For immediate release
July 15, 2009
Contact: Karen Stewart, Director of Mktg. & Dev.
519-523-9300, ext 209
Don't Jump to Conclusions: Hockey Mom, Hockey Dad not entirely what it seems
Blyth Festival's Canadian Classic is more than a light romantic comedy
Artistic Eric Coates announced he was offering a romantic comedy Hockey Mom, Hockey Dad by Michael Melski as part of the Blyth Festival's 35th anniversary season. And, in response to his audience who wants to see him acting on stage again, he cast himself as hockey dad. But if you are expecting a light romantic comedy and word plays on the game of hockey you, too, may be in for a surprise.
"What are the odds of starting something worthwhile at a hockey rink?"
Donna and Teddy, both single parents, meet at the rink while watching their sons play minor league hockey. Between periods, during penalties, and amid the whirr of a Zamboni, an unexpected romance soon blooms in the bleachers. As the pair take humorous steps back into the dating game, squabbles about parenting styles and the complexities of blended families ensue. An unexpected twist reveals a potentially darker layer of the relationship.
Hockey Mom, Hockey Dad is rich with themes of gender stereotypes, single parenting, and domestic violence all against the backdrop of our national game.
Michael Melski is an award-winning playwright and film-maker from Cape Breton. Many of his plays have been published and produced across Canada. Hockey Mom, Hockey Dad was named one of the Top Ten Plays of the Year by the Toronto Star in 2003.
Miles Potter (Innocence Lost) directs Hockey Mom, Hockey Dad starring Eric Coates (Test Drive, The Outdoor Donnellys) who plays Teddy to Shauna Black's (Cricket & Claudette, Heat Wave) Donna.
The audience will enter a world that they know and recognize before they are taken on a journey sideways. It's sure to please just about anyone from hockey fans, to parents, to anyone looking for an evening of amusement. Sets and costumes are designed by Shawn Kerwin. Lighting design is by Steve Lucas and the 2009 resident sound designer is Todd Charlton. Shauna Japp and Heather Thompson are the Production Stage Manager and Apprentice Stage Manager respectively.
The Blyth Festival is generously supported by the Canada Council for the Arts and the Ontario Arts Council. Hockey Mom, Hockey Dad is generously sponsored by Ontario Lottery and Gaming and Clinton Slots. 104.9 The Beach is the Media Sponsor. 2009 Season Sponsors are Sparling's Propane Co. Ltd. and CTV.
Hockey Mom, Hockey Dad previews at the Blyth Festival on July 22nd, opens July 24th and runs in repertory until September 5, 2009. Tickets are available at the Blyth Festival Box Office by calling 1-877-862-5984 or 519-523-9300 or online at www.blythfestival.com.
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Karen Stewart
Marketing & Development
519-523-9300, ext 209
Celebrating 35th Year in 2009
The Bootblack Oratorby Ted Johns, starring Ted Johns & Janet Amos
The Mail Order Brideby Robert Clinton, directed by Katherine Kaszas
Hockey Mom, Hockey Dad byMichael Melski, starring Eric Coates
The Nuttallsby Michael Healey
Innocence Lost: a play about Steven Truscott by Beverley Cooper Revival - September 8-19, 2009
www.blythfestival.com
