Stage Door News
Stage Door News
July 9, 2014, Blyth, Ontario... In recognition of those who serve their country, Blyth Festival is offering complimentary tickets to the evening performance of Billy Bishop Goes to War on Tuesday, July 22 for members of the Canadian Armed Forces (current or retired). To reserve your two free tickets simply call the Blyth Festival Box Office at 519.523.9300, toll free 1.877.862.5984.
As Billy Bishop Goes to War is sponsored by the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 420 & Ladies Auxiliary to Branch 420, members of any branch of the Royal Canadian Legion may purchase $20 tickets to any performance of this World War One story.
In this brand new "made in Blyth" production, director Janet Amos has created a humorous and heartfelt show that brings Bishop's heroic exploits to life. Robert Reid of the Kitchener-Waterloo Record calls it a "soaring" production.
The incomparable J.D. Nicholsen "delivers a superb performance" (K-W Record) as the war hero, and almost 20 other characters Bishop encounters in his adventures; from a Brigade Commander to Lady St. Helier from Sir Hugh Cecil to the Lovely Helene, Nicholsen changes character seamlessly. Marek Norman acts as Narrator and Piano Player. His on stage chemistry with Nicholsen is pure magic.
Born in Owen Sound, the second of three children, Air Marshal William Avery "Billy" Bishop, VC, CB, DSO & Bar, MC, DFC, ED, LL.D. (Feb. 8, 1894 - Sept. 11, 1956) was a Canadian First World War flying ace, officially credited with seventy-two victories, making him the top pilot in the British Empire.
Written and composed in 1978 by John MacLachan Gray in collaboration with Eric Peterson, Billy Bishop Goes to War is one of Canada's most successful and enduring plays. It is on stage at Blyth Festival until August 15.
Billy Bishop Goes to War is generously sponsored by the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 420 & Ladies Auxiliary to Branch 420 and The Rural Voice. Blyth Festival acknowledges the support of the Canada Council for the Arts, the Ontario Arts Council, the 2014 Season Sponsor Sparlings Propane and 2014 Season Media Sponsor CTV.
Blyth Festival is a professional theatre that enriches the lives of its audience by producing and developing plays that give voice to both the region and the country. The theatre produces a repertory summer season of exclusively Canadian theatre, with an emphasis on new work. Blyth Centre for the Arts, including Blyth Festival, was founded in 1975 - 2014 is our 40th season.
Photo: Marek Norman and J.D. Nicholsen. ©2014 Terry Manzo.
2014-07-09
Blyth: Blyth Festival offers free tickets to Canadian Armed Forces on July 22 to "Billy Bishop Goes to War"