MLT opens the season with romance
In what has become something of a tradition, Markham Little Theatre will open its 2024-2025 season with a production at their studio space on the grounds of the Markham Museum called Backstage this September 11th to 21st (with a special dinner theatre performance on the 12th). The show will be Jerry Mayer’s dramatic comedy, 2 Across.
“I was drawn to 2 Across by the beautiful script and story,” says director Michael McFarland.
The story could be something from a Nora Ephron film; two strangers on board a commuter BART train in San Francisco develop a snappy repartee over crossword puzzles and the ensuing tension inevitably turns romantic. Janet is a tightly wound psychologist who insists on never quitting the crossword and wants nothing to do with her fellow passenger. Josh is more relaxed, content to drop the puzzle when the easier clues are completed for something less taxing.
Mayer’s writing, however, has received much note for being uniquely poignant, witty, and even hilarious.
“2 Across was a delightful read,” says stage manager Michelle Browne, “and for that reason it was picked as the opening play for our season.”
It’s in details like writing, direction and casting that most romantic stories told on stage go from good to great.
“As a director, you always question yourself after auditions, did I cast well?” says McFarland. “In the case of 2 Across, Chris Cluff and Ashlee Brewer are magical together.”
Staging and rehearsing a play are always a little tricky during the summer months. At Markham Little Theatre, everyone is a volunteer and allowing for things like vacation time is something that always makes things a challenge.
“Through the heat and humidity, everyone comes through, and we have our costumes, props and set being built,” says McFarland. “It is a tribute to the volunteers at Markham Little Theatre.”
Still, one might wonder about the progress of the actors in a sometimes disjointed rehearsal schedule. Fortunately, McFarland has good news to report.
“Rehearsals have been a joy to conduct, and I have watched the story come together through the eyes of Chris and Ashlee,” he says. “One would think they have shared the stage many times over the years.”
For McFarland’s part, the work done in rehearsals will also benefit from the show’s somewhat non-traditional performance space.
“Backstage is perfect for a single set and two-actor play. It creates an intimate setting for the audience,” he explains.
Backstage is the name given to MLT’s rehearsal space when it is converted into a small studio theatre. The company began doing this a few years ago to invite its audience into its workspace, and it has organically become a favoured tradition.
“It allows our audience to be up close and personal with the actors and story,” says McFarland. “It enables our audience to become passengers in the BART car, whereas they only become observers in a large theatre.”
One special addition to the tradition this year is the inclusion of an evening of dinner theatre for the show on September 12.
“We are very excited to collaborate with Markham Museum to provide a Dinner Theatre for one night only,” says producer Judy Atherton. “A catered dinner with wine will take place on the beautiful museum grounds just steps from our theatre making it a great night out!”
Tickets for the dinner theatre experience will be limited and the company is recommending that tickets be purchased early. The package for dinner and the show on September 12th is $140 with all proceeds benefiting the Markham Museum.
“In today’s world of uncertainty, take a feel-good, invigorating 90-minute ride for a witty, romantic, and poignant story that will warm your heart,” says McFarland “It is a story many will relate to.”
2 Across runs from September 11-21 at Markham Little Theatre’s BACKSTAGE THEATRE on the grounds of the Markham Museum. All shows at 8 p.m., with an additional 2 p.m. matinée on Saturday, September 14.
Visit markhamlittletheatre.ca for more information.
Photo: The cast of 2 Across: Chris Cluff and Ashlee Brewer.