Aylmer Community Theater Company prepares for upcoming performance

 

Sophie Demers

 

Residents can look forward to the upcoming Aylmer Community Theater Company (ACT Company) production of Neil Simon’s Barefoot in the Park. After three years without a live performance, the organization is excited to bring a funny and relatable performance to their audience.

Barefoot in the Park follows young newlyweds living in New York City in the 60s. A character sums up the play with the line "With all the trouble today, you see a couple of newlyweds, you figure there's still hope for the world."

The newlywed characters in the play will be portrayed by actors Virginia Larose and Bradley McDermid, who are a married couple in real life. Cindy Beaton, a long-time ACT Company member, will also be acting in the performance.

Peggy Henderson, a founding member of ACT Company, echoes the sentiment stating that part of the reason for the choice of plays was to bring joy and laughter to the audience. “Despite the play taking place in the 60s, it is highly relatable still today,” said Henderson.

The performance will be directed by Jackie McKeown, who tells the Bulletin that the play was originally done on Broadway in 1963, followed by a film in 1967. “It is a comedy about a new beginning, family, and a new couple settling in an expensive, not-so-great apartment. I think the play will resonate with many people,” said McKeown.

The performance will take place at Heritage College located at 325 boulevard de la Cité-des-Jeunes. Opening night will be October 20 at 7 pm. There will also be a performance on October 21 at 7 pm and a matinee on October 22 at 1 pm. Tickets can be purchased at the door.

ACT Company was founded by a group of like-minded individuals in Aylmer 15 years ago. Since then, they have presented many performances and become a valued organization in the community.

For more information individuals can visit https://www.actcompany.ca/home

Photo: Virginia Larose, Bradley McDermid, and Cindy Beaton rehearsing their part for Barefoot in the park with the director Jackie McKeown and Peggy Henderson at D'Arcy McGee High School.
Photo: Sophie Demers