Written by Canadian author Warren Graves, and set in Alberta, Canada. The Last Real Summer is a fascinating and emotional story, centered around 2 young lives at the start of World War II. Narrated by Elizabeth Wharton (played by Cindy Peterson), who returns to her childhood home town after the loss of her husband, and finds herself face to face with many touching and funny memories. As she tells the story, the memories come to life on the stage as we join in her reverie.
The Last Real Summer is a story about love, war, and growing up.
This show is suitable for ages 10 and up.
The Last Real Summer has been entered into the Fraser Valley Zone Festival (Theatre BC), running at the Chilliwack Cultural Centre between May 21 and 26 (our performance is on May 26). Tickets available at the Chilliwack Cultural Centre.
The Team!
Angela Bell ~ DirectorCindy Peterson as Elizabeth WhartonJill Menkveld as Kathy WhartonRachel Jansen as Lizzie TingleyTyler Boe as Douglas CameronHenry Bartak as Herbert TingleyPeanut White as Molly TingleyDominic Renaud as Duncan CameronAnita Kitkowski as Peggy Cameron
The Production Team Executive Producer: Emerald Pig Theatrical Society ~ Simon Challenger, President Producer/Director: Angela Bell Production Assistant: TBD Set and Technical Designs: Angela Bell Costumes: Shelley Boe Props: TBD Programs: TBD Poster Design by Cindy Farnsworth, Farnsworth Designs Audition Support: Robin Perry Front of House: Heather Lee, Robin Perry, Heather VanOene, Shawn Jodway, Diane Tzingounakis
The Cast Cindy Peterson as Elizabeth Wharton Rachel Jansen as Lizzie Tingley Tyler Boe as Douglas Cameron Henry Bartak as Herbert Tingley Peanut White as Molly Tingley Anita Kitkowski as Peggy Cameron Dominic Renaud as Duncan Cameron and Jill Menkveld as Kathy Wharton
We had SO MUCH FUN putting this show on for you! Sincere thanks to everyone who came out to see us for your support of the arts in our community!
“Want to laugh until your sides ache? Want to see Canada’s most prolific playwright at the very top of his game? ‘Halfway There’ is Norm Foster at his most beguiling…” Gary Smith, Hamilton Spectator
“Halfway There is a truly special show with genuine laughter and love” Sam Tweedle, Kawartha NOW
“Halfway There was a hilarious experience that also tugged at your heartstings when it needed to.” Todd Vaughan, Lacombe Express
There’s no such thing as a secret in Stewiacke. Not when the gossips meet for coffee every day at the local diner. Vi, Rita, Mary Ellen, and Janine are all as close as can be, and they know everybody’s business. But when Sean, a heartbroken doctor, moves in to take a temporary job at the clinic, he tips the Maritime town off its axis.
What follows is a month of lessons learned for all, through hilarity, tears and the bonds of unshakeable friendship. Sugar and spice and everything nice…with a dash of Maritime salt!
Written by Canada’s own Norm Foster, “Halfway There” is a feel-good theatrical experience that will keep you smiling long after you leave the theatre.
The Team!
The Production Team Producers: Angela Bell and Simon Challenger Director: Angela Bell Production Assistant: Jen S Technical and Set Designs: Angela Bell Set Construction: Simon Challenger Props: Maria Jelavich-Carter Program: Angela Bell Poster Design by Cindy Farnsworth, Farnsworth Designs Costumes: Team effort Audition Support: Robin Perry, Kathleen Hatley, Heather Van Oene
The Cast Sara Zaitsoff as Rita Sandi Bossons as Vi Karla Scribner as Mary Ellen Liam Coughlan as Sean Merrit and Paige Conzatti as Janine Babineau
Stay tuned for more show information, coming soon!
The Last Real Summer is a story about love, war, and growing up. A beautifully written memory piece, narrated by the main character, Elizabeth Wharton. When Elizabeth returns home for a trip down memory lane, she brings the audience with her for a nostalgic journey to 1939 and 1942. As she relives those memories, they come to life on the stage, played out by a much younger Lizzie, in tandem with a variety of other characters ‘as she remembers them’ during those years. Set in rural Alberta, Canada.
Touching, funny, and at times heartbreaking…The Last Real Summer is a gorgeous period piece with plenty of room for strong actors to flex their muscles.
