. the wall wt x The final play of the season for the prestigous Whitby Courthouse Theatre will be William Inge's classic fifties work, "Picnic." One of the most haunting plays of the fifties, "Picnic" peels back the surface of small town America to expose desparation, loneliness, and lost love lurking below. As * director John H, Foote has stated, "the play explores what'is really beneath those smiling faces of small town people." "Picnic," directed by Port Perry's John H. Foote marks the fifth consecutive play for the thir- ty year old director. He is one of this area's best and busiest direc- tors, earning tremendous respect by virtue of his work with actors. Foote possesses a gift to motivate and draw superb acting from sometimes ordinary actors. His plays are bold and daring, and he lacks any fear of trying something not usually done. His works this year include the brilliant Borelians production of "Agnes of God" and the wild, off '""The Passion of Dracula." The toll of five plays is easily seen on Foote's face, he is POR ela] thy oy.Nop ga =i Fay. No] =] Nag =f T PERRY ROOFING Asphalt * Cedar Shakes *Flats * Sheet Metal --- *Woodruf Rustic *Gerard Roofing Tiles REPAIRS - STRIPS - RE-ROOFING - NEW WORK (416) 985-7082 clearly tired and in need of a rest. Yet he trudges on, creating magic on the stage, and drawing brilliance out of both '"Picnic" and his actors. The play marks perhaps his biggest challenge since directing '"The Shadow Box" for Theatre Workshop a few years back. "The challenge with Picnic" is to create realism on the stage," he explains, "because these are * people we know, and very much people we may be. In a sense "Agnes of God" provided that, although it had a fantasy quality to it, "Picnic" is gritty, realism." As intense as ever, watching him direct is like watching a man possessed. His advice, direction and suggestions to his actors, are direct and often, brutal in their honesty. Yet his reputation with actors is one to be proud of. His strengths are motivation, an understanding of acting many ac- . tors never possess and a bang on instinct about interpretation. His biggest challenge lies in the months ahead, he will direct Ar- thur Miller's 'Death of a Salesman' for the Borelians next Sales & Installation JOHN REEKIE * ScugoS OVERHEAD DOOR CO. Garage Door Specialists RESIDENTIAL - COMMERCIAL - INDUSTRIAL DOOR OPERATORS & ACCESSORIES SALES * SERVICE * INSTALLATION Don Steele Otter Creek Construction 985-3735 LIMITED COMMERCIAL RENOVATORS - GENERAL CONTRACTORS ~- QUALITY HOME BUILDERS - JIM CLEMENT = bus. (410) 433-2015 res. tare) HB5-4163 SPECIALIZING IN CUSTOM KITCHENS, VANITIES, BARS | MARK BURGER JIM WALLING * (416) 985-0420 DRYWALL SERVICES TAPING - TEXTURING PAINTING & WALLPAPERING PORT PERRY ONTARIO RENOVATIONS Tim Pelyk 985-3490 year, With Foote on "Picnic" are many of Port Perry's top theatre talents, both on and off stage. Earlier this season Sherri Todd stunned audiences with her powerful performance as the Mother Superior in "Agnes of God." Later in the year she was downright hilarious as the nutty Renfield in '""The Passion of Dracula." In the past year, since her debut in 'Jitters' last season she has made a solid reputation for herself as an actress to be reckoned with, In "Picnic" she has a supporting role as the lone- ly next door neighbour Mrs. Potts. Steve Foote has the central role of Hal, the young drifter who disrupts the lives of the small town people forever. Foote, two years younger than his director brother is well known threughout Ontario for his fine performances in many plays. He has won Theatre Ontario Festival awards twice, for best supporting actor in "Nurse Jane Goes to Hawaii" and for best actor in 'Nobody Loves a Dragon." Among his best work includes, 'The Shadow Box" as a CHURCHILL "Se HAULAGE «& Sand -- Gravel -- Limestone --- Backhoe Service -- Pom sven 985-8818 CLARENCE WILLCOCK WELDING Shop & Mobile Fab. & Repairs PHONE 985-2589 CUSTOM BULLT STAIRS | Eric Huntington & Son ~ . 29 Scugog St. N., 986 5518 Blackstock, Ont. CHAS D. TAYLOR LTD. RENOVATIONS Kitchens Bathrooms ron 986-4914 Decks BLOCK FOUNDATIONS T & R Masonry Terry Brown Rod Brown 985-7813 985-9918 a \ Enterprise Kitchens Ha IA Trine 985.4285 north at Nestleton 1-112 miles. 986-5350 eT FREE ESTIMATE 1 --- -- -- wr GUARANTEED QUALITY AT )/ WAREHOUSE PRICES © Solid Oak Frames * Adjustable Shelves * WipeClean Interiors © Furniture Quality Finishes If you value excellence call for a SNS. ---- PORT PERRY STAR -- Tuesday, April 25, 1969 -- 63 Director Foote on picnic doomed cancer victim, "Jitters" as a terrified actor, 'Buried Child" as a bitter cripple, and "Tribute" as a son coming to love his father. His role as Dracula was an audience favorite earlier this year, as he gave a grandly theatrical performance. Backstage Foote (John) has enlisted the aid of several of his favorite technicians, including Lynn and Gary Relf (lighting design), Kathryn Cleveland on sound design, Tracey Casteels on make-up, and of course Chris Francom has designed the set. Francom's designs for 'Agnes of God' and "The Passion of Dracula" were breathtaking. Foote's assistant director on this show is young Halie Vogel, who was astonishing as the young nun in "Agnes of God." "Picnic" opens May 4, running May 4-6 and 11-13 at the Whitby Courthouse Theatre on Centre Street. Curtain is at 8:00. This promises to be a fabulous show, and Port Perry should be proud of its theatrical involvement. Go support this show, it promises to . be a real picnic. BUSINESS DIRECTORY KING = DOZERS -- BACKHOES, TRUCKS -- LOADERS SEPTIC SYSTEMS Blackstock 986-0850 XCAVATING SF 085.9808 MECCO RON VOKINS CONSTRUCTION Grow with Port Perry (From page 62) Mr. Doucette started with all new equipment last year. People have treated it well and he tries to keep good care of it. His wife , Diane is a part- ner in this venture with him. Even his 16 year old son, Craig works in the store part-time. Ray's goal is to continue to expand with the town, He said, "Whatever is required we can grow withit." The shop isopen sixdaysa week, 7 to 5:30 and deliveries and pickups are available onre- 'quest. 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