South Huron District High School music director Isaac Moore leads the senior concert band at MusicFest Canada in Ottawa

Story and photos by Casey Lessard

They’re the best percussion ensemble in Canada, and they’re right here in our backyard. Led by music director Isaac Moore and coach Dave Robilliard, South Huron District High School’s percussionists won the Zildjian Outstanding Percussion Section Award at this year’s MusicFest Canada national competition in Ottawa May 22; graduating student Jon Gill of Grand Bend, who is attending UWO for music in the fall, won the Zildjian Outstanding Percussionist Award. Judge and seminar leader Wayne Toews called the group the best student percussion ensemble in Canada, and could challenge any group in the world. If that’s the case, says Robilliard, it’s because the students are fully committed to success.
“We challenge our students in a way that other percussion ensembles I’ve seen in Canada are not challenged,” says Robilliard. “We give them – and they’ve requested – very difficult material that requires extra time and rehearsal on their time. It’s one of the best things (judge) Wayne Toews has seen in high school percussion ensembles, so in his eyes, it’s world class. It’s a very flattering statement.”
The accolades came hours after performing at the nationals; the percussionists performed last and earned a gold standard, while two other groups led by Moore and fellow teacher Matt Weston – the senior concert band and senior jazz bands – performed earlier the same day, each earning the silver award.
“A lot of kids in the music program are goal-oriented students,” says Moore, “and they respond well to having a goal. Whether we go to nationals or regionals, that goal is one of the things that motivate them to continue to get better. MusicFest Canada is on a different level because you have 10,000 kids from across Canada who are passionate about music. Something really special gets created when you put them together in the same place.”
To compete at nationals, the bands had to earn either gold or high silver with invitation at the regional competition in London. When the nationals are held in Ottawa, South Huron finds it convenient to attend, and a great experience as well.
“Ottawa is a great place to play, and the National Arts Centre is one of the best concert halls in the country, as it should be,” Moore says. “The experience of playing in that building and hearing other bands in that building, it’s incredible for them. It’s probably something a lot of them won’t have the opportunity to do again, so it’s important for me that every student experience the nationals if possible.”
During the years when the competition is not in Ottawa, Moore and Weston take the music students on non-MusicFest trips, including last year’s trip to Chicago. It’s part of Moore’s mission to give a rounded music education.
“A teacher I had while at university asked, are you giving your students a fantastic four-year band program, or are you giving your students a fantastic band program for four years, as in the same program for four years,” he says.
“A lot of what we do is based on routine and tradition, and it called into question for me how you maintain tradition and routine, but also offer the kids a different experience over the four years they are here. It opened my mind to the different options of where kids can go and what they can learn. In the four years you’ve got, you can do a lot.”
This year’s trip to the nationals was the second for Robilliard, whose father Bob was music director at South Huron for many years. After returning to Canada from graduate school in Oklahoma, Dave Robilliard joined Moore and Weston – the three studied percussion together at UWO – three years ago to lighten their load.
“I am able to focus on techniques and sound concepts that Isaac and Matt can’t focus on in the large classroom or band settings,” says Robilliard, who, unlike education majors Moore and Weston, pursued performance at university. He now works with the Stratford and International Symphonies, serves as a substitute for the Kitchener and Windsor Symphonies, and performs in a percussion group called DuO. His contribution has led to great success for the students.
“We received a gold standard in 2008,” he says, “which was my first year working with percussion ensemble. There was still a large number of carryover of students this year – Jon Gill, Joe Pavkeje and Jeff Penn – and we won gold again. But we don’t do it for the awards. We want to see students grow as musicians and see their confidence grow on stage.”
While South Huron has a full trophy case – and that’s just from this year – Moore agrees that they’re not looking for pats on the back.
“The real measure of success is how we feel about our performances when we’re done. I measure our success as a teacher how we fare when we compete at a higher level (the 2008 bronze winning senior concert band competed in a higher bracket this year and earned silver). If we were not taking the kids to an uncomfortable place, it would be an exercise in self-confidence. It makes more sense to shoot a little beyond where you might be so you can develop.”
The success can be attributed to the approach of the teachers, and the commitment of the students.
“It’s a lot of practice, a lot of one-on-one with your section and Mr. Moore,” says graduating student Trish Pavkeje, who performed in the concert and jazz bands. “It helps that Mr. Moore and Mr. Weston are easy to talk to. It’s easy to ask them for help.”
“Everyone’s on the same level and enjoys being there with everyone else,” says Joe Pavkeje, a member of all three groups, winner of the national honour award for the jazz band, and SHDHS student of the year. “Our school isn’t segregated into athletic kids and music kids. Everyone is doing everything. It feels cohesive for that reason.”
Clarinet player Stephanie Pratt agrees.
“Kids from all over the school are in this, so you get a sense of diversity,” Pratt says, noting music is attractive because of the lessons you learn. “Self-discipline is important, you learn a lot of patience and togetherness.”
For Stephen Mills, who has experienced bullying at school, the inclusivity makes the music room a refuge.
“We have to work together to do anything in the band,” Mills says. “We all have to talk to each other, and when you have to talk to someone, you appreciate them for who they are.”
And that’s exactly what Isaac Moore wants to hear.
“If a student is willing to commit themselves to the educational experience, we try not to discriminate in any way. Students can find their place in the band based on their strengths and weaknesses. Without your strong players and weaker players, you can’t maintain consistency. Eventually the weak players become strong and take over the leadership roles.”
Now that many members of the successful bands are graduating, Moore, Weston and Robilliard look to the future.
“We take it year by year,” Robilliard says. “The younger students will now have an opportunity to succeed at a higher level than they’ve had in the past. We’re going to do a lot of different pieces in different styles, and give everyone an opportunity to learn and grow.”

Percussionist Jon Gill performs at MusicFest Canada

Jon Gill (right) of Grand Bend is a member of the 2010 Zildjian Outstanding Percussion Ensemble of the year (below), and winner of the Zildjian Outstanding Percussionist Award.

As told to Casey Lessard
Photos by Casey Lessard

When we won in 2008, it was the first time in six or seven years that any of our bands had earned gold at nationals. It wasn’t a tradition before, but over four years, we’ve earned seven golds at eight festivals. It’s a legacy of excellence at South Huron.
I still can’t believe it (the individual award). I know a couple of guys who have won it before, and I look up to them as amazing people who I want to be half as good as they are. To be compared to them on a national level, it’s mind-blowing for me.
I wanted to start playing drums in Grade 4, but my parents wouldn’t let me. They got me started on bass guitar, and then I came here to the high school. Mr. (Bob) Robilliard recognized that I had a sense of rhythm, so he gave me a pair of drumsticks and stuck me in the percussion ensemble. It really caught on and I really enjoyed playing. I bought my own drum kit and I started playing a lot.
A lot of us take lessons from Dave Robilliard, and he’s taken that percussion ensemble further than we could have imagined.
I don’t think we could do it without the help of dedicated professionals. It just gives us the real world experience and the ability to go beyond just playing. I’m hoping to be a high school music teacher (attending UWO in the fall), and I want to give back to students what my teachers have given to me.

A Killing Snow runs June 23 to August 13 and features Patricia Hamilton of Green Gables fame

Patricia Hamilton is a Canadian icon best known as Rachel Lynde in Anne of Green Gables and Road to Avonlea. A long-time stage performer at Shaw Festival and other theatres, she makes her Blyth Festival debut in Grand Bend resident Paul Ciufo’s A Killing Snow, which runs June 23 to August 13.
Nominated for the Governor-General’s award for drama for his play Reverend Jonah, Ciufo’s follow-up was inspired by the 2007 murders of Bill and Helene Regier, and focuses on the way people react to such events. “The panic people were feeling, and also the feeling of how could something like that happen here,” Ciufo says. “I explored that fear in a different way. My way of exploring that is writing a play.”
The play also examines the surprising complexity of small town life. One character is a pig farmer who also models. Patricia Hamilton’s character runs a lunch place in Clinton, but is also a psychic. Big cities aren’t always as dangerous as we think, and small towns aren’t always safe. These ideas are brought to light in a thrilling ensemble piece, and Casey Lessard spoke with star Patricia Hamilton to learn more.

Interview by Casey Lessard
Photo courtesy Blyth Festival

You are performing in Paul Ciufo’s play A Killing Snow. Tell me about the play and your role.
It’s a murder mystery about a group of people who get stuck in a farmhouse for four days because they can’t get on the road due to whiteouts. Murders ensue.
I play a middle-aged woman with a grown-up family who is on the road and ends up at this place. Her old lover owns the house and she hasn’t had anything to do with him for a long, long time. One of the other people stuck is her daughter’s ex-boyfriend. They all know each other, so when people start dying, you wonder who is killing whom.
It’s an interesting play by Paul because he doesn’t only write murder mysteries. He’s trying to broaden his writing. If you get a good murder mystery, it will do the circuit and can make the playwright some money.

I take it there aren’t very many older women in theatre; it’s really a young people’s game. Does that give you an advantage?
I think it does. There are a lot of plays being written about older people. The baby boomers are interested in people their own age and the problems of those people. I think you will see a lot of plays about people of that group. They’re going to see things that interest them about themselves. The second play I’m doing here at Blyth is called Pearl Gidley, and it’s about two elderly women living together in Blyth in 1969 who take in a boarder who is a deserter from the Vietnam War. It will speak to the audiences that come to Blyth.

Most people would recognize you from the role of Rachel Lynde, but you’ve been doing much more over the years as an actress. What has brought you to perform for the first time at Blyth?
I like the theatre more than I like television and film, although the Green Gables stuff was fantastic. I did it for seven seasons plus the four movies, so I played that role for about a decade. But I really am a theatre actress mainly, and I love working in repertory theatre, which is what they do at Blyth.
For the last 12 years, I have been at Shaw Festival, and I love doing that. Before that, I used to do a lot of new Canadian plays. There is nothing more wonderful than being the first person to say a writer’s words on stage.

Our most memorable moment from your career is in Road to Avonlea, where Rachel Lynde has a stroke. It’s such a touching concept.
That series was very good to work on, and it was given good production values from the beginning. And it was about an iconic book that every Canadian girl had read as a child. As we went along, the scriptwriter had already seen what I could do, so that script was written for me. When you got an episode where you were featured, like that one, it’s very exciting.

Sarah Polley was also in that show. She directed a film called Away From Her (adapted from a story by Alice Munro) about Alzheimer’s. It’s so interesting that you’re able to perform acts of reality for older people, for example strokes. Other Canadian films are also about this reality, for example Juno. Do you think we are different from the Americans in what we’re doing?
Yes. That’s one of the reasons we fight so passionately to have our own culture. We are not like the Americans in so many ways. Our culture should reflect who we are. We have to stand up for our culture, and Blyth is a place that really does that.

What’s special about Canadian theatre in particular?
It’s ours. We’re writing about what we know. And the actors who live in Canada have a better chance of being able to perform it because we know it. It’s fun to do plays about a place you know. That’s what Anne of Green Gables was about, too. It’s about doing things that are part of your culture.
I’m an actor. I’m a Canadian actor. I love performing on stage, and I love it in all its forms. There are plays from all over the world that attract me. I look for plays where there is a part for me, where it has something interesting to say, and where I can work with congenial comrades, all of which is true at Blyth.

Actress Cynthia Dale

Casey Lessard stole Dale away from her lunch break to discuss the role and how she ended up in Grand Bend.

Interview and photo by Casey Lessard

Cynthia Dale: Sweet Charity had been a dream role of mine for 30 years. It’s been the part I have wanted to do, and I’ve had some fabulous parts. In January, I was out with some girlfriends, and they said, well, why aren’t you doing it? I said I was too old, etc., but they convinced me to do it.

You’ll be 50 this year.
In August. It’s hard on the old bod. I am a dancer, thank God. I didn’t have to learn how to dance for the part. It’s a full part for anybody at any age. It’s just a lot of work, but that’s okay.

What attracted you to this role?
It’s who Charity is. She wears her heart on her sleeve and is full of moxy and sass. She’s a broad, but she believes in love and sees the world through rose coloured glasses and dreams of another life. She’s a part of everybody in the world because everyone has those qualities.
The show has some of the best music to sing and dance to. It’s just a fabulous show for music. It doesn’t come along that often. It had a revival on Broadway a few years ago and had a brief tour. If I didn’t step into it at this point, I may not get the opportunity again.

This is your first time with Drayton. What’s that been like?
It’s great because I know so many people in the cast. I’m doing it because it’s Michael Lichtefeld’s production. I did six shows with Michael at Stratford over the years. He knows me really, really well and knows what my strengths and weaknesses are. I knew I was going to be in really good hands with him.

You’ve been performing for a long time; most of your life. Do you find the roles you think you should be doing are changing?
No. I’ve been really lucky in the past two or three years. That hasn’t hit me yet. I played the crème de la crème parts in theatre for 10 years. There weren’t many more that I wanted to play other than this. There are others, but they are older ones. I’ve got some time for those.

You’ve also done some production work, including judging Triple Sensation (she spent the last two years co-producing a CBC movie). With your reputation, are you able to write your own ticket?
No, I don’t write my own ticket. I still audition.

But your name must carry some cachet.
I guess it does. I got offered a play in Toronto this week I’m probably going to do. I still lose parts I really want to do. Usually they’re TV or film roles. I’ve done pretty much every role I wanted to do in theatre. There are parts that come along and the director just doesn’t think you fit into his vision. That’s what theatre is.

There’s a mystique about people who are on television or film that they are different from other people, but it doesn’t exist.
No. We go buy groceries. We’re normal people and we have every single joy and hardship that everyone else does. I love performing, but it’s not the be all and end all for me.

This is your first time being to Grand Bend, but you haven’t been downtown yet.
I’ve been too busy. I started training in January, and Michael and I started rehearsals a month beforehand.

I see you also do art, and especially beach scenes. I’m surprised you haven’t been down to the beach.
I know, that’s what people keep saying. Go paint the beach. Part of the plan in July is to paint.

Looking at where you’ve been and what you’re doing, what would you like to do for the next 25 years?
I want to raise a good kid. That’s the dream. That’s all. If I work, that’s lovely, too.

Drayton Entertainment continues its tradition of tributes to popular music, this season bringing Country Legends to life at the Huron Country Playhouse. The Alex Mustakas show sold out last year in Penetanguishene, bringing a fusion of classic country, gospel and bluegrass music, dance and comedy to the Grand Bend stage. Among the highlights are songs by Johnny Cash, Hank Williams, Dolly Parton, Kenny Rogers, Patsy Cline, and many others. Country Legends runs from June 30 to July 24. Tickets are available at huroncountryplayhouse.com or by calling 519-238-6000.

Our Lady of Mount Carmel church celebrates 150 years as a parish July 18 with a mass, music, games, and a barbecue chicken dinner. Anyone interested in attending the 5 p.m. dinner must buy their tickets before July 4, the caterer’s deadline for attendance numbers. You can do so by contacting Judy Steeper (519-294-6639), Fran Roelands (519-294-6710), or Cecile Muller (519-238-8536). Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for children under 10.
Free activities require no tickets, and include refreshments and cake after the 2 p.m. mass. Souvenir pens will be given to each family after the mass, and live Christian music, face painting, and old-fashioned games will include sack races, wheelbarrow races, three-legged races, bean bag toss, relay races, etc.

Community/Charity

Grand Bend Nursery School is now offering five sessions a week of the Early Learning Program, a FREE high quality program designed to help prepare young children for school. If you have children 2.5 to 4 years old and reside in Lambton County, call Grand Bend Nursery School at 519-238-8514

Tuesdays
10 a.m. to 2 p.m. – Port Franks Community Centre
Kids Matter every Tuesday. Join us as we crochet sleeping mats out of milk bags to send to the children in Africa and South America. Bring your lunch, scissors and a #7 crochet hook. Call Peggy Smith at 519-296-5834 for details.

7 p.m. – Grand Bend Legion
Bingo

Wednesdays
8 a.m. to 1 p.m. – Colonial Parking Lot
Grand Bend Farmers’ Market

Fridays
5 to 7 p.m. – Grand Bend Legion
Meat Draw

Friday, June 18 to Sunday, June 20
Friday 7pm-11pm, Saturday 10am-1am, Sunday 10am-5pm – Grand Bend Beach
Grand Bend Optimist Burgerfest. Three days of beach fun, food and entertainment. For more information call 519-238-6859, or visit www.grandbendtourism.com

Saturday, June 19
2 p.m. – Trivitt Memorial Anglican Church, Exeter
Strawberries and Champagne silent auction. Fundraiser for AIDS mission in Africa. Featuring the Sweet Adelines and other entertainment. Tickets: $20 by calling 519-235-2565 or online at trivitt.ca

Wednesday, June 23
Grand Bend CHC
Huron Country Playhouse Guild Lunch.

