Sault Theatre Workshop presents 'Angel's River'

NEWS RELEASE
SAULT THEATRE WORKSHOP
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The Sault Theatre Workshop (STW) is proud to present Angel’s River, written by Canadian playwright Andrea Boyd, and directed by Randi Houston-Jones. Inspired by a true story, this poignant and challenging production will run at the STW theatre from Feb. 26 – March 01, 2020.

Angel's River tells the story of a teenager's difficult decision after giving birth to a baby girl. She believes giving her baby up for adoption is the best option for both of them, and struggles against the wishes of her mother and an unexpected visit from the baby's father. The unique structure of the play moves fluidly through time and place, from the August heat in a hospital room to the winter banks of a river where the love story is revealed. Initiated by a mysterious ten-year-old whose identity is revealed throughout the play, her story is a search for answers about identity, heritage and love, and the personal mythology that helps us understand who we are and where we come from. 

This little-known script caught the imagination of director Randi Houston-Jones as soon as she read it. “I feel that this play ultimately sends a good message, while also helping people to understand the struggles a woman goes through when dealing with an unexpected pregnancy,” she said. “It stresses the importance of a woman’s right to choose, a critically significant issue which is so relevant today.”

The script has resonated equally as much with the small cast of actors who will bring this story to life. “When I heard Randi was holding auditions, I jumped at the opportunity to work with her again,” said Calista Jones. Jones won Outstanding Actress at QUONTA in 2017 for her role in STW’s Lucy, also under the direction of Houston-Jones. She will portray Carrie Lynn, a role Jones says “is emotionally complex, and character that I can relate to.”

Rounding out the cast are Jadyn Frech (Matilda) in the role of Little Girl, Isaac Withers as Rob (Matilda, CATS), and Wendylynn Levoskin (Lucy, Hilda’s Yard, Alice in Cuckoo Land), who plays the mother, Marg.

“Rehearsals have been a challenge for Wendylynn as during the process she donated her kidney” Houston-Jones revealed. “Even with that, she is working hard to give the audience an awesome character. We have chosen the Kidney Foundation as our preview night charity, to support a great cause and to honour our selfless actor.”

This production is the Sault Theatre Workshop’s QUONTA festival entry for 2020. STW will compete with four other regional theatre companies to be chosen as Outstanding Production and achieve their shot at provincial recognition at the Theatre Ontario Festival.

While the QUONTA festival is typically hosted by one of the QUONTA member groups, there was no one able to host this year. So instead the adjudicator, Annette G. Procunier, will travel to each of the participating cities to view their entry. The winning production will be showcased at the Theatre Ontario Festival, along with regional winners from around the province. This year’s Festival will be hosted here in Sault Ste. Marie, Ont., in May 2020 (stay tuned for more details about this exciting event).

Angel’s River will run at the Sault Theatre Workshop (121 Pittsburgh Ave.) from Feb, 26 – March 01, 2020. There will also be a special preview performance on Tuesday, Feb. 25, with proceeds going to support the Kidney Foundation – Sault Ste. Marie Chapter. Performances typically start at 8:00 pm, with two exceptions: Thursday, Feb. 27 will begin at 7:30 p.m., allowing for Procunier’s adjudication following the performance, and the Sunday performance on March 01 begins at 2 p.m.  

Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased at the Sault Community Theatre Box Office in the Station Mall, or by visiting our website.

For all full details about Angel’s River, visit the Facebook event page.

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