Milford’s Mount Tabor was a hive of activity this week. The cast and crew of The Ultimate County Kid put the finishing touches on a unique, home grown production.

The Ultimate County Kid is an original Marysburgh Mummers musical, written by Megan Hutton. The high-energy musical comedy is staged as a live, locally televised talent competition, The Ultimate County Kid.

Hosted by the charismatic Matt Parkin (Pat Larkin) and judged by three beloved County figures, the show sets out to crown one young person as “the most County through and through.”

Seven contestants from across the County, representing different towns, backgrounds, talents, and generations, compete in a series of themed rounds testing creativity, heritage, County slang (“Countinese”), and historical knowledge. From farm-to-table cooking and hockey skills to songwriting, political ambition, and social media influence, each contestant champions a unique vision of what the County is, and what it could become. 

Thomas Rice and Lachlan Cole play contestants. They agree the production will strike a chord with locals.

“There’s a ton of hidden jokes and references in the production that only County audiences will recognize. We are all kind of in on the joke and I think that’s what makes The Ultimate County Kid special and different from other productions,” Lachlan said.

Thomas added that working directly with the production’s playwright has been a wonderful experience for the cast. And particularly poignant given the recent upswell of Canadian pride.

“It’s amazing to have Megan here at rehearsal and get her opinion and help on how we are interpreting her creation,” Thomas said. “Now more than ever, Canadian artists are really important in representing small and rural areas. Not only do we have a very unique area with a lot of culture and history, but it is also a very important time socially and politically to be using the works of local artists like Megan.”

The show opens at Mount Tabor this weekend with evening performances starting at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday and a Sunday matinee at 2 p.m. That schedule repeats on the weekend of May 15-17 when the show closes.

Tickets are $20 and can be purchased at in person at at Books and Co. at 289 Main St. Picton or online at www.marysburghmummers.ca/buying-tickets