New generation takes to the stage in â€œKincardine Callsâ€

New generation takes to the stage in â€œKincardine Callsâ€

By: Liz Dadson July 29, 2018 2065

New generation takes to the stage in â€œKincardine Callsâ€

The beautiful music, powerful love story, and glorious history of Kincardine are back once again in “Kincardine Calls,” being performed by the Kincardine Theatre Guild, this Wednesday, Thursday and Friday nights, as part of the Kincardine Reunion.

Written by June Daniel and Ian Burbidge, the musical follows the love story of Ida Jean MacLeod and Derek Conroy Fitzwilliam Ferguson (“Fergie”), set against the backdop of events that shaped the town we now know as Kincardine.

Stacey Storrey-Millar who played the part of Ida Jean in the 1990, 1998 and 2008 performances, returns as director, with her daughter, Slayde, taking the role of Ida Jean.

“It's cool working with her,” says Stacey. “She auditioned for the part and got it, and she's worked hard to create her own version of Ida Jean.”

Jaki Mayer-Duggan plays the part of the elder Ida Jean, which was played by Stacey in the original show.

Stacey is enjoying the role of director, rather than being on-stage.

“It's a lot of fun,” she says. “We have about 30 cast and almost 60 crew and volunteers helping out with the production. We're fortunate to have such a great cast of very talented people.”

And Slayde is among those talented people, putting her own stamp on the role of young Ida Jean, while still sounding almost hauntingly like her mother, particularly when she sings.

“I'm enjoying it,” says 17-year-old Slayde. “Playing the part of Ida Jean is interesting, but it's tough to relate to the character when she gets older. I love the singing; I just love being part of this show!”

Mason Windross, 16, of Chesley is playing the part of Fergie, formerly performed by Brian Ball. His father, Brian Windross, is also in the play, as William Rastall and Sergeant McLean.

“My father knows Ian Burbidge so he came to audition and they asked if I would like to audition as well, so I came and tried out,” says Mason. “I was surprised but happy to get the part of Fergie. This is my first musical so the singing is a challenge because it's a high range. I'm trying to put my own mannerisms on the character.”

Mason performed with the community theatre in Chesley last year, and would like to become an actor. “I love that feeling when a scene goes well, and you're really selling it to the audience.”

Meanwhile, Brian Ball of London is playing the part of George MacLeod, formerly played by Reg Daze.

“It's weird playing this role,” he says. “I have really big shoes to fill.

“I love the songs that George sings but they are tough to sing, so I belt them out with great gusto. It's great to be back home and perform in this wonderful reunion show.

“Mason is doing a great job of Fergie, but it's tough to hear that music and not be singing it.”

The show is brilliantly written, beautifully choreographed and marvellously performed to a live band which consists of Burbidge on keyboard, Chris Lazarenko on violin, Dave Mayer on percussion, Meryl Gillmore on flute, Wayne McGrath on trumpet, Kerrie Lynn Boys on trombone, Cam Porter on bass clarinet, and Mike Grace on acoustic bass.

If you know the history of Kincardine – or even if you don't – you'll thoroughly enjoy the fight scenes between the “Men of Brant” and the “Penetangore Hogs;” the uniformed “Men of War” with some of Kincardine's finest off to train so they can take part in the Fenian Raids; the blustery politicians; the frugal Scots who dislike the meddlesome Irish. But in the end, love conquers all, and we learn to live together in this place we call home.

The cast is stellar, with one incredible stand-out, Amanda Farrell-Walsh as Euphemia Urguhart, the haughty, opinionated, old woman who is determined that everyone listen to what she has to say.

The show is being held at the historic SS Stables, located on Highway 21, just north of the 7^th Concession of the Municipality of Kincardine (2328 Highway 21 North).

In 1990 and 1998 the production was staged at the Kincardine Arts Centre, and in 2008, it was a concert held at Knox Presbyterian Church, Kincardine.

“This is the first time at this venue,” says Stacey. “The horse-riding arena was built by my mom and a team of people. About two years ago, we began discussing using this for the show. Because we have a large cast, and it's a musical, it's difficult to just move into a venue, such as a church or school, and put it on.

“Besides, almost everything is booked for the reunion. So, we had this crazy idea to hold it here. The rustic look of the arena fits in well with the show.”

Stacey says there is capacity for about 300, with rows of chairs and then bleachers at the back. Plans are also in the works to have an accessible entrance, she says.

The show runs Aug. 1-3 at 7:30 p.m., with a country fair beginning at 6:30 p.m.

Tickets are $25 each; available at KincardineCalls.com or wherever Kincardine Reunion tickets are sold.

The complete cast includes: