Century Theatre Guild is presenting a new Canadian musical, Spitfire Dance by Clint Ward, directed by Neville Worsnop, and sponsored in part by Royal Canadian Legion Branch 442 in Erin.
Filled with memorable songs from the Second World War era, it tells the little-known story of women flyers during the war.
In 1939 England pilots were in great demand and men could not be spared from regular Royal Air Force missions to ferry airplanes from the factories to the airfield.
To fill the need, the Air Transport Auxiliary was formed, employing any qualified men they could find, even one-armed, one-legged, short-sighted and one-eyed pilots.
When even this could not meet the demand, Pauline Gower was given the task of recruiting women flyers, a task she accomplished with spectacular success.
Spitfire Dance tells their story, one of courage and determination, not only to support the war effort, but to gain respect and overcome prejudice.
As the story unfolds, the audience will feel the women flyer’s frustrations, share their triumphs, and above all love them for their courage and spirit, organizers state.
It’s a fascinating story told in an entertaining way through songs, vignettes, and the reminiscences of some of the flyers, they add.
Musical director and pianist Phil Gravelle, along with Brigida Scholten and Nick Forrow, presents many familiar songs.
Debbie Deckert (as Pauling Gower) and Peter King (as ATA Commander Gerrard D’Erlanger), Vickie Forsyth, Elizabeth Glenday, Trish Hamilton, Rhonda Hewitson, John Lefebvre, and Margaret Snowdon play the real-life characters who bring the story to life.
Erin Montgomery is in charge as stage manager, with Geri Vanderende as assistant stage manager and Robert Bell designing the video component and lighting.
The show continues Sept. 16 to 18 at Century Church Theatre, 72 Trafalgar Road in Hillsburgh, on Friday and Saturday at 8pm, and Sunday at 2:30pm.
Tickets are $20, with a 10 per cent discount for groups of 10 or more.
For more information visit www.centurychurchtheatre.com, or “like” Century Church Theatre on Facebook. Call 519-855-4586 for the box office.
