Peter Colley: Playwright

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Peter Colley, "I'll be back before midnight", Playwight, interviewPeter wrote the play “I’ll Be Back Before Midnight” Canada’s most widely produced play that has grossed over 40 million world wide. He was nominated for the 2000 Humanitas Prize for screenwriting and was a semi-finalist for the 2006 and 2007 Eugene O’Neill playwriting awards.

We discuss Peter’s journey from the U.K. to London, Ontario, that led to his first box office hit “The Donnellys” at The Grand Theatre in London. Peter talks candidly about the dark days after his first hit and the odd jobs that drove him to write an even bigger box office hit “I’ll Be Back Before Midnight”.

Pontefract playhouse, firth, peter colleyTheatre is in Peter’s blood, he shares the story of his grandfather who owned the Pontefract theatre, in England, which dates back to the 1770’s. Peter recalls the period in time when variety acts would perform between films.

 

Show Notes
Peter Colley’s website
Drayton Entertainment
Pontefract Playhouse
Jeff Culbert Playwright/Director/Actor

Bethany Kovarik: Dancer

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Bethany Kovarik, Dancer, Dance Canada tour, crazy for you, ensemble swing Bethany Kovarik began dancing at the age of three. At the age of twelve she was travelling to New York City, and later Los Angeles, on dance scholarships.

Currently, Bethany is the ensemble swing in the Stratford Festival production of “Crazy For You.” As a swing, Bethany fills in anytime an ensemble member can’t perform. We discuss what it feels like to be prepared to perform every night, but rarely getting the chance.

Bethany also opens up about her teenage years and the rigorous world of dance competitions.

In 2010 Bethany graduated from Sheridan College’s three-year, music performance program.

Since then she’s been dancing on stages across Canada, including including Toronto’s Young People’s Theatre, London’s Grand Theatre, Calgary’s Stage West and several Drayton Entertainment productions.

Bethany Kovarik is a coordinator of the Dance Canada competition and pageant. She is also passionate about inspiring and educating others, especially young dancers, to live their highest and best self.

Links From the Podcast
Sheridan College Bachelor of Music Theatre Performance

Reviews of Stratford’s “Crazy For You.

Stratford’s “Crazy For You” on YouTube

Jim Mezon: Actor, Director

Jim mezon, interview, podcast, shaw festival

Jim Mezon has performed in over 30th seasons at the Shaw Festival, one of North America’s most celebrated theatre festivals.

We discuss his journey that began with him working as a theatre janitor in Winnipeg to becoming a respected actor, director and educator.

Artists, generally speaking, don’t follow the timelines of societal norms around big life decisions like getting married, buying a home & starting a family. In this episode I talk with Jim about how I waited until my 40’s to get married and start a family. Jim mentions he started a family later in life too and speaks candidly about the impact of having a child in his 50’s.

We also talk about the next generation of actors & how they are different than previous generations.

Show Notes
The Shaw Festival
My website Shaw Festival Reviews
Don Ziraldo