Garrison Little Theatre also welcomes critiques
(good or bad) from our audiences!
See the COMMENTS page on this website.
Excerpt from The Fort Erie Post, April 2010 by Richard Hutton
The passion GLT has for presenting live theatre is clearly evident in the quality of the productions. One can only look forward to what the 25th anniversary year will bring.
As it turned out, Perfect Wedding was a perfect ending to the Garrison Little Theatre's 2009-10 season. There's an old saying in show business that says to leave 'em laughing and that's exactly what GLT did last Friday... Director Pat Joynes promised laughs when she spoke about the show during rehearsals and she delivered, bringing out the best comic instincts in the six-member cast. Valerie Winslow is suitably befuddled as the chambermaid but she also seems to be the one character with a smattering of common sense. Ryan Lunn's Bill is played with a sense of urgency that emphasizes his panicky state, while Robert Boitor nearly steals the show as Tom, the best man who struggles to keep up with Bill's coverup of his undercover activities the night before. Emma Cuneo as Judy, the mystery woman, and Kelsey Jagiello as bride-to-be Rachel both deliver solid performances, as well. Marie Hoyle, as the mother-in-law, is delightfully anoying. She conjures up thoughts of a character from another Britcom - Keeping Up Appearances' Hyacinth Bucket, as played by Patricia Routledge...
March 2010
Oh my god, I don't know if the plays can get any better. This one (Animal Magnetism) was outstanding. I am lost for words how good this one was . . . BRAVA!!! . . .
Donna S.
Excerpt from the Fort Erie Post, February 2010 by Richard Hutton
GLT's Animal Magnetism lives up to its promises
... director Lee Moffatt promised a "playground of fun". Did he and his cast of characters manage to deliver on that promise? Yes - and in spades. Animal Magnetism presented a perfect opportunity for Moffatt to inject his love for physical comedy, and the cast, GLT newcomer Chris Corner in particular, embraced the idea... Corner's role as Paul was a physically demanding one, full of running, dancing, pratfalls and face-plants. Tina Chivers was also outstanding in her role of the overly-stressed (veterinarian) Joy, caught up in circumstances beyond her control. Animal control officer Clive (Dan Bennett) was secretly kidnapping animals and stashing them at Joy's clinic and to top things off, Joy's divorced parents, mother Susan (Zdenka Cole) and father John (Ron Mottloa), both decide to stop in for a visit... Joy is stuck entertaining a mom she can never please and a dad she badly wants to please... In fact, Animal Magnetism seems to be a story of hidden agendas. Man-hungry Susan sets her eyes on Paul, while Paul catches on to Clive's animal napping plot. Joy meanwhile, introduces Clive as her husband in order to please her father. Enter Katey Campbell as police officer Diane. The befuddled officer is closing in on Clive, although you get the sense she doesn't even realize it. All the while, she becomes smitten with John. Some of Campbell's best work comes when she is not speaking... Animal Magnetism was penned by Simon Joynes... it is fast-paced with some of the best action coming in the background of scenes, particularly when Susan is finally able to get her hands on Paul.
December 2009
Hello GLT! Moon over Buffalo was my first experience at your shows. I thought the meal was fantabulous and the play blew me away. It was great. Can't wait till the next one, I've got tickets for the 3 shows this year. Good Job!
Beatrice G.
Excerpt from The Fort Erie Post, November 2009
by Richard Hutton
Ken Ludwig's Moon Over Buffalo draws laughs for GLT
"Buffalo is like Scranton without the charm." That line, delivered by the character of Ethel, brought about the first of many laughs provided by Garrison Little Theatre's production of Moon Over Buffalo... The hard-of-hearing Ethel, played by Pat Joynes, displayed a genuine crabbiness and a great sense of comic timing that almost stole the show from the central cast. And that may have been the case if it weren't for Lee Moffatt's portrayal of George... the play draws many laughs, especially from Moffatt's portrayal, particularly in the second act when he spent all his time on stage in a state of inebriation, which was genuine and passionate. Charlotte (his wife), played by Pat Crimmins, is furious over learning that George has not only had an affair with Eileen (Monique Ransom)... but that Eileen is also pregnant. When Charlotte learns of an impending visit by film director Frank Capra... she puts off leaving George for Richard, a lawyer played by Ian MacGregor. So blinded is Charlotte that she even mistakes her daughter Rosalind's geeky fiancee, Howard, for the legendary director. And when George, in his drunken stupor, disappears, Charlotte is mortified. Even when George is finally located, she is adamant that the show must go on. George's condition, however, makes for comical results. Then there is Paul, Rosalind's former boyfriend played by Vince Marinaccio. Paul clearly wants her back but Rosalind, played by Darka Makarec, displays an authentic disdain for all things theatre. She is quite content to pursue a career in advertising and settle into life with Howard, a local weatherman. At least that's what we are led to believe.... Moon Over Buffalo is a fast-paced comedy that keeps the audience in stitches. There is never a dull moment with the entire cast helping to keep the laughs going.