Monday, June 28
7 p.m. – Grandpa Jimmy’s Scottish Bakery, Grand Bend
Relay for Life meeting. Team Captains meet at 6.30 p.m. General Meeting at 7 p.m. Everyone welcome!
Tuesday, June 29
Grand Bend Legion departure
Grand Bend Horticultural Society Bus Trip Royal Botanical Gardens, Aviary in Hamilton and Canning Perennials in Paris. A few seats are still available. Cost $45. Contact Rosie Heipel at 519-238-5225.

Thursday, July 1
Grand Bend
Canada Day celebrations, plus official opening of the Grand Bend Main Street. Street opens 4 p.m., entertainment at 5 p.m. and fireworks at 10 p.m.

Friday, July 9
7 p.m. to 7 a.m. – Klondyke Sport Park, Grand Bend
Grand Bend Relay for Life fundraiser for Canadian Cancer Society. Please join us for an inspiring but fun evening. Entertainment produced by Ken Dinel. Food and more. Come out and support our teams! Info at www.cancer.ca/relayforlife or call Carole 519-238-2297.

Saturday, September 11
5 p.m. – Huron Country Playhouse
Autumn Indulgence. The gala fundraiser supports our community and showcases the exceptional talents of local artists.
The ticket price is $90 for the whole evening, and $25 without dinner. Please note that the dinner tickets are now on sale. All proceeds support The Rotary Club of Grand Bend’s projects.
Buy your tickets now – this event sells out!

Arts & Entertainment

Mondays
10 a.m. to 12 p.m. – Grand Bend Legion
Golden Agers shuffleboard

7 p.m. – Port Franks Comm. Ctr.
Dunes Duplicate Bridge

Tuesdays
1 p.m. – Port Franks Comm. Ctr.
Bridge

Wednesdays
7 p.m. – Port Franks Comm. Ctr.
Dunes Duplicate Bridge

Thursdays
9 to 11 a.m. – Grand Bend Legion
Golden Agers shuffleboard
Thursdays
1 to 4 p.m. – Pt. Franks Comm. Ctr.
Shuffleboard

7:30 p.m. – Pt. Franks Comm. Ctr.
Cards

Fridays
10 a.m. – Port Franks Comm. Ctr.
Badminton

1 p.m. – Port Franks Comm. Ctr.
Bridge

1:30 to 3:30 p.m. – Grand Bend Youth Centre
Grand Bend Drum Circle. Contact Anita at the Youth Centre or call 519-238-8759.

7 p.m. – Port Franks Comm. Ctr.
Dunes Duplicate Bridge

Saturday, June 19
3 to 6 p.m. – Grand Bend Legion
Live Music by Mike Fagan

Friday, June 25
4-9 p.m. – Sunset Arts and River Road Galleries, River Road, Grand Bend
Sunset Arts and River Road Gala Openings. Meet the artists, enjoy refreshments, and enter to win a $300 Sunset Arts gift certificate.

Saturday, June 26
3 to 7 p.m. – Grand Bend Legion (upstairs)
Live Music by Brian Dale

Saturday, July 3
3 to 6 p.m. – Grand Bend Legion
Live Music by Bob Finlay

Saturday, July 10
3 to 6 p.m. – Grand Bend Legion
Live Music by Mid Life Crisis

Health & Fitness

Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays
8 to 9 a.m. – Southcott Pines Clubhouse
Workout for your Life. To learn more, call Beth Sweeney at 519-238-5555

Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays
8:45 to 10 a.m. (Mon/Fri), (to 9 a.m. Wed.) – Grand Bend Legion
TGIF Exercise classes with Elinor Clarke. $3/week – all proceeds to charity.

Mondays and Wednesdays
6 to 7 p.m. – Precious Blood Catholic School gym
Workout for your Life. To learn more, call Shelley Van Osch at 519-234-6253.

Tuesdays and Thursdays
9 a.m. – Port Franks Community Centre
Healthy Lifestyle Exercise Program. Program includes warm up, low impact aerobic workout, strength work and stretching. Sponsored in part by Healthy Living Lambton. Cost: Free!! Everyone welcome. Contact Cindy Maxfield, Health Promoter at the GBACHC, 519-238-1556 ext 6 to register.

9 a.m. – Catholic Church parking lot
Grand Bend CHC Walking Program. Warm up stretching, walking and strength work. Call for details 519-238-1556 ext 231. Everyone welcome! Program runs until July.

9 a.m. – Port Franks Community Centre
Walking program in Port Franks

Wednesdays
9:30 a.m. – Lambton Heritage Museum parking lot
Savannah Strollers Pinery Park Walking Group. Meet at 9:30 so we can coordinate rides into the park for 10 a.m. walk. Different Trail each week. Everyone welcome!

Wednesday, June 23
10 a.m. to 12 p.m. – Grand Bend CHC
Mental Health Support Group. Contact Social Worker Lise Callahan at 519-238-1556 ext 230.

10 a.m. to 1 p.m. – Grand Bend CHC
Advance your cooking skills and enjoy a tasty healthy lunch for $5. Contact Miranda at 519-238-1556 ext 222.

Thursday, June 24
2 to 4 p.m. – Grand Bend CHC
Blood Pressure Clinic. Come out and have our blood pressure checked at this free clinic! Prevention and early detection can save a life.

Here’s your chance to mingle with local artists and enjoy an evening out: artists at the Sunset Arts and River Road Galleries, located west of Purdy’s on River Road, invite you to their 2010 gala opening June 25 from 4 to 9 p.m.
Grand Bend Strip publisher Casey Lessard is among the artists selling art at Sunset Arts this summer. His photo of tundra swans mid-flight is one of the works featured in his Casey365.com project from 2009.

One Touch of Venus
Written by Ogden Nash and S. J. Perelman
Music by Kurt Weill, Lyrics by Ogden Nash
Directed by Eda Holmes
Choreographed by Michael Lichtefeld
Musical direction by Ryan deSouza
Performed by Robin Evan Willis, Kyle Blair, Deborah Hay & Mark Uhre
Shaw Festival
Royal George Theatre, Niagara-on-the-Lake
May 16 to October 10, 2010

Entertain This Thought!
Review by Mary Alderson

One Touch of Venus, which just opened at the Shaw Festival’s Royal George Theatre, should be funny. It was written by Ogden Nash, known for his silly poetry, and S. J. Perelman, a humourist and writer of scripts for the Marx Brothers. Unfortunately, the comedy in this musical, which was first staged in 1943, does not translate for today’s audience. Nor did the cast seem to know what was needed to make it funny.
The premise has some promise: It’s a zany notion with potential for humour. A snobby art instructor, who claims to prefer modern art, buys a classical statue of Venus on the black market. When the local barber slips a ring intended for his girlfriend on the statue’s finger, it comes to life. Venus, being the Goddess of Love, decides that she wants the barber for her own, and chases him around town until he succumbs to her beauty. But when the humdrum life of the suburban housewife is presented to Venus, she decides to go back to being a statue.
The lack of enjoyment cannot be blamed solely on the script. A major problem at the Royal George is the acoustics. Because it’s not a large theatre, the actors do not wear mics. On opening night, much of the singing was drowned out by the orchestra. When we could hear the soloists, they sounded strained. In addition, it is difficult to hear actors who are speaking when their faces are turned away from the audience. While the music is good, the voices need amplification.
Londoner Kyle Blair has always been an audience favourite, and he doesn’t disappoint here. He plays Rodney, the feckless, shy barber very well. Deborah Hay as Molly is excellent as the artist’s business assistant. She nearly steals the show with her comedic timing, and thankfully salvages the laughs.
Mark Uhre, who recently had a good performance at London’s Grand in The Last Five Years, is unconvincing as the pretentious shyster-artist. Robin Evan Willis as Venus is not aggressive enough to convince the audience that she is the Goddess of Love. By playing it meek and mild, she misses the opportunity for humour, and some of her lyrics are not persuasive. Unfortunately, Julie Martelle as Gloria, Rodney’s girlfriend, is unintelligible as she screeches her lines.
The set is disappointing. An old black and white photograph of the New York skyline in the 1940s forms the backdrop with some of the buildings outlined in silver metal. The set appears wobbly, and parts don’t move as they should. The wall behind the statue of Venus fails to turn around as it’s supposed to, so that the live Venus can step forward.
The Shaw’s Harvey has maintained its humour despite coming from the same era as One Touch of Venus. Is it the script or the cast that has failed at being funny? A touch of both.

One Touch of Venus continues at the Royal George Theatre, Niagara-On-The-Lake, until October 10. For tickets, call the box office at 1-800-511-7429 or check www.shawfest.com

A member of the Canadian Theatre Critics Association, Mary Alderson reviews shows at area theatres and posts her reviews at www.entertainthisthought.com.

Harvey
Written by Mary Chase
Directed by Joseph Ziegler
Performed by Peter Krantz, Mary Haney, Norman Browning et al
Shaw Festival Production
Royal George Theatre
April 1 to October 31, 2010

Entertain This Thought!
Review by Mary Alderson

The story of Harvey and his endearing companion, Elwood P. Dowd, hit Hollywood’s big screens 60 years ago. The movie version is based on a play by Mary Chase, which she wrote and rewrote in the 1940s. Fortunately, the whimsical story has withstood the test of time, and continues to charm audiences 70 years later. It opened Saturday at the Shaw Festival in Niagara-on-the-Lake.
Since the world knows Harvey through James Stewart’s portrayal of Elwood P. Dowd in the 1950 movie, Shaw actor Peter Krantz allows us to hold on to that image. He plays Dowd much like Stewart’s version, in a similar soft-spoken, sometimes whistling voice. This seems to work well – and while he gives us Stewart’s style, he is not just an impersonator; he makes the character his own.
Dowd is unfailingly polite, always pleasant with impeccable manners. He is someone everyone would like. His only failing is that he spends much of his time talking to his companion, a six foot invisible white rabbit named Harvey who is a pooka. A pooka is a mythical ghost who can take animal form and offers humans friendly advice and assistance.
Dowd’s sister, Veta Louise Simmons, is very embarrassed about her brother’s penchant for introducing the invisible rabbit to everyone he meets. She has high hopes of her daughter Myrtle Mae meeting the right young man to improve their social standing. Mary Haney plays Veta Louise with excellent comedic timing. Her distress makes for much of the laughter in the play.
Also creating much of the humour are the two doctors in the show. Gary Powell plays the earnest young Dr. Sanderson who is trying so hard to do the right thing, while Norman Browning plays the older Dr. Chumley who later succumbs to Harvey’s spell. Both actors handle their roles well and remain understated for maximum humour.
Donna Belleville handled both roles of older woman at the opening. She plays Mrs. Chauvenet, the gossipy visitor, and also Mrs. Chumley, the doctor’s wife. Both characters are delightful, and as foils for Elwood, show how charming he is.
The set for Harvey is incredible. A stately library in the Dowd family mansion with luxurious heavy Victorian furniture, and classic Persian rugs takes us back to the days of old money in the 1940s. But when the action shifts to the sterile insane asylum lobby, the set transforms. Backdrops come down, while white-coated hospital workers carry off furniture and flip around walls. During the opening performance the stage workers were applauded for the quick transformation of the two amazing sets.
Of course, the audience never actually sees Harvey. However, we can rest assured that the giant white rabbit actually exists. When we see doors opening and closing we know that Harvey as onstage.
It’s a very heart-warming story, one of those comedies where you leave the theatre feeling good. It has endured and remains uplifting, still funny decades after it was first written. The Shaw’s version is good entertainment.
Harvey continues at the Royal George Theatre, Niagara-On-The-Lake, until October 31. For tickets, call the box office at 1-800-511-7429 or check www.shawfest.com

A member of the Canadian Theatre Critics Association, Mary Alderson reviews shows at area theatres and posts her reviews at www.entertainthisthought.com.

Forever Plaid
Written by Stuart Ross
Directed and musical direction by Sandy Thorburn
Choreographed by Ramona Gilmour-Darling
Performed by Douglas John Alan (Price), Russell Tyson Clark, Ben Kunder, Sef Wood
Originally produced by Thousand Islands Playhouse, Gananoque
Victoria Playhouse Petrolia
May 18 to June 5, 2010

Entertain This Thought!
Review by Mary Alderson

A turquoise 50’s era Lincoln Continental carried the cast of Forever Plaid, each wearing a white tuxedo jacket, through the streets of Petrolia to kick off Victoria Playhouse’s 2010 season. They were escorted by bagpipe music, thanks to a plaid kilted piper.
It’s 1964 and four young men have formed a singing group, harmonizing at popular spots such as the airport bar, known as the “Fusal Lounge”. Sadly, before they make it big, all four are killed in a car crash. Then suddenly, it’s 46 years later, and they are surprised to find themselves back on earth and performing the big show they never gave.
Smudge (Ben Kunder), Sparky (Douglas John Alan ‘Price’), Jinx (Russell Tyson Clark) and Frankie (Sef Wood) along with Jim Hodgkinson as the pianist, timidly take the stage, but soon regain their confidence, performing before an appreciative audience. They confess to rehearsing in the plumbing supply warehouse, using plungers for mics.
The four have excellent voices from Kunder who supplies the low notes, through to Clark’s soaring tenor. The songs are late fifties, early sixties favourites such as Three Coins in the Fountain and Love is a Many Splendored Thing.
There’s salute to Perry Como when the four pay homage to the “golden cardigan”, and sing Catch a Falling Star. They also honour Caribbean music with Day-O, Kingston Market and Matilda. Another set includes Sixteen Tons and Chain Gang. They even acknowledge the Beatles who are becoming popular with a new sound, by singing She Loves You. But of course, they make it their own by singing “yessireee” instead of “yeah, yeah, yeah.”
The most laughs come during a special segment, where they perform the entire Ed Sullivan show including all the favourite acts in five minutes. There’s a juggler, flamenco dancer, trained seal, dogs jumping through hoops, ballet, opera, the famous spinning plates, Sr. Wences, the singing nun, Topo Gigio the mouse and more.
When the Jim, the accompanist, has to take his union break, Doug Price, a talented triple threat actor/singer/dancer gets to demonstrate his fourth threat, and takes over at the piano. They even invite audience participation, with the one song everyone knows how to play, Heart and Soul. Sef Wood supplies to vocals to this crowd pleaser.
The Plaids always wanted was new plaid jackets. When the jackets arrive, they are truly heaven-sent. It’s a relaxing evening of entertaining comedy featuring the smooth harmonies of the pre-rock pop era.

Forever Plaid continues with eight shows a week at Victoria Playhouse Petrolia until June 5. Call the box office at 1-800-717-7694 or 519-882-1221 for tickets.

A member of the Canadian Theatre Critics Association, Mary Alderson reviews shows at area theatres and posts her reviews at www.entertainthisthought.com.

The Wedding Singer
Written by Chad Beguelin & Tim Herlihy
Music by Matthew Sklar, lyrics by Chad Beguelin
Directed & choreographed by Tim French
Musical direction by Anthony Bastianon
Performed by Matthew Campbell, Erica Peck et al
Stage West, Mississauga
April 22 to July 4, 2010

Entertain This Thought!
Review by Mary Alderson

Based on the 1998 Adam Sandler movie, The Wedding Singer has been revised as a musical comedy for live theatre. Robbie Heart tries to make a living singing at wedding receptions, along with his friends George and Sammy. He’s a true romantic, engaged to Linda who leaves him at the alter. So he becomes very cynical and depressed, making inappropriate speeches at weddings. Eventually, he realizes he’s in love with Julia, a waitress who regularly serves at wedding receptions. Unfortunately, she’s engaged to Wall Street businessman Glen.
The story is appealing, and the songs written especially for show have hilarious lyrics. Comedy is created by making fun of eighties fashion and lifestyle. When Glen brags about his new cellular phone, he lifts the heavy battery pack, attached by a cord to a huge phone.
Matthew Campbell plays Robbie, a sweet, romantic soul who really enjoys being a part of the happy couple’s wedding day. Erica Peck is the kind and gentle Julia, who longs to be married. Peck was the lead in We Will Rock You, and again shows her strength in handling the vocals.
Karen Wood is hilarious as Grandma Rose, and Andrew McGillivray is the audience favourite providing laughs as George, the gay keyboard player. Rachel Fischer is very entertaining as Julia’s cousin Holly. Kraig Waye is good as Sammy, also in the band, and Sean Andrews plays a rather nasty Glen. Kristen Peace gives a powerful portrayal of Linda, who dumps Robbie.
The 12 members of the ensemble are excellent singers and lively dancers. With a variety of colourful costumes and many wig changes, they all handle many roles. The clothes and hair-dos are authentic eighties styles – lots of well-padded big shoulders and big hair.
In the end, the action moves to Las Vegas, where a myriad of impersonators reminds us of who was making the news in the eighties: in a cleverly written scene we find none other than Ronald Reagan, Imelda Marcos, Tina Turner, Billy Idol, Cindy Lauper, and Mr. T.
It’s an entertaining show, well cast with energetic performers. Stage West is a dinner theatre and features buffet dinners before each performance – we enjoyed the Sunday brunch.
Like Rock of Ages, which opened recently in Toronto, The Wedding Singer mocks all things eighties. While Rock of Ages uses actual 1980s rock music, The Wedding Singer has eighties-like songs written for the show. Both are light-hearted love stories, with laughs along the way.
The Wedding Singer continues in dinner theatre at Stage West, Mississauga until July 4. For tickets, including dinner or Sunday brunch, and hotel room packages, contact 1-800-263-0684 or www.stagewest.com

A member of the Canadian Theatre Critics Association, Mary Alderson reviews shows at area theatres and posts her reviews at www.entertainthisthought.com.

