WINNIPEG March 6, 2008 – The comic tale of a daughter attempting to overcome a family feud just in time for the birth of her first baby, brings lots of laughter and a few tears to PTE’s season closer, Having Hope at Home. David S. Craig’s (Smokescreen – MTYP) multi-generational comedy has been charming audiences across the country and runs at PTE March 26 – April 13.
“Our audiences loved Mesa. People really connected with the characters in that show and I think they’ll do the same with Having Hope at Home. The dynamics of their relationships are at play in all our own relationships. Everyone has parents that they love but rebel against and yet deeply want their approval. And everyone loves their kids although they may not appreciate the choices they’ve made for themselves. The birth of the baby is a chance for a new start for everyone in the show,” says Artistic Director, Robert Metcalfe.
Winnipeg Free Press Entertainer of the Year, Mairi Babb, takes on the role of the rebellious daughter who has turned her back on her patrician parents to set her own path with her francophone, farming husband Michel in a rustic – some would say rundown – farmhouse. As she reaches the ninth month of her pregnancy she feels the need to reconcile with her parents and invites them from their urban enclave to her dilapidated farmhouse for a big family dinner. As her best intentions to impress them with her life in the country collapse around her – the turkey is undercooked, her grandfather-in-law walks off into the winter deepfreeze to end his life, her mid-wife meets the disapproving gynecologist father and her labour unexpectedly begins – the tensions begin to rise and along with the laughter. It will take a baby to heal the rift in this funny, heart-warming story of forgiveness and hope.
Mairi Babb plays the very pregnant Carolyn, determined to bring her family back together before the birth of her first child. Gabriel Gosselin (most recently seen in 12 Angry Men at Le Cercle Molière) makes his first appearance at PTE as her francophone farming husband, Michel. John B. Lowe (first appearance on PTE’s stage and PTE Theatre School Director) plays Bill, the disapproving gynecologist father of home-birthing Carolyn. Terri Cherniack (last seen at PTE in the riveting Copenhagen) is her urbane, aloof mother. Reg Dreger (the only out of town actor – although he grew up in Morris, Manitoba) is the aging grandfather who thinks that as a new life is on the horizon it may be time for him to depart. Jan Skene (local favourite, well known for her Rainbow Stage performances) takes on the role of Dawn the mid-wife, who is suddenly called in to action.
PTE Artistic Director, Robert Metcalfe, directs his second production of the season. Brian Perchaluk returns as the set and costume designer with a magnificent interpretation of the rural farmhouse. Rebekah Johnson (last season’s Honour) is the lighting designer. Danny Carroll will create original music for the production. Karyn Kumhyr is the stage manager and Georgette Nairn is assistant stage manager.
ATTENTION:
The media/photo shoot for Having Hope at Home is scheduled for
Wednesday, March 26th at 1:30 p.m.
All media please call 925-5257 to confirm your attendance
HAVING HOPE AT HOME by David S. Craig
performance schedule:
Preview:
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
Opening:
Thursday, March 27, 2008
Runs:
Until Sunday, April 13, 2008
Times:
8 pm Wednesday through Saturday
7 pm Tuesdays
7 pm Sunday, April 6, 2008
Matinees:
Sundays at 2pm,
plus Saturday, March 29 and April 12 at 3pm
No show Mondays
Prices:
- Adults $34.55 includes all taxes and fees
- Students and Seniors $25.21 includes all taxes and fees
- Preview Wednesday March 26, 2008 – rush seating only
$21.01 includes all taxes and fees
$15.13 curtain ticket
1/2 hour prior to each performance for students with valid ID and subject to availability
Extra:
Every Tuesday performance features Petro-Canada Talk Back Tuesdays where artists
involved in the play answer questions from the audience following the performance.
Tickets on sale at the PTE box office, 3rd Floor Portage Place,
942-5483 or 24/7 online at www.pte.mb.ca.
Media Presenter: Q94 FM
Supported by: The Manitoba Arts Council, Canada Council for the Arts,
The Winnipeg Arts Council, The Winnipeg Foundation and
The Prairie Theatre Exchange Foundation Trust
-30-
For more information contact :
Mr. Carman Johnston, Marketing and Development Manager,
at 925-5257; Fax 942-1774; e-mail publicity@pte.mb.ca
