NEWS RELEASE
BLUE MOUNTAIN FOUNDATION FOR THE ARTS
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Who was Tom Thomson? That’s the mystery at the heart of a new musical by Collingwood folk group, Shipyard Kitchen Party. For all of the fame achieved by the iconic Canadian artist after his mysterious death in 1917, little is known about his personality and the forces that drove his art.
Debuting Oct. 19 at the Simcoe Street Theatre, Tom Thomson’s Wake follows three of Thomson’s friends – mentor A.Y. Jackson, love interest Winnie Trainor and Algonquin guide, Larry Dixon – as they piece together the last years of his life.
“Each character has a different view of who Tom was and what inspired him,” says show writer, Jason Murphy. “Part of the appeal of the show is that the audience can choose one story over the other or take a little from each to create their own portrait of the artist.”
Featuring Craig Ashton as A.Y. Jackson, Dean Hollin as Larry Dixon, and Julie LeBlanc as Winnie Trainor, the show features an original musical score by the Shipyard Kitchen Party, fresh off the success of last year’s war musical, “100 Years from Now”. The performance also features visuals of some of Thomson’s most famous works such the West Wind, the Jackpine and Northern River.
The premiere is part of the Blue Mountain Foundation for the Arts Fourth Annual Storytelling Festival.
“We’re thrilled to be a part of bringing Tom Thomson’s story to the stage,” says Foundation Manager, Susan Cook. “It’s been more than a century since Tom’s death. But his story and his work still inspires countless artists, globally and locally here in South Georgian Bay. It’s a great fit for the Festival.”
Performances take place at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. on Oct. 19 and at 2 p.m. on Oct. 20. Tickets can be purchased at bmfa.on.ca or in person at the Foundation’s storefront at 65 Simcoe Street.
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