Local theatre is back on stage this Thursday, March 3. The South Simcoe Theatre (SST) in Cookstown is excited to be welcoming the public to its first production since having to close the doors due to COVID-19 in March 2020.
The 2022 season opens with a play by Canadian playwright John Muggleton titled BURN: A Psychological Thriller.
“BURN is a play that weaves a provocative tale with a shocking and mysterious reveal. The production and cast set a new level of drama and twisted artistry for the SST stage," says the local theatre company.
BURN: A Psychological Thriller is directed by Candy Pryce and stars Frank Kewin, Robert Knapp, Rebecca Kratky, Catherine McCauley, Peg Eberhard, and John Sellens.
Producer Richard Birch says he is thrilled to be working with such a dynamic and talented group.
“We are very happy to open the 2022 season with this remarkable production of BURN written by Canadian playwright, television writer, director, educator and actor John Muggleton. As producer, I truly hope our SST audience will enjoy this experience and not merely be entertained, but captivated by the story and the hard work of our cast and crew,” says Birch.
The synopsis for BURN: A Psychological Thriller on SST’s website says: "Three longtime friends — murder-mystery writers who love games — prepare to meet the estranged daughter of a recently deceased fourth friend. Why has she come, and who is she, really? Their evening of stories and riddles quickly turns to something more sinister."
Candy Pryce applies her talents as an experienced director and actor to directing this production of BURN. Her director credits at SST include The 39 Steps, Blithe Spirit, Fox on the Fairway, and 13 Hands. She has directed for nearby community theatres, and acted professionally with both local and Toronto-area companies.
This spring, South Simcoe Theatre will also be presenting two musicals and Four Play, which is a showcase of play readings. Disaster! (book and music by Seth Rudetsky and Jack Plotnick) will run May 5-22, and The Last Resort (book by Norm Foster, music and lyrics by Leslie Arden) from June 16-26. Four Play runs the weekend of the Cookstown Wing Ding, June 2-5, including Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m., and Sunday matinee at 2 p.m.
As the government allows such a choice, the SST board of directors decided to continue to require proof of vaccination from patrons and volunteers through the run of BURN, “out of an abundance of caution, and in deference to those patrons who have already purchased tickets and subscriptions”. Masking requirements (as per government regulations) and distanced seating will continue to be implemented.
BURN: A Psychological Thriller opens Thursday, March 3 and runs through to March 20: Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m., and Sundays at 2 p.m.
All tickets are $22. To book tickets, leave a message at 705-458-4432 or email [email protected]. Note SST’s new website and email addresses now include “the” in the name.
The theatre is located at 1 Hamilton St., in Cookstown
Rosaleen Egan is a freelance journalist, storyteller, and playwright. She blogs on her website rosiewrites.com.
