By Ariel Hinkson
The Halloween Tree Written by Ray Bradury
Adapted and Directed by Amanda Kellock
The Halloween Tree marks artistic director Mike Payette’s first collaboration with Geordie Productions. The fluidity of the play is a direct representation of the extensive and hard work put into the production over a 4-week period.
Directed and adapted by Amanda Kellock, the theatre production of Ray Bradbury’s The Halloween Tree, has been years in the making. It began as a school project at John Abbott College, then made its way to theatre workshops about 4 years ago.
Today, thanks to a group of talented actors, theatre lovers have the pleasure of experiencing this haunting tale.
Through the use of costumes, lighting, sound effects and original live music, the audience is taken on a ride through time and space with a group of five pre-teen friends on a quest to save their 6th member, the Halloween festivities ring leader, Joe Pipkin.
On their travels the friends learn valuable lessons about life and death, friendship and sacrifice, the concept of time and why we celebrate Halloween the way we do.
This play is as much for adults as it is for children. Sitting in the theatre, I found myself laughing louder than the kids. And as Mike Payette explains, “That is the beauty of theatre.”
With Geordie Productions being able to touch upon topics where children who are coming out of purity can experience and understand the world for what it is, all the while producing a work that adults can relate to.
So whether you’re looking for an activity for the kids on Halloween night, or your inner kid at heart, Geordie Productions The Halloween Tree is the perfect treat – all tricks aside. The event runs from October 21st to 30th at Concordia University D.B. Clarke Theatre 1455 de Maisonneuve West
