Vaudeville and Melodrama Take Over Theatre Erindale

The Marks Brothers were seven remarkable farm boys from Christie Lake in Eastern Ontario (near Perth), who, together with the women who became their stars and sometimes their wives, operated some of the continent's most successful theatrical touring companies from the 1870s to the 1920s. From a rough and ready start, they grew to the point of splitting into as many as four separate companies at a time - often including variety, dime museums, comedy, and melodrama in the same operation - and earning fame for the classiness of their costumes and sets. Although they were excluded from the major cities by the New York and London Syndicates that dominated turn-of-the-century show business, the Marks Brothers filled the entertainment void in smaller centres with top flight productions, and eventually played to well over 8,000,000 people - earning themselves the sobriquet that provides the title of this play.

"...the most remarkable theatrical family in Canadian history. The dazzling Marks Brothers were the greatest impresario-performers of our small town stage in the era before the nickelodeon." (Maclean's Magazine, 1958)

"The announcement of that Marks Brothers troupe with 'an entire change of program nightly' was electrical in its effects upon almost everybody. It marked the end of dull times; it was something to look forward to with all the eagerness of a child counting the days to Christmas." (Rambling Round, 1932).

Theatre Erindale gained access to many of the Marks' Brothers actual working scripts with the help of the Perth Museum and local producer David Jacklin, one of the leading guardians of the Marks' legacy. Their story is told in the richly illustrated book by Michael V. Taylor (published by Natural Heritage Press) that provides the basis for this play.

Director Ron Cameron-Lewis is a well-known adjudicator and acting teacher across the continent, author of the popular textbook Acting Skills for Life, and winner of the Maggie Bassett Award for his contribution to Theatre in Ontario. For Theatre Erindale he has directed The Comedy of Errors, The Golden Ass, Six War Years, and many other shows. Musical Director John Karr occupies the same position for the Drayton Entertainment chain of theatres and has contributed to several past Theatre Erindale hits.

Theatre Erindale mainstage productions feature the performances of senior Acting students in the joint Sheridan-UTM Theatre and Drama Studies Program with the design and direction of seasoned professionals. They take place in the intimate state-of-the-art Erindale Studio Theatre on the campus of the University of Toronto, Mississauga. Some performances sell out, so early booking is recommended.

Canadian Kings of Repertoire

Adapted by the Company from the book by Michael V. Taylor
Directed by Ron Cameron-Lewis, with musical direction by John Karr

Erindale Studio Theatre, 3359 Mississauga Road North between Dundas and Burnhamthorpe

Previews November 16, Opens November 17, runs to November 25

Tuesday - Thursday 7:30PM, Friday - Saturday 8:00PM, matinee November 25 2:00PM

$14.00 Adults, $9.00 Students/Seniors (Parking in the lot of your choice: $5.00)

Box Office: 905-569-4739 or www.theatreerindale.com

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