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"West Wylie Story"
April 2005
Childs Auditorium, Deep River
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News Release
(appeared in the North Renfrew Times, March 2, 2005)
"WEST WYLIE STORY" TICKETS NOW ON SALE
Tickets are now on sale for the musical comedy "West Wylie Story", presented by the Deep River Players on April 1, 2, 7, 8, and 9 in Childs Auditorium, Deep River.
The cast of almost 60, including over a dozen children and augmented by at least as many backstage workers and musicians, is working hard to put the final touches on this unique extravaganza.
"I am so impressed with the energy and enthusiasm of the cast," says writer/director Phyllis Heeney, "from age 7 to the 70's (they won't tell me exactly!)"
After spending over a year researching the history, writing lyrics, and writing and re-writing dialogue, Heeney, a veteran of Players and DRMS productions, is amazed to see the characters from her imagination come to life.
Well, mostly her imagination.
"West Wylie Story" is loosely based, after all, on the founding of Deep River and Chalk River Laboratories in the late 1940s, and the clash of cultures than ensued.
Familiar names, places and events abound, but Heeney assures that all characters are fictional (however some are more fictional than others). Has anyone heard of Drs. Brickhouse, Kowarsled, or Cockcrow? Minister C.D. Who certainly has.
A distrustful group of locals looks on as some rather peculiar scientists and their families build a whole new town and a mysterious laboratory on expropriated land. The centerpiece is the ground-breaking and top-secret reactor known only as "ZEEP".
When a young scientist (Reginald) falls for a local girl (Dolores), heartbreak and angst are sure to follow, along with a whole lot of dancing, singing, and toe-tapping fun.
The music is lively and diverse, from fiddle tunes to blues, swing and Broadway (including a few inspired by the show's namesake, "West Side Story"), and is performed by some of the most talented musicians in the area.
The plot is light-hearted and whimsical, with plenty of tongue-in-cheek pokes at events and people from past and present, in the best tradition of Deep River Players' revues.
Heeney promises something for everyone: "We have lots of energy, humour and dancing to keep the whole family's attention. Seniors, especially those who lived or moved here in the 40's will enjoy the historical references, and the music should appeal to all ages."
"The main point is to make people feel good about the place they live and work and what has been accomplished in the area. People from elsewhere will enjoy themselves too, even if they miss some of the local jokes!"
The timing of "West Wylie Story" is a bit serendipitous, heading off a year of 60th anniversary celebrations for the ZEEP reactor (including an upcoming exhibit at the Science Museum in Ottawa).
Accordingly, all tickets for opening night (April 1) include admission to a gala reception to follow on the premises, with special guests from AECL's past and present, and the local municipalities.
All tickets are reserved-seating at $12 each, and can be obtained at either Snider's PharmaPlus in Deep River, or Country Meats in Chalk River. For more information, email WWS@DeepRiverPlayers.ca, or phone Marion at 584-3003, or visit the Players' website at www.DeepRiverPlayers.ca.
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