Show program & bar menu
PLEASE NOTE: In accordance with the licensing agreements for this production, the taking of photographs and use of recording devices during the performance are strictly prohibited.
"Halfway There is Foster at his best. The laughs are frequent and very funny."
— OntarioStage.com
Welcome to Stewiacke, Nova Scotia—proudly (and almost) halfway between the Equator and the North Pole. At the local diner, four women share coffee, laughs, and the daily dramas of small-town life. When a heartbroken doctor from Toronto arrives for a short-term job, he stirs up more than just conversation—especially for Janine, the waitress who’s learned to keep her guard up.
Written by Norm Foster, Canada’s most produced playwright and a national treasure, Halfway There is a feel-good comedy full of sharp wit, tender moments, and unexpected connections. It’s a warm, funny, and quietly moving story about friendship, change, and the people who help us find our way.
Staged by arrangement with Pam Winter, GGA, www.ggagency.ca
"Halfway There is Foster at his best. The laughs are frequent and very funny."
— OntarioStage.com
Welcome to Stewiacke, Nova Scotia—proudly (and almost) halfway between the Equator and the North Pole. At the local diner, four women share coffee, laughs, and the daily dramas of small-town life. When a heartbroken doctor from Toronto arrives for a short-term job, he stirs up more than just conversation—especially for Janine, the waitress who’s learned to keep her guard up.
Written by Norm Foster, Canada’s most produced playwright and a national treasure, Halfway There is a feel-good comedy full of sharp wit, tender moments, and unexpected connections. It’s a warm, funny, and quietly moving story about friendship, change, and the people who help us find our way.
Staged by arrangement with Pam Winter, GGA, www.ggagency.ca
CAST & CHARACTERS
Vi
Kristen Bilawchuk
Rita
Becky Hendrickson
Mary Ellen
Dawn Bell
Janine Babineau
Nicole Angell
Sean Merrit
Christopher Utigard
ACT I
A restaurant called Junior's in the town of Stewiacke, a town in Nova Scotia located halfway between the equator and the North Pole.
Scene 1: Friday afternoon
Scene 2: The following Friday
Scene 3: The following Monday
INTERMISSION
ACT II
Scene 1: The next day
Scene 2: The following Friday
Scene 3: Two weeks later
Acknowledgements
Dawn Bell
And, as always, thanks to our catering partner — Garnet Catering — for providing the excellent meals that our audiences have come to love (and expect) from us!
Meet the cast & crew
Kristen Bilawchuk
"Vi"
Kristen has been part of Mini Fridge Theatre Company since 2024 when she took on duties as an assistant stage manager. This time she’s making her way from behind the scenes to the stage!
She’s glad that she took a chance and explored her interest in theatre. Over the last year, she has learned a lot from the talented cast and crew members of MFT and she’s beyond thrilled to apply that to the stage as Vi.
Kristen dedicates this performance to Chris — a man who helped her to be more adventurous, to take more chances, and to live life to the fullest. She knows that he would be so proud of her.
Becky Hendrickson
"Rita"
Becky has been hanging around MFT for a decade now—clearly, she just can’t get enough! She has graced the stage four times, proving that quality really does beat quantity.
When not acting, Becky can be found on the other side of the curtain, dancing in the kitchen, having fun with the waitstaff, and keeping the bartender on their best behaviour.
She hopes you enjoy the show!
Dawn Bell
"Mary Ellen"
Dawn is excited to be appearing onstage again with MFT. She’s had the opportunity to play many interesting characters, and the role of Mary Ellen is no exception.
Dawn is considering training for a “marathon,” as apparently there are no downsides… 😉
Nicole Angell
"Janine Babineau"
Nicole is delighted to return to the stage after a season-long hiatus spent “getting her life together” (progress: pending).
In the meantime, she waitressed at this very theatre! You may remember her from such spills as: a pitcher of water on a fellow’s lap, a pint of beer on herself and an unsuspecting couple, and a rogue slice of cake that slid gloriously off its plate. Now back in the spotlight, she brings all that real-world clumsiness to her role as… a waitress.
She's glad you're here and hopes you enjoy the show!
