True love before Wallace Simpson?

Times Contributor

 

While the entire world was focused on William and Kate this summer, Rosebud actors were concentrating on perfecting this fall’s performance of their own “royally funny” couple Prince Edward and Millicent Milroy, the young lady who captured his heart before Wallace Simpson. Rosebud Dinner Theatre’s latest show ‘Queen Milli of Galt’ is a true love story of Royalty meets “hometown” girl. 

When the handsome, young Prince Edward visits Galt, Ontario in the autumn of 1919 everyone wants to see him – everyone that is except Millicent Milroy. Milli would rather work in her garden than join the throngs hoping to catch even a glimpse of the king-to-be. An escape from his relentless schedule leads Edward down Milli’s garden path. When the two meet, what begins as mutual disdain for each other gradually evolves into an extraordinary romance that leads to the crowning of ‘Queen Milli of Galt’. 

Executive Director Morris Ertman comments, “It is amazing to me that we Canadians have our very own Wallace Simpson story in Milli Milroy of Galt, Ontario. The fact that ‘The King’s Speech’ introduced us to a heart-forward, if tragic Edward VIII who chooses Wallace Simpson over the throne. It is followed closely by more of his story on our Rosebud Theatre stage  that creates another interesting chapter of Royal intrigue for Royal-story-hungry Canadians.”

Edward, played by Karl Sine, and Milli, played by Heather Zacharias, were two very vibrant characters in this production. Sine and Zacharias have been on stage together before and have an amazing chemistry with one another, as well as with the other seasoned characters in this production, including Alysa vanHaastert as Mona Singleton, Steve Waldschmidt as Godfrey, local favourite Marie Russell as Mrs. Milroy and Emma Cobb as the journalist.

Zacharias, who was born in Galt before its name was changed to Cambridge, has had a busy summer on Rosebud’s Studio Stage playing Eve in The Diary of Adam and Eve. She is overjoyed to be appearing at the Opera House this fall. “I first heard about “Queen Mill’s” story when I worked for the Cambridge Historical Society. It’s a Cambridge urban myth. No one knows all the facts about her life, but I think the way the play frames her story is beautiful, and funny. I laughed out loud when I read the script for the first time. …I love Milli. She’s feisty and won’t take any guff from anyone. She’s a real human being, who gives the prince a run for his money, which I think is great.”

Executive Director Morris Ertman comments, “This is one of the best plays I’ve worked on in a long time. It comes off the page like an entertainment rocket and then lands something on your heart that just doesn’t go away. It’s the must-see of the season for those who want to leave the theatre feeling like every part of their entertainment hunger has been satiated. I love this play, and I think audiences will too!”

For tickets and information on this season’s performances please contact Rosebud’s Theatre Box Office at 1-800-267-7553.