Excerpt from The Fort Erie Post, May 2009
by Melinda Cheevers
Garrison Little Theatre's production of Perils of Persephone sent their 2008/2009 season off with a bang... beautifully acted by a talented cast (Editor's note: including a fresh performance by a newcomer, Zane Scott)... kept its audience captivated and laughing throughout... Marie Hoyle (Marj) was masterful portraying the country wife who married Eldon (Derek Joynes, co-director) for the view from his window. Rachel Moses played the intelligent daughter and brought an innocence to the role. Dave Reid captured the attention of the audience in his role as the rough around the edges farmer brother... In the role of Minister of the Environment Henry Burford, Reynaldo Baecher did a fantastic job as a well-meaning politician... he and Pat Crimmins (Skip Fuller) played off each other like they'd been acting together for years.
Excerpt from The Fort Erie Times, February 2009
by Kris Dubé
Laughter and delicious pasta... what else can you ask for? A couple of weeks ago, I attended the opening night of Garrison Little Theatre (GLT)'s most recent production "A Nice Family Gathering" at the Italo-Canadian Club. This certainly wasn't the first GLT production I've attended, but I particularly enjoyed this one. Part of it might revolve around the fact that the story deals with awkward situations within families, and I brought both my parents along with me. But mostly, I enjoyed it because of how consistently I laughed throughout the night, and at times was moved by the dramatic performances from some cast members. There were familiar faces I've see in pretty much every other GLT play I've been an audience member for, and there were new people I've never seen before... all of them exceptional.
February 2009
Wow! Family Gathering is a wonderful play, and this was a fine production of it. The cast was consistently good, and the many laughs were happy ones. The whole production seemed to flow faultlessly without effort or error. Congratulations and thanks to all for a delightful evening.
Edward R.
February 2009
Just had to send you a quickie message to say WOW! Attended yesterday’s matinee and the play was fabulous! An incredible cast and I have to say that Ryan Lunn is a natural, taking such command of his role, it was absolutely priceless. This performance will remain fresh in my mind for a long time. Thank you for an amazing afternoon. BRAVO GLT!!!
Beth H.
February 2009
I would like to say, we have had season ticket's for the past 3 years and I think this was the BEST one yet.
Ryan (Lunn) and Zdenka (Cole) were such naturals. All were great but those 2 need to pat themselves on the back for a job
well done. Hope to see Ryan in more of your performances. Thanks again for the great entertainment!
Donna S.
February 2009
Clearly the star of A Nice Family Gathering was the ghost of a deceased doctor skillfully played by Edward Cook, whose comedic timing elevated the play beyond light comedy. The ghost returns to save his wealthy widow, solidly played by Zdenka Cole, from a womanizing hustler whose manic stage presence was quite irritating.
Several adult children do a lot of whining about their now deceased father who they felt paid more attention to his medical practice and his golf game, and too little attention to their needs. Though the play can be seen at a simple level of comic sketch, an underlying message is the bonus take-home nudge to us all to appreciate the father who worked too hard and died too young, a man who expressed his love and caring by giving his family financial ease and privilege in place of time. It's a real wake up call for positive appreciation of anyone who might express love differently than you yourself do.
A Nice Family Gathering, cleverly written by Phil Olson, opened to an audience rendered lethargic from a delicious but very heavy meal of course after course of salad and Marie's fabulous breads, pasta with sauce, sausages and meatballs, fried chicken, potatoes and vegetables, pastries and coffee that took forever to serve and clear. All that plus beer and wine. If the meal was served sooner and more efficiently it would likely result in an eager fresher audience primed to enjoy a lively production.
Garrison Little Theatre delivered a very good production!
Pat H.
September 2008
"You deserve all the compliments that you get... you do a great job.