Stratford actor and screen star Cynthia Dale is coming to the Huron Country Playhouse next month. Dale, star of CBC’s Street Legal and frequent stage presence at the Stratford Shakespeare Festival, hits the stage June 9 to 26 as the title character in Sweet Charity.
Set in New York in the 1960s, Sweet Charity is Neil Simon’s Tony Award-winning musical about an optimistic young woman who always wears her heart on her sleeve.
For tickets, call 519-238-6000 or visit huroncountryplayhouse.com.

Community/Charity

Grand Bend Nursery School is now offering five sessions a week of the Early Learning Program, a FREE high quality program designed to help prepare young children for school. If you have children 2.5 to 4 years old and reside in Lambton County, call Grand Bend Nursery School at 519-238-8514

Tuesdays
10 a.m. to 2 p.m. – Pt Franks Comm Ctr.
Kids Matter every Tuesday. Join us as we crochet sleeping mats out of milk bags to send to the children in Africa and South America. Bring your lunch, scissors and a #7 crochet hook. Peggy Smith 519-296-5834.

7 p.m. – Grand Bend Legion
Bingo

Fridays
5 to 7 p.m. – Grand Bend Legion
Meat Draw

Wednesday, May 19
6:30 p.m. – Parkhill Leisure Club
Plant Sale and Auction. Outdoor Plant Sale $1, $2, $5. 7:30 p.m. – Live Auction of Plants, Garden Tools & Accessories. Sponsored by Parkhill Area Horticultural Society. Phone: 519-293-3645

Sunday, May 30
10 a.m. – Lions’ Pavilion, Grand Bend
The Purina Walk for Dog Guides. Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides provides Dog Guides at no cost to Canadians with disabilities. The walk is a fun-filled day for both community members and their four-legged friends to enjoy the spring weather, meet fellow dog owners and contribute to a wonderful cause.
purinawalkfordogguides.com

Tuesday, June 1
6:30 p.m. – Grandpa Jimmy’s Scottish Bakery, Grand Bend.
Grand Bend Relay for Life 2010 meeting. Team Captains meet at 6:30 p.m., general meeting follows at 7 pm. Everyone welcome. Relay on July 9 this year.

9 a.m. – Grand Bend Legion lower parking lot.
Grand Bend Horticultural Society Planting Day. Bring planting tools. Contact Eric Brown at 519-238-1583.

Wednesday, June 2
12 p.m. – Grand Bend Legion
Grand Bend Golden Agers Luncheon.

Thursday, June 3
7 p.m. sharp – Grand Bend CHC
Sunset Cinema (Grand Bend Social Film Club). Last film till fall.

Saturday, June 5
8:15 a.m. – Port Franks Comm. Ctr.
Departure for Port Franks Garden Club bus trip to the Bossu Wetland. Tentative return time is 6 p.m. Morning spent at Wetlands, then lunch in Wallaceburg. Tour of gardens there followed by trip to Sarnia for two more garden tours.

Tuesday, June 8
9:30 a.m. – Grand Bend Legion
Grand Bend Women’s Probus. Everyone welcome.

Tuesday, June 15
10 a.m. – Grand Bend Legion
Grand Bend Men’s Probus. Topic: Probus Canada

Saturday, September 11
5 p.m. – Huron Country Playhouse
Autumn Indulgence has become a Grand Bend tradition – a splendid evening of food, fellowship, and live entertainment. The gala fundraiser supports and celebrates our wonderful community and showcases the exceptional talents of our local artists.
This year’s theme is “Nautical”. Enjoy the exceptional atmosphere along with a gourmet steak and lobster dinner, unique live and silent auctions, two live bands and dancing.
The ticket price is $90 for the whole evening, and $25 without dinner. Please note that the dinner tickets are now on sale. All proceeds support The Rotary Club of Grand Bend’s local and International projects.
Please join us for a fun and exciting evening that benefits the entire community.
Buy your tickets now – this event sells out!

Arts & Entertainment

Mondays
10 a.m. to 12 p.m. – Grand Bend Legion
Golden Agers shuffleboard

7 p.m. – Port Franks Comm. Ctr.
Dunes Duplicate Bridge

Tuesdays
1 p.m. – Port Franks Comm. Ctr.
Bridge

Wednesdays
7 p.m. – Port Franks Comm. Ctr.
Dunes Duplicate Bridge

Thursdays
9 to 11 a.m. – Grand Bend Legion
Golden Agers shuffleboard

1 to 4 p.m. – Pt. Franks Comm. Ctr.
Shuffleboard

7:30 p.m. – Pt. Franks Comm. Ctr.
Cards

Fridays
10 a.m. – Port Franks Comm. Ctr.
Badminton

1 p.m. – Port Franks Comm. Ctr.
Bridge

1:30 to 3:30 p.m. – GB Youth Ctr.
Grand Bend Drum Circle. Contact Anita at the Youth Centre or call 519-238-8759.

7 p.m. – Port Franks Comm. Ctr.
Dunes Duplicate Bridge

Saturday, May 22
3 to 6 p.m. – Grand Bend Legion
Live Music by Mike Fagan

Saturday, May 29
3 to 6 p.m. – Grand Bend Legion
Live Music by Larry McQuarrie

Saturday, June 5
3 to 6 p.m. – Grand Bend Legion
Live Music by Cactus Jam

Saturday, June 12
3 to 6 p.m. – Grand Bend Legion
Live Music by Persuaders

Health & Fitness

Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays
8 to 9 a.m. – Southcott Pines Clubhouse
Workout for your Life. To learn more, call Beth Sweeney at 519-238-5555

8:45 to 10 a.m. (Mon/Fri), (to 9 a.m. Wed.) – Grand Bend Legion
TGIF Exercise classes with Elinor Clarke. $3/week – all proceeds to charity.

Mondays and Wednesdays
6 to 7 p.m. – Precious Blood Catholic School gym, Exeter
Workout for your Life. To learn more, call Shelley Van Osch at 519-234-6253.

Tuesdays and Thursdays
9 a.m. – Port Franks Comm. Centre
Healthy Lifestyle Exercise Program. Program includes warm up, low impact aerobic workout, strength work and stretching. Cost: Free. Everyone welcome. Register with Cindy Maxfield at 519-238-1556 ext 6.

9 a.m. – Catholic Church parking lot
Grand Bend CHC Walking Program. Warm up stretching, walking and strength work. Call for details 519-238-1556 ext 231. Everyone welcome! Program runs until July.

9 a.m. – Port Franks Comm. Centre
Walking program in Port Franks

Wednesdays
9:30 a.m. – Lambton Heritage Museum parking lot
Savannah Strollers Pinery Park Walking Group. Meet at 9:30 so we can coordinate rides into the park for 10 a.m. walk. Different Trail each week. Everyone welcome!

Wednesday, June 2
10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. – Grand Bend CHC
Cooking for One or Two. Learn how to scale down recipes, freeze portions and make new friends! Call Miranda 519-238-1556 ext 222 to register.

Thursday, June 3
2 to 4 p.m. – Grand Bend CHC
Early Stage Alzheimer’s Support Group. This series is for individuals who are in the early stages of Alzheimer’s. Contact Jennifer Burns at 1-800-561-5012.

Monday, June 7
7 p.m. – Grand Bend CHC
Alzheimer Caregiver Support. Group program that provides education and support to caregivers. Alzheimer’s Society of Huron at 1-800-561-5012.

Rock of Ages
Written by Chris D’Arienzo
Directed by Kristin Hanggi, Associate Director Adam John Hunter, Resident Director David Connolly
Choreographed by Kelly Devine
Musical supervision by Ethan Popp
Performed by Yvan Pedneault, Elicia MacKenzie, David W. Keeley, Aaron Walpole, Cody Scott Lancaster, et al.
Mirvish Production
Royal Alexandra Theatre, Toronto
May 11, 2010 – open run

Entertain This Thought!
Review by Mary Alderson

It’s 1987, and the Bourbon Room, a seedy bar on Hollywood’s Sunset Strip is the centre of “hair-band” metal rock. The bar is owned by Dennis, an aging hippie in a fringed jacket, who, along with his sidekick, Lonny the sound guy, books the best in up and coming ‘80s rock and roll acts. Also working at the bar sweeping floors is Drew, a rock star wannabe. Sherrie, the small town girl, arrives in Hollywood, hoping to become a movie star. The Bourbon Room has a “kick-ass” house band, and life is good, until a German investor and his son Franz bribe the mayor to let them tear down the district in the name of economic redevelopment.
Rock of Ages is the latest in popular jukebox musicals, shows that have a plot built around existing songs. Mamma Mia was fashioned around Abba songs and lasted for a five year run in Toronto. The Jersey Boys, the story of The Four Seasons and created around their music, is now enjoying a good run. Rock of Ages incorporates the music of Journey, Bon Jovi, Whitesnake, Foreigner, REO Speedwagon, and more, cleverly woven around a funny tale typical of musical theatre: there’s a story of unrequited love, an impending disaster and happy ending, all set to epic ‘80s anthems. If audience appeal is any indication, Rock of Ages, with its Canadian cast, should rival Mamma Mia’s longevity.
The comedy is good – poking fun at the era, with a few corny jokes and groaners thrown in. But what makes Rock of Ages so entertaining are the voices and the harmonies. Yvan Pedneault as Drew earns applause for how loud and how long he can hold a note. Pedneault was the lead in the Queen musical, We Will Rock You, and continues to show he has a voice just as amazing as Freddy Mercury or Steve Perry of Journey. Pedneault hails from Sept-Iles, Quebec – not South Detroit as the Journey song says – so the story is altered slightly to account for his delightful French Canadian accent.
As Sherrie, Elicia MacKenzie’s powerful voice soars in tunes such as Harden my Heart. Recently, MacKenzie played Maria in The Sound of Music after winning the CBC-TV series “How do you Solve a Problem like Maria?” Her mini-skirted ‘80s stripper character is a far cry from Maria, but she nails the rocker chick vocals.
Aaron Walpole plays Lonny as a cross between a cartwheeling John Belushi with the facial expressions of Jack Black. As the narrator, he nearly steals the show with his excellent comedic timing and fantastic voice. Walpole takes us into the final number in Act I promising a big song (Here I Go Again by Whitesnake) and giving us jazz hands.
David W. Keeley as Dennis looks and sounds like a ‘70s rock star, making the transition to the ‘80s. Keeley, with a background at the Stratford Festival and Broadway, works very well with Walpole’s comedy. The two are hilarious when Lonny shows Dennis how much he cares with REO Speedwagon’s Can’t Fight This Feeling.
Cody Scott Lancaster as Franz gets spontaneous applause just for smiling at the audience. His version of Pat Benatar’s Hit Me with Your Best Shot brings the house down.
Since this is the Canadian opening of Rock of Ages, there are some Canadian jokes tossed in: high on the big screen, we see the rock stars of the day – including Anne Murray. There are also scenes of Lonny and Dennis travelling the world – making stops at iconic attractions such as the Eiffel Tower, and then Maple Leaf Gardens. The audience roars – how we love the proud Canadian stuff.
Audiences are adoring this show. I saw the Sunday matinee and there was long and loud applause and cheering throughout. During the ballads, the audience was swaying side-to-side, waving lighted cell phones. For the finale, Journey’s Don’t Stop Believin’, everyone was on his or her feet clapping, singing and dancing. And yet, in talking with the cast later, they said that the afternoon audience had been their quietest yet! The Saturday night crowd had the set shaking, they reported.
Don’t go if you don’t like loud metal rock of the ‘80s or you’re offended by the language used by ‘80s rock stars. But if you’re about 40 years old and you grew up on these tunes, don’t miss this show. So it’s a little loud and little bit naughty – it’s the most fun you can have in a theatre.
For tickets, call TicketKing 416-872-1212 or 1-800-461-3333 or go to www.mirvish.com

A member of the Canadian Theatre Critics Association, Mary Alderson reviews shows at area theatres and posts her reviews at www.entertainthisthought.com.

Legends
Conceived, Written and Directed by Alex Mustakas
Orchestrations and Vocal Arrangements by Robert Foster
Choreographed by Gino Berti
Musical direction by Mike Lerner
Originally produced by Drayton Entertainment
Grand Theatre, London
April 20 to May 22, 2010

Entertain This Thought!
By Mary Alderson

If you enjoyed “Twist and Shout: The British Invasion” when it played at the Grand two years ago, you’ll love “Legends”. It’s 1975 and Roy Solomon (who was the Ed Sullivan-like character in “Twist and Shout”) is retiring after 20 years on television.
In his honour, emcee Sheldon Lubliner has brought together the best rock and roll acts of 1955 to 1975. The Grand Theatre becomes a TV studio — don’t sit in the first row, unless you’re willing to be singled out as a celebrity: Richard Nixon and Jackie Onassis were introduced on opening night. Lubliner, played by the hilarious Tory Doctor, keeps the audience in stitches throughout the show.
Doctor provides the comedy – he comes dressed for each occasion; for example, he wears water wings and flippers during the Beach Boys set. He also gives his impression of the almost forgotten Tiny Tim, a dashing James Bond, or a crypt-kicker in the “Monster Mash”, among others.
During set changes, commercials are shown on big screens on either side of the stage. Some of these are unintentionally funny, like health benefits of smoking menthol cigarettes being touted. A couple of old movie trailers are over-the-top hilarious, even thought they weren’t meant to be funny at the time.
What makes “Legends” actually, well, legendary are the 58 musical numbers in the show. Several numbers are medleys by favourite artists, so it’s likely that there are over 80 songs presented in 2 ½ hours. Non-stop music of a generation: From Tina Turner’s “Proud Mary”, to Aretha Franklin’s “RESPECT”, with all kinds of familiar favourites in between. Audience members squeal with delight as they recognize the next song after a few bars. Tunes like “Whole Lotta Shakin’”, “Johnny B. Goode”, “Mony Mony”, “Heard it Through the Grape Vine”, “Bad Moon Rising”, “Takin’ Care of Business” and “American Woman” evoke memories for the baby-boomer audience.
There are medleys from Buddy Holly, Four Seasons, Elvis, and more – a particular audience favourite is the Monkees medley, where the performers include typical Monkees’ high jinks.
Another crowd pleaser is the Sonny and Cher impersonation by Duff MacDonald and Michel LaFleche. Without giving away too much, let’s just say the laughter got louder with each visit.
With a cast of 15 taking turns singing lead and back-up, the harmonies are wonderful.
Danny Williams, who wowed the audience with “A Whiter Shade of Pale” in “Twist and Shout”, continues to be the favourite with his fantastic voice. He brought the house down with Simon and Garfunkel’s “Bridge Over Troubled Waters” and The Hollies “He Ain’t Heavy, He’s My Brother”. His powerful voice can send shivers down your back.
I’ve seen “Twist and Shout” and “Legends” three times each, and I enjoy them more every time. However, I did miss Christine Glen and her belting voice on songs like “Son of a Preacher Man” and “River Deep, Mountain High”, as well as Ange Pagano and her raspy “Me and Bobby McGee”, both of whom were in earlier productions in Grand Bend and Drayton.
Frequent costume changes take us back to the satin suits of the Temptations, and the big hair-dos and sequins of the Supremes through to the tie-dyed hippie-wear of The 5^th Dimension and The Mamas and the Papas. Kudos to Bill Layton for the colourful and historically accurate, though exaggerated, clothing.
Gino Berti’s impressive choreography really makes the audience feel like we have gone back 30 or 40 years, and the dancers’ energy is incredible.
Credit must go to musical director Michael Lerner and the talented musicians in the band for their diverse sounds and ability to perfectly recreate all the old favourites. Too bad the scrim didn’t rise when we were applauding so they could receive the recognition they deserve.
“Legends” offers a good night of superior entertainment and definitely the best nostalgia trip one can take. We look forward to more from creator/director Alex Mustakas and his Legends franchise.