The Last Real Summer will be the Emerald Pig Theatrical Society’s entry into the 2023 Fraser Valley Zone Festival (Theatre BC).
Characters (Cast of 8)
Elizabeth Wharton: an actress cast in this role will be able to believably play 58 yrs of age, and must be a skillful, emotionally energetic story teller. Elizabeth feels her memories deeply, and this is reflected in the telling. Elizabeth is Mother to Kathy and is the elder version of Lizzie. (Lizzie and Elizabeth are the same person). Elizabeth is telling the story we are watching.
Lizzie Tingley: an actress cast in this role will be able to play both 17 and 21 years of age. Lizzie is spirited, vibrant, growing into a strong and determined young medical student. In love with Douglas Cameron. This character is Elizabeth’s memory of herself from 1939 and 1942.
Herbert Tingley: an actor cast in this role will be able to believably play 35 to 50 years of age. Herbert is Lizzie/Elizabeth’s father. He is the school principal, easy going and pleasant. This character is a memory from 1939 and 1942.
Molly Tingley: an actress cast in this role will be able to believably play 35 to 50 years of age. Molly is Lizzie/Elizabeth’s mother. She is from Ireland (Irish accent required), she is strict and fussy, but not entirely without a sense of fun. This character is a memory from 1939 and 1942.
Douglas Cameron: an actor cast in this role will be able to believably play both 17 and 21 years of age. Doug is a farmer’s son, and he loves Lizzie…but he wants more out of life than farming…eventually running away to join the Air Force. He is playful and fun, and an adventurous dreamer. This character is a memory from 1939 and 1942.
Peggy Cameron: an actress cast in this role will be able to believably play 35 to 50 years of age. Peggy is Douglas’s mother. A typical 30’s farm-wife, doting, doesn’t like conflict, always cleaning or mending something. This character is a memory from 1939 and 1942.
Duncan Cameron: an actor cast in this role will be able to believably play 35 to 50 years of age. Duncan is Douglas’s father. He is a farmer, gruff and often angry, served in WWI. This character is a memory from 1939 and 1942.
Kathy Wharton: an actress cast in this role will be able to believably play 33 to 40 years of age. Kathy is Elizabeth’s daughter. Kathy has joined her mother on this trip back ‘home’. She is an instrument, serving to create breaks in the memories…bringing us back to the now. She is less than happy with her life as a wife and mother, finds it unfulfilling.
*Believable family/character resemblances will be a part of casting, particularly with Elizabeth and Lizzie since they are the same person at different ages. As close as we can get it, so if you have family in the theatre, bring them out to audition.
Open Call Auditions Wednesday, January 25, 2023 – 7:00pm to 9:30pm Heritage Hall: 12460 Harris Road, Pitt Meadows
Monday, January 30, 2023 – 7:00pm to 9:30pm South Bonson Community Centre: 10932 Barnston View Road, Pitt Meadows
Callbacks by Invitation – Saturday, February 4 – 11am to 2pm
Those cast MUST be available for the following dates in order to audition: Production Run Dates: May 5 to 7, 2023 at the NEW Albion Community Centre in Maple Ridge May 12 to 14, 2023 at the South Bonson Community Centre in Pitt Meadows Tech/Dress Rehearsals: May 3, 4, 10 and 11 (evenings) at the respective venues. Theatre BC Fraser Valley Zone Festival: Festival will be held at the Chilliwack Cultural Centre between May 22 and 26 Schedule has not been confirmed as yet, this date is TBA Mainstage: If successful at the festival – cast must make themselves available for additional rehearsals and 1 performance in July. Mainstage will be held at the Surrey Arts Centre, so travel will not be required this year. Performance Date TBA.
Additional Information:
Please let us know if you require a specific audition time, otherwise auditions will be first come-first served.
Auditions will consist of reading sides from the script.
Please come prepared with a list of any dates you may not be available to rehearse. The calendar can be adjusted at the beginning of the rehearsal process if selected performers have minor conflicts – but once we finalize based on casting, there will be no further changes – so be sure to let us know now.
The first read-through will be Wednesday, February 8 at 6:30pm. Rehearsals will be on Wednesdays in February. In March and April they will be on Wednesday and Thursday evenings 6:30 to 9:30 and Sundays from 11am to 3pm. Not all actors will be needed for every rehearsal.
We are a theatre CLUB. Everyone involved is expected to be a team player and pitch in where needed, whenever reasonable, including but not limited to loading in and out of the venues.
