'That Summer' evokes memories, emotions

October 22, 2007 - 03:07

By Al Rivett

AJAX -- Memories flow like waves lapping up on the shores of Wolf Lake during 'That Summer', the newest StoneCircle Theatre offering set to debut next month.

From the pen of Canadian playwright David French, the play follows a woman's recollections of a summer vacation spent as a teenager on Willow Beach on the cottage-country lake. Those memories emanate from Margaret Ryan, the middle-aged main character who returns from Vermont to Wolf Lake with her granddaughter.

And, upon returning to the lake after a 32-year absence, those old memories return in pristine form for Margaret, played by Ajax actress Fran Stecyk, who not only portrays the principal character, but is also the narrator.

'That Summer' debuts on Thursday, Nov. 1 and continues on a three-week run at the Pickering Village theatre. There's one matinee performance scheduled for Sunday, Nov. 4.

Since first reading the script during the audition process, Stecyk's been a fan of the play, as it allows the audience to follow the past and present of the main character through her summer of love.

And, to Stecyk, the play evokes that emotional touchstone of a first love, something everyone can relate to.

"It's a beautiful play. I had never read it previous to the audition. I was in tears the first time I read the play. It really strikes close to your heart."

It's the first time for Stecyk in a StoneCircle production, making her debut in a play she notes is one of the most challenging in her career of treading the boards at local theatres. She admits she knew little of the theatre group until seeing one of its productions several years ago.

"I went to see one of their performances a couple of years ago called 'Orphans' and I was really impressed with it. A friend of mine was in it and we actors like to support each other. They had auditions for this season by invitation only. I was invited, I auditioned and they gave me the role," she says, adding she's been in rehearsals with the other cast members since September.

The play is a challenging one, notes Stecyk, not only because of the breadth and depth of the character she plays, but also for the sheer amount of dialogue and stage time she receives in the play. In fact, she's on the stage for almost the entire play.

"The more I work on it, the more I discover about it," explains Stecyk of the demanding role. "It was tapping into my personal memories as well. You bring all of that, everything you've lived in life, you bring it to the role."

The play also affords Stecyk the chance to work with StoneCircle artistic director Ken Bond, who's doing double duty as the director of 'That Summer'.

"He's amazing. You can tell he's worked on this play a lot. Every director has their own individual style. Ken is someone who wants you to create your own character. He just pulls from everyone, challenges everyone."

Stecyk notes she's surrounded by a strong cast, including Alyssa Mariano, who plays "mini me" or Margaret Ryan at age 17, and another longtime local actress, Heather Warkentin, who plays Mrs. Crump, a neighbour.

The StoneCircle Theatre is at 22 Sherwood Rd. W. in Pickering Village (Ajax), near Church Street and Kingston Road.

For more information, including curtain times and ticket prices, call 647-895-2015 or refer to the website www.stonecircletheatre.com.

FAST FACTS

WHAT: 'That Summer', written by David French, directed by Ken Bond

Where: StoneCircle Theatre, 22 Sherwood Rd., West (corner of Sherwood Road and Linton Avenue), Pickering Village (Ajax)

When: Nov. 1, 2, 3, 4, 8, 9, 10, 15, 16, 17. Matinee performance on Nov. 4.

Who: Cast - Alyssa Mariano (Margaret Ryan at 17), Hilary Laan (Daisy Ryan, Margaret's 16-year-old sister), Jack Ryan (Ray Porrill), Jennelle Riddell (Caitlin, Margaret's granddaughter), Ryan Coons (Paul Wyatt, Margaret's first love), Heather Warkentin (Mrs. Crump).

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