Legends continue at the Grand Theatre in London until May 22. Tickets are available at the Grand box office at 519-672-8800 or 1-800-265-1593, or visit www.grandtheatre.com.

A member of the Canadian Theatre Critics Association, Mary Alderson reviews shows at area theatres and posts her reviews at www.entertainthisthought.com.

Disney’s High School Musical

Written by David Simpatico
Directed & Choreographed by David Connelly, with Louise Johnson and Luke Brown
Musical direction by Peter Aylin
Performed by David Cotton, Melissa O’Neil, Lisa Lennox, Chad McNamara, with Thomas Alderson, Mark Harapiak, Cassandra Kranjec, Amelia Sirianni, Stephanie West, Shaun Castor, Liam Flanagan, Alison Jantzie, Tim Porter, Liam Tobin, Jonny Wexler, Ken Chamberland, Caitlin Goguen, Susan Johnston Collins, Alana Randall, Sarah Vance.
Drayton Entertainment Production

St. Jacobs Country Playhouse, Waterloo – April 21 to May 15, 2010
Huron Country Playhouse, Grand Bend – May 19 to May 30, 2010

Entertain This Thought!
By Mary Alderson
(Disclaimer: The reviewer’s son is in the cast.)

Last year, when High School Musical hit the stages in St. Jacobs and Penetanguishene, it was an amazingly energetic show.  This year, the energy has been kicked up a notch or two, if that’s possible!
The show is lots of fun, with enthusiastic singing and dancing.  It’s back at St. Jacobs after completely selling out there last year, then in mid-May, it opens Huron Country Playhouse’s season in Grand Bend.
Director David Connelly describes it as a Romeo and Juliet story; two kids from opposite sides fall in love – the jock and the brainiac.  Troy, the school’s basketball star, meets Gabriella while on a ski vacation.  They take part in a karaoke contest and are surprised to learn they can sing.  But when Gabriella enrols at Troy’s school, he’s embarrassed to tell his friends he likes singing.  She is pressured into taking part in a math competition, rather than audition for the high school musical.
This show is also the new Grease, but instead of peer pressure on the couple to conform, High School Musical celebrates the differences.  The cliques can mix: the jocks, brainiacs, skater dudes and musical theatre geeks can all be friends.  They can even admit to enjoying activities outside their clique, like the jock who bakes, or the skateboarder girl who plays cello.  In act one, they are afraid to mix up the cliques, singing “Stick to the Status Quo”, but by the end, the kids declare, “We’re all in this together.”
With 10 of the 20 cast members returning from last year, the show has all the same good qualities.  Plus, 10 new cast members have joined, bringing with them experience playing the same characters at the Neptune Theatre in Halifax.  Like the plot, the two groups have come together, raising the energy level.
David Cotton reprises the role of Troy Bolton – this year with hair à la Zac Efron or Justin Bieber, which is sure to impress the girls in the audience. But more impressive is David’s voice.  He nails every song perfectly, with better harmony than Efron’s movie versions.
Canadian Idol Melissa O’Neil returns as Gabriella.  Her character is quiet, shy, smart, and endearing much like O’Neil herself.  Her solid singing experience is certainly evident.
Lisa Lennox is the evil Sharpay, with ideal comedic timing and plenty of energy.  Her twin brother Ryan is played perfectly by Chad McNamara.  The two of them are amazing dancers.  Lennox and McNamara, along with Jonny Wexler, who plays Chad Danforth, are TV’s Doodlebops.  All three know how to hold the young audience’s attention.  In addition, there are four other members of the Doodlebops live touring shows in this production: Shaun Castor (Mongo), Tim Porter (James), Amelia Sirianni (Kelsi) and Sarah Vance (Cathy).
Susan Johnston Collins is back as the eccentric drama teacher Ms Darbus, perfect in the comedic role.  She talks to her class in a variety of accents, each one funnier than the last.   Mark Harapiak, just back from a North American tour as King Arthur in Camelot, plays the nasty, tough Coach Bolton well.  After Bolten has his revelation, Harapiak infuses some comedy into the character, joining the students for the final dance numbers.
The rest of the cast, Thomas Alderson, Cassandra Kranjec, Stephanie West, Liam Flanagan, Alison Jantzie, Tim Porter, Liam Tobin, Ken Chamberland, Caitlin Goguen, and Alana Randall, are adept at handling various parts and many quick costume changes.  They also bring great enthusiasm and energy with their singing and dancing.  An audience favourite is “The Start of Something New” where the cast sings and signs the lyrics.  The huge megamix finale with the entire cast is spectacular.
This show is very family friendly with a 7:00 p.m. start, wrapping up at 9:30 so the kids can get home to bed.  There are also booster seats available for diminutive theatregoers – extras were brought in from the Elmira McDonalds.
Kids love seeing the movie brought to life on stage.  They have the DVD memorized and know exactly what will happen next.  For the most part, they love the predictability.  However, last year, I chatted with one young fan who was upset that a new song had been added that wasn’t in the movie.  But then it was forgivable when her friend reminded her that the song was an “extra track” on the CD.
If you have pre-teens in your family, take them to the show.  But even if you don’t have a handy youngster, go anyway.  It is a great evening of entertainment, with superior singing, lively choreography, and a positive message.  All ages can enjoy High School Musical.
Just a note – if you have the Drayton Entertainment Theatre Guide 2010, there have been changes:  The booklet lists High School Musical as appearing at the Drayton Theatre, but the show has been moved to St. Jacobs due to renovations at Drayton.  Also, the booklet shows that High School Musical runs until June 5 in Grand Bend, but now it is scheduled to close May 30.  Order tickets now, last year it sold out.

High School Musical continues with eight shows a week until May 15 at St. Jacobs Country Playhouse, and then from May 19 to May 30 at Huron Country Playhouse, Grand Bend.  Tickets are available at the St. Jacobs box office 519-757-7788, Huron Country Playhouse box office at 519-238-6000, Drayton Entertainment at 1-888-449-4463, or check out www.draytonentertainment.com.

A member of the Canadian Theatre Critics Association, Mary Alderson reviews shows at area theatres and posts her reviews at www.entertainthisthought.com.

Some of you may recognize the name Murray “Slim” Gordon Lewis from his long and storied career as a musician in Ontario and across North America. For others, like the editor’s parents, he was your insurance salesman.
Slim Gordon, as he was called, was born in 1926 in Yarmouth County, Nova Scotia. Today, he lives alone in an apartment in Exeter. In December, he was diagnosed with cancer. A fellow reader, Diane Lovie thought you might like to hear his story.

As told to Casey Lessard
Portraits by Casey Lessard
WSM images courtesy Slim Gordon

I had my own radio program when I was six years old in Yarmouth, Nova Scotia. I had been performing with other kids on a children’s program every Saturday afternoon, and the Rawleigh man came to the house one day. He was so used to our place that he just walked in. My mother played the pump organ and she was teaching me a new song I was going to learn for the program on Saturday. When we were done, my brother came into the parlour room to tell us that he was out there, so we went into the kitchen. He had been listening to the rehearsal.
I was a boy soprano and he said to my mother, “The radio station is looking for someone to star in a program, and my wife plays piano for them.” He said, “Why don’t you bring your son down some evening and let my wife hear him?” She took me down and I got the program.
I did that for two years. The announcer was also the announcer for the show with the children. He retired to Newfoundland, so they didn’t have an announcer to do the kid’s shows. He was very good at it. I remember they didn’t have an adjustable microphone. It was a set height. If they stood me on a chair, I was too tall. If they didn’t stand me on a chair, I was too short. They had to sit me on the announcer’s lap to do the program. He was adjustable.

Boston-bound
When I was 15, I decided to start my own band. I rented a country hall for $5 per night, and we made our own posters. We had a full house. We charged 25 cents admission, and made $7 each. Farmer’s helpers were working a whole month for $10.
This was 1941. We didn’t have electric instruments. Everything was acoustic. It was a rousing success.
When I was 17, we had a dairy farm and a milk route and delivered milk by the bottle. I met a customer one Sunday, and his wife told him I sang cowboy music. There was no such thing as country music at the time. John lived in Boston, Massachusetts. He said I ought to go to the radio station and get a program on the radio.
I stayed with my uncle, who lived in Boston. While there, John took me to a country outfitters. My father gave me $100 to buy western pants, a western shirt, belt and boots, and a new guitar. John took me to a photographer and I had my picture taken. He took my picture around to the different nightclubs and tried to book me. Damned if he didn’t! I played a different nightclub every night. I was 17 and too young to drink, but that didn’t matter.
He took me to WMEX radio, and a fellow named Gene LaVerne had a country band and did a country show every day at noon. He listened to me sing and told me he didn’t have any work for me, but he got me some bookings.
John got me booked on the Boston Barn Dance, which was broadcast from the Armories every Wednesday night. I did one show and then the next week. We were leaving to come back to the house, and there were three girls standing in the lobby.
One girl came over, shook my hand, and said her name was Betty Lee. “I’m going to be doing a tour of Nova Scotia,” she said. “We’re going to be doing a radio show there and we’re looking for a boy who can sing, play guitar and act as straight man for our comedian.”
How much do you pay?, I asked. “You get $25 a week, even if you don’t work the whole six days. And you won’t have to worry about the fare back to Yarmouth because we have our own car.” So I had a job.
The next year, she was planning a U.S. tour, but I couldn’t get a work permit to work in the U.S. because they were still under wartime rules. The company I was working for offered me a position in Hamilton, and I took the chance. I worked for Cosmos Imperial Mills and I ran a loom that wove felt that was 40’ wide by 200’. It was used in paper mills.

The move to Ontario
I came to Hamilton in 1948 and started my band in 1949. We were doing a Saturday night show with three other bands at CKPC radio in Brantford. The Cockshutt plow company was hosting a show and they wanted a country band. The plowing match was coming up in Paris, and the announcer thought it would be fair to run a contest for the four bands to do the job. The audience chose. We got the job.
We had sporadic work. We rehearsed in case something came up. Then the band started pestering me. “We’ve been rehearsing two to three nights a week for two years. Are we ever going to go out and get jobs working nightclubs or something?” So I thought, well, we have a big enough repertoire – I could do 500 songs myself – maybe I should go see what I can do.
We had an audition at Hanrahan’s Tavern, and we got our first job. I told him what our price was and he accepted it. We didn’t have an argument. We had a two-week gig, which was normal. The first week, I noticed a guy came in and sat at the bar. He looked like a businessman. He came again the next night. He said, “I’m Harold Kudlutz, I book bands.” He became our agent. He booked us for quite a long time.
I had a good paying job because not a lot of people can weave felt. Now I had a problem. Halfway through the second week at Hanrahan’s, I was bushed. I went to my factory manager and explained the situation. I asked for Wednesday mornings off to get a day that I could sleep in and catch up. I didn’t want to quit what I was doing because I had been working toward it for a long time. He agreed to it.
Then, by golly, we started getting bookings in Toronto. So I went back to him. “Now what do you need,” he says. “Well,” I told him, “I’ll make it short and to the point. Can I get a six-month leave of absence?” It’s quite a question to ask someone. He said, “I suppose if I don’t give it to you, you’re going to quit.” I told him, “I guess you’re right.” He gave it to me.
That was the end of working in a factory. I never went back.
By this point, I had been married a long time. Since 1950. We met when I was trying to start a show in Hamilton at a supper club with a dance floor. I was hoping it would be a success, but it bombed. We ran it for four nights. My best friend was putting up the money for it, and he wasn’t a rich man.
Rita Muir was a girlfriend of my competitor, Mike Patoma. He came to one of the shows, and brought her and her girlfriend.
He took me down and introduced me to her. It was a mistake on his part, if he was serious. But then, it was a big mistake on my part because I married her. We were married for 12 years. Twelve years of pure hell. We had three daughters, but the last one, Leslie, wasn’t mine. That was the end of the marriage.
That didn’t stop me from loving the little girl. She had nothing to do with it. When we broke up, Rita took Leslie with her.
Last January, one of my daughters died of cancer. The night of her memorial, some of the family came and Leslie came, too. I said, “The last time I saw you, you were 10 years old.”
She said, “I remember the last time I saw you.” I asked how old she was, and she said 52. I said, “I haven’t seen you for 40 years.” She looked the same. I couldn’t believe it. Forty years. And she still felt like my daughter. She threw her arms around my neck and stood there and cried. It had to be 20 minutes. I haven’t seen her since.

Hit the road, Slim
(After my marriage ended,) I did a tour with George Jones and one with Hank Snow, each for a month. I’m still playing nightclubs, but now I play Toronto a lot. We didn’t have a holiday for two years, so I went back to Oshawa, where I bought a house. I gave Rita the house in Hamilton to take care of the girls.
I used to run Saturday night shows in the Red Barn. In the fall of ’64, a fellow came who owned a dude ranch north of Kirkland Lake. He wanted to know whether the band and I would do a TV show from the ranch as a form of advertising. We settled on a price for Sunday night.
The guy was going to try to pull a fast one on me. If you’re in this business long enough, you get wise to this stuff. He wrote me a cheque that night when the show was finished. I was up the next morning when the bank opened and I went into the bank. The teller told me they couldn’t honour any more cheques from him. I could see his idea of the TV show, but not with my money. Back to the ranch.
I pull into the yard of the ranch, and he’d just come out of the ranch house with a metal cash box in his hand, heading for the bank. He said, “Where’ve you been?” I said, “To the bank, they wouldn’t honour your cheque.” He told me to come back into the ranch house and he’d give me cash. All smiles, I told him that would suit me just dandy. His wife stood there gritting her teeth.

We wound up in Hearst, the last jumping off point in Ontario. You either have to turn east or west; you can’t go north, no highway. I met a guy who came and asked if he could play banjo on my show. His name was Smiley Bates. Not too many guys running around playing the five-string banjo. Hard to play.
He said, “I play everything. If it’s got strings on it, I play it.” And he did. He played them all equally well. I needed a smaller band to play nightclubs, so I thought I’d hire him. Before I left Hearst, I had a booking at the Franklin Hotel in Kirkland Lake.
I had two weeks off and I was in Oshawa. My agent called and said the band playing the Queen’s Hotel in Seaforth was from the United States and their banjo player ruptured his appendix. They can’t play a show without him. He asked if we would fill in. And here I thought we’d have two weeks off.
We had a ball. The second night we were there, Smiley said to me, “Did you see the blonde that came in here?” I said, “I’m not bothered with women, I just came through a bad marriage.” He said, “She’s really something. She’s got blonde hair she can sit on.” And she did. I like long hair.
He said he’d take me down and introduce me during the break. That was his mistake. I sat and talked to her until my break was over. She had a good head, and she was real pretty. Her name was Lydia Roelofs. Dutch. She was a dandy.
When we got married, she was 20 and I was 40. They told me I was robbing the cradle. We were married for 34 years. Had two kids that made us proud. Their mother, I give the credit for that because I was on the road all the time.
I took three weeks off, and thought, I can’t subject Lydia to life on the road. If I take her to Oshawa and dump her in my apartment, I don’t know when I’m going to get back and that wouldn’t be fair to her. I thought if she could stay in Exeter, that would work out because she has friends here, went to high school here.

End of the line
In 1970, I got booked in Vietnam, so I took it. The money was damn good. I was going to be entertaining American troops.
It was busy. You flew somewhere every day of the week. If you couldn’t fly, you took a train or a van. I was by myself, no road band. A lot of clubs had house bands. You want to talk about bands? Get a Japanese or Filipino country band; as good as anything in Nashville. Couldn’t speak a word of English. Well, there was always one guy who could speak enough that you could get by, but other than that, no. Did that for 17 weeks.
The closest I came to being in danger that I know of, I was flying from Manila in the Philippines to Taipei, Taiwan. When we got there, my road manager came running as I came down the gangplank. He said, “We were really worried. We didn’t know if you were going to get here or not.” I said, why?
He said, “What time did you leave Manila?” Quarter past twelve. He said, “Well, they blew up the airport at 12:30.”
I was over there in 1970 over Christmas, New Year’s, and my birthday, December 30. I missed my family, and I thought this is a stupid damn job. I’m 10,000 miles away from my family at Christmastime. I should start doing something else. I don’t think I’m ever going to be a big star. Just a little star. This is after 31 years in the business.
I came home and didn’t do anything for a month. I told my wife I wasn’t going to do anything for a year. I was going back to college for woodworking. I’ve always loved woodworking all my life. I took a course in fine carpentry and cabinet making. I loved it. Made loads of stuff.
I built my own house. I knew how to do that because we did it at school. I worked in insurance for 18 years until I retired. I lived in that house for 25 years.

