Greetings, Farce fans! Today, Air Farce: 40 Years of Flying by the Seat of Our Pants hits bookstores everywhere. The 288-page hardcover from Wiley is a wonderful scrapbook of stories and photos from Don Ferguson and Roger Abbott about Canada’s longest-running comedy troupe. I was honoured to be asked to help with the book and have contributed interviews with cast members Luba Goy, Dave Broadfoot, Jessica Holmes, writer Gord Holtam and former network executive Ivan Fecan, who gave the green light to a 16-year Farce run on CBC and tried to steal them away to CTV when he began building a network dynasty on the private network.
I also spoke with Alan Park, Penelope Corrin, director Perry Rosemond, Brian Robertson and others in preparing for my contributions to the book. It was a great privilege to get to meet and speak with everyone involved, and I thank Don and the late, great Roger Abbott for the opportunity.
I also approached Rick Mercer, Brent Butt, Allan Hawco, Steve Smith and Lloyd Robertson for comments for the back of the book jacket. Their instant, eager and heartfelt responses show you just how loved Ferguson, Abbott and Air Farce are in this business.
There is a celebration of the launch today at noon at the CBC atrium at 250 Front St. in Toronto, where Ferguson, Goy and others will be on hand and books will be available for just $22, including tax! May the Farce be with you!
