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ince our move to Muskoka 8 years ago we have directed and/or performed in a number of productions. Although it may seem as if we are “stacking the deck”, our reviews, so far, have been consistently positive. Sadly, this has not always been the case…
“I’m sure Mr. Colgate will be as painful in whatever role he undertakes”
The Varsity – U of T’s Student Newspaper, 1977
What doesn’t kill ya…
BILLY BISHOP GOES TO WAR
(by John Gray & Eric Peterson)
‘Billy Bishop Goes to War’ was the finest piece of theatre I have ever seen, bar none… Truly, a “tour de force”.
Janet LaFortuneaudience member, Showplace Performance Centre, Peterborough
“… a big thanks for such a tremendous evening. It was a pleasure to be there, to see William Colgate inhabit and bring Billy Bishop to life… to experience the play as a whole with all of Joan Bendon’s (the director) deft attention to details of design, staging, and performance… I’ve done many things over my life to honour the Veterans of both WW I & II. Attending this show has been a high point.”
Gail CarrGail Carr Casting, toronto
“The show was riveting! To call it a success would be a great understatement. The Midland audience is very discerning and the standing ovation enjoyed by the talented and on-point cast said it all. Great team, tremendous cast, and a totally engaging performance all around.”
Eugene ReaGeneral Manager and Artistic Director Midland Cultural Centre
SHAKESPEARE: A MOST RARE VISION
(by Williams Shakespeare & Colgate)
“Yesterday, we had the chance to see Bill Colgate’s new show ‘Shakespeare: A Most Rare Vision’… it demystifies Shakespeare’s work with laughter and relevance… I loved it! If you’re in Muskoka, see this!”.
Jesse CollinsArtistic Director, Orillia Opera House
“Who says we can’t enjoy great theatre in the middle of a pandemic? Bill Colgate’s one-man romp through Shakespeare’s works is delightful… Whether you’re a serious Shakespeare fan or you haven’t thought about the plays since high school, you’ll love this show.”
Andrew Wagner ChazalonEditor/CEO of Dockside Magazine
ART
(staged reading)
(by Yazmina Reza)
“Other actors could have staged a witty evening of fun but these artists made it a masterpiece.
Sheila Penningtonaudience member
THE GENTLEMAN CLOTHIER
(at The Orillia Opera House)
(by Norm Foster)
“… an absolutely delightful production of a play that ranks among playwright Norm Foster’s best works…out loud funny… William Colgate is magnificent… Joan Bendon is delightful… (she) brings a superb mix of gravity and jollity to the stage”
Andrew Wagner Chazaloncritic, Orillia
ON A FIRST NAME BASIS
(by Norm Foster)
“… an AMAZING performance. So much laughter and fun, along with some solemn moments making this a terrific play which we will highly recommend around the community! Well Done!”
Brenda RussellAutumn Leaves Senior Centre Baysville
“I had the pleasure of seeing my first Norm Foster play last Friday in Bracebridge, Ontario. The play was under the able direction of Ms. Joan Bendon and featured two very excellent actors… In comedy, timing is everything and kudos to the actors, and especially to Ms. Bendon.”
Don Richardsonaudience member, Toronto
LOVE LETTERS
(staged reading)
(by A.R. Gurney)
“When I understood that ‘Love Letters’ was a play with no set or costumes and was intended to be read, I had my doubts. Boy, was I wrong! It was as wonderful and riveting an evening of theatre as I have ever experienced. Joan Bendon and William Colgate were absolutely marvelous! It’s amazing what the printed word can achieve when in the hands of two professionals such as these.”
Janie Fedosoffaudience member, Dorset, ON
“I’ve never been a big theatre goer but I just might change my tune. Love Letters was FANTASTIC!”
Alan Bradyaudience member, Bowmanville, ON