A sudden change
In 1999, Lydia died. Heart stopped. She hadn’t been sick. Doctor didn’t know there was anything wrong with her.
It was two days before Christmas. Twenty-third of December. She was laying out her pies because we were going to have both of the children with their families. She said to me, “When you have your sandwich, could you go uptown and get the Christmas turkey?” Holtzmann’s had called and told us our fresh turkey had arrived from Hayter’s.
It was 2:20 because I looked at my watch. I went uptown, got the turkey, came back home, and my wife was dead on the floor. That’s all the warning we had. The end of a happy marriage.
I couldn’t believe it. It was days before I could think it wasn’t happening. A bad dream; I couldn’t wake up.
Phoned the kids and told them. Thursday. Thursday afternoon. Couldn’t believe it. Thought I was safe. I’m going to die first, for sure, because there’s 20 years between us.
I lived eight years in the house by myself. I was lonely there. The house had everything we wanted. Took me six and a half years to build it because I was working in the insurance office. All beams in the ceiling. A huge backyard. Four thousand square feet. Five bedrooms, pool room, a bar with more booze than some of the clubs I played in. But it became too much for me.
I never thought I’d wind up like this (living in an apartment). I thought my wife and I would live in our house.

A new battle
In December, I wasn’t feeling that well. I had trouble with my throat, and I went to the doctor. They decided to run some tests.
First, they did an ultrasound. Then they found something. They did an x-ray and a CAT scan. The CAT scan nailed it down. She said, “You’ve got cancer.” In my kidney.
I thought, you can haul one out and leave the other one.
I went to the surgeon in London, Dr. Chin. He’s the top surgeon in London. I told him I’m a Jehovah’s Witness, so I don’t take blood. He said, “Just a moment. You don’t have to worry about the blood because I’m not going to operate. You’re 83 years old. Most people don’t realize how complex a kidney operation is. It’s a hell of a shock to your system. I think the shock would kill you.” Shit.

So here I sit. I’m looking at alternative medicine. Conventional medicine won’t look at that at all. It’s a hell of an attitude. They’re killing people doing that.
It’s a pain in the ass, no, the kidney. When it comes to alternative health, you can control it through what you eat. The guy I’m dealing with now is Dr. Julian Whittaker in California. He’s been using this system for 30 years and never had a failure yet. I could be number one.
I’m not cryin’. I’m a Jehovah’s Witness. I’m not afraid of dying anymore. I was apprehensive before, but I’m not afraid now. There’s no such thing as hell.
I’ve got nothing to complain about. I’m happy I lived in the time that I lived. From 1926 to 2010, that’s a hell of a long time. Look at the changes I’ve seen. I think I’m pretty lucky.

Pinnacle of a career
In 1962, I was running shows at the Red Barn in Oshawa Sunday nights in the wintertime. I was bringing in talent from Nashville and Wheeling; both had 50,000-Watt stations. I had booked Skeeter Davis, who had about five gold hits by then. She was going to be flying in Saturday evening. I couldn’t go pick her up because I was doing the radio show, so I sent my wife down to pick her up at the airport. She brought her up to the station, so she was there when I signed off. I had written and rewritten the signoff about five or six times. “Mama, put the kettle on, I’m coming home.” Thanked the people for listening. Skeeter is listening to this, and when I got finished, I looked at her and she had tears in her eyes. She said, “That’s the most beautiful close I’d ever heard. Could you do that again on a tape not going out on the air?” I did it.
She took it home to Ralph, her husband, an all-night DJ at WSM Nashville. She played it for the board of directors. They said, that’s our next DJ.
I got a telegram from WSM at the end of October asking me to come to Nashville September 2, 1962. Nashville voted me Mr. DJ USA. I’m the only Canadian that ever got that award. I did a one-hour broadcast as a DJ from Nashville. We had five or six Opry stars lined up for my show.
Later, I walked out on the stage to perform at the Grand Ole Opry. In the floor of the stage at the Grand Ole Opry, there’s a circle there about 8’ to 10’ in diameter, where it’s new wood. That’s where all the stars perform because that’s centre stage. Walking out there, when you see that circle and you know you’re going to stand there, it gives me teardrops. You feel about two inches high. Really humble. I did a song, “I’ll Pretend There Was No Yesterday”.
That was the pinnacle.

The Grand Bend Studio Tour runs May 1 and 2 in studios and galleries across the area. This year’s roster includes: Adelaide Glass (Linda Rupp), Anne Luxton, Barb McKnight, Barry Richman, Bill Nieuwland, Bliss Studio, Casey Lessard (I’ll be at Pine Dale and Sunset Arts), Christopher Grimes, David Bannister, Debra Bailey, Fran Roelands, Gallery Algo, Helga Otton, Jack Winn, Josy Britton, Kristyn Watterworth, Laura Jones Wright, Mary Lynn Fluter, Michael Billett, Patricia Downie, Sunset Arts, and Teresa Marie. Admission is free to all.
The best place to start is at Baillie’s Framing, where you can find maps to the various locations, including the River Road strip of galleries, Pine Dale Motor Inn, Bliss Studio in Port Franks, and various home studios.

SHDHS Cabaret
All members of the community are invited to attend South Huron District High School’s Music Department 2010 Cabaret concerts. The concerts will take place in the large gym on Saturday, April 17 at 7:00 p.m., and Sunday, April 18 at 2:00 p.m. Each day will be a totally different program.
This informal, relaxed environment will feature a variety of bands who will perform popular selections for you to enjoy. Audience members are seated at tables and are encouraged to get up, move around during the concert, visit the refreshment tables, and participate in draws for many amazing prizes donated graciously by the South Huron community, and much more. Refreshments are complimentary with the purchase of your $5.00 ticket.
Also, the SHDHS Senior Band will be premiering “The Seal Lullaby” by Los Angeles-based composer, Eric Whitacre. South Huron is lucky to be one of only twenty-five schools in North America premiering the piece!
You can buy your ticket today from any South Huron music student, or in the office at the school. For more information call Mr. Isaac Moore at the school at 519-235-0880 or email isaamoor@fc.amdsb.ca. All proceeds from the Cabaret will go to the Music Department.

Community/Charity

Grand Bend Nursery School is now offering five sessions a week of the Early Learning Program, a FREE high quality program designed to help prepare young children for school. If you have children 2.5 to 4 years old and reside in Lambton County, call Grand Bend Nursery School at 519-238-8514

Tuesdays
10 a.m. to 2 p.m. – Port Franks Community Ctr.
Kids Matter every Tuesday. Join us as we crochet sleeping mats out of milk bags to send to the children in Africa and South America. Bring your lunch, scissors and a #7 crochet hook. Call Peggy Smith at 519-296-5834 for details.
Tuesdays
7 p.m. – Grand Bend Legion
Bingo

Fridays
5 to 7 p.m. – Grand Bend Legion
Meat Draw

Tuesday, April 20
8:30 a.m.
Grand Bend Men’s Probus Bus Trip to St. Thomas

10 a.m. – Port Franks Community Centre
Euchre-Rama. Games start 10 a.m. sharp. Cost is $6 per person and includes lunch. Contact the Port Franks Seniors for details 519-243-2297

Thursday, April 22
11:45 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. – Exeter Day Centre at South Huron Hospital
Community Lunch. Homemade Chili, Roll, Relishes, Squares and Beverage. $6 per person. Dine in or Take Out. Call Tammy at 519-235-4600

Monday, April 26
7 p.m. – Grand Bend Legion
Grand Bend Horticultural Society Meeting. Topic Organic Gardening. Guest speakers Ken and Martha Laing, Orchard Hill Farm.

Wednesday, April 28
12:30 p.m. – Aunt Gussie’s
Huron Country Playhouse Guild monthly luncheon meeting. New members and guests are welcome. Please call Mary at 519-238-5640 for details.

Thursday, April 29
9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. – Grand Bend Legion
Grand Bend Women’s Institute 2nd Annual Spring Awakening. Topics: Container planting , Tai Chi, Summer entertaining, beauty and skin care. Lunch included, door prizes. Motivational guest speaker Eleanor Woods, Fashion Show and more! Tickets $20. Call Barb 519-243-1163 or Cassie 519-238-2727

Arts & Entertainment

Mondays
1 to 3 p.m. – Grand Bend Legion
Golden Agers Shuffleboard

7 p.m. – Port Franks Comm. Ctr.
Dunes Duplicate Bridge

Tuesdays
1 p.m. – Port Franks Comm. Ctr.
Bridge

Wednesdays
7 p.m. – Port Franks Comm. Ctr.
Dunes Duplicate Bridge

Thursdays
1 to 4 p.m. – Pt. Franks Comm. Ctr.
Shuffleboard

1 to 3 p.m. – Grand Bend Legion
Golden Agers Shuffleboard

7:30 p.m. – Pt. Franks Comm. Ctr.
Cards

Fridays
10 a.m. – Port Franks Comm. Ctr.
Badminton

1 p.m. – Port Franks Comm. Ctr.
Bridge

1:30 to 3:30 p.m. – Grand Bend Youth Centre
Grand Bend Drum Circle. Contact Anita at the Youth Centre or call 519-238-8759.

7 p.m. – Port Franks Comm. Ctr.
Dunes Duplicate Bridge

Saturday, April 24
3 to 6 p.m. – Grand Bend Legion
Live Music by Yeager

Friday, April 30
9:30pm – Aunt Gussie’s restaurant
Fundraiser music night with Mike Monaghan and Patrick Powers. Proceeds go to South Huron ‘Cobras’ U16 regional girls soccer team. $20/ticket – all tickets purchased ahead of time will go into a draw for a dinner/theatre package for two. Tickets can be purchased through LeeAnn Powers at 238-1765 or powersinthebend@hay.net. Door prizes throughout the night and free hors d’oeuvres.

Saturday, May 1
3 to 6 p.m. – Grand Bend Legion
Horse Races

Thursday, May 6
7 p.m. – Grand Bend CHC
Sunset Cinema presents: An Education, award winning comedy/drama

Saturday, May 8
3 to 6 p.m. – Grand Bend Legion
Live Music by Ben Shane & Bobby K

Health & Fitness

Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays
8 to 9 a.m. – Southcott Clubhouse
Workout for your Life. To learn more, call Beth Sweeney at 519-238-5555.

Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays
8:45 to 10 a.m. (Mon/Fri), (to 9 a.m. Wed.) – Grand Bend Legion
TGIF Exercise classes with Elinor Clarke. $3/week – all proceeds to charity.

Mondays and Wednesdays
6 to 7 p.m. – Precious Blood gym
Workout for your Life. To learn more, call Shelley Van Osch at 519-234-6253.

Tuesdays and Thursdays
9 a.m. – Port Franks Comm. Centre
Healthy Lifestyle Exercise Program. Cost: Free. Everyone welcome. Contact Cindy Maxfield at 519-238-1556 ext 6 to register.

Thursday, April 22
2 to 4 p.m. – Grand Bend CHC
Home Safety and Falls Prevention. Join Occupational Therapists Shawna Palmar and Kate Mason.

4:30 to 8:30 p.m. – South Huron Rec Centre, Exeter
Bump2Family. The Greener Expo. Help to celebrate Earth Day. Natural pregnancy services and products, greener products for babies and the family. Participate in ‘Bunz on the Run’ Diaper Derby and a ‘Proud Parent Contest’, a baby contest. Adults: $2 (donation to Big Brothers Big Sisters of South Huron). Children: free with a canned good donation. 519-527-1948

Thursday, April 29
2 to 4 p.m. – Grand Bend CHC
Blood Pressure Clinic. Free. Prevention and early detection can save a life!

Young Frankenstein
Written by Mel Brooks and Thomas Meehan
Music and lyrics by Mel Brooks
Directed & Choreographed by Susan Stroman
Musical direction by Robert Billig
Performed by Roger Bart, Shuler Hensley, Cory English, Brad Oscar, Beth Curry, Joanna Glushak, Anne Horak.
North American Tour
Princess of Wales Theatre, Toronto
March 17 to April 18, 2010

Entertain This Thought!
Review by Mary Alderson

Toronto’s Princess of Wales Theatre has been transformed into Transylvania for the next month, with the Broadway tour of Young Frankenstein rolling into town. While it hasn’t earned the same accolades as The Producers, Young Frankenstein is still classic Mel Brooks with many laughs.
Brooks had a hit back in 1968 with the movie The Producers, which he followed with two more movie hits, Blazing Saddles and Young Frankenstein, both in 1974. In Young Frankenstein, Brooks satirized scenes from the old black & white Frankenstein movies of the 1930s and 40s. He created parodies of several scenes familiar to fans of the old horror movies.
In 2001 he converted The Producers into a Broadway Musical and won a record-breaking 12 Tony awards. Following the success of The Producers, he wrote music for Young Frankenstein and opened it on Broadway in 2007. Even if Young Frankenstein hasn’t been as popular as The Producers, it is still one corny laugh after another and a whole lot of fun.
Fortunately, Broadway star Roger Bart has gone on this tour, because he’s what makes the show so much fun. Bart was Carmen Ghia in The Producers and won a Tony for his portrayal of Snoopy in You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown. He is recognizable from a brief role on Desperate Housewives – he was the pharmacist who killed Bree’s first husband.
Bart has excellent comedic timing and his style is reminiscent of Johnny Wayne of Wayne & Schuster fame. He looks at the audience with a silly grin and then delivers the funny line – a bad pun or corny joke. Yes, the style may be very old fashioned, but Bart makes it work today.
The year is 1934, and the people of Transylvania are celebrating the death of Victor Frankenstein. They won’t have to fear his experiments any more. Back in New York, his grandson Frederick Frankenstein is a medical school professor. He prefers that his name be pronounced Fronk-en-steen, to distance himself from his grandfather. When word of his grandfather’s death arrives, Frederick must travel to Transylvania to deal with the castle he has inherited. He says good-bye to his girlfriend, Elizabeth (Beth Curry), who won’t let him touch her as she has just had her lips, nails and hair done. She sings, “Please don’t touch me” as Frankenstein tries to give her a farewell kiss.
Igor (pronounced Eye-gor) played hilariously by Cory English, along with lab assistant Inga (Anne Horak), tries to convince Frankenstein to stay and carry on his grandfather’s work. After the hay wagon ride with Inga, where Horak yodels delightfully in her low cut peasant blouse, he agrees to stay.
The castle is maintained by the housekeeper Frau Blucher, portrayed very well by Johanna Glushak. The horses whinny in fear each time her name is spoken – apparently, Mel Brooks originally thought that Blucher was German for glue, and so the horses were afraid of being sent to a glue factory. This running gag kept the audience laughing throughout the show.
The Monster is played by Shuler Hensley, who also had the part on Broadway. He has great fun with the character, particularly in the scene where he crashes into the blind hermit’s cabin (played very well by understudy Erick R. Walck.) Hensley is uproarious when he sings and dances “Putting on the Ritz”, Monster style.
The laughs roll across the audience with one silly joke or pun after another. Some were a little bit naughty so I wouldn’t recommend the show for children under 12.
At one point, Young Dr. Frankenstein decides to have a sit-down talk with Igor, who stepped on a good brain, and then brought a different brain to put into The Monster. Igor insists it’s also a good brain; it belonged to Abby Normal. Igor goes to great dramatic lengths to take his seat. Both actors break up as Igor makes sitting down a big production – or was that acting, too? Finally, Frankenstein asks quietly, “Do you want me to validate that parking?” Maybe the line was improv, or it was acted to look like improv – either way, it was hilarious.
Using all the old jokes and puns and satirizing the horror genre, Brooks created a very funny movie in 1974. By adding songs to it and making it a big musical, he only adds to the comedy. If you’re a fan of Wayne & Schuster type humour, you’ll love this show.
Rumour has it that Mel Brooks at age 84 is writing songs for Blazing Saddles. I’m looking forward to more of Brooks’ crazy comedy on the live stage.
For tickets, call TicketKing 416-872-1212 or 1-800-461-3333 or go to www.mirvish.com

A member of the Canadian Theatre Critics Association, Mary Alderson reviews shows at area theatres and posts her reviews at www.entertainthisthought.com.

