Norm Foster’s New Comedy "The Bean" Premieres at Theatre Collingwood

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The comedy, directed by Jamie Williams, will stage at the Marsh Street Centre in Clarksburg.

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Theatre Collingwood will present The Bean, the latest world premiere comedy from Canada’s most celebrated playwright, Norm Foster. Running June 23–26 at Marsh Street Centre in Clarksburg.

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Set in a cozy local coffee shop, The Bean follows Dennis Hill, a devoted father who begins each day at his favourite café after dropping his daughter at school. Cheryl Partridge has just started a new job at the law firm across the street. Aside from their need for caffeine and the fact that they’re both single, the two appear to have little in common. But as they continue crossing paths Monday through Friday, casual conversations slowly turn into surprising revelations, and an unlikely friendship begins to brew.

“We are thrilled to be back at the Marsh Street Centre for our second play of the season, The Bean! And very excited to be working with our friends from the Norm Foster Festival again! We know our audiences are going to love this show,” says Theatre Collingwood Executive Director Erica Angus. “Our plan is that, with the use of décor items, you will feel like you are right in that coffee shop with the characters!”

Director Jamie Williams, a long-time collaborator of Foster’s, shares his excitement for the production:

“The Bean brings us back to a familiar Norm Foster convention - Man meets Woman. And in true Norm Foster fashion he turns this ‘meet cute’ formula on its head leading the audience into unexpected conversations that will surprise not only them but the characters themselves. While Norm often writes about ordinary people in extraordinary circumstances, in The Bean he has distilled the story into ordinary people in an ordinary circumstance that engages the audience in its simplicity and identifiability.”

The production stars Kirsten Alter as Cheryl Partridge and Derek Ritschel as Dennis Hill. Both accomplished performers bring a wealth of stage and screen experience to this charming new comedy.

Kirsten Alter actually lives in Collingwood, and shared her appreciation for the region and Theatre Collingwood audiences. “I love my hometown of Collingwood! Having moved here seven years ago, I haven’t looked back. From hiking and biking along Georgian Bay to enjoying all that Theatre Collingwood has to offer, life is good.”

Derek Ritschel reflected warmly on his long relationship with Norm Foster. “Surprisingly the way I met Norm was not through one of his plays. I was hired by Theatre Aquarius to be in a show called Strawberries In January written by Evelyne de la Chenelire. It was a last minute hire so I came into the rehearsal hall not knowing who was in the show. I was introduced to the other cast members Fiona, Catherine and 'Norm'. I never even conceived the gentleman named 'Norm' was Norm Foster. We rehearsed for 3 days and he was just 'Norm'. After the third day of rehearsal we all went out for a drink at the local pub. After a while the conversation came around to Catherine and Fiona talking about Norm Foster plays. Which ones they have done or not done etc., etc. After some time 'Norm' turned to me and asked 'have you done any of my plays Derek?' That's when the penny dropped. I flew into a flop sweat because I hadn't done any of his plays and I was still processing that Norm Foster was the guy I've been rehearsing with for the last few days and I had to say 'nope, not one'. Thankfully he laughed and said 'well get on that would ya!?' Since that time I have been fortunate enough to be part of a number of his premieres as both an actor and director ... but through it all ... he's always been just a guy named 'Norm'.

The outstanding creative team includes Jamie Williams – Director, Norm Foster – Playwright, Beckie Morris – Set Designer, Alex Amini – Costume Designer , and Alex Sykes – Lighting Designer.

Theatre Collingwood is introducing a brand-new audience experience for The Bean: FRIDAY FUNDAY! On Friday, June 26, patrons can enjoy a relaxed BBQ gathering on the Marsh Street Centre patio before or after the performance. For just $20, guests receive: Gourmet Sausage on a bun from Wally Parr Foods, side dish, cookie, & bottled water. Enjoy a lively social patio atmosphere and convenient pre or post show dining. BBQ meals must be pre-ordered. This BBQ is a fundraiser for Theatre Collingwood.

BBQ times on June 26th are:

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_Originally reported by [BroadwayWorld](https://www.broadwayworld.com/ottawa/article/THE-BEAN-By-Norm-Foster-To-Be-Presented-At-Theatre-Collingwood-20260512)._