Mulholland directs Harvest at Simcoe Little Theatre

Leah Bauer

Advocate Contributor

The upcoming production of Harvest at Simcoe Little Theatre, April 20-May 10, is one that is sure to hit close to home for many in this community.

The director, Christine Mulholland, has dedicated this production to the local farmers for all of the hard work they do to keep food on the tables, and the unique issues they face. Mulholland isn’t originally from Norfolk County, she grew up in London where she trained as a pianist, ballerina, and vocalist. She participated in many different plays in London in a variety of roles including as a dancer and accompaniment. Eventually she went on to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in Music, and also earned her Teaching Certificate at Western University. She then went on to become a high school music teacher in Haldimand, and has lived in the area ever since.

While these days she is a known member of the local arts community, it wasn’t always this way. Mulholland remembers thinking, ‘What am I missing in my life?’

“And then I realized it was theatre!”

It didn’t take long for her to discover Simcoe Little Theatre.

“I got involved with Simcoe Little Theatre when I was in my 20s. I was a dancer and they needed a dancer for a sequence in the production Oklahoma. And then after that, I just kind of kept helping out with different roles. I was choreographing, I did some music coaching, but most of the productions that I've been involved with, I've been accompanying on the piano.”

However, Simcoe Little Theatre quickly became more than a place to spend her free time. “That's how I met my husband, a drummer in the show, that was also back in our late 20s.”

A core member for decades, it was likely a no-brainer for Simcoe Little Theatre to offer her the director position in their upcoming production of Harvest, her first time as a director in the local theatre capacity. She has directed plays as a high school teacher, however she believes this was her first time getting into the true “nitty-gritty” of directing. 

Harvest is a very special production, and Mulholland feels that “it's going to tug on the heartstrings of a lot of people who come to see it because they're going to see themselves in this picture.”

Harvest tells the story of a couple in their 60s who are downsizing from their beloved farm, and farming community, to move into a condo in the city. After they move, they discover the man they rented their farmhouse to is running a small grow-op in the basement. The production is based on the true story of Ken Cameron, the original playwright's parents. While the original play was based in Dutton, Cameron wants local directors to change the locations so it makes sense for their hometowns.

According to Mulholland, Cameron is essentially telling directors “This is your community. Change it so it speaks to the people in your area.” Her first job as director was just that, she “changed all the places, so that it fits the play, and fits our area.”

The production has a very deep and close to home meaning for many in Norfolk County, and Mulholland reflected on the difficulty farmers face in retirement.

“Farmers don't have pensions, so they have to carefully construct their lives so that when they do get out of farming or they pass it on to their children, you know, they have enough to live on.” 

While there are many deep and meaningful segments of the play, Mulholland also believes that there is a great deal of comedy in it as well.

“You're kind of teary eyed and then next minute you're laughing.”

Noting this, she believes that “regardless of your age, even if you're in your 20s and 30s, you can enjoy the humour and the story. People in their 50s and 60s who are facing these life changes can also really feel what this couple's going through. It is something people can enjoy and relate to.” 

This production of Harvest, directed by local talent Christine Mulholland is on stage from April 30th-May 10th. The specific time and dates are as follows: April 30 & May 1 at 7:30 p.m.; May 2 & 3 at 2 p.m.; May 7 & 8 at 7:30 p.m.; March 9 & 10 at 2 p.m. Tickets start at $27 with youth pricing available. Buy tickets by calling 519-583-0505 or by visiting https://simcoelittletheatre.org/chess-the-musical/