Mike Uncorked: One Man Show about Troubled Artist Comes to Wolfville!

Mike Uncorked: One Man Show about Troubled Artist Comes to Wolfville!
By Mike Butler

Vincent Van Gogh is a name that is recognizable to everyone, young or old. His paintings of sunflowers, his Starry Night, and his self portraits, have become treasured pop culture icons. Arguably one of the most talented and gifted artists of all time, he was also a very passionate and at times tortured soul, who never realized his full potential. His paintings today sell for millions and his life and work are celebrated all over the world, but like too many artists his life was cut short after a tumultuous battle with mental illness.

Wolfville is about to be treated to a very special presentation. Beachball productions, just off the heels of their acclaimed one woman show Erma Bombeck: At Wit’s End, brings you the one man show Vincent, starring Geoff Ball, and it’s a play that you don’t want to miss!

Based on the play Van Gogh, by Phillip Stevens, this work recounts the life and death of this brilliant, yet tormented, man as seen through the eyes of his brother, Theo. This one-man extravaganza production was written by Leonard Nimoy (yes, Mister Spock himself), and Nimoy uses excerpts from the more than 500 letters exchanged by Vincent and Theo, evoking Theo’s memories of his brother’s life, loves, and art.

Through Vincent, witness the beauty of a brotherly love that was as powerful as the talent and the demons that plagued poor Vincent Van Gogh. Geoff Ball (who directed his wife Carole in Erma) is now sitting in the acting chair while Carole takes on the directing duties. It’s a team that really knows their theatre.

Geoff Ball has been doing theatre since he was 18, taking on acting, directing, producing, designing, stage managing duties, and more, in professional, amateur, and community venues from New York and Cape Cod to Nova Scotia. Much of his work has been seen at Dartmouth Players, Bedford All Saints, other productions in HRM, CentreStage Theatre, and the Liverpool Festival. Most recently, he has been in Quick As A Wink’s The Mousetrap, Christmas Carol, the Musical, and Faith County II: An Evening of Culture, as well as a stint with Valley Ghost Walks. Geoff enjoys life on his Blomidon farm with his two spaniels, four chickens, and, of course, his wonderful wife, Carole.

Vincent runs for only two performances, October 5 and 6, 2018 at 7:30pm at the Al Whittle Theatre in Wolfville. Tickets are only $10 per person and can be purchased at the Box of Delights Bookshop, 466 Main Street, Wolfville, and at the door. Additional information can be obtained through Carole Ball at (902) 582-7823 or by email at cball66@gmail.com

For art lovers, theatre lovers, and those who want to learn something new about one of the world’s most talented artists, Vincent is an experience you need to take in. Enjoy the show!

Image: Carole Ball