KAWARTHA LAKES-A charming and powerful romantic comedy, Buying the Farm has a serious undercurrent to it as well, touching on the tough realities of farm life that are ever present in rural communities such as the Kawartha Lakes. Throughout the play’s narrative, the struggles of maintaining the family farm, the divisions of urban and rural life, and the threat of losing a farmer’s livelihood to the development and progress of the 21st century.
“This play was inspired by Stephen’s history of family farming and our road trips where we’ve seen acre after acre of farmland developed for housing,” explains one of the playwrights Shelley Hoffman. “Stephen and I are thrilled to have Buying the Farm brought to audiences in Bobcaygeon.”
Farming, family and real estate development are the central themes in Buying the Farm, a hit comedy from Canadian playwrights Shelley Hoffman and Stephen Sparks and produced in conjunction with the International Plowing Match.
“When we started planning the International Ploughing Match for 2024 in Lindsay, I knew that I wanted it to be something that created special events across the Kawartha Lakes,” explains Robert Armstrong, local chair for the IPM. “So, I spoke to James and Sarah about putting on a play at the same time as the International Ploughing Match and I’m delighted they have selected to produce Buying the Farm. I think this show is perfect because it is a great connection to agriculture and the rural landscape we love in the Kawarthas.”
Young real estate agent Brad Deacon arrives at the Bjornson farm ready to make a deal. Wearing a plaid button-down shirt, two-hundred-dollar jeans and lizard-skin cowboy boots, he’s convinced he can persuade the old, bachelor farmer to sell his family farm, succeeding where other agents have failed. That is until he meets the old farmer’s secretive and high-spirited great niece who cares way too much about her community to be charmed by his urban sprawl talk.
The play stars Globus Theatre’s Artistic Producer James Barrett (Screwball Comedy, Buying the Moose, Funny Farmers, Real Estate, Dating Game) as the old, bachelor farmer Magnus, alongside newcomers Michal Grzejszczak as the hot shot real estate agent Brad Deacon, and Mallory Brumm as Magnus’ great niece, Esme.
Will they sell the farm? You won’t know unless you go!
Buying the Farm
September 25 – October 5
Theatre $50 | Dinner & Theatre $100
For more information or to purchase tickets visit www.globustheatre.com or call the Globus Theatre box office at 705-738-2037.
