The following is an open letter to the community of Perth from actor Lindsay Kyte, who will be appearing in the Classic Theatre Festival's upcoming production, The Fourposter.

Dear Perth:

I hope you haven't forgotten me because I sure haven't forgotten you. Once again I've packed up my Toronto apartment for your Weeping Willows, rushing rivers, blue dragonflies and people who don't assume you're asking them for change when you wish them "Good Morning."

In case you have forgotten me, let's get reacquainted. My name is Lindsay Kyte. I was an actor in the Classic Theatre Festival's Blithe Spirit last summer. I played the clumsy maid, Edith, who messed up her high-class employers' carefully constructed life in more ways than one. And offstage, I was determined to become one of you in any way I could.

You see, though my bills have been delivered to a Toronto address for a few years now, I am, and will always be at heart, a Cape Bretoner. This means I adore being part of a community. Last summer, I loved strolling through Perth and having people who saw the show call me over to have a glass of wine on their patios. You should never invite a Cape Bretoner over for wine. I'll show up every day.

I loved spending all day floating in the Tay, drying off and then piling into the theatre to do the show. I loved the stars that shone over Stewart Park at night and the little path I named "Avonlea" where I'd go to dream all day until the mosquitoes started feasting on me. I loved that people dropped off baked goods to our rehearsals and my lovely billeter took such good care of me that she did everything from sew up my broken beach bag to make sure I had snacks after the show. I loved the amazingly talented cast who inspired me with their craft, instinct and dedication. And taught me to make sushi. I loved Laurel Smith, our director, who is so precise in her directing that she can press on one moment and a whole play will suddenly explode. And Matthew, her husband, who does the outreach for the Classic Theatre Festival and makes the best guacamole in all of Canada (and maybe the States. It is untested).

When I got word this fall that I had been cast again in the Festival, I was beside myself with joy. Perth became a home to all of us last summer. The friendships I formed then have continued on all year. And though I've got a great gang here in Toronto, there have been times when I've been rushing down a street and suddenly stopped, trying to see a sunset, somewhere. I could only see it reflected in the glass of the commerce buildings. And I would wish with all of my heart to be back in Perth, a place which is almost boastful in how many lovely perches it can provide for gazing at the sun's colourful yawn before twilight.

This summer I'm playing "Agnes" in The Fourposter, in which I age 30 years on stage. It's a really exciting challenge and I love experimenting in just how to do it well.

My cast mate Scott Clarkson and I, when we were initially planning our travel to Perth, discovered we both have morbidly obese cats (Birney and Battle Cat, each weighing in at 20 lbs) and Scott plays a slew of instruments and I sing. If you hear some dogs howling around 11 p.m. in Perth this summer, perhaps they're telling us Classic Theatre folk to stop singing We Are An Island over and over again. Or perhaps they're telling just me!

Also this summer, I have done something that has my mother shrieking in excitement (if you turn your ear towards Cape Breton, you can hear her). Three years ago I attended the Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts (LIPA) in Liverpool, England. LIPA is founded by Sir Paul McCartney.

Now, having just completed my thesis, I officially graduate July 29. I will fly over to England (sponsored for free by Air Transat) to get my diploma. And just who will be there shaking my hand to give it to me? Sir Paul himself! Laurel graciously gave me two days off of rehearsal to fly over. My Mom and two aunts will be there as well, screaming like schoolgirls. Again, turn your ear east and I'm sure it's Mom.

Not only that, the Classic Theatre Festival has declared Aug. 14 "Beatles Day." After the show on this day, I will be giving a talk about LIPA, Liverpool and meeting Paul McCartney, having done so only two weeks prior. Then Scott and I will be playing and singing some Beatles songs. I can't wait!

Sunsets, theatre, a Beatle and a community that cares about those who come to join it, whether it be for a summer or a lifetime. I have a feeling, Perth, that you and I are going to be lifelong friends. Maybe I'll talk Sir Paul into coming over for a dip in the Tay!

See you at the show!

Cheers,

Lindsay