HAWK Theatre play could easily be set in rural Bruce County, says director

HAWK Theatre's production of "Homecoming," opens this weekend at the Lucknow Town Hall Theatre, and while it's a comedy, it's also a poignant story about the difficulties in passing the family farm down to the next generation.

Written by Leeann Minogue, the show is directed by Murray Yungblut of Ripley who says it could easily have been set in rural Bruce County.

"The play is based in rural Saskatchewan in 2005," says Yungblut. "It concerns the centennial celebrations of that year for Saskatchewan, but it is primarily about handing over control of the farm, from father to son, and the problems that come with not wanting to let go."

The story also deals with country people moving to town, town people moving to the country and how small towns function in general, he says.

Leading the cast are Tony McQuail as Jerry Wilson, and his wife, Marlene, played by Vivien King Sherwood. They are retiring from the farm and handing it over to their son, Greg, played by Bill Cooper, and his wife, Andrea (who is much discussed but never seen).

Rachael Nivins (new to HAWK Theatre) plays the part of Greg's sister, Susan; and Lynne Jewson is Norma Janson, Marlene's former neighbour, sometime friend and confidante.

Yungblut says he was drawn to this play because it is relevant to small towns and rural folk. "All the themes - uprooting, widowhood, acceptance, coping with change, making a community run, the generation gap - will be familiar to everyone who comes to see it."

"Homecoming" opens Thursday, April 27, at 7:30 p.m., and continues through April 28-29, and May 4-6, at 7:30 p.m., with a 2:30 p.m. matinee on April 30.

Tickets are $15 each; available at Jerome Flowers in downtown Kincardine, Everlastings Flowers in Lucknow, the Ripley Variety, the Earth Angel in Wingham and the Lucknow Library or by calling 519-528-3019  or by E-mail: hawktheatrelucknow@gmail.com