Pride and Prejudice
Written by Jane Austen, adapted by James Maxwell, revised by Alan Stanford
Directed by Susan Ferley
Performed by Susanna Fournier, Brad Hodder et al.
Grand Theatre, London
March 10 to April 3, 2010

Entertain This Thought!
By Mary Alderson

When Artistic Director Susan Ferley welcomed the audience to the opening night of Pride and Prejudice at the Grand, she told everyone to “Enjoy this romantic comedy.” That is probably the most amazing thing about Pride and Prejudice – it is a 200-year-old romantic comedy not unlike the light fare in our movie theatres today. Think of Bridget Jones’ Diary – it’s the 21st century version of Pride and Prejudice. While Bridget relates her thoughts in her journal, here was have Elizabeth Bennet narrating the story.
Jane Austen’s plot has withstood the proverbial time test, and remains entertaining today. Mr. and Mrs. Bennet have five daughters and it is Mrs. Bennet’s duty as a mother to get all five girls married off. So imagine their delight when a wealthy, single young man moves in next door and brings along his rich friend. The comedy results in the many twists and turns it takes to get the two oldest daughters, Jane and Elizabeth, suitably matched. The youngest daughter is also married off, although less suitably.
Susanna Fournier tells the tale as Elizabeth Bennet, and delivers her humourous observations well. Her face and voice are vivacious, but her posture and gestures seem uncomfortable. Perhaps it is an attempt to mirror Mr. Darcy’s awkwardness but it seems strange to keep it up when he’s not around. Brad Hodder as Mr. Darcy is appropriately stiff and awkward. Darcy translates the words pride and prejudice as arrogant and judgemental. Hodder portrays Darcy as so disagreeable, that when we learn of his redeeming qualities they don’t seem believable.
Burgandy Code plays an over-the-top Mrs. Bennet, squealing loudly with laughter whenever she’s excited. Code gets the audience laughing at Mrs. Bennet’s silliness. It’s a far cry from the heart wrenching character Marketa (Hana’s mother) she played in the Grand’s production of Hana’s Suitcase two years ago. Code is certainly versatile.
David Warburton as Mr. Bennet has excellent comedic timing, and delivers his lines perfectly. Mrs. Bennet frequently worries about the fact that she and her daughters will be forced out of the family home when he dies, as it will go to a cousin who is the male heir. Finally Bennet tells Mrs. Bennet, “I may live longer than you!” to the delight of the audience.
Alden Adair plays the annoying and obsequious Mr. Collins very well. He toadies to Lady Catherine De Bourgh creating comedy in a style reminiscent of Broadway actor John Lithgow. His refusal to accept Elizabeth’s refusal of his proposal is hilarious.
Michelle Fisk is excellent as the haughty and snobby Lady Catherine, and garners laughs as she describes all the wonderful things her homely and boring daughter Anne would do “if only her health permitted.” Erin Polatynski is good as both Anne and the equally as boring sister Mary, who embarrasses everyone with her terrible singing. Perrie Oltheuis as Jane and Morgan Jones as Mr. Bingley are both enchanting as the happy young couple.
It’s good to see London actor Jim Doucette at the Grand again. He plays the dual roles of Lucas and Uncle Gardiner well. Two High School Project alumnae also appear. Claire Burns plays a very hoity-toity Miss Bingley. She is sometimes difficult to understand, speaking in a low voice and struggling with the British accent. Carolyn Hall as Kitty is a good partner to the high-spirited Lydia, played well by Laura Schutt. Brendan Rowland is a charming Mr. Wickham, even when he turns out to be a cad, and Courtney Stevens is a charismatic Fitzwilliam. Marilla Wex is good as Charlotte who has to settle for the first proposal that comes her way. Completing the cast are Martha Zimmerman in triple roles and Michael Iliadis as Denney.
The set is well created, minimal, but easily recognizable as it changes from parlour to garden. The characters carry chairs on and off quickly as the show moves smoothly from scene to scene.
The costumes are lovely, with all five daughters wearing delicate creamy gowns, appropriate for the era. But unfortunately there are no costume changes – even poor families changed their dress from what they wore at home to something fancy for a party.
So while everything seems to be in place for a romantic comedy, it is the romance that is lacking. Elizabeth is a strong young woman, even rebellious for her time. She is not going to settle to get a husband; she will hold out for love. And while she tells us that she is falling for Mr. Darcy, and he has said he is attracted to her, we don’t see it. Yes, these are very formal times, but still, if two people profess love for each other, shouldn’t we see a spark? Some chemistry? Even a smile? We saw it with Jane and Bingley, so shouldn’t there have been a moment with Elizabeth and Darcy?
While true Jane Austen fans will enjoy this show for its delightful wit, a little more romance with the comedy would be preferable.

Pride and Prejudice continues at the Grand Theatre in London until April 3. Tickets are available at the Grand box office at 519-672-8800 or 1-800-265-1593, or visit www.grandtheatre.com.

High School Musical
Presented by Drayton Entertainment
Huron Country Playhouse
May 19 to 30
Tickets: $39 for adults, $20 for under 18
Box office: 1-888-449-4463

Photos and story by Casey Lessard

Aiming for fame, more than 100 teenagers joined auditions in Exeter and Guelph for Drayton Entertainment’s summer presentation of Disney’s High School Musical, which runs at the Huron Country Playhouse May 19 to 30. After a weekend of auditions, including a full Sunday at South Huron District High School, 80 actors were chosen to join the P.E.P. Squad, the play’s chorus.
“I saw it in the paper and right away I knew that it was something I had to do,” said Alicia Veens, 16, a student at North Lambton Secondary School in Forest. “I love the play a lot, and I love to sing. I love to dance, even though I’m not very good.”
Veens and the rest of the teens had to show their abilities in both areas. Director and choreographer David Connolly and dance captain Michelle Black taught the audition attendees one of the routines those selected will be performing in the play, “We’re All In This Together”.
“It was nerve-wracking,” said Viktor Coletta, a South Huron student from Parkhill. “I was scared out of my mind. I wasn’t expecting what they did. I felt better when we were in groups, but I think I did pretty good.”
The Drayton team acknowledges the fear auditionees have. After all, for some, this is their first time trying out for a professional role.
“We had kids coming to the door, still not convinced of whether they were going to do it at all,” Michelle Black said. “Still thinking it over and they got here. The fact is, they got the courage to learn the material and present at the end.”
The process is not new for Grand Bend’s Meaghan Forrester. She was in the chorus of last season’s Oliver!
“With my Oliver! audition, I screwed up, too, and let my performance suffer,” Forrester said. “This one I screwed up, but I felt my performance was better. You miss a step or have to catch up.
“I hope I get in, but if I don’t, I’m applying to university and those auditions need work,” she added. “If I do get in, I plan to work a lot harder than I did on Oliver!, because we had a lot more time and it was less complicated. This will be less time and more complicated.”
It seems Forrester impressed Connolly and Black; she was among those chosen to join the squad for eight performances this summer. But Connolly understands the pressure the audition process puts on a new performer.
“These kids are making courageous choices to be here,” he said. “For some, it’s an obvious choice; their parents support them and they drove them and it was a no-brainer. There are others who moved mountains to get into that room. When you know what an audition is, it’s scary enough, but they don’t even know what an audition is and they’re walking into a room to put it all on the line.”
Alicia Bradley, 17, of London put it on the line. The Central Secondary School student, who spends summers at a cottage in Grand Bend, has experience at the Grand Theatre in London, where she was a pianist. She was hoping to move from the orchestra pit to the stage.
“I love to dance and sing, Bradley said. “I want to go into theatre at university, but I didn’t realize that until last year, so I’m trying to get my show experience now. I have a couple of auditions at Ryerson, York and U of T. I’m a dancer, so I thought this would be a good chance to get on stage.”
Unfortunately, Bradley is not among those who will be on the Playhouse stage this summer. Neither will Beth Smallman, a South Huron student new to professional theatre.
“I want to go into acting after high school,” Smallman said. “This was my first audition. I’ve been in a lot of drama things through school. I wanted to see what an audition is like and see whether I get it.”
No matter, though. It was a worthy experience for the teen.
“It went really well,” she said. “I learned a lot. I tried my hardest and it was a lot of fun.”
That’s the kind of attitude David Connolly was looking for, even if it didn’t translate into a position with the cast. The overwhelming desire to succeed reminds Connolly of his early theatre years.
“My first big audition was for Alan Lund at Kitchener-Waterloo Musical Productions. I had done some dancing with dance studios and competed a little, but Alan Lund was standing in front of me with Cynthia Toushan Brnjas, who was his assistant, and I didn’t even know that choreographers had assistants. I remember being in awe of that. I must have been so bad and awkward. But we’re looking for passion, someone who can’t think of anything else they’d rather do, and I must have had that.”
It’s all about perspective, Michelle Black said.
“If they did it again, it’s less of an audition and more of a workshop on life. Every time I spend time with David, I learn a little more about myself. Today, if they don’t get the show, the confidence they’ll get from being in the room with him is huge.”
And it’s not for everyone.
“We had a girl yesterday break down in the middle and say, ‘I can’t do this,’” Black said. “You can see that, for some of them, it’s terrifying.”
It wasn’t a problem for Virginia Iredale of Exeter, who earned a spot on the squad.
“The hardest part is keeping it all together,” the Grade 10 student said. “I don’t get embarrassed on stage. The easiest part was coming. I just decided, I’m going, my mom will bring me. Then it’s like, I’m here, guess I get to do it now.”
Family support is important, and makes the process easier.
“My mom made me (audition),” said Viktor Coletta. “I did this in London with Original Kids. I was Zeke Baylor, the cook. It’s a fun show, a lot of energetic people.”
Alicia Veens came wearing a shirt that reads Born to be Famous.
“My grandma bought me this shirt,” Veens said. “She loves what I do and hopes for the best for me. I want to be famous really bad.”
And she knows what it takes to get there.
“If you have it, you have it. You don’t have to be good looking, as long as you have the talent and believe in yourself.”
Words David Connolly might argue were taken right out of his mouth. He hopes some kids discovered this about themselves during the audition process.
“You can tell somebody they’re great, but that will never replace them feeling that they did it themselves,” he said. “That moment of doing it for themselves will stay with them.”
Veens walked away wanting the moment to last.
“I would love to get a letter in the mail saying I’ve made it. I’ve always wanted to be in a play like this.”
“I’d like to see all the good people get it,” added Virginia Iredale. “I will definitely go see it now because it looks like fun.”
No need to buy a ticket, Virginia, because you and Alicia are in it. Veens and Iredale were both added to the P.E.P. Squad roster. And yes, High School Musical looks like fun. To see it for yourself, visit http://www.draytonentertainment.com

Fran Roelands is ABCA feature artist

21st annual Conservation Dinner
Thursday, April 15
South Huron Rec. Centre, Exeter
Tickets: $50
Phone: 1-888-286-2610
http://www.conservationdinner.com

West McGillivray watercolour painter Fran Roelands is this year’s Ausable Bayfield Conservation Dinner feature artist, and is offering her painting, Along the Banks of Mud Creek (above), to this year’s auction. The painting depicts a late winter scene at the back of her family farm on Creamery Road, where she has lived for 30 years with her husband, Matt.
Casey Lessard visited her home studio and gallery to discuss art and conservation.

As told to Casey Lessard

I’m an outdoors type of person. I enjoy the scenery and we’re blessed to have this beautiful climate we live in with all its seasons. I enjoy every kind of weather.
We live on the land. We appreciate the beauty that we’re surrounded by. We appreciate the clean water and clean air and try to keep it that way for generations to come. We tap into all the resources we can to do things properly.
I was inspired (to pursue art) years ago when I was young. My dad had a lot of books with drawings and I felt someday I could do that.

The artist’s way
My approach is very simple. If I’m driving around, I always have my camera with me, and if I see something interesting from a different angle, I like to capture that. I’m also interested in our modern agriculture. As much as I like the older antique nostalgic feeling, I appreciate the newer, more modern ways of farming as well. I’m interested in painting what I see as the way our future generations will be farming.
It all starts with the initial drawings, figuring out what lines of direction you’re going to use to get your viewer into the picture and to what you want them to see. You do a light and dark value sketch to make sure that image is going to work. You don’t want something that is off-balance or boring. Contrasting colours are huge; everything you do, you try to create conflict. You try to just bring that emotion out in the painting. That’s my goal.
I take lots of photographs and sometimes combine different images from different photographs. I’m very particular about the design and composition. I look at what’s important to me in this painting and I do everything I can to get my viewer to know that that’s the focal point.
My colour choices come into that. It shows what kind of day it was, or what I was feeling that particular day. Along the Banks of Mud Creek is a painting more of what I was feeling that day than the actual site. I just felt the warmth of the sun and thought, this is the best day to be back here appreciating this winter day. We’re lucky to have that in Ontario.
Local details add an emotional feeling that I want my viewer to get. I painted an old barn near Dashwood, and I love the aspects of decaying wood; I have an appreciation for things like that because I know they won’t be here forever that way. As far as animals in pastures, I see changing times. Life is change and I’m trying to capture images of this moment in time as well.
Light can give you the mood in the painting. I like to paint something that gives the viewer a positive feeling. It’s not part of the business approach; it’s my outlook on life. I try to be positive and have a good attitude about what I’m doing. I just feel I need to be true to myself when I paint. I enjoy the interaction with people coming and talking about the art, and it’s a really personal decision to them whether they would like a piece of art.
I hope people get a peaceful sense of pleasure looking at it. I did a painting once of a crazy storm in the summer time, and it was the wildest sky. Three quarters of the painting was the sky, and there was a streak of light on a farm. I did this painting and I got it framed. That was the first year of the studio tour, and I hung it up. A couple came in and said, “When we drive to our work in London, there have been so many storms this summer, and we saw that sky. And that is exactly what we felt when we saw that scene.” They bought that painting. When someone buys a painting of mine, they are buying something of me. It’s very personal.

Moving forward
I hope to keep growing and never lose enthusiasm about what I’m doing. I’m an independent spirit and I will go where I think I need to go. I hope to venture into more colourful scenes, and this one is part of that journey. I’m having fun with it, so that’s where I’m going now.

If you’re not passionate about what you’re going to paint, don’t bother because you won’t enjoy it. You have to know what inside of you drew you to that subject, and do everything you can to make your viewer know that, too.

Fran Roelands
Creamery Road Studio and Gallery
519-294-6710
http://www.franroelands.com
Viewings by appointment. Giclee prints available at Baillie’s Framing in Grand Bend and Beside Mom’s café in Parkhill.

Story and photos by Casey Lessard

After winning Best in Show at Paint Ontario several years ago, Josy Hilkes Britton used her cash prize to buy a canoe. Her ensuing paddling excursions resulted in Reflections, Britton’s second Paint Ontario Best in Show painting.
“That’s how I get inspired in the first place, canoeing,” Hilkes Britton said after winning the prize Friday night. “This year’s painting is what I see when I canoe down the Ausable River, where you see the full reflections of the trees and it makes the water look really deep.”
The complexity of the work requires a skilled artist, and a discerning eye.
“I like a painting to work from two distances,” she says. “From a distance, I want it to draw you in closer. Then, when you’re close, I think you shouldn’t be disappointed that you took the trouble to get close. In this painting, from a distance, you might think it’s upside down. Then, when you get closer, you see the leaf and it makes sense.”
The realism of the painting is pervasive in much of the work at Paint Ontario, a show that showcases representational work, in other words, paintings that illustrate real things.
“When you look at the artwork, you will know what the artist was trying to paint,” says founder Barry Richman. “That doesn’t mean the artist can’t push the boundaries toward abstraction. This isn’t by any means a competition of magic realism, of who can paint the most fur on the fox or feathers on the loon.”
Still, that type of work is welcome at the Lambton Heritage Museum hosted show. About 145 artists from across Ontario submitted 288 paintings, and 180 were juried into the exhibition. In its 14th year, Paint Ontario has sold more than 400 paintings over that time, resulting in more than $250,000 in sales for artists.
“We will bring in more than 2000 people to the museum in the shoulder season,” Richman says. “It’s a win-win for the artists and the community.”
Artists interested in entering work in the 2011 exhibition should contact Richman through http://www.paintontario.com.

