The Great Kooshog Lake Hollis McCauley Fishing Derby
by Norm Foster runs August 9 – 24
[Antigonish, NS] — “We just call it the Fishing Play!” says Artistic Director, Andrea Boyd. The title may be a tongue twister, that even catches up some of the cast, but that shouldn’t keep audiences from diving into this hilarious catch-and-release comedy adventure!
When a somewhat naïve investment banker’s car breaks down near the sleepy town of Kooshog Lake, he unwittingly finds himself tangled in the most competitive fishing derby of all time, joining, wise, witty and wonderful locals to catch the elusive fish named Hollis McCauley.
“Laughter is always the best bait” says Boyd. Audiences can wade into Festival Antigonish Summer Theater’s Bauer Theatre, August 9th to 24th, to enjoy The Great Kooshog Lake Hollis McCauley Fishing Derby by Canada’s most popular playwright, Norm Foster.
It’s a perfect catch for those fishing for laughs, or tall tales; as any fisherman knows, catching a fish is easy, it’s the storytelling afterward that’s the real sport. Playwright Foster embraced that sport, describing his play as a “quirky, off-the-wall kind of comedy, with lines the audience won’t see coming.” Foster’s work is often described as “Funny and heart-warming,” says Director Boyd, “it won’t just make you laugh, yes, you’ll leave the theatre feeling good, but still thinking about the somewhat sit-com nature of our own lives.”
The production’s cast, angling for the spotlight, features Antigonish originals; Mary-Colin Chisholm and Allister MacDonald, with Anat Kriger, Stephanie MacDonald who recently played Sherlock Holmes and veteran audience favourite, Wally MacKinnon. The cast, under the guidance of director Boyd, promise to ground all the humor and heart with real people faced with a ridiculous situation.
The creative team, who include set designer Vickie Marston, costume designer Elizabeth Perry, lighting designer Ingrid Risk, and sound designer Paul Morgan Donald, will deftly bring the outdoors in, and transport audiences dockside by Kooshog Lake’s old general store, setting the scene perfectly for telling ‘tall tails.’
No Foster play would be complete without a little romance. (Who knew bait could also snag you a date in Kooshog Lake? Maybe it’s because love, like fishing, is all about the right lure.) This play with five big hearts and one big fish is sure to lure in audiences with all its small-town fun at a city slicker’s expense, quirky romance and yes, even …a shark attack!
Don’t let this comedy be the one that got away – It’s only available at Festival Antigonish! (They don’t have a theatre in Kooshog Lake. They save all the drama for the Derby!) Whether you’re a seasoned angler or just fishing for a good time, The Great Kooshog Lake Hollis McCauley Fishing Derby is a sure catch August 9th to 24th!
Warning: Fishing stories will be told… some true.
Tickets available now at festivalantigonish.ca / Season Sponsors McLeod Cares and The Maples
Performance Dates: August 9-24, 2024
Location: Bauer Theatre, Antigonish, NS
Tickets: Available at festivalantigonish.ca or by calling the box office at (902) 867-3333. (Tues-Sun 12-8pm)
Media Contact:
Media inquiries, please contact: Managing Director Caleb Marshall
Email: caleb@festivalantigonish.ca
Phone: (236) 464-2253