If you’re looking for a story full of heart, Cottonwood Community Drama’s upcoming show will certainly appeal to you.
The Tin Woman follows one woman’s emotional journey in navigating life after receiving a heart transplant.
Originally presented as a Broadway production in 2014, The Tin Woman tells the story of Joy, an organ recipient who should be relishing her second chance at life. Instead, she finds herself on a downward spiral, unsure whether she truly deserves this gift of life.
Meanwhile, Alice and Frank mourn the loss of their son, Jack, whose heart was used to save Joy. At a friend’s urging, Joy tracks down Jack’s family to find closure. But are Alice, Hank and their daughter Sammy ready to accept Jack’s death?
Based on a true story, The Tin Woman uses humour and pathos to explore loss, family and what it truly means to be given a new life.
A recent donor himself, director Bruce Penner said it’s a story that needs to be told.
“This is something that has impacted many families and individuals, and it’s a topic that isn’t always easy to talk about,” he said of the local production that was originally supposed to be presented in 2020 but was derailed by the pandemic. “So, we brought it back.
“It’s the perfect play for me to get my feet wet as the main director,” he continued. “The story is so well written, and we already had the cast ready to go. It’s a small group of six actors. Four of them are from the original plans, so the actors already know what they’re doing.
“I have really enjoyed watching them develop these characters. I cried during rehearsals. It’s so heartwarming. I’m confident that we can do it justice.”
Joy, the organ recipient, is played by Lisa Klassen, while Jack, the donor, is played by Owen Cail. Sonja Toews will take on the role of Jack’s sister Sammy, while Jake Fehr and Val Schellenberg will be playing Jack’s parents, Hank and Alice. Megan Fehr will be taking on the roles of a nurse and Joy’s best friend Darla.
“They’ve already been in a number of Cottonwood productions, and it’s so great to have them there. It’s been a really enriching journey for me and the actors. And we’ve got long time director Charles Klippenstein working on the set.”
Penner said they’ll be utilizing a powerful soundtrack and underscores to enhance each scene.
“It’s the perfect music that plays on the emotions of the actors and the audience.”
While there is some humour, Penner said it’s mostly a serious drama.
“It’s a powerful story about organ donation, and what happens when this woman meets the donor’s family. It’s a story that just captures you, and the characters are all so real. To see people you know right from your own community step into these incredibly emotional roles really speaks to the versatility and talent of these local actors.”
It’s also a theme that has touched many local lives.
“We’ve invited three local people who are recipients of organs to share a bit about their story before each show,” said Penner. “Like the original performance, we are using the theme of organ donation to encourage people to sign their donor cards. We will be handing out information packets from the HSC Living Donor program in Winnipeg after each show.
“The takeaway is that you don’t always see the other side of a story like this. It’s an important story to tell.”
Klassen says she felt overwhelmed and excited when she was handed the script in 2019.
“When we realized a 2019 production wouldn’t be possible, I recall, as I handed my script to Bruce, saying if you ever pick this up again, I hope I get a second chance to do Joy justice. I’ve never met a character that has challenged me as much.”
She says playing Joy has been challenging because she is a bit caustic and doesn’t like to be touched and has a barbed sense of humour.
“I’m naturally the opposite of all those things. The depression Joy struggles with is relatable but can be hard to actively play. I’ve enjoyed the challenge though and hope the audience sees that Joy hasn’t lost all her spark and is trying brokenly, as we all are, to survive and connect.”
The Tin Woman will be presented at Buhler Hall in Gretna Nov. 23, 24 and 25 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $25-$30 based on seating – 17 and under are $15. To purchase tickets, call 204-327-5891.