Photo and story by Casey Lessard

A sight to see, thousands of tundra swans are now back at the Thedford Bog behind the Lambton Heritage Museum. The bog is a natural staging area for the swans, who are on their way from Chesapeake Bay, Maryland, to cooler climates in Canada’s North for the summer. The trip is 6,500 km, so it’s understandable they’d want to stop for a rest and some food. Here, that includes the grains left in the fields from the fall harvest.
To celebrate the annual migration, the Lambton Heritage Museum (on Highway 21 south of Greenway Road) hosts the Return of the Swans festival. With displays, videos, and other resources, the museum is a good home base to learn more about North America’s smallest and most abundant swan.
For the month of March, the Lambton Heritage Museum is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.. Admission is $5 for adults, $4 for seniors/students, $3 for children, and $15 for the family.
The best source of updates for people interested in watching the birds is the museum’s website, http://www.returnoftheswans.com, which has a migration report that is updated daily with locations where the birds are gathered. If you don’t have internet access, you can also call 1-800-265-0316.
If you go
Dress warmly and bring binoculars. If you plan to take photographs, here are some tips from the publisher:
- Assume you will need a long telephoto lens (at least 300mm). The birds are pretty far away, but there are locations where they fly over a road to move from field to field, and here you need only about 100mm. This is where I stand because you can capture them coming at you, and then over you. Just watch out for small falling objects.
- Remember to look behind you. If they fly toward you and over, they will come back later.
- Use a fast shutter speed (1/1000 or faster). These birds flap their wings quickly, so if you want sharp images, you need to freeze that motion. I try to get to about 1/4000 if I can. Can’t get that high? You might need to raise your ISO (but if it’s daylight, try to avoid higher than ISO 800)
- Use a slow shutter speed with a tripod. Breaking the rules can get some interesting motion photos. This works best in lower light.
- Use your burst mode or continuous shooting mode. You’ll want to take a rapid series of shots to get one you like. There are times when you wait five minutes for 20 seconds of action.
- If you use continuous shooting, make sure your focus is set to Servo AF, which means the camera continues to focus as long as you hold the shutter button down. Remember that the birds are constantly changing your focal point.
- Shoot at your highest resolution. You will have to crop most of these photos later.
- Bring lots of memory cards or film. You will shoot a lot, and you might get a couple of good shots from the whole day. It’s worth it, though.
- Try to arrive early. The light will give you good texture and colour, and you might be the only one there.

Sunday, March 21
2 to 4 p.m. – Trivitt Anglican Church, Exeter
Celebration launch of Bach Music Festival of South Huron and Bach’s 325th birthday. Concert, birthday cake and door prizes. Free to attend. RSVP to bachmusicfestival@bellnet.ca or 519-235-2565.

A teaser of what’s to come in July 2011, the Bach Music Festival of South Huron’s celebration launch will feature organist Janet Heerema and cellist Christine Newland. A year of concerts and special events for area residents and visitors from across Ontario will culminate in the first week-long international festival July 11 to 17, 2011.
The goal of the series is to attract music aficionados to South Huron as an important and accessible location for concerts, and the caliber of the music is expected to enhance the local economy. For more information, contact executive producer Louise Fagan at l.fagan@rogers.com or call 519-851-0393. Everyone is welcome to attend the celebration launch March 21 to get a taste for what is in store for next year’s festival.

Community/Charity

Grand Bend Nursery School is now offering 5 sessions a week of the Early Learning Program…a FREE high quality program designed to help prepare young children for school. If you have children 2.5 to 4 years old and reside in Lambton County call Grand Bend Nursery School at 519-238-8514

Tuesdays
10 a.m. to 2 p.m. – Port Franks Community Ctr.
Kids Matter every Tuesday. Join us as we crochet sleeping mats out of milk bags to send to the children in Africa and South America. Bring your lunch, scissors and a #7 crochet hook. Call Peggy Smith at 519-296-5834 for details.

7 p.m. – Grand Bend Legion
Bingo

Fridays
5 to 7 p.m. – Grand Bend Legion
Meat Draw
Until Sunday, April 4
12 p.m. – Greenway Road just east of Highway 21
Return of the Tundra Swans. Bring your binoculars. On weekends naturalists will be on-site to answer any of your questions. For more info visit www.returnoftheswans.com.

Thursday, March 18
1:30 p.m. – Grand Bend CHC
Grand Bend Women’s Institute. Topic: the Community Living Program in Dashwood.

Wednesday, March 24
12:30 to 3 p.m. – Colonial Hotel
Huron Country Playhouse Guild monthly luncheon. New members and guests are welcomed. Please call Mary at 519-238-5640 for details.
Monday, March 29
7 p.m. – Grand Bend CHC
Grand Bend Horticultural Society. Topic: Eating your Weedies – edible weeds presented by Kerry Hackett. Everyone welcome.

Saturday, April 3
11 a.m. – Port Franks Community Ctr
Easter Egg Hunt. Presented by Ausable Port Franks Optimists
 
Wednesday, April 7
9:40 a.m. – meet at Lambton Heritage Museum parking lot
Savanna Strollers Pinery Walking Club. Each Wednesday morning, participants will meet at the side parking lot at 9:40 and car pool with others in the group to the walking trail. With financial support from the Grand Bend Community Foundation, eight annual passes for Pinery have been purchased for the group.
If you are interested in attending or becoming a Volunteer Coordinator please call us at 519-243-1521 or email fopp@oxford.net for more information.

6:30 p.m. – Grandpa Jimmy’s Scottish Bakery, Grand Bend
Planning meeting for 2010 Grand Bend Relay for Life.Team Captains at 6.30 p.m. and the general meeting at 7 p.m. Everyone is welcome. The relay date is Friday July 9  at 7 p.m to Saturday July 10 at 7 a.m. at the Klondyke Sport Park.

Friday, April 9
9:30 p.m. – Aunt Gussie’s
135 Ontario St. S., Grand Bend
Fundraiser for Grand Bend Public School Athletic Department. Presented by Grand Bend Home and School Association and Aunt Gussie’s. Music by Brian Dale and Patrick Powers.
Tickets: $20; call Jenn Maguire at 238-8687 or Amy Wiseman 238-1116. Some tickets may be available at the door, but only tickets purchased ahead of time will go into a draw that night for a dinner theatre package for two. Free hors d’oeuvres and door prizes. All proceeds go to support athletics at the Grand Bend Public School.

Arts & Entertainment

Mondays
1 to 3 p.m. – Grand Bend Legion
Golden Agers Shuffleboard

7 p.m. – Port Franks Comm. Ctr.
Dunes Duplicate Bridge

Tuesdays
1 p.m. – Port Franks Comm. Ctr.
Bridge

Wednesdays
7 p.m. – Port Franks Comm. Ctr.
Dunes Duplicate Bridge

Thursdays
1 to 4 p.m. – Pt. Franks Comm. Ctr.
Shuffleboard

1 to 3 p.m. – Grand Bend Legion
Golden Agers Shuffleboard

7:30 p.m. – Pt. Franks Comm. Ctr.
Cards

Fridays
10 a.m. – Port Franks Comm. Ctr.
Badminton

1 p.m. – Port Franks Comm. Ctr.
Bridge

1:30 to 3:30 p.m. – GB Youth Centre
Grand Bend Drum Circle. Contact Anita at the Youth Centre or call 519-238-8759.

7 p.m. – Port Franks Comm. Ctr.
Dunes Duplicate Bridge

Saturday, March 20
3 to 6 p.m. – Grand Bend Legion
St. Patrick’s Day. Live music by Mike Fagan. Corned beef and cabbage.

Saturday, March 27
3 to 6 p.m. – GB Legion
Horse Races

Thursday, April 1
7 p.m. – Grand Bend CHC
Sunset Cinema presents: Bright Star, love story of the poet Keats and Fanny Brawne

Saturday, April 3
3 to 6 p.m. – Grand Bend Legion
Live Music by DJ Barry Sheppard

Saturday, April 10
3 to 6 p.m. – Grand Bend Legion
Live Music by The Persuaders

Health & Fitness

Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays
8 to 9 a.m. – Southcott Clubhouse
Workout for your Life. To learn more, call Beth Sweeney at 519-238-5555

8:45 to 10 a.m. (Mon/Fri), (to 9 a.m. Wed.) – Grand Bend Legion
TGIF Exercise classes with Elinor Clarke. $3/week – all proceeds to charity.

Mondays and Wednesdays
6 to 7 p.m. – Precious Blood Catholic School gym, Exeter
Workout for your Life. To learn more, call Shelley Van Osch at 519-234-6253.

Tuesdays and Thursdays
9 a.m. – Port Franks Comm. Centre
Healthy Lifestyle Exercise Program. Cost: Free!! Everyone welcome. Register: Cindy Maxfield 519-238-1556 ext 6.

Tuesday, March 23
2 to 4 p.m. – Grand Bend CHC
Aging at Home. Please bring your questions to our drop in session and meet Occupational Therapist Shawna Palmar.

Wednesday, March 24
10 a.m. to 12 p.m. – Grand Bend CHC
Mental Health Support Group. Contact Lise Callahan at 519-238-1556 ext 230.

10 a.m. to 1 p.m. – Grand Bend CHC
Men Can Cook. Advance your cooking skills and enjoy a tasty healthy lunch for $5. Contact Miranda at 519-238-1556 ext 222.

Linked fundraisers result in first hair cuts since birth, father’s death

Inspired by a desire to help raise money for residents of Haiti recovering from January’s earthquake, Ashlan Hollingsworth, 4, of Parkhill had her first ever hair cut at the hands of Rachel Michielsen of Beauty ‘n’ the Beach salon in Grand Bend. The $560 she raised went to support The House that Jack Built, a charity named in Rachel’s father Jack’s honour.

Her sister, Jessica Michielsen, also got a cut; she raised $12450 by cutting her dreadlocks, growing since Jack’s death in 2005. The money goes to Baptist Haiti Mission’s fund to rebuild Haiti.

Story by Casey Lessard

Drayton Entertainment is gearing up for the summer season at the Huron Country Playhouse, but needs your help finding accommodations for its cast and crew. More than 100 people will need a place to stay for their time here, which can range from five weeks to the whole summer.

“It’s a great way to bring in some extra money if you have an empty room or two in your home, or a private apartment, basement apartment, or empty cottage that would be available during the summer,” facility manager Paul Pembleton said in a release. “Some of our accommodation partners open their homes to several actors for the entire season while others choose to house an actor for just one five-week period.”

Proximity to the Playhouse is important, but some performers will have access to vehicles, so communities other than Grand Bend are an option for them.

Pembleton says the average accommodation rate is about $100 per week – with certain amenities that must be included, such as cooking and washroom facilities. Most productions run for three weeks, plus an additional two weeks of rehearsals.

“We rely heavily on the community’s support and generosity to help maintain the calibre of production that our patrons have come to expect and Huron County never lets us down,” Pembleton says. “Everyone loves coming to this area. They always feel very welcomed into the community.”

For more information, or to add your name to the list for available housing, please call Paul Pembleton at (519) 238-8387 ext. 50.

Cutting Jessica Michielsen’s Dreadlocks from Casey Lessard on Vimeo.

Friends and family gathered Sunday, February 28 at the home of Jessica Michielsen to help her cut her dreadlocks for a Haiti earthquake fundraiser. Jessica cut her hair for The House That Jack Built, the charity named in honour of her late father, the builder Jack Michielsen of Arkona. The House that Jack Built builds homes for needy families in Haiti. In the wake of last month’s earthquake, the fund needs to be filled to help as many families as possible.
Jessica has been growing the dreadlocks since 2005 as part of the process of grieving their father. Each dreadlock was worth $100, and with 50 dreadlocks available, Jessica exceeded her $5000 goal, raising $8000 for the fund.
Jessica invites interested donors to make a long-term commitment, and says fund managers, registered charity Baptist Haiti Mission Canada, will be on hand to discuss monthly withdrawals; any sized commitment is welcome.
Since the earthquake of January 12, Jessica says donations The House that Jack Built fund have exceeded $16,000. Donations are collected by registered charity Baptist Haiti Mission Canada and donations over $10 are receiptable.

The House that Jack Built
Baptist Haiti Mission Canada
P.O. Box 11
602 Wellington Ave.
Wallaceburg, ON.
N8A 4L5

Photo by Casey Lessard

Welcome Wagon is once again rolling out the red carpet for area brides, showcasing wedding vendors at their annual Bridal Showcase at the South Huron Recreation Centre this Tuesday, February 23.
Brides and grooms attending the show will be treated to displays and fashion shows, and have the chance to win prizes that include a diamond pendant from Bakelaar Jewelers in Exeter, and a honeymoon sun vacation courtesy Today’s Bride magazine. The first 100 brides will receive a gift bag.
Participating vendors include photographers, cake makers, gown stores, and many more. Doors open at 6 p.m., and admission is free. To register, visit: http://www.welcomewagon.ca or call 1-866-873-9941.

It’s already been a big year for Zurich musician Lance Bedard, most recently nominated for best Pop Artist/Group of the Year in the London Music Awards. The nomination and growing radio play are early highlights of 2010 that Bedard and his band hope to build on as the year progresses. They are currently wrapping up a six-song EP album after industry advisors recommended a better quality recording.
“The last EP, Restless, got great feedback,” Bedard says. “Industry professionals told us the recording was not near up to par for prime time radio, but that the songs are good.”
Taking the feedback to heart, the band recorded four new songs and was ready to press it, but decided to add two more before releasing the EP.
This spring, Bedard plans to release the song “Sunday Afternoon” on iTunes, and the band is strategically planning to coordinate fan purchases in one day to draw industry attention to the song’s popularity.
The band’s popularity has translated into the London Music Award nomination, but he can’t win without fans voting for him. To vote, visit the contest website at http://www.londonmusicawards.com. Other local bands nominated include River Junction Band, Vintage Moments, and Brownsyn Jerome.
In the meantime, plan to attend the band’s “Post Recording Party” Friday, February 26 at the Zurich Bluewater Community Centre. Brownsyn Jerome is the opening act. Tickets are $5 in advance, or $7 at the door; the event starts at 9 p.m. Proceeds go to support a Performing Arts Society of Ontario scholarship for a student at South Huron District High School.
To learn more about Lance Bedard, visit his website at http://www.myspace.com/lanceromance01

Submitted by Tim Cumming, Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority

Tickets to the Conservation Dinner usually sell out quickly but now there is extra reason to purchase tickets early, according to the volunteer dinner committee.
Patrons who purchase their gala dinner tickets before February 22 will be eligible for an ‘early-bird’ prize draw where they may win a limited edition print by artist Gary Corcoran. The print is of a beautiful nature painting entitled Winter Sylvan – Downy Woodpecker.
The 21st Conservation Dinner is a local success story with donors, patrons and volunteers working together to support environmental health through accessible trails, commemorative woods, fish stocking for youth, conservation education and other conservation initiatives. This year’s gala charitable dinner and art auction takes place on Thursday, April 15, 2010 at the South Huron Recreation Centre in Exeter.
Tickets are $50 per person and patrons received an charitable gift receipt for half that amount. For tickets, talk to a Conservation Dinner committee member or phone 519-235-2610 or 1-888-286-2610.
The gala Conservation Dinner includes a live auction of art and other unique items, a silent auction, special raffles and general raffles. Local individuals and businesses wishing to sponsor auction items or contribute donations to the event are encouraged to contact Ausable Bayfield Conservation.
For information on the Conservation Dinner visit conservationdinner.com

Community/Charity

Grand Bend Nursery School is now offering 5 sessions a week of the Early Learning Program…a FREE high quality program designed to help prepare young children for school. For children 2.5 to 4 years old who reside in Lambton County. Call Grand Bend Nursery School at 519-238-8514.

Tuesdays
10 a.m. – 2 p.m. – Pt. Franks Comm Ctr.
Kids Matter every Tuesday. Join us as we crochet sleeping mats out of milk bags to send to the children in Africa and South America. Bring your lunch, scissors and a #7 crochet hook. Call Peggy Smith at 519-296-5834 for details.

7 p.m. – Grand Bend Legion
Bingo

Fridays
5 to 7 p.m. – Grand Bend Legion
Meat Draw

Thursday, February 18
1:30 to 2:30 p.m. – Grand Bend CHC
Grand Bend Women’s Institute (Please bring item for children’d hospital).

Saturday, February 20
9:30 to 11:30 a.m. – Grand Bend CHC
Grand Bend Community Foundation 2009 Donor and Grant Celebration. Everyone welcome.

Monday, February 22
7 to 9 p.m. – Grand Bend Legion.
Grand Bend Horticultural Society. Chris Thompson and OPP Constable Crystal Jones. Topic: Identity Theft & Security

Wednesday, February 24
9 to 11 a.m. – St. John’s by the Lake Anglican Church, Grand Bend
Matters Meeting making mats for 3rd world countries

Wednesday, February 24
12:30 to 3 p.m. – Schoolhouse Restaurant, Grand Bend
Huron Country Playhouse Guild Luncheon. Guests and new members welcome. Contact Mary 519-238-5640.

Monday, March 1 to Wed. March 31
12 p.m. – Greenway Road e. of Hwy 21
Return of the Tundra Swans. Bring your binoculars. On weekends naturalists will be on-site to answer any of your questions. For more info visit www.returnoftheswans.com.

Tuesday, March 9
9:30 to 11:30 a.m. – GB Legion.
Women’s Probus. Anyone interested in joining is asked to call membership chair, Susan Trumper, at 519-238-5516.

