A Writer's Anxiety

When one writes a story, be it for print or for viewing on screen or stage, one is always a little anxious about how it will be received. I know full well that my works are not to everyone's taste. However, to date, my four scripts, -some staged, some filmed and some both,- have received quite positive reviews. Now, I also know that those who may not have enjoyed them, could well have been too polite to say so.

Desperately Seeking Samuel has only just been released. To date, there have been only a few replies. One couple, who have enjoyed my past works in theatres, lamented that they were on rural dial-up internet and could not view it. Another couple complained that they were luddites and were having trouble figuring out how to view it on their big screen TV. I have had a Well done. Applause, Applause, Applause. Sad though. And so it goes.

However, out of the blue, I received an email from someone whom I had not seen or thought of for ten or more years. The link to the film had been sent to her by someone else and, having viewed it, she immediately contacted me.

Now some praise is gratuitous. But Vlasta Van Kampen is an accomplished writer and illustrator and a wonderful artist. She is self-assured and did not need to contact me.

We met when I was running a retail store in the artisan village of Warkworth, Ontario. She had seen me perform on stage at the local theatre. She asked me if I would be interested in adapting a children's book of hers for the stage. I did. Then she asked me to direct it!

There was a sizeable cast. It meant corralling assorted shopkeepers and local residents, some who had acted before and most who had not, into hours of rehearsal and production efforts. The play, Marigolds Wings, was a huge success and children came from all around to view its several performances.

Vlasta wrote: You are A WONDER. I was so swept up with it, shed a few tears and related to the aging process that is already staring me in the face. It spoke to me on many different levels. BRAVO!

If no one else responds, this has made my day!

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Lighthouse Benefit a Huge Success

Congratulations to all who made the Schafner Point Lighthouse Benefit on Saturday evening an overwhelming success. The sold out crowd of over 70 enthusiastic people enjoyed an evening of spectacular entertainment by fiddler Steve Klein and actor Paul Rapsey. Steve played brilliantly throughout the evening. The audience engaged in energetic hand clapping and foot stomping to his music. Paul’s monologue was sprinkled with both delightful laughter and pin dropping silence from the audience, culminating in a prolonged and spontaneous standing ovation. The many volunteers of the Port Royal Lighthouse Association and of the Lower Granville Hall were the backbone of the evening. Bravo! Steve will be playing his fiddle again on Saturday, March 18 at the Granville Ferry Community Hall in the village starting at 7:00 p.m. He will be joined by Scott Henderson on pipes and flute. There are no tickets, but admission will be on a first-come-first-served basis. Doors open at 6:30. Entry fee is $1

Launch of Five Monologues a Success

Thank you to Holly Sanford and the Mad Hatter Bookstore and Wine Bar for hosting the book launch yesterday of Paul Rapsey's "Five Monologues" book. The packed room was treated to a selection of "readings", actually of recitals by Paul, of a section from each of the five plays. The audience was thoroughly engaged and gave Paul an enthusiastic reception. There was some concern that people would not be as interested in the launch of a book of plays as they had been for the launch two months ago of Paul's novel, "Murder on the Pony Express Way". However, this concern proved unfounded. The space was packed to overflowing. One person wrote of the event: " This was the best reading from a book launch I’ve ever attended. The difference, of course, is that Paul knew the material so well that he didn’t just read, but he acted wonderfully. What a delightful way to spend an hour. "

Fiddelity Screening to be held in Cobourg

A screening of the film "Fiddelity" is to take place at the Loft Cinema in Cobourg, Ontario on Tuesday, December 15, at 2:00 p.m. The three actors, now living in Nova Scotia, coincidently all have a long and strong connexion with this lovely town on Lake Ontario. Seating in this small theatre is restricted to 18 people by reason of Covid-19. The show, which was by open invitation, has quickly sold out and there is a waiting list pending any cancellations. Admission is by Goodwill offering to the local Food Bank. I have performed two shows in this lovely 50-seat theatre: Alan Bennett's "Bed Among the Lentils",. and Micheal macLiammoire's "The Importance of Being Oscar". Unfortunately, I will not be able to attend this event.

One Actor - Another Show

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