I also want to thank you for sending us our season tickets.
I know how much work you and your committee put into making sure
everyone got their tickets and in our case also the table that we requested.
Thanks again. Keep smiling."
Carm Losi
June 2008
Last week, theatre buffs in Fort Erie were treated to a knee-slapping performance from the Faringdon Dramatic Society, a theatre troupe from Oxfordshire, England, who performed Richard Harris' "The Outside Edge". The play is based around the sometimes confusing sport of cricket, but that didn't stop the audience from understanding the plethora of comedic richness within the production. The England based theatre group was brought here by Garrison Little Theatre.
The Fort Erie Times
April 2008
Dear Garrison Little Theatre!
Thank you for Caught in the Net - we loved it!
We will go again. The play was the best. Great comedy.
Food was 4 stars out of 4 stars.
Coffee - needs work!
Anonymous
Excerpt from The Fort Erie Times, April 2008
by Millicent Simonics
Latest Garrison Little Theatre play a hit
Garrison Little Theatre's performance at the Italo-Canadian Club was a hit last Friday. All the tables and tummies were full. The play, Caught in the Net, by Ray Cooney, was full of mystery, excitement, laughs and a great meal prepared by Maria's Catering.... What better way to top a great meal off than an excellent show, with great performances by Fort Erie's finest. Emma Cuneo, the youngest member of the cast, gave a brilliant show as Vicki Smith, a 15-year old girl who stumbles onto some exciting information on the Internet. When she begins to unravel the mystery, a hilarious scenario is unveiled, bringing in the side-splitting experiences of Carole Ferriday, Drew Belanger, Vince Marinaccio, Don Bracikowski and Marie and Doug Hoyle. Two thumbs up to everyone, including the production crew and kitchen staff. We ate until our stomachs hurt, and laughed until they burst in such a great night with GLT...
Excerpt from The Fort Erie Times, January 2008
by Kris Dubé
Garrison Little Theatre performs edge-of-your-seat murder mystery
Who would've thought a casual dinner at the Italo-Canadian Club would consist of so much lust and murderous jealousy?... Throughout the play, the entire audience sat on the edge of their chairs, guessing all the way until the end, as to who was Dr. John Christow's (Giorgio Fragnito) murderer... Pretty much every character in the play can be considered a suspect at some point through the story, which means GLT's rendition of "The Hollow" was orchestrated without hardly any flaws. The show is full of diverse characters, clever humour and anxiousness to find out who the real killer is.
Excerpt from Faringdon Folly & Diary, England, November 2007
By Al Cane
LEND ME A TENOR:
Garrison theatre company from Canada seeks exchange with similar English company. Likes travel. Good sense of humour essential.
…The chief character is Italian opera star Tito Merelli, “Il Stupendo”, who arrives just in time for a one-ff sell-out performance… A host of coincidences, misunderstandings, double entendres and innuendoes abound, leading towards a farcical ending. The opera star, played by Chuck Jagiello, overdoses on tranquilizers, is taken for dead and in an attempt to cover up, his understudy and company gopher Max, played by Vince Marinaccio, takes his place. He was excellent and reminded me of Gene Wilder, in his role in the original film of “The Producers”… Strong performances from the rest of the cast, including Saunders, the general manager, played by Derek Joynes, Maria Merelli (Maxine Simons) and Diana (Joyce Stark). Performances were well attended and there is no doubt that the audience thoroughly enjoyed the show. They rolled with the jokes and sat in anticipation of the next one coming along….
Letter to the Editor, The Times, November 2007
KUDOS TO GLT AND FESS
Dear Editor,
Wow! I just want to say a big “thank you” to all of the students and staff from Fort Erie Secondary School, that partnered with the Garrison Little Theatre to host a most enjoyable evening. I was a little apprehensive about a venue change, but how delightful it was. The students did an excellent job looking after the audience members and if Maria’s had not done their usual great job of filling us up, my table would have all asked for more of the student prepared dessert. The GLT team did its usual great job of bringing us a great evening of arts and laughter. To all involved I would like to give my heart felt thanks.
