A story with a message, Axis Theatre performance highlights the power of love

Tim Brody - Editor

Kids Kaleidoscope Entertainment Series showgoers cheered, laughed and contemplated throughout Axis Theatre’s recent presentation of Somebody Loves You, Mr. Hatch.
Performed on May 9 at Sioux Mountain Public School, actresses Christine Reinfort (Molly), Jeny Cassady (Edna), and Sarah May Redmond (Betsy), brought Mr. Hatch’s story to life in the final show of the season for the children’s entertainment series.
Based on the book by Eileen Spinelli and Illustrated by Paul Yalowitz, the performance was adapted by Chris McGregor and was the winner of two 2017 Jessie Richardson Awards including Outstanding Design and Outstanding Artistic Creation for Direction.
The theatre company’s website describes the performance, “Mr. Hatch lives a colourless, ordered life. He goes to work at the shoelace factory, eats his lunch alone, reads the paper and then goes to bed… early. Until, one Valentine’s Day he receives the biggest surprise of his life, a candy-filled heart with a note that whispers “somebody loves you”. Mr. Hatch’s world is turned upside down and he begins to make friends and enjoy all the fun parts of life that he once ignored. SOMEBODY LOVES YOU, MR. HATCH is a heartwarming puppet play that examines the effect that kindness can have on a dreary existence.”
Axis Theatre states the performance explores themes of loneliness, the importance of change, exploring individuality, caring for others, and the power of community.
The actresses said they love telling Mr. Hatch’s powerful story. Cassady said it was wonderful to present it to the Sioux Lookout audience.
Kids Kaleidoscope Entertainment Series President / Programmer Dorothy Broderick shared, “We enjoyed the beautiful storytelling and the puppetry as the story unfolded. The performers were so fun to have come and entertain the families who were able to come out.
“We are very grateful to the KPDSB for their community use program which gives us a space to bring in such well-played performances. We are also so grateful to our sponsors, Canada Heritage, Ontario Arts Council, Ontario Presents, The Best Western, Positano Paving, Sunset Inn and Suites, Days Inn, and Salvation Army. We are also so grateful to all the parents who help out each night and to our committee members who use their time to bring in and make each show run well. We will be hosting our AGM on June 9th at 7:00. Location to be announced on our Facebook group page. We would love to have new committee members come out to join us in bringing live theatre to Sioux Lookout’s children!”