4th Line Theatre in Millbrook has announced the casting for its two world-premiere plays this summer, including a play written by Peterborough actor and musician Beau Dixon and the latest in 4th Line’s popular series of plays about the Barnardo children.
Peterborough musician and actor Kate Suhr will make her 4th Line Theatre debut as Tess in Bloom: A Rock ‘n’ Roll Fable, written by Dixon and directed by 4th Line’s managing artistic director Kim Blackwell.
The play, which features original songs by Beau Dixon and David Tough with arrangements by Dixon, stars real-life bandmates Owen Stahn and Griffin Clark as Eli and Neph, the bandleaders of the fictional rock band The Spruce Street Ramblers from Assumption, Ontario.
Based on stories collected from some of Peterborough’s most renowned rock and roll personalities, Bloom: A Rock ‘n’ Roll Fable follows the lives of the two best friends from their childhood in the 1950s to the heady music days of the 1970s.
The play also features the 4th Line Theatre debuts of Sebastian Sage and acclaimed Toronto actor and musician Jack Nicholsen, one of the original members of the 1980s Toronto folk-rock band Leslie Spit Treeo.
Also returning to the 4th Line stage to perform in Bloom: A Rock ‘n’ Roll Fable are Liam Davidson, Matt Gilbert, Geoff Hewitson, Justin Hiscox, Mark Hiscox, and Shelley Simester (and the lead actress in 4th Line’s 2012 production of Queen Marie). In total, the ensemble cast will feature 22 professional and volunteer actors.
Bloom: A Rock ‘n’ Roll Fable runs from July 2nd to July 27th at the Winslow Farm in Millbrook.
The second world premiere is Carmel, the third in the Barnardo children series of plays (Doctor Barnardo’s Children and Wounded Soldiers).
Written by Ian McLachlan and 4th Line Theatre’s creative director Robert Winslow (who also directs), Carmel will feature four actors in their 4th Line Theatre debuts: Kristina Nicoll as Abigail, Kevin Bundy as Walter White, Peterborough musician Melissa Payne as Audrey Barstow, and Jonathan Shatzky as Billy Fiddler.
Set on the Carmel Line in Cavan Township in 1937, the play follows the struggles of a family to hold on to the farm during the Great Depression. This bittersweet work also explores Peterborough labour history and features original music inspired by country and folk music traditions of the 1930s.
Also returning to the 4th Line stage to perform in Carmel are Mark Hiscox, Andrew Pedersen, Kelsey Powell, Courtenay Stevens, and Danny Waugh. In total, the ensemble cast will feature 22 professional and volunteer actors.
Carmel runs from August 6th to August 31st at the Winslow Farm in Millbrook.
Both plays feature musical direction by Justin Hiscox (with Carmel also featuring his original compositions) with costume design by Meredith Hubbard and set design by Esther Vincent.
Bloom: A Rock ‘n’ Roll Fable includes choreography by Monica Dottor and Carmel includes fight direction by Edward Belanger. The stage management teams include Sarah Flanigan, Alanna Wrenshall, Emily Brown, and Tristan Peirce.
Tickets, gift certificates, and picnics for 4th Line Theatre’s 2019 season can be purchased by phone at 705-932-4445, online at 4thlinetheatre.on.ca, or in person at 4th Line Theatre’s Box Office at 4 Tupper Street in Millbrook or at the ticket outlet the Peterborough Museum and Archives at 300 Hunter Street East in Peterborough.
