An Interview with Darcy Ferrier

Darcy Ferrier on playing Charlie

in On Golden Pond

Darcy, you play the role of Charlie in On Golden Pond.  Tell us about your character.

 Charlie is the postman who delivers the mail on Golden Pond.  He has spent his entire life living there.  I would describe him as a simple individual; he is a happy go lucky guy.  He’s 44 and has been enamored with Chelsea since they  were kids.

The other characters in the play are very deep, very complex, with lots going on under the surface, but Charlie is uncomplicated.  With Charlie, what you see is what you get.  He provides a lot of comic relief in the play.

How many Guild shows have you been in?  And what do you like about being part of community theatre?

 I have been in 13 shows with the Guild, I think.  I love theatre.  It’s so much fun to escape into another character.  There’s this world that’s been created by the playwright…the director refines it…and then the actors breathe life into the parts.  Every production is unique.  It’s fun and exciting to get to create a world for the audience to experience. 

 

Darcy in Leading Ladies.

Tell us about your acting background…

 Well, I started acting in high school, but took a long break, so I didn’t get back into it until my forties.  My first role with the Guild was in Office Hours, also directed by Clint Hames.  My absolute favourite role so far has to be Freddy in Noises Off.  Even the rehearsals were hilariously funny! 

Most people dread having to perform or speak  in front of others.  As an experienced actor, do you ever get stage fright? 

 Yup, just before I go on stage, I feel nervous and a certain amount of apprehension.  I think it must be the adrenalin kicking in.  I think acting is similar to doing extreme sports:  it’s this weird combination of fear and exhiliration. 

What do you like about being a member of The Chilliwack Players Guild?

 It’s so comfortable!  It’s easy to get to know people, and there is a really high level of professionalism.  Everyone is doing his or her best.  The expectations are high and people live up to them. 

You’ve been directed by Clint before.  Tell us about him as a director.

 This is the fourth time I have been directed by Clint.  He is a great director, very meticulous, and so good to work with.  He is very open to allowing the actors to create their own versions of the characters.  And Becky, our stage manager, is very attentive to the needs of the actors.  This creates tremendous confidence for the actors.  We are lucky to be supported by really great and talented people. 

 

Darcy in rehearsals for On Golden Pond alongside cast member Joan.

Why should folks come to see On Golden Pond?

 Because it’s a lovely story!  It’s one of those scripts that makes you think about your own life and your own relationships.  It’s touching and very beautiful.  I know audiences will love it. 

An Interview with Joan Hogan

Joan Hogan – Ethel

Joan, how many Guild shows have you been in? 

 Oh, probably 55 or 56, I think! 

Wow!  With so many acting roles to your credit, what are your all-time favourite roles? 

 I would have to say Liza Doolittle in the Guild’s production of Pygmalion, directed by Christine Newsome.  I loved playing the transition from a cockney flower girl to a high class lady.  It was very challenging.  Another of my favourite roles was actually very similar to Liza Doolittle -  I played Rita in Educating Rita,  a story about a woman who is transformed when she goges back to school as an adult and discovers that she is actually very intelligent.  I also loved playing the Reverend Mother in Nunsense; I got to dance, act, sing and do an Irish accent! 

 

Joan as Rita in our 1986 production of Educating Rita with cast mate Alan Davis.

How would you describe Ethel, the character you play in On Golden Pond?

 Well, Ethel is a dramatic role, I would say, even though the play has lots of humour.  Ethel and Norman, her husband, have been together for 48 years, and his health is starting to decline.  Ethel tries to keep his spirits up, and keep peace in the family.  She ties to keep Norman and their daughter, Chelsea, from fighting; she loves them both but like lots of mothers, she finds herself caught in the middle.    Ethel is  very supportive of her husband, but worried about him.  Norman is turning 80; suddenly Ethel  is faced with the possibility that he won’t always be there.  So, she tries to be upbeat, to keep things light.  She’s in a bit in denial, I think. 

Sounds like a story we can all relate to in some way or another…

 Absolutely!  It’s a lovely mix of comedy and drama, very heart warming, with emotional peaks and valleys.  I can really relate to the story because I have gone though similar issues with my own family.  At my age, you start to think about the reality of being in the latter part of your life.  Sometimes in rehearsals, I get goosebumps.  The writing is so beautiful…the characters are so real…

It’s a story about a marriage, a family.  Norman is in a dark place and Ethel is trying to lift him back up.  He is estranged from their daughter, and Ethel sees that time is running out for the two of them to reconcile.  It’s a lovely story, and very hopeful. 

 

Joan and Graham rehearse for On Golden Pond.

Graham Archer is playing the role of Norman.  What’s he like to act with?

 I have known Graham for 30 years, so there is a level of comfort and trust already there.  He is a wonderful actor.  We have a rapport, a connection, to build on.  Because we have connection, each rehearsal allows us to get deeper into the characters.  When you feel comfortable with someone on stage, you can really let go and explore the character.  I am lucky to have that with Graham. 

