MILLBROOK — With a sociopolitical backdrop set in the 1920s and its leftist political movements, 4th Line Theatre is presenting its first production of the 2022 season: “The Great Shadow” from June 28 to July 23.

This comedy, which has been in development for five years, opens the 30th anniversary season of outdoor theatre at the Winslow Farm near Millbrook.

It’s the world premiere of Alex Poch-Goldin’s play based on the true story of an early film studio in Trenton. It is directed by Cynthia Ashperger with musical direction and original composition by Justin Hiscox.

“The Great Shadow” follows one man’s dream to build a film industry in Canada and a single mother’s search for love after the devastating loss of her husband in the First World War, all amidst the “Red Scare,” a period in Ontario’s history that promoted the idea that communism was going to destroy western democracy, according to a release from the theatre group.

The play’s title refers to a Canadian anti-Bolshevik propaganda film which was filmed at the Trenton studio.

“The play explores the world of 1920s Ontario,” explained managing artistic director Kim Blackwell. “But its commentary on the world’s geo-political influences on all of us feels like it could have been written about the world in 2022.”

Poch-Goldin said the play is about the dream of Trenton becoming Hollywood North and its short, but important, contribution to Canadian film history.

The small-town residents of Trenton clash with Hollywood well-known elite actors, along with gossip columnists Hedda Hopper and Louella Parsons, and international political figures of the time.

Poch-Goldin is the playwright of two other 4th Line Theatre productions:” The Right Road to Pontypool” and “The Bad Luck Bank Robbers.”

Seven actors will be make their 4th Line debut including M. John Kennedy as charismatic Hollywood actor Tyrone Power Sr., Julia Scaringi and Thomas Fourier as Maddy and Shane Donegal and Indigo Chesser (most recently seen as Molly in the Peterborough Theatre Guild production of “Annie”) as their daughter Sunny Donegal. Sochi Fried, Salvatore Scozzari and Robert Morrison round out the 4th Line newbies.

The Great Shadow also sees the return of nine 4th Line actors who, combined, have starred in 105 productions at the theatre: Colin Doyle, Matt Gilbert, Justin Hiscox, Mark Hiscox, Sarah McNeilly, Emma Meinhardt, Kelsey Powell, Madison Sheward and Shelley Simester.

Community volunteer actors include Freyja Adams, Jalen Brink, Peter Dolinski, Michael Field, Deirbhile MacQuarrie, Caoimhe MacQuarrie, Riordan MacQuarrie, Saoirse MacQuarrie and Siobhan MacQuarrie.

The creative team includes fight director Edward Belanger, choreographer Bill Coleman, costume designer Laura Delchiaro, set, props and sound designer Esther Vincent, and assistant director Katarina Fiallos.

The stage management team is Sarah Flanigan and Rachel LaChanse.

The first four performances on June 28, 29 and 30 and July 1 are previews. All shows are at 6 p.m. and run from Tuesday to Saturday. The opening night gala is July 2 with a dinner and silent auction. There are limited tickets for it priced at $140.

Tickets, gift certificates and picnics for all productions can be purchased by phone at 705-932-4445 or toll-free at 1-800-814-0055, at 4th Line Theatre’s Box Office at 4 Tupper St. in Millbrook or online at 4thlinetheatre.on.ca/

SHARE: