Markham Little Theatre starts the holiday season with heart
Markham Little Theatre brings its 60th anniversary season to the Markham Theatre stage for the first of three shows this season with Ethan Claymore by Norm Foster.
The show, featuring Foster’s wit, humanity, and downright reverence for all things Canadian, will run from November 19th to the 22nd.
“This show is about letting go of the past and daring to open your heart again,” reports Stage Manager Sarah McDonald. “Whether that’s to love, friendship, or simply to happiness itself. That’s something everyone can relate to.”
Ethan Claymore tells the story of an artistically inclined egg farmer who has buried himself in work and debt since the death of his wife for five years. However, his meddling neighbour Doug McLaren decides enough is enough. He arrives at Ethan’s house on Dec. 21 and demands the younger man get out of his funk to celebrate Christmas.
“It feels like the perfect story for our community,” says McDonald. “With everything that’s going on in the world, it’s a joy to present a play that celebrates connection, kindness, and the possibility of new beginnings.”
These possibilities come to the character through various ways; his neighbour’s insistence, a budding potential romance with a local teacher, and in the form of a seasonally appropriate visitation from a ghost.
“The characters feel like neighbours you might meet in any small Canadian town,” continues McDonald, “and we’re sure that our patrons will leave the theatre with laughter.”
The show’s director, Gloria Thomas, is walking the line between the show’s hopeful message and the humour that comes with every Foster offering by spending time in rehearsal focussing on authenticity. Thomas believes that the heart of the play shines through recognition and connection rather than slapstick or ridicule.
“Rehearsals have been creative and lively – exactly what you’d hope for with a Norm Foster play,” says McDonald. “We have a great mix of cast, including returning favourites and exciting new talent.”
The title character is played by veteran MLT cast member Tristan Stansfield and his neighbour Douglas is handled ably by Chris Cluff. The town’s new teacher finds life in Ashlee Brewer and Ethan’s long-lost brother Martin comes in the form of Imre Szabo. The company also welcomes two young actors; Benjamin Elkouby and Jacob Fogleman-Cluff make their MLT debuts as younger versions of Claymore and his brother.
The show’s producers, Kerry Harman and Rose McKay have a production team hard at work building the reality for these actors to work in as well.
“We’re embracing the charm of a rural setting,” they explain. “Our design team has created a cozy farmhouse that immediately pulls you into Ethan’s world. Like many homes, the kitchen table becomes the centre of the set.”
Additionally, the audiences can expect props and costumes that reflect the heart of small town life; comfortable, familiar, and full of character. Similarly, the music being chosen to bring this world to life promises to be familiar and much beloved.
“One of the most beautiful parts of this show is how much it mirrors the spirit of community theatre itself,” says McDonald, “friends and neighbours coming together to create something meaningful. Everyone involved, from the set builders to the front-of-house volunteers, works hard to create every Markham Little Theatre production.”
A play about the endless value of human connection presented by a company that has believed in this very type of connection for six decades now. This certainly seems to have the makings of a wonderful night at the theatre.
“Come see Ethan Claymore for a night of laughter, warmth, and hope,” says McDonald. “The perfect holiday reminder that it’s never too late to open your heart.”
Ethan Claymore will be presented at Markham Theatre from November 19 to 22.
Visit markhamtheatre.ca for more information.
Photo: The cast of Ethan Claymore (back row l-r) Benjamin Elkouby, Chris Cluff, Jacob Fogleman-Cluff (front row l-r): Tristan Stansfield, Ashlee Brewer, Imre Szabo.