One of the great things about CFL football is the people that you meet. In 2003 I had the pleasure of meeting Linda Wood Edwards and her husband Brian. They are fans of the Edmonton Eskimos and more importantly the CFL and they are pretty much responsible for my Grey Cup addiction.
Linda is not only a great person, and fun to be around, but she’s a talented playwright who has become known through her great plays that have graced Edmonton’s Fringe Festival the last several years.
With the Grey Cup in Edmonton this year, Linda presented the idea of a new run for her popular play “True Grid”, the story of four guys x 20 football seasons = 80 years of bonding, rituals, and winning. Subtract one guy, add a lovely stranger, and risk breaking the streak. You will relate to these devoted fans as they lose and rediscover their faith during an ill-fated season.
Superstitious fans of any team will love this comedy as it touches on the quirkiness of fans in regards to their teams. Linda has collected quotes and superstitions of her many football friends and experiences over the years and incorporated them into this play.
In case you needed another reason to see the play, net proceeds from the production will go to support the CFL Alumni Association and the Dire Needs Fund.
There will be three showings during Grey Cup week, all at the Stanley A. Milner Library Theatre. Tickets are available at Tix on the Square for a price of $18.00 each at www.tixonthesquare.ca/event/run/detail/266/ for shows:
- Wednesday November 24th at 8:00 p.m.
- Thursday November 25th at 6:00 p.m.
- Friday November 26th at 5:00 p.m.
For full show information here is a PDF file of the promotional poster.
The show is also looking for supporting sponsors and volunteers, so if you can help in that area,here is the sponsorhip information, also in PDF format.
The play also has a website where you can get all the latest information: http://www.lue42.com/truegrid2010
True Grid Reviews:
“Edwards’ script features jokes so polished and witty it begs to become a pilot for a television sitcom…Broad humour matched with Eskimo in-jokes makes True Grid a true touchdown.” – Edmonton Sun
“A laugh a minute. If you are a football fan, this is a must see. If you are not a football fan, you will love it anyway.” – Global TV
“…funny and oddly poignant…script is beautifully turned out…actors all possess a fine-tuned sense of comic timing.” – Edmonton Journal
“This is a true, genuine piece of comedy that anyone with the lifeblood of green and gold, copper and blue, or whatever combination, will relate to.” – Vue Weekly
“…crisp, entertaining play well-acted…slickly directed…Well worth a look, even if you hate football and would rather hibernate until the Grey Cup is over with.” – See Magazine
Do yourself a favour and see this play if you’re going to Grey Cup in Edmonton!
[tweetmeme]