Grinder's Grumblings

  What a ride! This past weekend we transformed the Ennotville Historical Library into Handlebar Dan's House of a Old Wives, a Sarsaparilla Saloon and the setting for one of the largest shows we've ever staged in this intimate little venue. This "Gay 90's" melodrama drew capacity crowds at both performances, enthralling audience members young and old (and I really mean that - some of the biggest reactions I saw were from the "too cool for old school" teenagers).  I'd like to thank everyone who took part in this play, with a special thanks to my assistant director Mya, who stepped into the role of Sally Simple at the 11th hour, and of course to Jules, the world's greatest stage manager and world's greatest wife, who stepped into the role of Gertrude Gretchen Gwillimbury at the 11th and a half hour, performing through injury.  This is the sort of play that I hope is done somewhere again. It already has had a staged reading in Georgia, in additi...

The Cast of Electra Calista Alison - Chorus: Normally starring in backstage crew roles, Calista is beyond thrilled to be making her stage debut in Electra! She is so grateful to Eric, and Grinder Productions for this opportunity, mentorship and trust. Big thanks to the cast for their kindness and support! Gareth Roberts - Orestes:  Gareth is a recent graduate of UTM’s Theatre and Drama Studies joint program with Sheridan College, now enjoying taking opportunities to branch out across acting, writing and plenty of new artistic challenges. He hopes you’ll enjoy tonight’s performance, and asks that theatre audiences always continue to push themselves in their engagement with art; being curious, making connections, and of course letting it change them! Credits include  Twelfth Night as Sir Toby ; The Devised Project: The New Dress and Miss Milan/Ensemble; The Alchemist as Lovewit; The Play that Goes Wrong as Trevor. Cassandra Hunt - Farmer, Old Man, Messenger, Clytaemnestra, Ca...

  Introducing the Cast of Dirty Deeds at Handlebar Dan's House of Old Wives: Looking innocent, but really not, is John Dibben, playing the dastardly villain, Munro "Moneybags"  Maclean. The Villain. Again. Type cast or great acting? Only his family knows for sure. Villains: Mr. Potter, Scrooge, Shylock, Big Daddy, Malvolio, Hermann van Daan… Just to name a few. Nice Guy’s: Selsdon Mowbray. That’s it. Not so Nice Guys: Capt. Frank Burns (Mash), Paul (Hayfever), Paul (Murder at the Howard Johnson’s), Father (Having Hope at Home). He's sure there’s more but he's out of space. Wondering who farted (but pretty sure it was John) is Michelle Salmon, playing the feisty French Maid Fifi. Michelle has been involved in theatre in one way or another, in the surrounding community for over 35 years. Her passion is acting, specifically taking on comedic character roles. She is thrilled to share the character of Fifi with you. A few favourite lines from the show (only one of whic...