Volunteer power continues to ensure the arts are thriving in Northumberland, and starting this Friday, local talent will again shine on stage with the debut of the Brighton Barn Theatre’s spring production “Sandy Toes and Salty Kisses.”
Work on the production initially started last year.
Since then, the cast and crew have been logging a lot of hours to make the show a reality, including rehearsing three times weekly since January auditions, says producer Breigh Radford.
The production – which is bringing together close to 50 volunteers – makes its debut this Friday, April 17 and performances will continue into early May, with the addition of more matinee shows than ever before.
And it’s also a relatively affordable option for Northumberland residents looking to indulge in some live entertainment and support local.
Radford sets the stage and gives readers a glimpse into what they can expect from the spring production.
The storyline centres on Brown’s inheritance of the “bustling wedding destination hotel, brimming with promise and excitement.”
But the scenario quickly takes a turn when she finds out the hotel’s caretaker has been engaging in some questionable and possibly even illegal activities. Add a high society mom and daughter duo and her fiancé, a mysterious stranger, quirky receptionist and wedding planner who isn’t who she seems into the mix, and you’ve got “Sandy Toes and Salty Kisses.”
The production is also being spearheaded by long-time director Linda Sacchett, of Colborne.
Radford says the two-and-a-half-hour comedy is bringing together a 100 per cent local and experienced crew and cast who’ve worked together on several productions already and bounce well off each other, especially for their on-stage performances. She says attendees and visitors can expect a lot of laughs.
“It’s a big time commitment for the volunteers but they love the creativity and the camaraderie that brings (this) kind of theatrical creative groups together.”
Evening performances for the show are set for 7:30 p.m. on April 17, 23, 24, 25 and 30, and May 1. Matinee performances at 2 p.m. are set for April 18, 19 and 26, and May 2 and 3.
Tickets for $20 are available at the box office at Proctor House Museum or can be reserved by calling the office at 613-475-2144.
Volunteers at the picturesque theatre handle every detail of the barn’s shows onstage and behind the curtains – from set design and lighting to performances and parking and more.
And demand for help is always high, notes Radford.
Long-time theatre volunteer Don Parks also notes attending these shows doesn’t just support the arts and local performers.
The show is also being presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals, on behalf of Samuel French Inc. Learn more online.
(Written by: Sarah Hyatt)
