The Stephenville Theatre Festival shines with Mary’s Wedding

by Keith and Heather Nicol

       Mary’s Wedding is a powerful story of blossoming love and war set on the Canadian Praires. The story unfolds as a dream and using flashbacks the story weaves between the evolving young love of Mary (Maggie Blake) and Charlie (Michael Cox) only to have Charlie drawn into the horrors of the trenches in World War 1. Although there are only 2 actors on stage, Maggie Blake also plays Charlie’s commanding officer and moves effortlessly between her 2 characters. The simple set is very effective and lighting and sound realistically simulate lightning and thunder early on in the play which is replaced by the sound of machine gun fire and the shells exploding in the war scenes. The intimate setting makes the audience feel that they are part of the action and the director Keith Pike is to be commended on creating a very moving evening of theatre.  You won’t want to miss this acclaimed play. Mary’s Wedding was sold out on Saturday, July 28 and there are only a few shows left of this superb play so book your tickets soon by phoning 709-643-4553. For more information on the Stephenville Theatre Festival  schedule for this season see:  www.stf.nf.ca. Their season runs from July 13-August 12, 2012. 

 Charlie  (Michael Cox) and Mary (Maggie Blake) in a scene from Mary's Wedding

      While visiting the Stephenville Theatre Festival  you can check out some the scenic shoreline of the Port au Port Peninsula as part of your stay. You can do a great driving loop by following highways 460 and 463 or you can check out specific areas depending on your interest. If you head to Stephenville on a sunny day the sandy beach at Piccadilly is well worth the trip. You can go for a swim or have a picnic and there are even some short hiking trails to check out.  Another popular place to visit is the “Alpacas of Newfoundland” farm (http://www.alpacasofnfld.ca/). It is located at Felix Cove and they have a gift shop and interpretation centre on site. The farm was started in 1998 and you can’t miss the bright red roof on the barn as you are driving by. They are open daily through the summer months. Further along at Sheaves Cove there is an amazing “hidden” waterfall. Watch for signs to the waterfall as you drive through the community.  

Piccadilly Beach is popular on a sunny summer day