Christopher Utigard
"Sean Merrit"
This is his fourth show with MFT.
He hopes you enjoy the show.
Michael Neuert
Director
Michael is usually seen on stage but this season he has decided to work from behind the scenes.
He’s been involved with local theatre, film, television, and radio for over 45 years.
He has enjoyed working with this cast and crew and hopes you enjoy the play.
Lindsay Woods
Stage Manager
This is Lindsay’s fourth production with Mini Fridge Theatre Company, and her first as stage manager.
Previous credits with MFT include Karen Brown in Season 8's Unnecessary Farce by Paul Slade Smith and assistant stage manager for Season 9's We Must Kill Toni by Ian Stuart Black. She had also been involved in several on- and off-stage roles with Swift Current Little Theatre from 2013-2018.
She hopes you have a wonderful night.
Krystof Weckert
Assistant Stage Manager
To make a single-serving mug cake, add 4 tablespoons of whole milk and 6 chocolate sandwich cookies to a microwave-safe mug (at least 10 oz). Use a fork to crush the cookies into a paste—this gets easier as they soak. Stir in 2 teaspoons of neutral oil and ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract, followed by 2 teaspoons of granulated sugar. Then mix in 2 teaspoons of all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons of cocoa powder, ⅓ teaspoon of baking powder, and a pinch (about ⅛ teaspoon) of salt until fully combined. Microwave on high for 80–90 seconds until the cake is cooked through. For extra flavor and texture, top with chocolate chips and more crushed cookies while it’s still hot.
Bar menu
Must be of legal drinking age. Please drink responsibly. Prices do not include applicable taxes.
🍁 LOCAL FAVOURITES
We’re proud to serve drinks crafted in Saskatoon, Calgary, Ontario, and Quebec.
Supporting Canadian makers never tasted so good.
A little laughter, a little local flavour, and a break from the noise. That’s what we’re pouring.
Please enjoy responsibly.
Academia Nuts
Step into a world of scholarly secrets and unexpected chaos. In Academia Nuts, Professor Peter Smedforson’s quiet college-town life unravels when a free spirit, a rival scholar, and an unscrupulous ex-husband invade his home in search of a legendary manuscript. Witty, urbane, and full of surprises, this comedy proves that even the most studious lives can spiral into hilarity.
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Thank you for supporting local theatre!
“Double over with laughter funny."
– WSTV/WRKY
In a quiet New England college town, reclusive professor Peter Smedforson lives a life of literary solitude—until chaos knocks on his door. His peaceful home, once owned by the enigmatic poet E.R. Lennox, becomes ground zero for academic ambition and eccentric intrusions. Enter Tammi, a free-spirited former dancer from Atlantic City; Judith, a determined scholar on the hunt for a lost manuscript; and Stewart, Judith’s conniving ex-husband with his own agenda.
As secrets unravel and identities collide, this witty and urbane comedy spirals into a whirlwind of mistaken motives, intellectual one-upmanship, and unexpected revelations. Academia Nuts is a fast-paced farce that proves even the most bookish lives can be turned upside down—with hilarious results.
** Pre-sale for MFT Season Pass Holders begins Dec. 29 and ends Jan. 11 @ 6pm. Tickets go on sale to the general public Jan. 12. **
“Double over with laughter funny."
– WSTV/WRKY
In a quiet New England college town, reclusive professor Peter Smedforson lives a life of literary solitude—until chaos knocks on his door. His peaceful home, once owned by the enigmatic poet E.R. Lennox, becomes ground zero for academic ambition and eccentric intrusions. Enter Tammi, a free-spirited former dancer from Atlantic City; Judith, a determined scholar on the hunt for a lost manuscript; and Stewart, Judith’s conniving ex-husband with his own agenda.
As secrets unravel and identities collide, this witty and urbane comedy spirals into a whirlwind of mistaken motives, intellectual one-upmanship, and unexpected revelations. Academia Nuts is a fast-paced farce that proves even the most bookish lives can be turned upside down—with hilarious results.
** Pre-sale for MFT Season Pass Holders begins Dec. 29 and ends Jan. 11 @ 6pm. Tickets go on sale to the general public Jan. 12. **