​Three young people join cast of theatre guild’s “Gibson and Sons”

Three young people have joined the cast for the Kincardine Theatre Guild’s production of “Gibson and Sons” which opens Friday, April 26, at 8 p.m., at the Kincardine Arts Centre in downtown Kincardine.

This award-winning comedy by Canadian playwright Kristen Da Silva tells the story of Harry Gibson who works for his father in their family-run, traditional funeral home. Things have not been going well since his mother passed away and a new, upscale funeral home opened next door.

Always in his older brother’s shadow, Harry sends for his secret, on-line girlfriend to come to Canada with the object of matrimony in the hopes that this will finally make his family proud of him.

COLIN CATALAN

Playing the part of Harry, is newcomer Colin Catalan, 19, of Kincardine.

He likes acting and performed in shows as a student at Sacred Heart High School in Walkerton.

“My mom showed me the auditions announcement for this play, so I tried out and got the part of the younger brother, Harry,” he says.

“It’s a lot of fun. The theatre guild is great to work with and I enjoy being on stage. I’d love to become an actor.”

While he is excited for opening night, Catalan is a bit nervous as well, but is looking forward to it.

In his spare time, he enjoys painting army models and playing video games.

ANDREW McKAY

Taking on the role of Luke, Harry’s older brother, is Andrew McKay, 19, of Kincardine who is also new to the theatre guild stage.

“My mom and I go to a lot of shows and this is something I’ve always wanted to do,” he says. “I tried out for the part and was thrilled to get it.

“Being on stage is great, and the people here are so helpful and friendly. The biggest challenge is remembering all the lines, the cues and the timing. This is a comedy so the timing is very important.”

While he believes acting would be a dream job, he realistically considers it a hobby for now. He is headed for post-secondary education in the fall, focusing on either teaching or police foundations.

Currently, he is working for Wylds K&M Services as a general labourer.

He enjoys hanging out with his friends, building model planes, and listening to music from his vinyl collection. He can also play the saxophone and clarinet and last year, he volunteered at a musical event at Saugeen District Senior School in Port Elgin.

RACHEL EBY

Rachel Eby, 26, of Kincardine performed in the theatre guild’s recent production of “Beauty and the Beast” but only as part of the ensemble. This is her first major speaking role on stage and she is excited to play the part of Katya, Harry’s mysterious girlfriend from somewhere in eastern Europe.

“I’ve always been fascinated with theatre and when I heard about the auditions for this show, I tried out just to see what would happen,” she says. “I got the role of Katya and now I’m trying to develop an eastern European accent.”

She says it’s a lot different than “Beauty and the Beast” because she to memorize a lot of lines and learn all the blocking of the action on stage. Plus, there are just seven actors in this show, compared to the 40-50 in the musical.

“I’m looking forward to opening night,” she says. “I’ll be nervous but I’m also excited.”

Eby is a veterinary technician at Kincardine Veterinary Services and when she has any spare time, she enjoys reading and watercolour painting.

Taking on the role of director for the first time is Andy Wasylycia who has been on stage several time and done a number of backstage duties.

While this is his first time directing, he has a solid background in the role and has taken a formal directorial course. He also gets some assistance from his wife, Deb Deckert, who is stage manager and one of the actors in this show.

“The job of director is a challenging one,” says Wasylycia, “but it’s a lot of fun. When we were casting this play, Leahanne (MacKay) was shadowing me as director and gave me some good input. The characters work together well. I’m happy with the way things are going.

“With community theatre, it’s fun to do it all.”

Rounding out the cast for “Gibson and Sons,” are Chris Mercanti as Declan, Deb Deckert as Jo, Leahanne MacKay as Becca, and Kristina Meisenheimer as Katya’s sister, Eva.

The show runs April 26-27, May 3, 10-11, at 8 p.m.; and April 28, May 4-5 at 2 p.m. Tickets are available on-line at kincardinetheatreguild.com.