We'll meet again, don't know where, don't know when! I know we'll meet again some sunny day!'
These words echo from a popular ballad that, in the minds of many, became synonymous with the Second World War.
Popularized thanks to a version of the song performed by recording artist Vera Lynn in Britain in 1942, and underscored by a film of the same name starring Lynn in 1943, the words have been carried on into the modern day as a reflection of the grim optimism that was carried by many who went overseas to fight.
On the 60th anniversary of the founding of the Royal Canadian Legion, the Legion contracted out the writing of a play to help share the lives and struggles of the men and women who took part in the great European and Asian campaigns of 1939-1945. It was hardly surprising that the name of this musical piece would be "We'll Meet Again."
Soon this wonderful play will again be gracing the stage in Carlyle thanks to the efforts of Carlyle's Cornerstone Theatre and the Conerstone players.
The Cornerstone players have made a name for themselves in the region as a talented and dedicated collection of amateur artists whose twice-a-year performances regularly see sell-out audiences.
'We'll Meet Again' is in fact a fourth revisit for the active crew, one that carries more meaning than a casual view might suggest.
This is because 'We'll Meet Again' was the first play the terrific troupe ever presented under the Cornerstone banner, and that first play is now 25 years distant.
Therefore the Cornerstone Theatre is proud to announce a special presentation of 'We'll Meet Again,' to take place on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, Oct. 15-17.
Besides being a presentation of one of the groups most performed plays, it also marks the 25th anniversary for the troupe.
"It is hard to believe it was 25 years ago, but I guess when you look at pictures from our earliest plays, it gets a little hard to deny the truth," laughed Cornerstone founding-member Diane Twietmeyer. "A lot of the original members of the group have gotten a little grayer over the years."
With the milestone production being one the troupe has produced before, several of the more venerable members of Cornerstone have come out of retirement to take part in the production.
"For some of our older members, it was just a bit too much to have to learn new lines and new songs," Twietmeyer said. "But because we have done 'We'll Meet Again' a few times, they have been able to take part in the play, something that several hadn't been able to do in a few years."
"Another feature of the play is that we will be offering a dinner of stew and biscuits before the play on Friday and Saturday," Twietmeyer said. "The dinner is meant to remind people of some of the food that would've been eaten back in the days of World War II when rationing was in place."
"Of course, you don't have to take the meal if you're not interested," Twietmeyer said. "If you would just like to come and see the show, that isn't any problem, and the ticket prices will be lower if you are just going to see the show."
Also on hand will be the author of 'The Other Side of Fear,' Marie Donais Calder.
Tickets for the shows can be purchased in advance at Cornerstone Shoes on Main Street in Carlyle.
