOR LISA
The family of Lisa wishes to thank our relatives, friends, neighbours and co-workers for the thoughtful acts of kindness through cards, floral arrangements, food and memorial donations in memory of a wonderful daughter, niece, cousin and friend. A special thanks to all paramedics, firefighters, doctors and nurses for their compassionate care. A special thanks to Rev. Teresa Corrigan and our church family for their support and beautiful lunch.
Bob, Linda, & Christine
ALDINGTON, Lisa Lynn
May 15, 1980 – May 11, 2019
We are heartbroken to announce the passing of our daughter Lisa on May 11, 2019 after a brief illness. Survived by parents Bob and Linda and sister Christine, aunts, uncles and cousins. Family and friends will be received at the Church of the Epiphany, 11 Bristol St. West, London, ON, N6J 1L9 on Friday, May 17, 2019 from 10 a.m. until the time of the service to celebrate Lisa’s life at 11 a.m. Cremation has taken place. In lieu of flowers, donations to the memorial fund of the Church of the Epiphany would be appreciated.
For information and online condolences, please visit
www.woodlandcemetery.ca
On Friday May 17 a service of remembrance was held at the Church of the Epiphany. Our little church was full to the rafters with friends, relatives and co-workers. Rev Teresa led us through a beautiful memorial much appreciated by all. It was a very appropriate and proper send off for our friend Lisa.
This Week at Epiphany
This Week at Epiphany Sunday Jul 21
The flowers in the Sanctuary today are to the Glory of God and in loving memory of – Jack Davies and Ken & Eleanor O’Liari and dear friend Eleanor Shrubsall – given by Sue and Dan Davies.
Bible Readings Sunday July 21
We are completely accessible with an elevator and two accessible washrooms.
The Little Church that Cares
www.thechurchofepiphany.com
Contact: Rev. Teresa Corrigan
email: teresacorrigan1@gmail.com
phone: 519-671-0577 [cell]
The Church phone is unmonitored. Please feel free to leave a message and we’ll get back to you. 519 432 2837
Announcements from Rev Teresa Jul 21
*July Craft Club – Saturday, July 20 – 10-noon
*August Craft Club – Saturday, August 24 (mark your calendar) 10-noon
*Jeremy Smith. Afternoon Concert. Aka John Denver. July 21. 1:30. $10 advanced. $12 at the door.
*Thank you for Preaching today Rev. Peter.
* Today! Jeremy Smith. Afternoon Concert. Aka John Denver. July 21. 1:30. $10 advanced. $12 at the door.
* Popcorn White cheddar, orange cheddar and dill pickle left… get it before it’s gone!! No more after July 28, 2019.
*August: We traditionally are not at church for the month of August. Thank you to everyone who continues with their envelopes. Our expenses go on the same. Back to church Sunday September 8. Norcard/DFS catalogues.
*Adam and Stephen’s Theatre. Fanshawe Pioneer Village. The Wind in the Willows Wed 17th & Thurs 18th at 7:30 p.m. Fools and Lovers. Tues 16th at 7:30 p.m. and Wed 17th at 2:00. (One more week)
*Quilt July 30 at 7 p.m.till 9. Bring your sewing machine, scisors, and seam ripper. Not in August. Last Tuesday.
*Food Cupboard. Butch. 519-615-9106. Rice? Tomato Soup.
*Craft Club. Saturday, July 20 – 10-noon. & Saturday, August 24 (mark your calendar) 10-noon
*Apportionment: Pretty App. Jar 17.15 ($121.85) Thank you to those giving in your regular donations. (Jan – April $440.25) We are half through the year and half paid on the apportionment. Keep up our good work!
*Yard and Bake Sale. September 28. Silent Auction Letter.
*Bible Study. Tuesdays 10 am. Fall Start up Again.
*MINT SMOOTHIES Dark or Light. $2
*Pop Cans for Keanna.
*Used Batteries
*Folded Kleenex boxes.
*Next Euchre/Cribbage Monday September 23.
*Tea and Talk. 2nd Thursday. Start up September 12. 1 p.m. Potluck lunch. All Welcome.
*Spaghetti Dinner. Sign up help sheet. Sat. September 14. Put in your calendar. Help needed!! New Silent Auction items needed.
*Thanksgiving. Sun. October 13.
*There are three ways to contribute at Epiphany : Prayer for the church; Help at events; donations if possible. Our Lord knows us.
*Thank you for your generous love of Epiphany.
Our Church does much good, quietly, without fanfare.
Let’s all keep up our Good Work!
Gardening Day at Epiphany
Tuesday (May 28) was gardening day at Epiphany. Many exotic plants were selected and planted under the careful guidance of Sonia, our master gardener. Looks Good Sonia!
The mulch has arrived!
Our Gardener!
Dolphin Painting Raffle
The lucky winner of the Dolphin Painting was Bette Cunningham. Here she is receiving her prize from Hilda. Congratulations Bette.
Blessing of the Animals
The little church that cares held our annual blessing of the animals service April 28 at 2 PM. The event was well attended with approximately 20 dogs and one very brave cat in attendance. Several of the humans who also attended the event took advantage of our professional photographer Dianne’s portrait service. Volunteers from Saint John Ambulance told the gathering personal stories on how their therapy dogs made a difference in someone’s life. All proceeds this year went to the Saint John Ambulance Therapy Dog program. A preliminary estimate of donations received was just under $300 with more to come. The service was beautiful in the Church of the Epiphany way, beautiful meaningful service, beautiful surroundings, and beautiful music. The music again this year was provided by Stephen Holowitz. Julianne a student at Lucas High School showed us her amazing voice in a moving rendition of Somewhere Over the Rainbow. This was followed by the reading of the Rainbow Bridge story, which brought forth many happy memories and quite a few tears (even to the reader). The new feature this year the solemn reading of our Gone but not Forgotten list for our dearly departed pets was very well received (not a dry eye in the house). Thank you to Rev Teresa, Steve Holowitz, Julianne and all the St John Ambulance Therapy dog volunteers for a wonderful afternoon.
Here’s a few more pictures
World Day of Prayer at Epiphany
On Friday March first we celebrated the women of Slovenia with Westmount Presbyterian, Westview Baptist, St. John The Devine (RC), and Mount Zion United. The service was put together and run capably by our own Judy Caley. Thanks Judy.
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