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j.t. huntley, 1968-2002j.t. huntley, 1968-2002
“I think people would drive a lot more safely if they replaced air bags with a steel plate.” That was one of the signature jokes of stand-up J.T. Huntley, who died March 15. The comedy community is mourning his sudden death from a heart attack. In front of a mike, Huntley — or rather, his onstage persona — could be pretty filthy. But, says stand-up Jo-Anna Downey, he had a “childlike curiosity in things, a mischievous giggle.” “His act was never disgusting,” says Paul Haywood, who played clubs like Spirits, Yuk Yuk’s and Comedywood with Huntley. “He had a Winnie-the-Pooh presence. It was always fun to watch him muck about.” There’s a tribute to Huntley on April 23, which would have been his 34th birthday, at Tom Foolery’s (194 Bloor West). 416-967-5005.
apt awardsapt awards
Can we pick the up-and-comers or what? Back at last SummerWorks, we previewed the work of debbie young and Matthew MacFadzean, calling them theatre artists to watch. Just learned that each has won acclaim from other quarters. Dub poet, actor and playwright young is the recipient of the 2002 Art Starts Community Artist Award for Emerging Artists, while actor, writer and producer MacFadzean won the Emerging Artist Award in theatre, administered by the Tarragon Theatre, which carries with it a $5,000 prize. Now, let’s see more of their work — maybe a longer version of MacFadzean’s richardthesecond, or young in a remount of Trey Anthony’s Da Kink In My Hair.
camp bardcamp bard
Do you have kids eight or up with a thing for theatre? You’ll advance their interest in the Bard with ShakespeareWorks’ summer camp at Ashbridges Bay. From July 8 to August 4, theatre pros work with a group of young people on Shakespearean scenes as well as voice, movement and improv exercises. You know participants will get quality instruction, since the company’s founders include Rosemary Dunsmore, Peter James Haworth, Yanna McIntosh and R.H. Thomson. For more info, call 416-463-4869.
