In the high stakes world of big league art, sometimes you’re better off dead – at least if you’re an artist.
That’s what Payne Showers’ widow Maggie discovers as the value of her husband’s work suddenly skyrockets after his death. That’s good News for Maggie, who needs to auction it off to avoid bankruptcy and perhaps even grimmer consequences. A pre-auction showing brings together an eclectic group of patrons, celebrities, media, kooks and crooks who quickly make a mess of Maggie’s plans.
There’s only one way it could get worse – and it does.
The Grey Wellington Theatre Guild (GWTG) is staging the high-octane Ann Flanagan comedy Artifice in Harriston this spring.
Director Peggy Raftis says the show combines the frantic antics of a farce with witty dialogue and sharply-drawn characters to create a hilarious show.
“It’s fast-paced like any farce, but the humour goes beyond slamming doors and sleazy innuendo. There’s some pretty sophisticated humour and a great story as well.”
Raftis has assembled an experienced cast, all seen in previous GWTG productions. Actors include Mount Forest residents: Maija McCahery, who portrayed the Wicked Witch in the GWTG’s recent musical production The Wizard of Oz, Sherry Cambpell (Wizard of Oz, Whose Life is it, Anyway?), Jeff Blakeney (Wizard of Oz, Whose Life is it, Anyway?) and Sean Riehl, (Looking, Whose Life is it Anyway?). Harriston and area residents in the show include: Megan Raftis (Noises Off), Braeden Raftis (Oliver!, On Golden Pond), Gaige Johnston (Wizard of Oz) and Patricia Von Westerholt (Whose Life is it Anyway? Wizard of Oz).
“It’s a challenging show because all the characters have a significant line load and there’s plenty of physical comedy,” sayd Peggy Raftis. “But they’re coming together well and it’s shaping up to be a very funny show.”
Artifice runs for six shows at the fully-accessible Town Hall Theatre, at 68 Elora Street S. in Harriston: March 18, 19, 24, 25 and 26 at 7:30pm and March 20 at 2pm. Tickets are $15, available at Harriston Home Hardware, Walsh’s IDA Pharmacy in Mount Forest or at the door. For more information visit www.greywellingtontheatre.com.
