Wishful Seeing
Written by Maja Ardal
*Based on the novel of the same name by Janet Kellough, published by Dundurn Press.
About Wishful Seeing:
Wishful Seeing, based on the novel of the same name by Janet Kellough, published by Dundurn Press, tells the story of saddlebag preacher Thaddeus Lewis played by Founder and Creative Director Robert Winslow, who stumbles upon a murder mystery on the shores of Rice Lake. A historical thriller set in 1853, with a colourful cast of characters set against the backdrop of a rapidly growing pre-confederation Canada. Reminiscent of the popular CBC television series “Murdoch Mysteries,” this world premiere from Maja Ardal, the writer of the sell-out hit The Hero of Hunter Street, is sure to be a 4th Line classic.
Production history of Wishful Seeing:
Wishful Seeing by Maja Ardal premiered as part of 4th Line Theatre's 2022 season. In 2019, Maja Arden was invited by 4th Line's Artistic Producer Kim Blackwell to adapt Wishful Seeing by Janet Kellough, and she immediately feel in love with Janet's Thaddeus Lewis series of murder mystery novels. Exploring the SE Ontario region historically as well as geographically has been one of the most rewarding elements for Arden of writing this play. Arden has endeavoured to be faithful to Janet's wonderful character of Thaddeus Lewis, who really did exist, and who wrote his own memoir, which helped her to bring his character alive for the actors and audience.