Rehearsals are in full swing for the Elliot Lake Amateur Theatre Ensemble’s (ELATE) 2024 production, Tik Tok & Tea, which features two one-act plays.
Leading the production team is David Black, producer, Twyla Nicholson, stage manager, Jan Boehler, assistant stage manager, Doug Robinson and Joel Haszard in charge of lighting, and Jay Albert in charge of sound.
The first play, Between Friends, written by Linda Morgan of Lively and directed by Astrid Turner, involves four characters. It is a “satiric comedy that portrays the foibles of social media and its users.”
The second play, Tea with Roger, written by Peter Paylor and directed by Murray Finn, has three characters and “will provide delightful pleasure for anyone who has been scammed or possibly victimized by a misogynist stalker.”
The actors in Between Friends are Katherine Makinson, Kim Williamson, Joyce Edwards and Doug Gwilt.
Makinson has the lead role as Brittany, an X-Blogger. She brings to the production a lot of acting experience, having started with ELATE in 2006, leaving town for other pursuits, then returning in 2021 and trying out for “Time Flies” and getting the lead role of May the Mayfly in 2023.
“I like my character,” said Makinson, referring to Brittany, “and I’m not going to let her down.”
Kim Williamson plays the part of Barbara, Brittany’s mother. Williamson started with ELATE in 2015 and has acted in five productions, including this year’s. She also did some acting in her twenties and worked on some musicals.
“My character is a go-getter on council and needs to be a go-getter even though she is retired,” said Williamson. “She would like her daughter to be better.”
Joyce Edwards, who plays Ashley, Brittany’s friend, said this is her first time acting. She said this character is totally different for her. “You have to be the mean girl… so this is a stretch for me. I’m stepping outside of my comfort zone and it’s been fun.”
Doug Gwilt, also new to acting, plays the part of Keith, Brittany’s boyfriend. Gwilt said he and his wife decided to get involved in amateur theatre as soon as they arrived in Elliot Lake in September. Gwilt’s wife, Debbie Landry, plays Joan in “Tea with Roger.”
Gwilt said he enjoys playing the boyfriend. “He’s cocky and misguided.”
Ruth MacDonald has the lead role in “Tea with Roger.” She said this is her second time acting with ELATE. “I was in last year’s play.” MacDonald, who “used to do a little theatre in Oshawa,” said her character as Mavis is “misguided and hurt that this guy would be… (dishonest.)”
Debbie Landry, who plays the part of Joan, Mavis’s friend, said this is her debut as an actor. “It’s so much fun and the group is awesome… and Murray is a great teacher.”
Martin Turner, who plays Roger, the cad who preys on women, said this is only his third time on stage. The audience does not see the character Roger as he remains hidden throughout the performance.
Director Murray Finn added that the role Martin Turner plays “is the hardest to play because it is a script with no lines on it.”
The total performance is being videotaped by an Elliot Lake Secondary School Grade 11 student, Shia Ogrins, who is doing the work for a school project.
“I’m going to make five to ten kinds of commercial videos promoting the production Tik Tok & Tea. The work will include videotaping, editing and creating interview questions.
Tik Tok & Tea opens on May 10 at Elliot Lake Secondary School and runs May 11, 24, 25, 31 and June 1. Tickets are now on sale at Alpine Flowers and Gifts (Paris Plaza) for $20 each (cash only) and will not be sold at the door.