Fly Me to the Moon is an Irish comedy by award winning writer Marie Jones that is hitting the Grand Theatre this week. The play is directed by Krista Jackson who has recently gained national recognition for her winning the Stratford Festival Directing Award.
Get to know the actresses and characters on stage:
One of the actresses staring in this comedic production, Diedre Gillard-Rowlings, plays Francis Shields who when asked, says she did a couple things to prepare for her Irish character’s role: “I watched The Fall, a Netflix series, that takes place in Belfast. I did some research on Belfast and the political climate there. I’m from Newfoundland so I understand the Irish mentality a bit, as Newfoundland is very much like that part of Europe.”
The other main actress in Fly Me to the Moon is, Carmen Grant who plays Loretta Mackie. She says that there is one main characteristic she feels she may share with her character: “I think for me, the closest thing is that Loretta has the tendency to blow things out of proportion. I tend to make mountains out of mole hills in my own personal life, so I think that’s where I probably connect most easily to Loretta”.
Get to know the director:
Krista Jackson is directing Fly Me to the Moon after having worked at the Grand Theatre before as the Artistic Associate/Apprentice Artistic Director. Below you can listen to a clip from our interview with her where she discusses the touchy subjects covered in this play, and the added elements of comedy:
The play runs from January 12th – 30th at the MainStage at the Grand Theatre. Tickets range from $29.95 – $81.50. For more information check out the Grand Theatre’s website or call 519-672-8800.
