With a new year comes a new play at the Highland Arts Theatre in downtown Sydney.
“‘The Drawer Boy’ is in many ways the perfect Canadian play; it’s a small cast, a deceptively simple plot, a wealth of emotional depth, and even though it’s set in Ontario it feels instantly relatable and could easily have taken place in Inverness,” said Wesley J. Colford, the artistic and executive director of the HAT’s first production of 2020.
Actor Chris Corbett strikes a miserly pose as Scrooge in the 2019 Highland Arts Theatre’s “A Christmas Carol.”
“The Drawer Boy,” written by Michael Healey, and directed by Ron Jenkins, runs at the HAT on Sydney’s Bentinck Street from Jan. 14-18 at 8 p.m. nightly, concluding with two performances on Sunday, Jan. 19 at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m.
“While it has an enormous heart, it’s not a technically complicated show, which makes it ideal for January which always sneaks up on our production teams after the holiday rush,” said Colford.
“It’s a beautiful story that really relies on the talents of the actors and director to come to life, and luckily we have an A+ team on that front.
“January is also a time when we typically have a lot of new people checking out the theatre for the first time, so this show acts as a welcome to introduce them to the kind of work we do with some humour, some heart and world-class local talent.”
“The Drawer Boy” is based on a true story about a group of actors from Toronto who went out to the farms of rural Ontario in the 1970s to create a collective collaboration revu-style show called “The Farm Show.” It was one of the influences, among other shows, behind the original “Rise And Follies of Cape Breton Island.”
Some Cape Breton theatregoers may remember the St. Ann’s Bay Players did a well-received production of “The Drawer Boy” several years ago.
“The Drawer Boy” is a fictional account of one such actor, Miles Potter, who volunteers to work on a farm to learn the secret ins-and-outs of farm life. Along with some more comical realizations (“cows are terrified all the time!”), Miles uncovers a deeply rooted secret that turns the lives of his hosts, Angus and Morgan, on their head.
Sydney actor Kevin Munroe, seen here in “’S Wonderful” at the Highland Arts Theatre, plays Miles, a city boy sent to research farm life, in the HAT’s production of “The Drawer Boy,” opening Tuesday, Jan. 14.
The cast is directed by Ron Jenkins, who wanted to direct this play since it first debuted in 1999.
“His unique sensitivity and flair for intimate drama was a perfect fit for this gem of a show,” said Colford.
The cast includes veteran actors (and both Scrooges in the HAT production of “A Christmas Carol”), George MacKenzie and Chris Corbett, as the farmers Angus and Morgan, as well as frequent HAT performer Kevin Munroe who plays Miles, the young urban actor out of his element.
“Each of these actors have a wealth of experience and getting to see them enter the ring together is sure to be a breathtaking exercise in theatricality,” said Colford.
Colford believes the play will deeply resonate with Cape Breton audiences.
“Reading it, the play absolutely feels like it could be set in Cape Breton and the hard-working Scottish/Protestant work ethic is very strong in these characters. There’s also a lot of comedy, including taking some of the air out of ‘self-important Toronto artists,’ which I suspect will play as well here as it did in Northern Ontario. It’s a testament to the writing that this play has been a massive success all over the country and I think Cape Breton will be no exception.
Colford is also looking ahead to a busy year at the Sydney venue.
“One of our New Year’s resolutions is to offer more film screenings as part of our ongoing programming. To start off, we’ve continued the success of our December ‘Sound of Music’ singalong with a whole 2020 movie musical singalong series, starting with ‘Mamma Mia!’ on Feb. 15. We’ll also have occasional screenings of more contemporary and local films, including ‘I Am Skylar,’ an award-winning documentary about a local Sydney teenager on Jan. 26. Finally, we’ll be introducing a classic film series with fan favourites from different decades starting with ‘The Princess Bride’ on Jan. 23. Hopefully people will enjoy seeing these films on the big screen at the HAT.”
IF YOU GO…
WHAT: “The Drawer Boy” written by Michael Healey and directed by Ron Jenkins, about a young city actor researching farm life and discovering secrets of his hosts.
WHERE: The Highland Arts Theatre, 40 Bentinck St., Sydney.
WHEN: Tuesday, Jan. 14 to Saturday, Jan. 18 at 8 p.m., concluding with two performances on Sunday, Jan. 19 at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m.
TICKETS: $27 (plus HST) available at HAT box office, open Monday to Friday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., side door of the theatre, and at the lobby box office one hour before showtime. Box office, 902-565-3637; online: tickets.highlandartstheatre.com/.
Ken Chisholm lives in Sydney and has written plays, songs, reviews, magazine articles. He can be reached at thecenterisle@gmail.com.
CHICAGO (AP) — United Airlines has struck a deal with Elon Musk’s SpaceX to offer satellite-based Starlink WiFi service on flights within the next several years.
The airline said Friday the service will be free to passengers.
United said it will begin testing the service early next year and begin offering it on some flights by later in 2025.
Financial details of the deal were not disclosed.
The announcement comes as airlines rush to offer more amenities as a way to stand out when passengers pick a carrier for a trip. United’s goal is to make sitting on a plane pretty much like being on the ground when it comes to browsing the internet, streaming entertainment and playing games.
“Everything you can do on the ground, you’ll soon be able to do on board a United plane at 35,000 feet, just about anywhere in the world,” CEO Scott Kirby said in announcing the deal.
The airline says Starlink will allow passengers to get internet access even over oceans and polar regions where traditional cell or Wi-Fi signals may be weak or missing.
Sony has made it easy for Canadian consumers to preorder the PlayStation 5 Pro in Canada directly from PlayStation’s official website. Here’s how:
Visit the Official Website: Go to direct.playstation.com and navigate to the PS5 Pro section once preorders go live on September 26, 2024.
