Show pic

The Long Weekend (Nov. 2009 - Dinner Theatre)

Written by
Norm Foster
Directed by
Rita Huschka

The hilarious truths and deceptions of a friendship come to the surface during a weekend visit between two couples. Humorous and richly-drawn characters deal with plenty of surprises and plot twists along the way in this biting and inventive comedy of manners.

Produced by special arrangement with Samuel French (Canada) Limited.

Director's Notes

It is always a pleasure to work with ETC and this production is no exception. I was unfamiliar with “The Long Weekend” when it was suggested, but was sure it would fly as it’s by Canadian playwright, Norm Foster. His work is unique, insightful and always humorous.

The cast and crew of this production are a talented and eager group. There are old friends here and some new ones which makes this production even more exciting. Fresh faces are always welcome. No production succeeds without a dedicated crew and we have the best at ETC. Many thanks to all the folk you do not see, who have made this production so effective and so much fun. Thanks also to my cast who have taught me much about directing and human nature.

Theatre is a reflection of our society, whether good or bad. It allows us to see ourselves, situations and human reaction to circumstance, inadvertent and deliberate. In this case, I hope it allows us to laugh at ourselves. We’re told love and happiness are our ultimate goals in life but, more importantly, who’s paying for the Pina Coladas?

Stop thinking about work, let go of the stress, take a sip of wine and enjoy the show.

Rita Huschka – Director

Corporate Christmas Party nights available Dec. 3,4,5. Please email Gord at gord@huskyfarm.ca

Show times

Friday
November 13, 2009
07:00PM
Dinner Theatre
Saturday
November 14, 2009
07:00PM
Dinner Theatre
Sunday
November 15, 2009
05:00PM
Dinner Theatre
Thursday
November 19, 2009
08:00PM
Theatre Seating
Friday
November 20, 2009
07:00PM
Dinner Theatre
Saturday
November 21, 2009
07:00PM
Dinner Theatre
Sunday
November 22, 2009
05:00PM
Dinner Theatre
Thursday
November 26, 2009
08:00PM
Theatre Seating
Friday
November 27, 2009
07:00PM
Dinner Theatre
Saturday
November 28, 2009
07:00PM
Dinner Theatre
Sunday
November 29, 2009
05:00PM
Dinner Theatre



Cast and Crew

Joe  Brenner
Joe Brenner
Character: Max
Joe is a life time member of ETC and was last seen on stage as the unsure rookie John McConnell in The Fire Inside. Joe has had a gamut of jobs at ETC, including acting, bartending, president, producer, sound operator, and stage-managing. Joe would like to thank his wife Allison for her unwavering support of his time consuming hobbies. Joe owns a window washing business in the 9 to 5 world and enjoys playing guitar and socializing.
Deb  Deckert
Deb Deckert
Character: Wynn Trueman
One of the founding members of ETC Deb has been involved in almost every production in our twenty-eight year history. Deb was last seen on our stage as Rhonda Lynn in last year's dinner show Christmas Belles. She also directed our spring show The Fire Inside and assisted with make-up for The Second Time Around.

Deb has worked with other groups in the area including Galt Little Theatre's 75th Anniversary Show last spring, Touch and Go this past summer with Hillsburg's Century Church Theatre, and portrayed Janet McCrae in the Guelph Museums' Spirit Walk this fall.

Deb is really looking forward to her next big project, directing our spring musical The Lady Pirates of Captain Bree!

Cathy  Judd
Cathy Judd
Character: Abby Nash
Theatre is Cathy’s passion which she shares with husband Robb.

Cathy has been involved on and off-stage in local community theatres for over 25 years. Her roots are in ETC, where she shared the role of Miss Casewell in Elmira’s first production, Mousetrap. In 1993 Cathy directed ETC’s production of Norm Foster’s Opening Night which won Best Production at Theatre Ontario’s province-wide Festival.

Selected credits include Margaret in Galt Little Theatre’s Money and Friends (nominated for Best Actress in a Major Role, WODL Pre-Festival 2007); On Golden Pond, director, Galt Little Theatre; Helga, in Guelph Little Theatre’s Bedfull of Foreigners (nominated for Best Actress in a Supporting Role, WODL Festival 2008); Edna, Prisoner of Second Avenue, Guelph Little Theatre; Linda, A Single Thing in Common, and Jeanette in Last of The Red Hot Lovers with Theatre In The Trees.

Cathy thoroughly enjoyed directing Elmira’s production of Christmas Belles last season. She is thrilled to be on-stage at Elmira working alongside the talented cast and crew of The Long Weekend.

Thom  Smith
Thom Smith
Character: Roger Nash
Thom Smith has only been with the Elmira Theatre Company for less than a year but has already thrown himself into every show since joining. His debut with Elmira was in Fire Inside where he played fire “Chief Nathan Cook.” From there he moved backstage to try his hand at props for Second Time Around. Now he is making his comedy debut as “Roger Nash” in Norm Foster’s The Long Weekend. Playing a neurotic, obsessive and slightly paranoid character shouldn’t be too hard for him; he is the father of teenagers. Thom is looking forward to his breakthrough comedic performance and hopes that audience enjoys it as well.
Rita  Huschka
Rita Huschka
Director
Rita is very happy to spend another dinner theatre with ETC – the best community theatre company in the world. As “Frankie” in last season’s “Christmas Belles”, she had far too much fun and was talked into directing, “The Long Weekend”.

A founding member of ETC, Rita flew the coop, working as an actor, award winning director, theatre advisor and general go to person for theatres in Scotland and the Turks and Caicos Islands for the past 15 years. She returned to direct the anniversary production of “Mousetrap” in ’05 and has been seen hanging around ever since.

Between indulging her passion for theatre, travelling and her beautiful grandchildren, Rita’s schedule is a little tight and she thanks Ben for his understanding and unwavering support. Rita would also like to thank Kade for his wonderful Oma kisses.

Sue  Rose
Sue Rose
Stage Manager
Sue jumped into community theatre in the 97-98 season and has never looked back!!! Having been involved onstage or off in over 30 productions, Sue loves her second home - E.T.C.!!!

This production of Norm Foster’s The Long Weekend, is Sue’s second opportunity as Stage Manager. She is thrilled to be working with such a well-respected and experienced Director as Rita Huschka. Thanks to the collaborative skills of our nearly 30 member cast and crew . . . in my biased opinion, this production could easily compete with the pros! Let us know what you think!

Outside of theatre, Sue is celebrating her 25th year as a specialist Teacher for Deaf and Hard of Hearing children with the Waterloo Region District School Board. With a “golden” addition to her family (Ayla), Sue is now anxious to get home from school or theatre to a warm and loving “welcome home”, each and every time she walks through that door!

Tracy  Leighton
Tracy Leighton
Assistant Stage Manager
Tracy is pleased to be joining the crew of The Long Weekend in a first time role as assistant stage manager. She has learned a lot, and is looking forward to 'calling' a show! Tracy has been involved with ETC for six years now and has had many roles, both onstage and off. Thanks to Rita for giving her the opportunity to learn a new role, and thanks to cast and crew for all their hard work. Enjoy the Show!
Bev  Dietrich
Bev Dietrich
Producer
Bev has been a member of ETC for many years and has worn many theatre hats which include stage manager (her favourite), props, assistant stage manager, house manager and the list goes on. Bev most recently served on the ETC executive and was chair of Minifest 2009.

Bev has also been on stage for musicals where there is “safety in numbers.” During the day, Bev is curator of Guelph Museums.

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