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
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.