Joan, you have been a long time Guild member.  What keeps you involved in the Guild?

 The Guild is like a family.  I am from England, where my family still lives, so the friends I have made in the Guild have become my family.  We have grown up together, raised our kids together, been involved with shows together.  I feel very close to the people in the Guild. They are so creative, so hard working.  Being in a show with them is a team effort. 

How many people are involved in a show like On Golden Pond?

 Aside from the actors and the director, Clint Hames, we have a huge crew working on the show:  stage manager, assistant stage manager, backstage crew, props , advertising, producer, make up,  hair, costumes, set construction, set painting, opening night reception…there are a lot of people involved in mounting a show!

Who do you think would enjoy the show?

 Oh, I think the show would appeal to people of all generations.  Everyone will see themselves in the characters and the situation. 

Tell us about being directed by veteran Guild member Clint Hames…

 I love working with Clint!  He is knowledgable; he researches the play; he has a deep understanding of the characters.  He may have different ideas of my character that I do, but he makes suggestions that help me explore the character.  I love his viewpoint.  He listens to what you have to say, is respectful of what you think…he allows you to develop your own interpretation of the character.  I feel so confident in his abilities as a director.  With Clint directing, I know we will have an excellent show. 

An Interview with Miles Merry

Miles Merry on playing Billy Ray Junior

in On Golden Pond

 Tell me a bit about yourself, Miles.

 I am 11 years old in grade six at McCammon Elementary.  I have one older brother...I was born in Chilliwack...I love to sing, play video games, stuff like that.

Is this your first production with the Guild?

 No, I was in Tis the Season and Anne of Green Gables. 

 

Miles on stage in Anne of Green Gables the Musical with cast members Abigail and Kathryn.

How old were you when you were in your first show?

 That was Tis the Season...I was 7 or 8, I think.

You like to sing.  Who is your favourite singing group?

 One Direction.  They are really talented.

Tell me about the character you play in On Golden Pond. 

 I play Billy Ray Junior.  He's thirteen, from California, kind of a "too cool for school" kind of kid.

Miles plays it cool in rehearsals for On Golden Pond.

 Doesn't sound like you.

 No!  He's quite different from me.  I mean, physically we're the same, but he has a bit of an attitude, so thats kind of a stretch.  He tries to hide that he likes to do the things Norman likes to do, like fishing and stuff. 

Norman is his grandpa?

 Right.  Most of my scenes are with Norman (Graham Archer), Ethel (Joan Hogan), and Chelsea (Katy Lowe).

What's it like to be the only kid in the production?

 I'm kind of used to it.  It feels really comfortable.  I like being around adults.  I didn't know the cast when I first came on set, but they are really nice. 

What is the play about?

 I think it's about change, people changing when change is difficult.  It's about a family, and if  you are like one of the characters, you might want to change, too.

How are the rehearsals going?

 Really well.  People are so nice, and I am having fun.  It's a bit of a challenge 'cause it's the biggest role I have ever had.  Lots of lines, but it's exciting. 

Do you get nervous before you perform?  The stage you will be performing on is pretty big! 

 Not really.  I just put myself in the other person's head and then I'm not nervous.  I just kind of pretend I'm in my living room.

Do the kids at school know you are in a play?

 The kids know I'm in theatre...I think there's a rumour that I'm in a TV show! 

What would you like to tell people who are thinking of coming to see the show?

 They should come see it!  They will laugh at parts, and maybe feel a bit nervous at other parts.  I think people will be really into it.  It's a good story. 

Is your family coming to see the show?

 Oh, yeah!  Mom and Dad and Grandma and Grandpa...the whole family. 

Good luck, Miles!

 Thanks. 

Oh, and one more question:  If you could be in any production of a movie or a play, what would it be?

 An action movie, for sure! 

An Interview with Graham Archer

 Graham Archer on playing Norman

 How long have you been involved with the Guild?

 I joined the Guild in 1979.  At that time, I was working with Clint Hames, and he suggested I help out with the Guild's production of Fiddler on the Roof...

As an actor?

 No, I worked backstage and helped build the set.  I've been involved ever since!

Graham as Freddy in our 1987 production of Noises Off

And you played Tevye, the lead in the 2012 remount of the Guild's production of Fiddler on the Roof.  That must have been very special.

 It was.  The audiences loved the show...it was very gratifying to play such a beloved character.

 

Graham as Tevye in Fiddler on the Roof (with co-star Linda MacRae)

And now you have been cast as Norman in the upcoming production of On Golden Pond.  Tell us about the role.

 Norman, the patriarch of the family, is 80.  He is a very complex character, as are all the characters in the play.  Norman seems old and crotchety, at times, sharp and with-it at other times.  He can be quite blunt, particularly with his daughter, Chelsea, with whom he has never been close.  His wife, Ethel, is the peacemaker of the family; she tires to smooth the waters between Norman and Chelsea.  But, what makes Norman so interesting to play is that he is extremely intelligent, well educated...the audience can't quite tell if he is merely grumpy or if he  is starting to decline mentally.