Create or Log in to Your PlayStation Account: If you don’t have a PlayStation account, you will need to create one. Existing users can simply log in to proceed.
Place Your Preorder: Once logged in, follow the instructions to preorder your PS5 Pro. Ensure you have a valid payment method ready and double-check your shipping information for accuracy.
Preorder Through Major Canadian Retailers
While preordering directly from PlayStation is a popular option, you can also secure your PS5 Pro through trusted Canadian retailers. These retailers are expected to offer preorders on or after September 26:
Best Buy Canada
Walmart Canada
EB Games (GameStop)
Amazon Canada
The Source
Steps to Preorder via Canadian Retailers:
Visit Retailer Websites: Search for “PlayStation 5 Pro” on the website of your preferred retailer starting on September 26.
Create or Log in to Your Account: If you’re shopping online, having an account with the retailer can speed up the preorder process.
Preorder in Store: For those who prefer in-person shopping, check with local stores regarding availability and preorder policies.
3. Sign Up for Notifications
Many retailers and websites offer the option to sign up for notifications when the preorder goes live. If you’re worried about missing out due to high demand, this can be a useful option.
Visit Retailer Sites: Look for a “Notify Me” or “Email Alerts” option and enter your email to stay informed.
Use PlayStation Alerts: Sign up for notifications directly through Sony to be one of the first to know when preorders are available.
4. Prepare for High Demand
Preordering the PS5 Pro is expected to be competitive, with high demand likely to result in quick sellouts, just as with the initial release of the original PS5. To maximize your chances of securing a preorder:
Act Quickly: Be prepared to place your order as soon as preorders open. Timing is key, as stock can run out within minutes.
Double-Check Payment Information: Ensure your credit card or payment method is ready to go. Any delays during the checkout process could result in losing your spot.
Stay Informed: Monitor PlayStation and retailer websites for updates on restocks or additional preorder windows.
Final Thoughts
The PlayStation 5 Pro is set to take gaming to the next level with its enhanced performance, graphics, and new features. Canadian gamers should be ready to act fast when preorders open on September 26, 2024, to secure their console ahead of the holiday season. Whether you choose to preorder through PlayStation’s official website or your preferred retailer, following the steps outlined above will help ensure a smooth and successful preorder experience.
For more details on the PS5 Pro and to preorder, visit direct.playstation.com or stay tuned to updates from major Canadian retailers.
Since the PlayStation 5 (PS5) launched four years ago, PlayStation has continuously evolved to meet the demands of its players. Today, we are excited to announce the next step in this journey: the PlayStation 5 Pro. Designed for the most dedicated players and game creators, the PS5 Pro brings groundbreaking advancements in gaming hardware, raising the bar for what’s possible.
Key Features of the PS5 Pro
The PS5 Pro comes equipped with several key performance enhancements, addressing the requests of gamers for smoother, higher-quality graphics at a consistent 60 frames per second (FPS). The console’s standout features include:
Upgraded GPU: The PS5 Pro’s GPU boasts 67% more Compute Units than the current PS5, combined with 28% faster memory. This allows for up to 45% faster rendering speeds, ensuring a smoother gaming experience.
Advanced Ray Tracing: Ray tracing capabilities have been significantly enhanced, with reflections and refractions of light being processed at double or triple the speed of the current PS5, creating more dynamic visuals.
AI-Driven Upscaling: Introducing PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution, an AI-based upscaling technology that adds extraordinary detail to images, resulting in sharper image clarity.
Backward Compatibility & Game Boost: More than 8,500 PS4 games playable on PS5 Pro will benefit from PS5 Pro Game Boost, stabilizing or enhancing performance. PS4 games will also see improved resolution on select titles.
VRR & 8K Support: The PS5 Pro supports Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) and 8K gaming for the ultimate visual experience, while also launching with the latest wireless technology, Wi-Fi 7, in supported regions.
Optimized Games & Patches
Game creators have quickly embraced the new technology that comes with the PS5 Pro. Many games will receive free updates to take full advantage of the console’s new features, labeled as PS5 Pro Enhanced. Some of the highly anticipated titles include:
Alan Wake 2
Assassin’s Creed: Shadows
Demon’s Souls
Dragon’s Dogma 2
Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth
Gran Turismo 7
Marvel’s Spider-Man 2
Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart
Horizon Forbidden West
These updates will allow players to experience their favorite games at a higher fidelity, taking full advantage of the console’s improved graphics and performance.
Design & Compatibility
Maintaining consistency within the PS5 family, the PS5 Pro retains the same height and width as the original PS5 model. Players will also have the option to add an Ultra HD Blu-ray Disc Drive or swap console covers when available.
Additionally, the PS5 Pro is fully compatible with all existing PS5 accessories, including the PlayStation VR2, DualSense Edge, Pulse Elite, and Access controller. This ensures seamless integration into your current gaming setup.
Pricing & Availability
The PS5 Pro will be available starting November 7, 2024, at a manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) of:
$699.99 USD
$949.99 CAD
£699.99 GBP
€799.99 EUR
¥119,980 JPY
Each PS5 Pro comes with a 2TB SSD, a DualSense wireless controller, and a copy of Astro’s Playroom pre-installed. Pre-orders begin on September 26, 2024, and the console will be available at participating retailers and directly from PlayStation via direct.playstation.com.
The launch of the PS5 Pro marks a new chapter in PlayStation’s commitment to delivering cutting-edge gaming experiences. Whether players choose the standard PS5 or the PS5 Pro, PlayStation aims to provide the best possible gaming experience for everyone.
Preorder your PS5 Pro and step into the next generation of gaming this holiday season.
