Bombers landing at 4th Line
New play tells the story of Second World War fighter crews battling in the skies over Europe
Bombers: Reaping the Whirlwind comes in for a landing at Millbrook’s 4th Line Theatre July 4, kicking off the unique outdoor stage’s 2017 season.
David S. Craig’s play is the story of young Peter Benton, a Canadian heavy bomber pilot who flew, the flak and fighter filled skies, over Germany during the Second World War. Drawing directly from the experiences of Canadian flight crews, Bombers places the audience directly into the training, the camaraderie, the passion and ultimately into a Lancaster bomber as the young crew of Canadian boys drop their bombs over the burning fires of Berlin.
“This play is an incredible tribute to the men and women who served, most of whom are no longer with us,” says Kim Blackwell, 4th Line’s managing artistic director. “And for their families, who work tirelessly to ensure the sacrifice is not forgotten, Bombers allows them to honour their family members.”
Craig has been working on this play for more than 30, beginning in 1985 by interviewing veterans of and inviting former air crew members and women who served in the Air Force to share their stories of the war and life in bomber command.
“There is no other theatre in Canada where a play this epic could be staged,” he says. “Bombers has a large cast, epic musical numbers, and action-packed scenes of bombing runs over Europe. 4th Line is the perfect place to realize such an ambitious piece.”
Bombers will be directed by David Ferry, who has a personal connection to the subject matter – his parents met while serving in the Second World War. His father served in Bomber Command, was shot down over Europe and spent time in a German prisoner of war camp.
Bombers: Reaping The Whirlwind stars Robert Winslow as present-day Peter Benton, Michael Cox as young Peter Benton, Colin Doyle, Erin Humphry, Shaina Silver-Baird and Deb Williams.
The ensemble will feature 30 actors playing more than 60 characters including: Lucas DeLuca, Kait Dueck, Rob Fortin, Matt Gilbert, Justin Hiscox, Mark Hiscox, Ken Houston, Kelsey Powell and Andrei Preda; apprentice actors are Justin Laurie and Frances Loiselle; and community volunteers include Madeleine Bryenton, Brady Carveth, Liam Davidson, Mike Davidson, Angelina Haines, Abby Hatherly, Emily Jones, Ethan King, Sarah Livingston, Emma Meinhardt, Peter Spasov, Phil Stott and Samuelle Weatherdon.
The creative team includes: set design by Glenn Davidson, costume design by Karyn McCallum, musical direction, original music and arrangements by Justin Hiscox, choreography by Monica Dottor; and sound design by Esther Vincent.
The stage management team includes: Fiona Jones, Alanna Wrenshall and apprentice Christine Mepstead.
It runs July 4 – July 29 with previews July 4 and 5, and opening night July 6.
Show nights are Tuesday through Saturday at 6 p.m., with an additional performance July 24.
Tickets, gift certificates and picnics for 4th Line Theatre productions can be purchased by phone (705-932-4445), online at 4thlinetheatre.on.ca, or at 4th Line Theatre’s Box Office at 4 Tupper St., Millbrook or at the Peterborough Museum and Archives at 300 Hunter St. E., Museum Dr.