Check out and celebrate our local Mississippi Lake talent

Mississippi Lake Playwrights Featured at Studio Theatre Perth

We are fortunate to have three great community theatre groups around us – the Mississippi Muds in Carleton Place, the Smith Falls Station Theatre and Studio Theatre Perth. This fall Studio Theatre Perth is featuring the work of two of our MLA members.

David Craig, of Craig’s Shore, is an award-winning playwright with over 30 professionally produced plays. This September Studio Theatre Perth will be performing one of his most popular plays, the heartwarming comedy “Having Hope at Home”.  

It’s the story of Carolyn and her French-Canadian husband Michel who are expecting their first baby. Carolyn goes into labour just as her parents arrive for dinner. Carolyn’s father Bill, is a respected obstetrician and can’t believe that his own daughter is intent on having a midwife deliver the child. Meanwhile, Carolyn’s grandfather, Russel, struggles to accept that Michel is taking over the family farm. Generations clash as they all struggle to accept each other for who they truly are.

Scenes from "Having a Hope"

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  Photo credit to J.D. LaBelle.

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  Photo credit to J.D. LaBelle.

“Having Hope at Home” has another local connection. The play is based on true events that took place in Brooke Valley, just outside Perth. David Craig heard the story first-hand from midwife Dawn King. At the time, in the late 80’s midwifery was still illegal, and women like Dawn King risked going to jail. “It’s a really compelling story,” said Craig.

“People will see themselves in these characters,” says Martin Treffors, who plays Grandpa Russel. “And maybe they’ll want to take a look at the expectations they have of others,” adds Marc Laferrière, who plays Michel.

Playwright David Craig, Photo credited to Charlie Gallant.

Playwright David Craig is a bit more reluctant to curate the audience’s reaction. “But maybe

after seeing this show, they might be tempted to phone their Mom,” he adds with a wink.

“Having Hope at Home” runs Thursday and Friday evenings, September 17, 18, 24 & 25 at 7:30 pm, with matinees on Saturday and Sunday, September 19, 20, 26 & 27 at 2:00 pm.

At the end of October, Studio Theatre Perth will premiere “Smoke & Mirrors”, a new work by Ebbs Bay resident John Kenny. John has had two novels published, but this is his first work for the stage.

“Smoke & Mirrors” is the story of Brent, a retired firefighter at the end of his life trying to come to terms with the death of Jimmy, his friend and crewmate, in a warehouse fire many decades earlier. Playwright John Kenny is himself a retired firefighter, and thought the play is not autobiographical it is informed by his 33 years of experience as a firefighter.

 “Smoke & Mirrors” is a one act play and will be produced with another one act play “Reception”. Written by Ottawa playwright Guy Newsham. “Reception” is a quick-paced, hilarious, yet poignant look at the pitfalls of romantic relationships among middle-aged, divorced people at a wedding reception.

“Smoke & Mirrors” and “Receptions will run Thursday and Friday, October 29 & 30 at 7:30 pm, and Saturday and Sunday, October 31 and November 1 at 2:00 pm.