Marvel at the many personalities that emerge during Theatre North West's one-man show, Letter From Wingfield Farm that runs until Oct. 23.
The play unfolds through a series of letters to the editor as Walt Wingfield quits his job as a Toronto stockbroker and buys a 100-acre farm in Persephone Township in southern Ontario.
Wingfield encounters many zany characters during his time on the farm.
Rod Beattie has performed the comedic play more than 4,500 times, and the differences between each character is mind bending.
The man is the same, the voice, gestures, and facial expressions are completely different and once a character is introduced, it becomes clear to the audience who is on stage, with no need for further reminders.
Beattie is amazing to watch. The lightning-quick transformations from one character to the next is like watching a movie filled with special effects, while acknowledging these characters are revealing themselves from one man's mind.
The set is very simple, with a bit of fence, a barn door and a bit of a kitchen lined up to help move the story along.
The play delves into the trials of all farmers to make a success of their business, the mishaps of a newbie farmer who wants to explore the more traditional ways to reap what he sows, only to find that modern-day equipment was created for a reason.
The subjects covered during the production include a lame duck, untrained horses, farm equipment in poor working condition and the plight of old farmers when their bodies don't work like they want to, which triggers a team effort farming communities are known for.
It's a sweet play, written by Canadian playwright Dan Needles, with many misadventures along the way.
Tickets are at Books & Co., 1685 Third Avenue.
