Story by Alex Kruse, Photo by Matthew Goertz
The musical adaptation of the classic film My Favorite Year starring Peter O’Toole is coming to the Thunder Bay stage this November courtesy of Cambrian Players. The story follows Benjy Stone through 1954 and his time as a writer on a hit live television show. His childhood hero, Alan Swann, is booked as a guest on the show and it’s up the Benjy to make sure that the show doesn’t turn into a disaster.
Lawrence Badanai is directing and producing the musical. Not only was he attracted to the old-time atmosphere of the show, but also the sentimental aspect. “It’s about mending broken hearts, broken lives, and broken dreams, and most importantly, remembering the importance of family. We hope our production of My Favorite Year allows our audiences to remember fondly the lessons they learned about life and love in each of their own favorite years.”
Spencer Hari plays Benjy and says that “[It] is a delight to be working with some of TBay’s best theatre people. Creating this amazing show together is what community involvement is all about! I have been smiling constantly and enjoying each step of the process.” If you’re hesitant to purchase a ticket, Hari assures us that the show “is going to be one of the best productions of the year!”
My Favorite Year runs November 18-21 and 25-28 at 8 pm at the Finlandia Club. Tickets for Wednesday and Thursday showings will be $10, while tickets for Fridays and Saturdays are $20 for adults and $15 for students/seniors. Tickets are available at Calico, Fireweed, Steeper’s, The Red Lion, and at the door.
