After more then a year since the pandemic began, the Cambridge Community Players Theatre is ready to welcome audiences back for it’s first live show of the 2021/2022 season, Burs of a Feather, opening Nov. 12.
“The play was originally to have been performed in the fall of 2020. But of course, all was put on hold, so it was bumped and just sitting on a shelf,” says Martin Smith, executive chair at Cambridge Community Players Theatre.
“Actors were rehearsing on Zoom. It wasn’t until early summer when we were able to jump back into it and then finally, it was so great to be able to gather again. Nothing compares to being in-person,” Smith said.
Written and directed by Smith, Burs of a Feather is a “comedy among friends.”
Starring Catherine Camp-Paynter, Charmaine Shaw and Bobby Robert, the play is about three old high school friends who travel to a secluded cabin in the woods to spread the ashes of their dearly-departed friend.
Nothing goes as planned. Old tensions resurface, a mysterious squatter arrives, who’s identity will be revealed at the show, and suddenly, the urn disappears.
Burs of a Feather is a breezy, layered comedy about friendship, forgiveness, and acceptance.
“The women arrive at the cabin. They really aren’t the ‘outdoorsy’ types. When the women encounter this gentleman, they realize that there is more to him than meets the eye,” Smith says.
A shining moment in the play is the realization of a most valuable gift, friendship.
“This what this play is about, it’s friendship and the rekindling of the friendship these women had with their dearly departed friend,” Smith said.
And Smith says, there’s lots of comedy, something many theatre goers crave after more than a year long hiatus.
Live theater has been particularly affected by the pandemic, along with concerts and stand-up comedy performances.
Before opening its doors to live performances, the Cambridge Community Players Theatre offered online programming during the pandemic.
“This was great. It kept actors active and the main reason for doing it was to keep people engaged and to let them know that we are still here,” Smith said.
For Smith, it’s been a long time coming, to finally be able to present the live production of Burs of Feather.
All provincial health guidelines will be in place on opening night.
“Doors will open earlier to allow people to stay distanced and to be shown to their seats,” Smith said.
The Cambridge Community Players, formerly the Galt Little Theatre, has been entertaining audiences since 1933.
Originally founded by a principal of Galt Collegiate Institute, Dr. T.H. Wholton with some of his staff and students, created a theatre group, the Galt Collegiate Players.
The theatre then became the Galt Little Theatre Company and meetings were held at the YMCA in 1933.
The Galt Little Theatre performed its first shows at Tassie Hall and with its growing success, the company performed at other venues including the Galt Public Library and the Delta Playhouse.
Without a permanent home, members rehearsed, stored sets, costumes, and props in a variety of places including the old Post Office, Kirkham’s Appliance store, the old Gore Building on Main St., the Savage Shoe building in Preston.
In 1982 the City of Cambridge purchased and renovated Water St. Baptist Church and created the Cambridge Arts Theatre where the Cambridge Community Players Theatre still resides today.
Recently, an exciting addition from Hollywood has made its way to Cambridge.
“We have new seating from the Grauman’s Chinese Theatre in Hollywood. The seats are now in our theatre, and they have been used only once.” Smith said.
Grauman’s Chinese Theatre is a movie palace located on the historic Hollywood Walk of Fame.
The Cambridge Community Players Theatre has a long history of supporting local artists with a vision to foster them and offer a safe space to express their skills and creativity.
With the support from experienced theatre volunteers and members, the theatre strives to inspire and educate.
For Smith, the Cambridge Community Players Theatre is about supporting a creative community.
“For me the theatre is about getting a community of people together to create. It’s an artistic outlet which brings a wide range of talents, from people who like to work behind the scenes, to actors,” Smith said.
“When you get these creative juices together, wonderful things happen.”
Burs of a Feather will be showing Nov. 12, 13, 19, 20 at 8 p.m. and matinees will be on Nov. 14 and 21 at 2 p.m.
Tickets are $22 for adults and $15 for students.
In accordance with Ontario health and safety guidelines, proof of vaccination will be required as well as government ID to attend the theatre for the production.
For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.cambridgecommunityplayers.com or call (519) 623-4070.
