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Bluebirds

World War I Nurses were Canadian Heroes Reviewed by Mary Alderson They graduated from Nursing School and headed off on an adventure, with no real understanding of what they would be facing. They learned soon enough. Nicknamed Bluebirds for their long, blue unforms, these young women showed bravery in the face of war, trying to look after badly wounded young men. We owe playwright Vern Thiessen a great deal for his portrayal of the Bluebirds. Thiessen has already built a reputation for researching and writing WWI stories with his play Vimy. Bluebirds is an excellent companion piece to be shown with Vimy, either in the same season, or as a follow up. Currently being presented in the round, in a tent on the grounds of Scugog Shores Museum, Bluebirds gives the audience a riveting story. Heading off to Europe to fight the Huns, the three young nurses grow up way too fast. Before they can get their footing at a hospital in Étaples, France, they are thrust into the horrors of artillery, guns and mustard gas. In this desperate situation, the three girls share their secrets and become fast friends, even enjoying themselves on visits to the beach. Each nurse has a well-kept secret that they eventually reveal, sharing strength in their vulnerability. As their stories unfold, there are laughs tucked in their stories, and then as the wounded arrive, the play pivots, becoming serious and heart wrenching.  When Bab brings out her grandfather’s old bellows-style camera, the audience laughs to see the three young women taking a selfie. Later the hand gestures let us know there are young soldiers dying and the play becomes very sobering. Justine Christensen is outstanding as Bab. Her sincerity is very convincing.  The audience can both laugh and cry with her.  Shannon Pitre is ...
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Mary's Musings

Young Star of Annie has a Very Bright Tomorrow!

Annie By Mary Alderson “This is not your Granny’s Annie.” So says 11-year-old Harper Rae Asch, who has the role of Annie at Stratford’s Festival Theatre. By that, she means It isn’t like productions you may have seen in the past, nor is it like the movie versions. Harper knows; she has watched the various movies, and she took in the U.S. national tour version live on stage. So, in the young actor’s opinion, what makes Stratford’s Annie different? “There are lots of dance breaks, with flips and tricks,” she explains. That’s not a surprise. With Donna Feore as the Director/Choreographer, one can expect her trademark impressive dance numbers. Harper also hints that the characters’ appearances might not follow the traditional looks that were originally based on the Little Orphan Annie comic strip which debuted in 1924, Yes, Harper wears a red wig (in fact, she has two of them) but it might not look quite the same as the tousled curly bright red hair you’ve seen on past Annies, Harper was shocked and then thrilled when she was offered the iconic role in Annie, “It took a moment to process because there were so many talented children at the audition. It was a nation-wide call,” she says. Some of those girls now share the stage with her, as orphans in Miss Hannigan’s orphanage. Harper is no stranger to being on stage. At age 5, she appeared in the show, How the Grinch Stole Christmas. Since she was 9, she has been doing voice-overs for animated TV shows. “She has a career ahead of her: she’s a mini-star,” says Stratford Festival’s Publicity Director Ann Swerdfager. “She is a remarkable human being, packed with talent, and her beautiful composure and poise take her to the next level. Plus, she’s super-smart,” Swerdfager ...
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