Mike Uncorked: Poignant Dramedy Takes CentreStage

Mike Uncorked: Poignant Dramedy Takes CentreStage
By Mike Butler

As the summer starts winding down and the hustle and bustle of back to school takes over, on the weekends when you need a break, why not take in the latest show being produced by CentreStage Theatre in Kentville? You will not be disappointed in this crowd favourite that was produced many years ago but never fails to entertain over the years.

The Cemetery Club by Ivan Menchell, is a poignant drama with wonderful comedic elements and if you liked The Golden Girls, then you’ll love Ida, Lucille, and Doris! They’re three Jewish widows who meet once a month for tea before visiting their husbands’ graves in this touching play about cherishing the past and embracing the future. The play was well-received when it first premiered and boasts such wonderfully written characters, it’s no wonder audiences can connect with it so well. The play was turned into a 1993 film starring Olympia Dukakis, Ellen Burstyn, Diane Ladd and Danny Aiello, and again, received terrific reviews because of its timeless feel and presentation.

The Cemetery Club is directed by CentreStage Theatre regular Chérie Zinck with Elva Kelley as stage manager and Ernest Zinck on lights and sounds. The cast of very talented actors and actresses includes Bethan Delorme, Mindy Vinqvist-Tymchuk, Diana Bishop , Bryen Stoddard, & Gwenyth Dwyn. Showtimes are on September 13, 14, 20, 21, 27, 28, and October 4, 5, 11, 12, with matinee performances on Sunday September 22 and Sunday September 29. CentresStage Theatre Front of House opens at 6:45pm for the evening performances and 1:15pm for the matinees. Tickets are adults $15; seniors/students $12; and children, age 12 and under, $5. CentreStage takes cash or cheques only and reservations are highly recommended and are held until 15 minutes before show time. Please call 902-678-8040 for reservations and visit centrestagetheatre.ca for all the news about upcoming shows, auditions and special events!

Each month CentreStage Theatre features an artist in the lobby for each show and this month you’ll see the beautiful work of feature artist Carolyn Mallory. With each show at the theatre comes a new door prize draw and this production features some awesome items! Wolfville resident Pat Pocklington is donating a copy of her late husband Rogers’ book of short stories and poetry and will also be selling copies of the book during the run of the show with all proceeds going to the Kings County Hospice Foundation. As well, there’s tickets to the Valley Ghost Walks, a beautiful fall print by local photographer Jim Comer, and some CentreStage passes. All monies earned during the run for the door prizes goes right back to into theatre maintenance. Come enjoy the little theatre with the big heart! Enjoy the show everyone!