BLIND DATE, GLASS MENAGERIE, JAKE'S GIFT and More Set for Hudson Village Theatre's 2015 Summer Season

For Matthew Tiffin's inaugural season as Hudson Village Theatre's Artistic Director, he's making a 'splash' with blockbuster Canadian plays featuring some of the nation's best theatrical artists at the peak of their game. From improvised hilarity in search of true love and a home-grown musical comedy to a contemporary classic and a poignant one-woman tour-de-force, the summer line-up is guaranteed to attract theatre lovers of all ages from near and far. With this ambitious program Hudson Village Theatre firmly establishes itself as a radiant gem in the local theatre collection.

Tiffin's excitement is palpable as he expands on his choices for the upcoming summer. "Prepare for incredible talent from across the country offering a variety of shows for all tastes. HVT's 2015 season features the genius, brilliance and humour of women with shows either created by women or featuring unforgettable female characters. One common thread in this powerful lineup is the different ways we connect with each other, and the complexities and healing power of relationships. Relationships are the foundation of our lives and our season reflects the different ways we reach across the void to connect with one another; the healing power therein, and the difficulties we face when we fail to do so. 'Excellence' is the name of the game this summer and we can't wait to open the doors!"

Tickets are on sale now with discount Flex Passes available for a limited time and reduced rates available to groups. To purchase tickets visit www.villagetheatre.ca or call the box office at 450-458-5361.

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BLIND DATE - June 16 to 28, 2015

Created by Rebecca Northan

Starring Christy Bruce as "Mimi" ... with a different blind date every night!

A blind date you'll actually enjoy!

Christy Bruce is the Parisian-born Mimi who, as the play opens, confesses she's been stood up by her blind date. Bruce puts it all on the line, taking a bold theatrical risk every night as she chooses a male member of the audience, someone who caught her eye as she mingled in the lobby before the show, to be her consolation date in a 90-minute improvised whirlwind of spontaneous hilarity. Wives and girlfriends, hold onto your mates as they clamour to share a glass of wine with the très charmante Mimi. If all goes well, the lucky man may even get to date number two. A hit in London's West End, with sold-out runs in New York and Toronto, audiences come back again and again because ... it's different show every night!

2012 Canadian Comedy Award for best comedic revue, play or series

THE GLASS MENAGERIE[i] - July 8 to 26, 2015

Written by Tennessee Williams

Directed by Matthew Tiffin

Starring Martha Burns as Amanda Wingfield

Outstanding classic theatre and a Canadian star come to Hudson!

One of the 20th century's most popular masterpieces, Tennessee Williams' seminal work explores the universal complexities of family duty pitted against one's own desires and the tragedy these opposing forces can wreak upon the innocent. Matthew Tiffin directs his first production at Hudson Village Theatre in the moving story of a Depression-era family struggling in a meagre apartment too cramped to house the larger-than-life dreams of its inhabitants. The play is narrated by Williams' alter ego, Tom, protective brother to the frail and crippled Laura, and son of a self-proclaimed Southern Belle, Amanda. Tom, an aspiring writer, works a banal warehouse job, the weight of his responsibilities bearing down hard as each passing day sees the freedom and adventure he craves slip farther from his grasp. Laura shies from reality, incapable of meeting her mother's outmoded and illusory expectations, finding solace in her glass menagerie while Amanda fervently seeks a suitable beau to ensure her daughter's safe future.

Martha Burns, one of Canada's leading actresses, will grace the HVT stage in the starring role of Amanda Wingfield. Ms. Burns is a veteran of both the Stratford and Shaw Festivals, a founding member of Soulpepper Theatre, has worked in theatres across the country and is well-known to audiences as one of the stars of Slings & Arrows, among many other film and television roles.

Mr. Tiffin said, "We're delighted to welcome one of the country's most outstanding talents to Hudson Village Theatre. Amanda Wingfield is considered one of the most complex and charismatic roles for an actor, coveted for its depth and power. I can't think of a more accomplished and dynamic actress to play one of the great parts of the theatrical canon. Ms. Burns and Amanda Wingfield are a perfect match!

BINGO LADIES, THE MUSICAL - August 12 to 30, 2015

The Port Stanley Festival premier production

Book, Music and Lyrics by Grant Tilly

Directed by Liz Gilroy with Musical Direction & Accompaniment by Meredith Zwicker

With Mark Allen, Laura Caswell, Elinor Holt, and Mary Pitt

Bingo Ladies hits the jackpot!

Canadian writer, composer and actor, Gant Tilly, took Port Stanley by storm last summer with the world premiere of his musical comedy. A fluorescent-lit hall, multi-coloured daubers, neon-haired trolls and assorted good luck charms ... all are part of the sacred ritual that is Friday night Bingo. Carol, a middle-aged waitress, desperately needs to win to pay off a sizeable debt. Her best friend, Sandi, tags along because she's entertaining romantic ideas about the Bingo caller, Lou, still grappling with the loss of his lifelong dream to front a rock band. Rounding out the quirky cast is Irene, a cranky septuagenarian know-it-all, oxygen tank in tow, who always wins! How far are these Bingo enthusiasts willing to go to win the jackpot?

Mr. Tiffin wrapped up the play's wide appeal with, "Bingo Ladies is a hilarious, fun and outrageous show; perfect summer fare. With sixteen original, catchy, inspiring songs that you'll be humming for hours afterwards - and four totally recognizable characters - Bingo Ladies promises a lively and entertaining afternoon or evening. Bring your lucky trolls and bingo daubers."

Nominated for 3 Betty Mitchell Awards in 2014

JAKE'S GIFT - September 16 to 20, 2015

A Juno Production

Written by and starring Julia Mackey

Directed by Dirk Van Stralen

One of the most moving, brilliant, and successful shows ever produced in Canada

Jake's Gift is a surprisingly funny multi-award winning drama that tells the story of a Canadian World War II veteran's reluctant return to Normandy, France, to find the grave of the brother who never came home. While revisiting the shores of Juno Beach, Jake encounters Isabelle, a precocious 10-year-old from the local village. Isabelle's inquisitive nature and charm challenge the old soldier to confront some long-ignored ghosts - most notably, the war-time death of his eldest brother, Chester, a once promising young musician. At its heart, Jake's Gift is about the legacy of remembrance and makes personal the story behind one soldier's grave.

Jake's Gift has toured across Canada for many years and won hearts and minds wherever it travels. It has received numerous awards including Jessie Richardson Theatre Awards (Vancouver); Bettie Mitchell Theatre Awards (Calgary); Contact East Awards (East coast); Calgary Critics Awards; Dora Mavor Moore nominee (Toronto); and more.

[i] "Glass Menagerie, The (Acting Edition)" is presented by special arrangement with SAMUEL FRENCH, INC.

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