Written by Stephen Massicotte and directed by Derek Ritschel, the production runs from July 3 to 20 in Port Dover and from July 24 to August 4 in Port Colborne
June 21, 2024 – Port Dover, ON | Lighthouse Festival is thrilled to announce its third production of the season, Stephen Massicotte’s evocative play Mary’s Wedding. This poignant and deeply moving drama explores the themes of love, loss, and the lingering shadows of war, set against the backdrop of World War I.
Mary’s Wedding is a beautiful, lyrical journey that begins the night before Mary is to be married. As Mary dreams, she revisits her memories of Charlie, a young soldier she fell in love with. The audience is taken on an emotional ride through their budding romance, the trials of separation, and the heartache of war, all told through a seamless blend of reality and dream.
Daniel Reale, who plays Charlie, shared his thoughts on the play: “I think the audience will leave thinking about a few things. The absolutely stunning poetry and writing in the piece, the impacts of the First World War, the social constructs of the early 20th century – but mostly I hope they leave thinking about all those incredible sensations that come with first love. All of the joy, ease and excitement of finding a person that you can’t ever imagine living without. I love this show for giving me the opportunity to live in that world.”
Evelyn Wiebe, portraying Mary, added: “Mary reminds me of Juliet. Young, in love, passionate, fiery, witty and curious. She feels everything so deeply and that’s just the most satisfying thing as an actor. To hear a woman in the 1900s being bold. A lot of folks tend to dismiss a woman falling in love as ‘typical’ or trope-like. Mary is so much more than that. She’s just a beast of a woman. It’s just the most fun to play.”
The production is helmed by Lighthouse Festival’s Artistic Director, Derek Ritschel, who brings a unique perspective to the play, having starred as Charlie in the 2005 production. “Directing this play has been a deeply rewarding experience and a passion project of mine,” says Ritschel. “I fell in love with the show over 20 years ago and I’m thrilled to bring the show to the Lighthouse audience. The cast and crew have poured their hearts into bringing this story to life, capturing the delicate balance between the sweetness of young love and the harsh realities of a world at war. Their dedication and passion are evident in every scene.”
Ritschel continued: “Mary’s Wedding is not just a love story; it is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the power of dreams to transcend time and space. Through Mary’s dreams, we experience the beauty of love and the harrowing impact of war, all while navigating the ethereal boundaries between reality and imagination.”
Mary’s Wedding promises to be a standout production in Lighthouse Festival’s season, offering audiences an unforgettable experience filled with heartfelt performances and stunning storytelling.
The play runs from July 3 to 20 in Port Dover’s Lighthouse Theatre and from July 24 to August 4 in Port Colborne’s Roselawn Theatre. Don’t miss this chance to witness a powerful narrative brought to life by an exceptional cast and creative team.
For more information and to purchase tickets, visit https://lighthousetheatre.com/event/marys-wedding/ or contact the box office at (888) 779-7703.
Cast
Creative Team
| Director: Derek Ritschel | Playwright: Stephen Massicotte |
| Set Designer: William Chesney | Costume Designer: Alex Amini |
| Lighting Designer: Wendy Lundgren | Sound Designer: Tim Lindsay |
| Stage Manager: Josephine Ho | Apprentice Stage Manager: Katherine Hunter |
About Lighthouse Festival
Lighthouse Festival is a charitable organization devoted to the development and production of new and existing Canadian plays. Lighthouse Festival strives to be artistically excellent, support and encourage local and regional artists, and be a source of enjoyment and pride in local communities while promoting local tourism. Located in two beautiful towns on Lake Erie, our theatres operate on a central policy of hospitality, accessibility, and affordability for all.
Media Contact
For media inquiries, cast interviews and further information, please contact:
Don Kearney-Bourque
Marketing & Communications Manager
Lighthouse Festival Theatre Corporation
don@lighthousetheatre.com
Direct: (226) 290-0070
Cell: (289) 541-7410