The world premiere of Pearl Gidley by Cambridge-area playwright Gary Kirkham opens at the Blyth Festival July 30. The play was inspired by the story of former Blyth resident, Miss Pearl Gidley.
Kirkham says that it was the name that first caught his attention, but after hearing Miss Gidley's story, he knew that it could be a play. "I had to create a play worthy of her story," he says.
Pearl Gidley takes place in the Gidley boarding house when elderly Pearl and her sister Edith take in a mysterious new tenant-a young Vietnam veteran from the U.S.A. Despite Pearl's objections to opening their home to a young man who they know nothing about, Pearl cannot contain her curiosity about his past. Note by note, they draw each other's stories out in this quirky story of unlikely friendships.
Pearl Gidley is Kirkham's second production at the Blyth Festival inspired by local women. His 2007 hit, Queen Milli of Galt, explored the story of an 80-year old woman from Galt, Ontario who claimed to be the wife of Edward VIII.
The cast of Pearl Gidley includes Catherine Fitch, Gil Garratt,
Patricia Hamilton and Sam Malkin. The cast also appears together this season in A Killing Snow by Paul Ciufo. Pearl Gidley is directed by Miles Potter.
Preview performances of Pearl Gidley run July 28 - 29, prior to the official opening on July 30. Pearl Gidley plays at the Blyth Festival in repertory until September 4.
Pearl Gidley is sponsored by OLG and OLG Slots at Clinton. The Media Sponsor is CJCS 1240/107.7MixFM Stratford.
The Blyth Festival's 2010 season runs June 23 to September 4 and also features A Killing Snow by Paul Ciufo, Bordertown Café by Kelly Rebar and The Book of Esther by Leanna Brodie. For more information please visit
www.blythfestival.com or call 1-877-862-5984.
2010 Season Sponsors are Sparling's Propane Company Limited and CTV.
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