Sounds like an acting challenge...

 Yes, it's a very interesting and very challenging role, and quite a journey for an actor to play someone who may be starting to decline mentally, but who is still very sharp in many ways.

So the play revolves around the theme of family relationships?

 That's right.  We see Norman getting closer to his grandson during the course of the play.  He was never a very good father to his own daughter, but he connects with his teenage grandson.  His daughter, Chelsea, is trying to get close to him, but it's hard for him to change how he has interacted with her over the years.  His wife, Ethel, tries to keep the peace. 

What do you like about the play?

 It's very well written, funny, but very touching, too.  Very heartwarming.  The characters are very well drawn, and the relationships among them are rich and complex.  Audience members will recognize themselves in the story.  The play was nominated for many awards when it played on Broadway in the early 80's.  Audience members may remember the movie version which starred Henry and Jane Fonda, and Katherine Hepburn.  It's a play that has stood the test of time.  It's still relevant. 

How are you preparing to play a character who is much older than you are?

 Watching how older people move, their physicality.  Norman is still spry and active, even though he is 80.  It's his mind that is starting to fail him...he is becoming forgetful, so the challenge is to figure out how to play the character so he seems like a real person and not a caricature of an old man.  It's about making choices that show his struggle.  Norman is a man facing a huge challenge.  It's important to keep it emotionally real.

Is Clint Hames, your director, helping with that?

 Yes, as a director, Clint doesn't "tell"...he guides and suggests.  Clint lets the actors find their way through experimentation.  The play is dramatic, yes, but also full of humour, so the actors rely on Clint to help keep the balance between the drama and the comedy.

Graham hard at work on a set while
Guild Member Keith looks on.

What do you like about being a member of the Chilliwack Players Guild?

 The people.  It's a wonderful group of people, very creative and like-minded.  It's really exciting to be involved in a production with so many talented individuals working towards a common artistic goal.  It's the teamwork that I love about theatre. 

Katy Ogmundson Lowe Wins Best Actress at Theatre BC's FVZ Festival!

We were thrilled to host the Frazer Valley Zone Festival in May, bringing six great shows to the stage over the course of a week to compete for a spot at Theatre BC's Mainstage Festival in July. Emerald Pig Theatrical Society won for the second year in a row with The Attic, The Pearls, and Three Girls by J. Brewin, L. Chermiak, A.M. MacDonald, A. Palmer and M. Ross, directed by Amy Starkey. Congrats, you guys! If you missed that show, they are holding a fundraiser to cover Mainstage expenses on  Friday, June 20th and Saturday, June 21 at Meadowridge School (12224 240 St,  Maple Ridge). Get tickets HERE to support this award-winning production!

The Chilliwack Players Guild had a winner as well! Our very own Katy Ogmundson Lowe shared the title for best actress with Alaina Holland from The Langley Players. Here's our exclusive interview with her!

Katy is pictured here in our production of Laughing Stock.

1. What did you like the most about your role in Caliban House Sitter?

                When I read the Rick Mawson's script I knew I would have a chance to exercise my thespian chops because it combined modern conversation with plenty of quotes from Shakespeare's Tempest. Mawson's scripts strive for natural flow of dialogue, and I love working on pace and flow.

2. What went through your head when your name was called as one of the winners of best actress at the awards ceremony?

                It's weird, I worried that I misheard my name so moved slowly in case someone else was running up there. And guess what? There was! We tied! Alaina Holland from "Light Sensitive" also won. It was a hoot getting to share. Later that night I thought, we should have had a tiebreaker scene on the spot! Lol

3. What is your process as an actor? What do you do every night to prepare for a role?

                My preparation is to pick through the script with a fine tooth comb, searching for beats, even beats within beats, giving them a title, searching for the rhythm of the play.

                I search my character's posture and voice throughout the day and night. I spend a lot of time in my own head and observing myself and picking and choosing pieces of me to bring to the character. Gosh I hope that doesn't sound flighty, it's actually a very grounding experience.

                I prepare my body for the exercise of acting by staying as healthy as possible, avoiding stress and alcohol. I prepare my head by practicing staying in the moment and not letting my mind race ahead.

                I could go on but I will sign off, thanks so much for the questions, I do love this world and look forward to being a part of another project soon!

Congrats to Katy for a job well done! We look forward to seeing you again on stage sometime soon!

Getting Closer to Sherlock...

Calm down, we didn't get Benedict Cumberbatch to be in one of our shows, but Postmortem does feature Sherlock Holmes, played by our very own dashing Darcy Ferrier!
We visited rehearsals tonight to get a little closer to the suspenseful thriller, and though we may be forbidden to reveal any details about the plot, we can safely say that Postmortem will be filled with twists, turns, drama and some very fine acting!
Stay tuned! Next week we'll take you behind the scenes as we bravely face tech week in the CCC!
Tickets to Postmortem can be bought by calling 604.391.SHOW.
Postmortem runs April 18th-27th at the Chilliwack Cultural Centre (9201 Corbould Street).
www.playersguild.ca