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"Sir John A. Macdonald" was a Big Hit on Canada Day! Column published: 5 July 2007 By: Rick Roberts, Biography & Archived Articles 
This past Canada Day (Sunday, 01 July) an enthusiastic audience spent an entertaining and educational afternoon with "Sir John A. Macdonald". Popular historical re-enactor, David Morris, did a brilliant job of presenting this historically accurate one-man show as Canada's first Prime Minister. The interpretation of Sir. John A. Macdonald was entertaining and educational for everyone from children to adults. He spoke to a riveted audience for a full two hours, with many staying after the show to commend Mr. Morris for his performance and to ask detailed historical questions which were generously answered. It was obvious that Mr. Morris is far more than an effective actor. He has researched his character in great detail, and presents information with personal passion for the topic. Mr. Morris' method of telling Sir John A.'s life story in the first-person was very convincing. Beyond the personal stories of childhood, family, and the influences that shaped him as a young man, "Sir John A. Macdonald" spoke of political intrigue both in Canada and abroad. He shone much light onto behind-the-scenes events that shaped the public recollections that we have of the time. Gaining Canadian independence from Great Britain without a shot being fired, the death of his son in the Riel Rebellion, the establishment of the Canadian Pacific Railway, Lincoln's plans to invade Canada after the American Civil War that were ended with the bullet of John Wilkes Booth, and much more. Sir John A.'s political career was such an integral part of Canada in his era, that to study one is to study the other. This monologue covered the events up to confederation in 1867 and the years beyond, throughout Macdonald's service as Canada's first Prime Minister and beyond. The script was interspersed with humorous anecdotes and quotes from Macdonald's writings and speeches. The colorful personality of the most famous of Canada's Fathers of Confederation shone through. This was such a successful event that we have booked David Morris to do other characters from his long list of historical personalities in on future dates, including next Canada Day. As details become available we will share them with you in The Global Gazette, and in Global Genealogy's eNewsletter. Although Global Genealogy sponsored the financial expense of the event, the day would not have been as great a success without the help of a core group of volunteers. The Destination Campbellville Community Association (especially Stu Johnson & Bruce Whitehead) and Arts Milton provided assistance with organization and local promotion. Crime Stoppers of Halton provided the sound system and hand held microphones. Andrew Devai of Technically Yours Inc. provided wireless lapel microphones, photography and other assistance. Town Councillor Jan Mowbray represented the municipality and formally recognized Mr. Morris for his brilliant performance on behalf of the community and the event sponsors. Finally a special thank you to Sandra Roberts of Global Genealogy who conceived the idea and coordinated it's successful completion. Pictures The following pictures of the event were taken by Andrew Devai of Technically Yours Inc. Canada's leading distributor of lighting filters for the movie and theatre industry, Miller Tripods, Rose Brand fabrics & accessories, and Brightline fluorescent studio fixtures.  Sir John A. Macdonald begins with the story of his family's emigration to Canada from Scotland.  Sir John A.'s first employment was rescuing his father's business from failure when he was only eleven years old. It wasn't the first business that Macdonald senior's drinking had caused to fail.  Sir John A. Macdonald explains that "Tory" is Gaelic for "horse thief"  Sharing the inside-story that the assasination of Abraham Lincoln saved Canada from American invasion after the American Civil War.    Sir John A. Macdonald sharing that he learned his appreciation of strong drink from his father.  Canadian Pacific Railway's origins are revealed.    After his presentation, Sir John A. Macdonald speaks with an audience member who is dressed for the occasion.
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