Summer theatre production returning as fundraiser in Colchester
- Ron Giofu
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
Summer theatre is returning to a Colchester church thanks to the Inspired Acting Lab and Heritage Colchester.
“Talley’s Folly” will be presented July 16-19 and July 23-26 at Christ Anglican Church in Colchester as a fundraiser for Heritage Colchester. The latter group is trying to renovate the historic Colchester Schoolhouse, which is located across the street from the church.
Director Lionel Walsh said the play was written by American playwright Lanford Wilson and it is set in Lebanon, Missouri near the end of World War II. The play centers around characters Sally Talley and Matt Friedman – to be played locally by actors Meaghen Quinn and Carl Gambacort – and a romance they had and the circumstances around it.
“He met her and they had seven dates in seven days,” said Walsh. “He goes back to St. Louis. She’s on her way to becoming a spinster. He writes her and she tries to shut it down. This is the beginning of them getting back together.”
Quinn said the play is about “two misfits trying to break social constructs, be together and take a risk.”
Walsh said the play is a prequel to one of Wilson’s other works, “The Fifth of July.”
“It won a Pulitzer,” added Quinn.
“Talley’s Folly” is described as a comedy with serious and poignant undertones. Walsh said he enjoys presenting summer theatre that is uplifting but has a message, not “frivolous comedy.” The play will “tug at your heartstrings” but will elicit laughter as well. Walsh said it “fits the formula” of what he tries to present.
“There’s a message of hope,” said Quinn.
Walsh added he has enjoyed Wilson’s writing for a long time, adding he decided to do “Talley’s Folly” after directing another Wilson piece in his Inspired Acting Lab. The lab is through the University of Windsor.
This is the fifth year the Inspired Acting Lab has partnered with Heritage Colchester. Walsh said current and previous actors that have performed at Christ Anglican Church in Colchester have enjoyed how close the audience is to the performance. They also like the partnership with Heritage Colchester as they work well together.
“It’s the connection to the audience,” said Walsh. “I love an intimate space.”“It’s a real privilege to perform in this church,” said Quinn.
Gambacort also enjoys the location, stating they are lucky to be able to perform there.
“The small space lends very well to the creative atmosphere,” said Gambacort.
The play is 90 minutes and will also have a “talkback” session after the show. That has become a regular feature of the shows in Colchester, where the audience gets to speak with and ask questions of Walsh and the actors.
Walsh added they have already performed a scene from the play at the Harrowood Seniors Retirement Community and it went over well.
“They seemed to be delighted,” he said.
Following the performances in Colchester, the show will be taken to Kirkland Lake and be staged there.
The July 16-18 and July 23-25 shows (Thursday-Saturday performances) are at 7 p.m. while the July 19 and July 26 shows (Sunday shows) are at 2 p.m.
Tickets are $35 for adults, $31 for seniors and students. For tickets, e-mail events.heritagecolchester@gmail.com or call 519-790-9022.
Christ Anglican Church Colchester is located at 190 Bagot St.
Summer theatre production returning as fundraiser in Colchester
By Ron Giofu