HARRISTON – The Grey Wellington Theatre Guild (GWTG) 2023 youth production is a haunting comedy that features a lively cast of budding actors.
Spirited!, set to hit the Harriston Town Hall Theatre stage later this month, is a homegrown production written by Megan Raftis.
She is co-directing the show with fellow guild members Peggy Raftis and Dan Bieman, while another GWTG stalwart, Sadie Bieman, is the stage manager.
The GWTG is returning with its 11th youth production, the first since 2019 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“This play is about a haunted barn that becomes a dance studio through some madcap adventures of some exuberant youth,” said Megan.
“We have 19 local youth in the play from ages six to 17. It’s really excellent to be back working with them after the COVID hiatus. I’ve really missed them.
“It’s been exciting and challenging and worthwhile, for sure, getting back at things.”
Megan notes audiences attending the show will be supporting “youth theatre initiatives and the arts in our community” as well as “a really awesome group of kids who have worked their butts off and have a really excellent show for you.
“You’ll laugh. It’s a good time.”
The cast of the Grey Wellington Theatre Guild summer youth production, Spirited!, includes, from left: front, Kensington Bray-Dunning; second row Paisley Forester, Violet McLaughlin, Luca Sicilia, Tristan Lawrie, William Browley; third row, Ebbony Moroz, Abby Rogers, Quiana Sargeant, Sophia Sicilia, Lexi Drummond, Madison Rogers; back, Adelaide Forester, Lydia Dirksen and Blair Cowan. Absent for photo: Ellie Bowman and Keniah Sargeant.
The play features an all-youth cast from the Harriston, Palmerston and Listowel areas, with varying levels of stage experience.
While the main goal is creating a play that’s fun for young people to be involved in, the youth theatre program is designed to give young people the chance to experience live theatre.
The youth company shows also provide an ideal opportunity for parents or grandparents to introduce children to theatre by bringing them to watch the production.
Spirited! runs July 28 and 29 at 7:30pm and July 30 at 2pm. Tickets, available at the door, are $5.
For information go to greywellingtontheatre.com or email GWTG@wightman.ca.
