Buying the Farm latest show at LFT
![Buying the Farm is the latest production at the Lighthouse Festival Theatre. The comedy, written by Shelley Hoffman and Stephen Sparks, stars, from left, Carlyn Rhamey as Esme, Ralph Small as Magnus and John Echano as Brad. The play runs until June 25.](https://smartcdn.gprod.postmedia.digital/nexus/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/0615-sr-theatre-scaled.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&w=288&h=216)
Lighthouse Festival Theater aims to bring more laughs to the stage in its latest production.
Buying the Farm tells the story of a real estate agent attempting to persuade a farmer to sell his property. Things take a turn when the agent meets the farmer’s niece.
The second show of LFT’s summer season, which runs at the Port Dover theater until June 25, is directed by Karen Ancheta and written by Shelley Hoffman and Stephen Sparks.
The production stars John Echano as Brad, Carlyn Rhamey as Esme and Ralph Small as Magnus.
“This is one of the biggest things I’ve worked on where I actually have a team. I usually do things all myself,” Ancheta said in a recent interview. “This is one of the most amazing experiences I’ve ever had and I’m so thankful to Lighthouse and Derek Ritschel.
Ancheta said this is her directorial debut in Port Dover and she hopes to return for more.
“I’ve fallen in love with Port Dover. This is just so incredible to be here and working and I just feel so supported,” said Ancheta. “I’m so excited to see what happens after this and because of this project I’m stronger.”
Coming back to the theater process after a hiatus due to the pandemic has been a positive experience for Ancheta. She specifically cited the in-person interaction rather than communicating over a Zoom call.
“I don’t think there hasn’t been any production that hasn’t been touched by COVID. We have to keep everyone safe and be really mindful during this process. I think theaters are adjusting to try and keep things going. People are so hungry for theater now, for its live experience and when you go in, you really do feel it.”
Ancheta attended Ryerson Theater School in Toronto at age 19 and has worked many roles within the industry. She says theater has been her life.
“I feel like with this project, I’m truly reaching my full potential, but I’m a student forever, no matter what. You can never stop learning and you always get something out of every production,” said Ancheta.
Buying the Farm will move on to the Roselawn Theater in Port Colborne from June 29 to July 10.
Tickets for the Port Dover performance are available at www.lighthousetheatre.com or by calling 1-888-779-7703.