This is a Non-Equity, Community Theatre Production. All cast must become members of Emerald Pig Theatrical Society. Membership is $10, or $20 for a family (must reside at the same address) – the fee is payable at the first rehearsal.
This is a Theatre BC Festival entry, and all cast will need to become members of Theatre BC.
If you require additional information please contact the Director, Angela Bell, at thelastrealsummer@gmail.com.
Welcome to the small town of Stewiacke (stoo-ee-ack), Nova Scotia – a town whose claim to fame is that they are located halfway between the Equator and the North Pole. There’s no such thing as a secret in Stewiacke. Not when the gossips meet for coffee every day at the local diner. Vi, Rita, Mary Ellen, and Janine are all as close as can be, and they know everybody’s business. But when Sean, a heartbroken doctor, moves in to take a temporary job at the clinic, he tips the Maritime town off its axis. What follows is a month of lessons learned for all, through hilarity, tears and the bonds of unshakeable friendship. Sugar and spice and everything nice…with a dash of Maritime salt! Halfway There is a feel-good theatrical experience that will keep you smiling long after you leave the theatre.
Characters (Cast of 5) Janine Babineau: mid to late 30’s – attractive, honest, straight forward, down to earth (what you see is what you get). Not shallow or flirty. Sean Merrit: 42 – Good looking and knows it, but not conceited. Playful, determined, confident…but geniune. Vi, Rita and Mary Ellen: all are 50-60 years old. Janine’s dearest friends. These ladies are the heart and the comedy.
When are the Auditions? Thursday, January 12, 2023 – 7pm to 9pm Saturday, January 14, 2023 – 11am to 1pm **There will be no callbacks, so be sure to bring your A-game to the auditions.
Where are the Auditions? Heritage Hall, Multipurpose Room 12460 Harris Road, Pitt Meadows, BC V3Y 2J5
Production Run Dates: March 2 to 5, 2023 in Pitt Meadows March 10 to 12, 2023 in Maple Ridge Cast will also need to be available March 1, 7 and 8 for load in/dress rehearsal at the respective venues. Venues have been secured, but will be announced at a later date.
Additional Information:
Please let us know if you require a specific audition time, otherwise auditions will be first come-first served.
Auditions will consist of reading sides from the script.
Please come prepared with a list of any dates you may not be available to rehearse. The calendar can be adjusted at the beginning of the rehearsal process if selected performers have minor conflicts – but once we finalize based on casting, there will be no further changes – so be sure to let us know now.
The performance will require some actors to execute simple dance steps (waltz – Sean & Janine). Dance experience not required, but it would be an asset.
The first read-through will be Sunday morning, January 15 at 11am. Rehearsals will be on Tuesday and Thursday evenings 6:30 to 9:30 and Sundays from 11am to 3pm. (subject to change) Not all actors will be needed for every rehearsal.
We are a theatre CLUB. Everyone involved is expected to be a team player and pitch in where needed, whenever reasonable, including but not limited to loading in and out of the venues.
This is a Non-Equity, Community Theatre Production. All cast must become members of Emerald Pig Theatrical Society. Membership is $10, or $20 for a family (must reside at the same address) – the fee is payable at the first rehearsal.
If you require additional information please contact the Director, Angela Bell, at halfwaythere2023@gmail.com.
Welcome to the show! Bard on the Bandstand and Emerald Pig Theatrical Society present As You Like It, by William Shakespeare. Thank you for coming. Here is the online version of our Program, so you can learn more about everyone who participated in making this show a success! On the last page you will find a list of our generous sponsors and financial supporters (or see them listed below). We would like to thank them sincerely for their much-needed assistance, and we invite you to thank them on our behalf by giving them your business when you need the services they provide. We are so glad you’re here! Please enjoy the show!!
Many thanks to the ACT Arts Council for the Partner Grant Award they have given us towards production of this FREE show for the community. Emerald Pig and Bard on the Bandstand thanks you sincerely for your generosity.
Thank you so much to Colleen Flanagan and the Maple Ridge-Pitt Meadows News! “As You Like It” opens Thursday, July 14 at Spirit Square in Pitt Meadows! Follow the link below to read the article – and we will see you at the show!
A super huge shout-out to Kimberley Dyer, who has filled in for Kyla Dowling (due to illness) this week with only 3 days notice. Thank you so much for your hard work Kimberley!!
