Simcoe Little Theatre presents Norm Foster's Race Day
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An out-of-work actor, his estranged daughter, a channeler, a down-on-his-luck gambler, a woman enforcer, two small-time thieves and a nun head to a track for an afternoon of horse racing.
A musical comedy full of unpredictable twists, Race Day, directed by Tony Proracki with musical direction by Michelle Proracki, hits the stage May 4 to 14 at Simcoe Little Theatre.
Written by Norm Foster with music by Steve Thomas, Race Day will close out Simcoe Little Theatre’s 2022-2023 season.
“While volunteering, we saw Lighthouse Festival’s production of Race Day 13 years ago and immediately loved the energetic cast and music,” said Tony. “Now, here we are with our own fantastic cast and band to share Norm Foster’s comedy with you.”
The setting is a day at the racetrack along with a variety of characters who, for the most part, are there to bet on the horses for a variety of comical reasons, said Michelle.
“Inherent in Norm’s writing is an exquisite sense of humour, and the teasing out and adding to it through the roles and personalities of the performers has been a gas,” she said.
The musical score by Thomas “adds to the excitement of being fully engaged in a bet, on a horse, during a race,” said Tony.
“Of course, there are moments of reflection with happy endings for all involved.”
The cast includes Maggie Baker as Rose, waitress (May 4, 6, 11, 13); Ashton Harding as Rose, waitress (May 5, 7, 12, 14); John Dickson as bartender, chorus; Janet Dickson as Lucinda, a channeler; Hannah Dolson as Roxie; Tina Gates as Wagering Window cashier, chorus; Susan LeBone as Sister Emily; Mitchell McGivern as Max; Randy McGivern as Jordan Porter aka Shakespeare; Christy Miedema as Chester, a thief; Christine Shantz as Rich Betting Lady, chorus; Roselle Slaght as Rich Better Lady, chorus; Sue Thompson as security guard, chorus; and Mackenzie Tigwell as Gerard, a thief.
Tickets are on sale at simcoelittletheatre.org or by contacting the box office at 519-583-0505. Tickets are $22 and $10 for students. Opening night tickets are $25 and include mingling with the cast and crew and complimentary eats from local restaurants.
Simcoe Little Theatre has maintained a tradition of community theatre run by the community, for the community, for more than 75 years.
Following a partnership in 2021, Port Dover’s Lighthouse Festival handles administration, facility upkeep, marketing and publicity for Simcoe Little Theatre, giving it security to continue staging local productions.
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