Kim Vandervoet, Ridgeway
Excerpt from letter from Brenda Kamino, writer for Equity Quarterly,
April 2007
SELF HELP
It was an entertaining and at times very funny show with some solid acting from a committed cast who all but threw themselves into their roles. I really enjoyed being in an audience that had such a great time, who picked up every nuance and wholeheartedly went on the entire journey. I particularly enjoyed Zdenka Cole who played Bernice, whose experience was evident and my friend Reynaldo Baecher, whose work was clear, clean, direct and simple… I give credit to the dedication of the entire cast and director who put together a tough style (farce) in a short rehearsal time. Thanks for a great afternoon of theatre. Bravo Garrison Little Theatre!
Excerpt from The Review, November 1989
By Monica Trombley
GARRISON PLAYERS BREATHE LIFE INTO BELIEVABLE PACK OF LIES
Garrison Little Theatre opened Friday with an evening that was truly complete and can be described in no less glowing terms than delicious, fulfilling, believable and heartwrenching… The superb ensemble of local talent breathed life into Hugh Whitemore’s “Pack of Lies”, a story of a family suffering with the moral dilemma of love of country verses love of neighbor… Pat and Derek Joynes gave such an arresting performance as Bob and Barbara Jackson that tears were shed by the audience. Patricia Near and Vince Marinaccio portray Helen Kroger and Mr. Stewart, respectively, with truly exceptional flair… “Pack of Lies” was a great production with good direction and a strong cast.
Excerpt from The Tribune, April 1989
By Marnie Coles
FRANTIC FARCE IN FORT ERIE
Move Over Mrs. Markham is farce at its most frantic… satire at its most biting… and theatre at its most beguiling. Laine Ehrhardt and Grant Ehrhardt make the ideal Joanna and Philip Markham. Laine’s acting is impeccable and she exhibits a dead-on sense of timing in her hilarious lines. Grant gives a riotous display of enthusiasm, energy and invention, portraying the suspicious husband. Dan Bennett adds comedic spice as Henry Lodge… Laurie Watson gave comic relief as the bubble-headed Linda Lodge. Chuck Jagiello literally stole the show with his madcap and exceptionally fine, physical and verbal performance of the wonderful interior decorator Alistair Spenlow. Jenn Standring looks good as she portrays Sylive, Alistair’s “Goose”… Rick Nigh comes off marvelously as the befuddled paramour Walter Pangbourne and Brenda Bennett performs with every inch of herself in her cameo role of the scantily dressed Miss Wilkinson… Marie Hoyle as Miss Olive Harriet Smythe is suitably daffy – a real detonation of comic virtuosity… There is a genuine madness about this farce. And director Pat Joynes uses a light-handed and funny treatment to make Move Over Mrs. Markham’s logic inexorable.
Excerpt from The Times, October 1988
By Karen Audet
“DEATH TRAP” CAPTIVATES AUDIENCE
A delightful performance of Ira Levin’s “Death Trap” and contented appetites, courtesy of Maria’s Catering, left a near-capacity audience thoroughly satisfied… Rick Nigh portrays Sidney Bruhl, a down-on-his-luck playwright… his character is brought to life through Mr. Nigh’s inspiring performance. Clifford Anderson, a young and aspiring playwright (played by Gary Pooler, enlivens many a scene adding more than a dash of excitement to the unsuspecting audience. Sidney’s fragile wife Myra (played by Cristy Spencer), family lawyer Porter (played by Chuck Jagiello) and visiting psychic Helga Ten Dorp (played by Patricia Near), add wit, sarcasm and many unexpected twists to rivet the audience’s attention. Directed by Dan Bennett and produced by Derek Joynes, “Death Trap” is a well-performed, suspenseful thriller, laced with humour.
Excerpt from The Tribune, April 1988
By Marnie Coles
STRONG CAST IN “ON GOLDEN POND”
… by any standards, On Golden Pond is a fine piece of writing… The cast is mostly strong – Derek Joynes as Norman, is able to move seamlessly from downright bitterness to outright comedy, and he exhibits a dead-on sense of timing in his delivery. Pat Joynes as Ethel is almost equally good, reaching for and finding a character of rare strength. Their chemistry is right. Walter Gaverluk makes his acting debut with relaxed confidence, his portrayal of 13-year-old Billy Ray is a hammy masterpiece. And as Bill Ray Sr., Grant Ehrhardt shows a nice range of emotional levels. Dan Bennett as Charlie the postman shows skill and a keen sense of fun in the making of his character. Under the direction of Chuck Jagiello, the play starts slowly, but the pace soon picks up as the actors make the most of the outrageous and often hilarious lines.
