Blyth Festival Takes You Backstage With EARLY AUGUST, Opens Tonight

The Blyth Festival will take you backstage with the world premiere of Early August, a new comedy written by Kate Lynch. The production opens at the Blyth Festival August 5, and is the final play to open in the Festival's 2011 line-up.

The production takes you into the women's dressing room for a behind-the-scenes look at a beloved Canadian theatre somewhere in Huron County. Three urban actresses battle with the practical problems of rural life: mysterious critters, an amorous veterinarian, and the quest for a decent Chardonnay. And just to complicate matters, they all want Albert, the handsome young actor with a heart of gold. Enter Teddy, the assistant stage manager. She's calm, she's smart and she'll whip them into shape if it's the last thing she does. Early August is a love letter to summer theatre and a comedy for those who always wondered what really happens backstage.

Artistic Director Eric Coates says, "Early August is just the tonic for anyone who wants a carefree evening in the theatre. Loaded with laughs, but full of heart - it's truly a love letter to Canadian theatre. I urge anyone who has ever wondered about life backstage to come and see this show."

Familiar faces appearing in Early August include Catherine Fitch (Pearl Gidley, A Killing Snow), Gil Garratt (Vimy, A Killing Snow) and Tova Smith (Vimy, Against the Grain). The cast also includes Blyth Festival newcomers Sarah Orenstein and Haley McGee. Early August is directed by Shari Hollett­­.

Preview performances of Early August run August 3-4, prior to the official opening on August 5. Early August plays at the Blyth Festival in repertory until August 27.

The Blyth Festival's 2011 season runs June 21 to August 27 and also features Hometown by the Hometown Collective, Vimy by Vern Thiessen, and Rope's End by Douglas Bowie. For more information please visit www.blythfestival.com or call 1-877-862-5984.

Early August is sponsored by OLG and OLG Slots at Clinton. The Media Sponsor is 104.9 The Beach.

The 2011 season is sponsored by Sparling's Propane Company Limited, and the Season Media Sponsor is CTV.

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