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Submitted by: Jason Freeze

– Jamie Stephens, Event coordinator.

A celebration of women in comedy, Those Damn Divas is coordinated byJamie Stephens Events and was held in support of the Brant Community Healthcare System Foundation.

Hosted by Andrew Johnston who opened the show with his quick wit and charm, causing the audience to laugh and clap and readied them for an evening full of laughter. A few pokes at Jamie, a little about how sorry he was, and how he was sorry for being sorry, a robot babysitter, and it was time for the first act. Cara Connors took to the stage and took control. Sharing stories of the trials and tribulations of teaching first grade; the audience was in stitches. Next up was Nour Hadidi. She started with a story about her heritage and the challenge of having a name that might not be familiar. She moved into relationship stories and the pressures of Arab parents from across the world; the crowd loved every moment of it. Then it was time for Sara Hennessey. No stranger to the stage, she shared stories of her day-to-day life and the humorous situations she finds herself in, with the audience giggling and snorting the entire time.

After a short intermission the laughs began again. Candice Gregoris grabbed the mic and began by recalling a recent trip to the dentist. You can be assured that caused a roar, but the story she shared from her childhood, not only entertained the crowd, but ended with a twist that caused them to audibly gasp and try to retain their laughter. Zabrina Chevannes led the show into its final chapter, capturing the audience’s attention and causing ripples of laughter to erupt. She started with a recent real estate story and then went into tales of her life as a mom and the fun she is able to have raising kids.

Each and every act was a one-of-a-kind experience that you’d just have to witness. I’d highly recommend you try to catch each comedian live or simply Be Seen at the next Those Damn Divas.

Submitted by: Joshua Wall
Photography Dean Ellis

To see more of Dean’s work please visit: DellisartPhotographix

Jan has recently had a nervous breakdown, so her husband Greg has rented an old farmhouse in the country where she can recover. When George, their jovial farmer landlord, tells stories about a terrible murder that once took place in the farmhouse and the ghost that reputedly stalks the night, Jan’s imagination run wild. After Laura, Greg’s manipulative step-sister arrives, Jan soon finds herself tormented by strange sounds in the night, and visions of the vengeful ghost. Is she having another breakdown? When she tries to defend herself from this apparition, events take an unexpected turn in a night of unimaginable suspense.

Peter Colley’s roller-coaster play contains the kind of stomach-dropping twists that will make you hoot with laughter even as you clutch your theater companion’s sleeve. There’s something scratching at the window behind those dusty draperies, and finding out what horror lurks is all part of this entertaining production’s fun.
Director Linda Lloyd-McKenzie says, “There are lots of sound effects, chilling ominous music and things that go bump in the night.” She says this play is a step in a different direction for PPT, which usually does comedies. “It’s a chilling suspenseful play.” She says she feels really good about the play and its cast. “They are really good to work with.”

McKenzie previously directed THE TOMORROW BOX by Anne Chislett and SELF-HELP by Norm Foster for Paris Performers’ and will direct HARVEST by Ken Cameron for their 2016-2017 Season.
Paris audiences will recognize veteran actors Jessica O’Connor as Jan, Roger Smith as Greg, and Deanna Stevens as Laura. Martin Smith, a newcomer to PPT, rounds out the cast as George.

O’Connor plays Jan, the character that much of the play’s actions centers around. She says, “This is the first play I have been in with PPT that doesn’t have the worked Love in it.” She was recently in LOVE, SEX AND THE I.R.S. and LOVE LOSS AND WHAT I WORE.

Roger Smith says he is happy to be back in another PPT spring production. He performed in GLORIOUS in 2015. “This play is a little out there for me, a little different,” he says.

Stevens says this is a play she almost wishes she wasn’t in because she wants to see it. “I am glad to be doing it,” she says. “I have never done a thriller.”

Martin Smith has done most of his work with ICHTHYS Theatre since he moved to the area almost four years ago. He most recently wrote/produced/directed THE OTHER NOISE for ICHTHYS.

“Although there are lines that need to be learned, acting is much easier,” he says. “I’m looking forward to working with them. (PPT)” He plays the friendly, amusing farmer neighbor who rents out the house to the couple.

Most PPT plays have various set challenges and this one is no exception. Set and Props people are working on a wood stove that blows up, windows that blow open, a serving hatch that crashes down and what is being described as a “contraption” …a spring loaded device that manages to break things on purpose.

I’LL BE BACK BEFORE MIDNIGHT runs May 27, 28, and June 2, 3, 4 at 8pm. Sunday matinees are May 29 and June 5 at 2pm with all performances in the Special Events Building at the Paris Fairgrounds. Tickets are $18 each, or $15 each for groups of 10 or more. Advance Tickets are available at Green Heron Books in downtown Paris, (beginning May 1) or may be reserved by phone at the box office: 519-302-0169. Tickets will also be available at the door. Doors open one hour prior to the performance so patrons can come early to view displays, visit the bar and purchase 50/50 tickets.

In keeping with their 25th Anniversary celebration, Paris Performers’ Theatre is offering a dinner/theatre package for the May 27th show with dinner catered by the Paris Agricultural Society at the Fairgrounds prior to the performance. As well, a brunch/theatre package in conjunction with Stillwaters Plate and Pour, Paris will be available for the June 5th matinee. Patrons are to brunch at Stillwaters, then come to see the play at the Fairgrounds. Tickets for both packages are $35 and must be purchased in advance.
Due to scenes with violence and risk, this show is not recommended for children under 16 years.
For more information, please visit: www.parisperformers.com

Make sure to Be Seen enjoying this local production!

Submitted by: Sandra L. Anderson
To see more of her work, please visit: Sandlyn Publishing