BEARD a few moments in the life of Roy McDonald
by Jason Rip
Insight into well known Londoner Roy McDonald
A new version of the 1999 play “BEARD a few moments in the life of Roy McDonald” by London writer Jason Rip will open AlvegoRoot Theatre Company’s 2012 Season. It will be presented at The ARTS Project Theatre, 203 Dundas Street from March 2 to 10. The play tells the story of one of London Ontario’s most enigmatic and loved residents the poet and conversationalist Roy McDonald.
Roy McDonald is famous for his long white braided beard and almost bursting shopping bags which he always carries has with him. “BEARD: A FEW MOMENTS IN THE LIFE OF ROY MCDONALD was originally written in 1999 and received its first production in December of 2000. BEARD chronicles the seventy-three year saga of poet and philosopher, a gentle, esoteric man who has always danced to his own drum-beat. From the Woodstock Festival to the Occupy Movement, from class clown to drunkard to guru, Roy McDonald is a rumpled sage, a bushy bard, and a personification of London itself.
The production will be directed by AlvegoRoot founding artistic director Adam Corrigan Holowitz.
“Roy McDonald is in my mind a very warm, playful and caring person. He is unique from anyone else. People can connect to him by his love of life, play and his observations from watching (and being present sometimes) for more then 70 years of history. ” – Adam Corrigan Holowitz
AlvegoRoot favourite CHRIS McAULEY will play the title role Roy McDonald. Mr. McAuley recently was nominated for a Brickenden Award for best solo performance for last season’s “Harmfulness of Tobacco”.
Cast: Chris McAuley, Harry Edison, Patsy Morgan, Greg Mate
Also in repertory with BEARD will be AlvegoRoot’s 2011 hit MANOR PARK by Adam Corrigan Holowitz which will play March 3,10 and June 2 at 12:30 prior to matinee performances. The play tells of Holowitz’s childhood school and neighborhood and examines childhood, neighborhoods and education.
AlvegoRoot Theater Company produces international classical works and local plays about London and its surrounding area.
PRESS CONTACT
For more information or to set up and interview please contact: ADAM CORRIGAN HOLOWITZ
Phone: 519-649-2060
Cell: 519-615-2210
e-mail:
THE BASICS
BEARD a few minutes in the life of Roy McDonald by Jason Rip
When: March 2,3,7,8,9,10 at 8pm
March 3,10 at 2pm
Location: The ARTS Project Theatre
203 Dundas Street
BOX OFFICE:519-642-2767
Director Adam Corrigan Holowitz
Set Designer George Smallman
Lighting Designer Stephen Mitchell
Production Manager Kim Kaitell
Performance times:
March 2,3,7,8,9,10 at 8pm
March 3,10 at 2pm
Beard Tickets: $15
MANOR PARK
[Lunch Time One Act Play, Prior to Beard matinees, March 3,10 @ 12:30pm]
by Adam Corrigan-Holowitz
4 and a Half Stars- London Free Press
A HIT FROM OUR 2011 SEASON RETURNS!
MDJ writes to his friend Adam about his urban, but quite, blue collar neighborhood of Manor Park. A joyous and absurd place where humanity and creativity reign. The neighborhood revolves around the neighborhood school, a small place that cares not for the pressures of the school board. Fallow among others: a pair of very young lovers, a boy’s taxi service and an elderly women in her last days on earth.
A gentle comedic look at what a natural life might be. That also examines the how we educate children. All in a gorgeous world created through a series of letters, preformed by a sole performer.
Director John Turner
Designer Sue Parke
Lighting Designer Stephen Mitchell
Stage Manager Nate Crocker
Performed by
Adam Corrigan-Holowitz
Performance times:
March 3,10 June 2 at 12:30 pm
Manor Park Tickets: $10 or $20 for MANOR PARK and either BEARD or ENDGAME
For more info see AlvegoRoot’s website
