PREVIEW INTERVIEW with GRAND HORIZONS director Ryan Trepanier
Coming soon to Dundas Little Theatre is a play about families, acceptance and growth. I had the pleasure of a virtual interview with director Ryan Trepanier and we discussed their vision for Grand Horizons as well as the company's winter clothing drive to assist our community.
What influenced you to direct for Dundas Little Theatre's Grand Horizons?
I was happily surprised to find that when I read Grand Horizons for the first time, it was much more than a hilarious family comedy (which it still very much is). This play is a lot more personal to me than I would have ever expected. I can see my entire family in the characters Bess Wohl has given us. I thought it would be fun to direct this show from the perspective of the kids watching their parents look back on their lives together, whether that's regrets, desires, fears, etc. In a way, this play is a love letter to my parents, but hopefully to all parents of adult children. It's a really unique dynamic - how do us kids interact with and reason with our parents, who for so much of our lives, are the leaders, the ones who have all the knowledge and all the answers. This is really the question that permeates the show, as a real family dynamic plays out on stage.
For those unfamiliar with this show, how will the show speak to audiences?
Ultimately, this is a play about very real people. Sure, the situation they're thrown into at the very beginning probably isn't a common problem most families face, but I challenge our audience not to find pieces of your own family in these characters. I can't help but empathize with this family, and I sincerely believe our audiences will too. Oh, and of course, the glue that holds this together is that while it's authentic and sincere, it's also incredibly funny. Because ultimately, we know families are funny and ridiculous in their own unique way. This play captures that, and I think audiences will appreciate how well constructed these characters are.
What challenges, if any, have you faced while bringing your vision to the stage and what have you taken from the experience?
In a world with COVID, live theatre has definitely changed a lot. We've had to be flexible and patient in terms of rehearsing this play. But ultimately, having such an amazing group of people to work with - 7 incredible actors and an incredible team behind the scenes - it's made the whole process far less stressful than it probably should have been. The biggest takeaway from this production, though I think this just solidifies or confirms what I've always suspected, is that the hardest/most important part of any show is the casting and/or choosing your team to surround you.
What have you found rewarding about bringing this production to the stage?
It's always incredibly satisfying to see a play take its shape in rehearsals. With this particular play, it's wonderful to watch the cast react to the heartfelt and meaningful moments on stage. I think, that much like myself, our cast and crew see the real people in this play. Everyone can mine their own meaning, and their own relation to these very real people portrayed on stage. And, every time a show goes up and it looks as good as you thought it would - that always feels like a little miracle, and I'm thankful for all of the people responsible for making that happen.
Rehearsal photos provided by: Keith Sharp
During this production, DLT will be collecting winter clothing items for Good Shepherd, Hamilton. What influenced the company to organize this and how can audiences help ensure that the clothing drive is a success?
I have always felt that art should inspire. In the play, Grand Horizons, Nancy is organizing a clothing drive for refugees. Nancy wants to live in a world where people care about others and I saw an opportunity to follow her lessons. We reached out to the Good Shepherd and they were happy to partner with us. Audiences are encouraged to bring in their gently used seasonal clothing to the theatre on the night they see the show.
Thank you Ryan, for such fond insights regarding directing Grand Horizons and for finding such inspiration within the show to help set up a much needed clothing drive this winter!
Look for my full review of the show coming January 21.