Monday, March 16
10 a.m. – Grand Bend Legion
Grand Bend Men’s Probus club. Topic: Sailing Across the Atlantic with Brian Hall

Arts & Entertainment

Mondays
1 to 3 p.m. – Grand Bend Legion
Golden Agers Shuffleboard

7 p.m. – Port Franks Comm. Ctr.
Dunes Duplicate Bridge

Tuesdays
1 p.m. – Port Franks Comm. Ctr.
Bridge

Wednesdays
7 p.m. – Port Franks Comm. Ctr.
Dunes Duplicate Bridge

Thursdays
1 to 4 p.m. – Pt. Franks Comm. Ctr.
Shuffleboard

1 to 3 p.m. – Grand Bend Legion
Golden Agers Shuffleboard

7:30 p.m. – Pt. Franks Comm. Ctr.
Cards

Fridays
10 a.m. – Port Franks Comm. Ctr.
Badminton

1 p.m. – Port Franks Comm. Ctr.
Bridge

1:30 to 3:30 p.m. – GB Youth Centre
Grand Bend Drum Circle. Contact Anita at the Youth Centre or call 519-238-8759.

7 p.m. – Port Franks Comm. Ctr.
Dunes Duplicate Bridge

Thursday, February 18
1 to 2 p.m. – Grand Bend Legion
Grand Bend Golden Agers Euchre

Wednesday, February 24
1:30 to 2:30 p.m. – Grand Bend Legion.
Grand Bend Golden Agers Euchre

Saturday, February 27
3 to 6 p.m. – Grand Bend Legion
Horse Races

Thursday, March 4
7 p.m. – Grand Bend CHC
Sunset Cinema presents: Shattered Glass, drama based on a true story.

Saturday, March 6
3 to 6 p.m. – Grand Bend Legion
Live Music by Midlife Crisis

Health & Fitness

Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays
8 to 9 a.m. – Southcott Clubhouse
Workout for your Life. To learn more, call Beth Sweeney at 519-238-5555

Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays
8:45 to 10 a.m. (Mon/Fri), (to 9 a.m. Wed.) – Grand Bend Legion
TGIF Exercise classes with Elinor Clarke. $3/week – all proceeds to charity.

Mondays and Wednesdays
6 to 7 p.m. – Precious Blood Catholic School gym
Workout for your Life. To learn more, call Shelley Van Osch at 519-234-6253.

Tuesdays and Thursdays
9 a.m. – Pt Franks Community Centre
Healthy Lifestyle Exercise Program. Program includes warm up, low impact aerobic workout, strength work and stretching. Sponsored in part by Healthy Living Lambton. Cost: Free!! Everyone welcome. Contact Cindy Maxfield, Health Promoter at the GBACHC, 519-238-1556 ext 6 to register.

Thursday, February 18
Grand Bend CHC
Pick Up Good Food Boxes

Tuesday, February 23
1:30 to 3:30 p.m. – Grand Bend CHC
Stop Smoking Program

Wednesday, February 24
10 a.m. to 1 p.m. – Grand Bend CHC.
Men Can Cook. Advance your cooking skills and enjoy a tasty healthy lunch for $5. Contact Miranda at 519-238-1556 ext 222.

Thursday, February 25
1 to 2 p.m. – Grand Bend Legion.
Grand Bend Golden Agers Euchre

Wednesday, February 24
10 a.m. to noon – Grand Bend CHC
Mental Health Support Group. Contact Social Worker Lise Callahan at 519-238-1556 ext 230 for more info.

Thursday, February 25
2 to 4 p.m. – Grand Bend CHC
Health Screening Day. Screening is one of the best ways to detect and correct your health! Screening will be offered for Blood Pressure, Diabetes, Senior Nutrition, Occupational therapy needs, Exercise and Mental health! Refreshments and door prizes too! Contact Health Promoter Cindy Maxfield 519-238-1556 ext 231 for details.

Area high school students will hit the stage at the Huron Country Playhouse this summer as members of the chorus of Disney’s High School Musical May 19 to June 5. Auditions for Avon Maitland, Bluewater, Huron Perth and Lambton Kent District School Boards take place this Sunday, February 21 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at South Huron District High School; London and Thames Valley District School Boards will audition from 2 to 5 p.m.. The auditions are exclusively for students in Grades 9 to 12, and 36 students will be chosen to perform in the show alongside professional actors, including Canadian Idol winner Melissa O’Neil.
“Since the show is High School Musical, what better way to show that than by casting high school students to be in the show,” says Drayton executive producer Steve Roth. “We’re looking for enthusiastic high school students who can sing and dance but who also have a passion for theatre.”
Other than that, no specific preparation is necessary, but students should come with a recent photo and comfortable clothes and shoes.
Students cast through the auditions will be involved in five numbers. Roth says auditionees will learn the music and choreography for one of the songs they’ll be performing if chosen. Those chosen will spend one week learning their roles before joining the professional cast two days before the first show.
“Getting the community more involved in Grand Bend is something we’ve talked about for years, and I hope that in the next year or two, we’ll go back to the way it used to be, where we have our professional company, but community members are invited to be part of the show.”
Meaghan Forrester, 18, of Grand Bend (left) was a member of the children’s chorus in Oliver! this year at the Playhouse, and is eager to audition for a role that fits her age more appropriately. The South Huron student encourages other students to try to be part of the process.
“Try to have fun with it. Even if you don’t get in, it’s a really good experience. Getting to know people and doing the work is so nice. I made tonnes of friends, and I’m actually keeping in contact with the director as a reference for university.”
The show premiered last year at St. Jacobs to sell-out crowds, with O’Neil, the 2005 Idol winner in the starring role. David Connolly (Miss Saigon) returns as director after successful runs in St. Jacobs and Penetanguishene.
For tickets to the Drayton season, call 1-888-449-4463. Audition forms: http://www.draytonentertainment.com/

By Casey Lessard

Sisters Rachel Michielsen-Gray and Jessica Michielsen are running two hair-cutting fundraisers this month to benefit a charity honouring their father, the late builder Jack Michielsen of Arkona.
Rachel, a hairdresser at the Beauty ‘n’ the Beach salon, will be cutting hair this Saturday, February 20 at the salon’s temporary location, 20 Ontario Street South in Grand Bend (across from New Orleans Pizza). She and Barb Speirs will be donating all proceeds from hair services bought that day to The House that Jack Built, a fund named in her father’s honour that builds homes for needy families in Haiti. In the wake of last month’s earthquake, the fund needs to be filled to help as many families as possible. The salon will offer draw prizes, refreshments (by donation) and hand massages. To book an appointment, call 519-238-6520.
Rachel’s sister Jessica is running a separate fundraiser that involves donors cutting the dreadlocks she has been growing since 2005 as part of the process of grieving their father. Each dreadlock was worth $100, and with 50 dreadlocks available, Jessica has already exceeded her $5000 goal, raising $8000 for the fund.
All dreadlocks are accounted for, but those interested in donating and being part of the cutting process (if dread purchasers don’t show for the event) are invited to an open house at 27 Eastglen Drive in Arkona from 3-6 p.m. on Sunday, February 28. Jessica invites interested donors to make a long-term commitment, and says fund managers, registered charity Baptist Haiti Mission Canada, will be on hand to discuss monthly withdrawals; any sized commitment is welcome.
Since the earthquake of January 12, Jessica says donations The House that Jack Built fund have exceeded $16,000. Donations are collected by registered charity Baptist Haiti Mission Canada and donations over $10 are receiptable.

Wingfield Lost & Found
Written by Dan Needles
Directed by Doug Beattie
Performed by Rod Beattie
Grand Theatre, London
February 9 to 28, 2010

Entertain This Thought!
By Mary Alderson

The Wingfield franchise of laughter continues with its seventh instalment, Wingfield Lost & Found, which opened Friday at London’s Grand Theatre.

For those not familiar with the Wingfield series, Dan Needles has used a string of newspaper columns to create a story of a Toronto stockbroker who leaves the big city to become a hobby farmer in the mythical township of Persephone. Stratford actor Rod Beattie stars in the one-man shows, directed by his brother Doug Beattie. The series has a loyal following, and they have stuck closely to their popular format – almost all the same characters, on the same set, but with new laughs in each play. The plays have been filmed for television, in exactly the same format as the stage productions.

The play opens with Walt’s Belted Galloway cattle escaping, and the nephews try to round them up using text messaging to track their whereabouts. Walt’s neighbour, the Squire, says that having those two show up to help is like have four good men not show up. Maybe you’re familiar with the Galloway: they are black at each end, with a white belt in the middle, like an Oreo cookie, which Walt thinks would be easier to raise.

It’s a long hot summer on the 7^th line, and the Wingfields’ well runs dry. Walt tries to get the local witcher, “Dry Well Delbert”, out of the retirement home to tell him where to drill a well. At $40 a foot, AAA Well Drilling puts down a 200’ well with no water, as Walt interviews other diviners and dowers. The drought continues with great hilarity.

Rod Beattie makes a one man show seem easy, as he switches from one character to another. I started counting the characters for which he has distinctive voices, and lost track at about 13 (that’s counting Walt and Maggie’s toddler Hope who says beep-beep and Spike the dog who says woof, in a sub-plot about the Road Runner chasing the Coyote.)

I heard some of the stories two years ago when Dan Needles spoke at a conference I attended. Needles explains how he (or Walt) moved from the city to the country thinking it would be better for the environment. But as a city dweller, he left his car parked underground in his high-rise apartment building. Everywhere he went, he walked or took transit. But moving to the country, he now drives a 4×4 everywhere he goes, uses a tractor, a garden tractor, a lawnmower, etc. His carbon footprint is much greater as a rural dweller. Needles got plenty of laughs at the conference, but when the words come out of Walt’s mouth, they are even funnier.

If you’re a fan of Wingfield, you will, of course, enjoy this latest adventure. If you haven’t seen any of the series before, that’s all right, you can jump in any time and still have fun.

Wingfield Lost & Found continues at the Grand Theatre in London until February 28. Tickets are available at the Grand box office at 519-672-8800 or 1-800-265-1593, or visit www.grandtheatre.com .

A member of the Canadian Theatre Critics Association, Mary Alderson reviews shows at area theatres and posts her reviews at www.entertainthisthought.com

Little House on the Prairie ~ The Musical

Written by Rachel Sheinkin, based on the books of Laura Ingalls Wilder
Music by Rachel Portman
Lyrics by Donna Di Novelli
Directed by Francesca Zambello
Choreographed by Michele Lynch
Musical direction by Kevin Stites
Performed by Melissa Gilbert, Steve Blanchard, Kara Lindsay, Kate Loprest, Kevin Massey, Alessa Neeck, Carly Rose Sonenclar.
Guthrie Theater Production/Mirvish
Canon Theatre, Toronto
January 27 to February 28, 2010

Entertain this Thought
Review by Mary Alderson

The new musical, Little House on the Prairie, is a cross between two old favourite musicals:  Anne of Green Gables and Oklahoma!
If you like Anne’s perkiness, then you’ll love Laura’s spunk.  If you like the settlers’ tenacity in Oklahoma!, then you’ll love the Ingalls family’s triumph over tribulations.
An American touring company of Little House on the Prairie ~ The Musical, originating in Minneapolis, has been brought to Toronto’s Canon Theatre by the Mirvishes.  The new musical follows the series of books by Laura Ingalls Wilder, rather than the long-running TV show, if memory serves.   However, the television series is well represented, with Melissa Gilbert, who starred in the series as Laura, playing the role of Ma in the musical.  Gilbert received a warm round of applause when she stepped on the stage.
The story traces the Ingalls family, Ma, Pa, Mary, Laura and Carrie, as they settle a tract of land near DeSmet, Dakota Territory, in the 1800s.  The Ingalls girls find it difficult to fit in at the country school, and Laura’s nemesis, Nellie Oleson, scorns them.  Life is rough – winters are harsh, prairie fires destroy the wheat crop, and scarlet fever leaves Mary blind.  In order to pay tuition for Mary to attend a college for the blind, Laura at age 15 takes a job teaching school at the Brewster settlement. She struggles with living with away from home in an unwelcoming household.  But Laura manages to earn enough to get Mary off to school, where she eventually receives a scholarship.  With the requisite happy ending, Laura and the young farmer with the strange first name, Almanzo Wilder, marry and make their home on the prairie.
Melissa Gilbert as Ma may be the drawing card to introduce this new musical, but unfortunately she is not a singer.  She and the director have recognized that fact: her performance is credible with simple tunes and very few solo parts. It is a great novelty to see her now at age 46 taking on the role of mother. Also interesting to note, I believe that one of the young schoolboys in the show, Michael Boxleitner is Melissa Gilbert’s son.
Steve Blanchard as Pa symbolizes the pioneer spirit well and has a beautiful voice. His rendition of the song The Prairie Moves early in the show is a touching account of his love of the land.
Kara Lindsay as Laura is excellent in portraying the energetic little tomboy who makes the transition to the responsible young woman.  Lindsay is one of those actors who commands the stage with her sparkling eyes.  Alessa Neeck is good as Mary and handles the difficult task of being blind very well.  The two young women both have powerful singing voices and harmonize well in the poignant song I’ll Be Your Eyes.
Kate Loprest provides the comic relief as Nellie Oleson, complete with the head full of blonde ringlets.  Kevin Massey as Almanzo has a soaring tenor voice and is endearing in his efforts to befriend Laura.  Little Carly Rose Sonenclar at age 10 handles the role of Carrie well, another item on her already impressive list of credits.
As with many touring shows, the set is simple:  two walls are rolled out to represent the little house.  The colours of sunsets and clouds in the big sky create a prairie feel.  Representing horse drawn wagons and sleighs is always a challenge on stage.  In this case, the actors held long reins fastened to the stage, as they jumped or bounced about to simulate the ride – by the end of the show, the reins seem overdone.
The choreography in the Fourth of July celebration was out of synch and needed tightening while the dancers seemed tired the night I was there.  But they redeemed themselves in the curtain call where they really seemed to be having fun.
Little House on the Prairie ~ The Musical will become very popular with high schools and community theatre as it will support a large cast.  In this production there were 24 on stage.  The creators have included all the ingredients of the old favourite musicals:  the horse race scene is reminiscent of the joust in Camelot, the Fourth of July celebration is similar to the barn raising in Oklahoma!  It is a great family show, and will be enjoyed by all ages, especially those who liked reading the Little House books.

For tickets, call TicketKing 416-872-1212 or 1-800-461-3333 or go to www.mirvish.com

A member of the Canadian Theatre Critics Association, Mary Alderson reviews shows at area theatres and posts her reviews at www.entertainthisthought.com .

The Last Five Years
Written and Composed by Jason Robert Brown
Directed by Vikki Anderson
Musical direction by Ryan DeSouza
Performed by Julie Martell and Mark Uhre
Grand Theatre, London
January 19 to February 6, 2010
Reviewed by Mary Alderson

Entertain This Thought!
By Mary Alderson

The Last Five Years, currently on stage at the Grand Theatre in London, is one of those show-business shows that will be appreciated more by those in the industry. A musical with very few spoken words, it tells the story of a five-year relationship between Jamie, a writer, and Cathy, an actress. But even if all audience members don’t identify with their careers, they will recognize the flaws in the relationship.
There is a catch you need to know in order to really understand what’s happening: Cathy starts telling the story in the present, and then she works her way back reliving the last five years. At the same time, Jamie describes their relationship, starting when he first fell in love with Cathy. In Act One Cathy is miserable with the break up of their marriage and her difficulties leading up to it, while Jamie is happy and head-over-heels in love with her as the relationship begins. In Act Two, Jamie is increasingly unhappy with Cathy, while she moves back through their blissful early days together. The action flips back and forth between the two characters, until the middle of the show, when they are on stage singing together at the time of their wedding.
Unless you realize that Jamie’s story moves forward in time while Cathy’s moves backwards, the show could be very confusing. During Act One, I heard murmurs from audience members who did not understand what was happening. This is an example of why theatregoers need to take time to read the playbill before the show or do some homework before they get to the theatre.
In spite of the unusual time shifts, The Last Five Years does an excellent job of exploring a relationship. And even though we know immediately that it ends badly, we are still interested, wanting to know what went wrong and why. Few shows would be able to get an audience’s full attention after revealing the end first. Jamie’s work as a writer is taking off, while Cathy is struggling with her career as an actress. The audience is led on a few twists and turns – who do we blame for the failure of the marriage? Is it because she’s too possessive and jealous, or is he too wrapped up in his writing and the high life that comes with his success? Writer and music composer Jason Robert Brown gives the stories authenticity and his intricate pop/rock music keeps the audience engaged.
Mark Uhre as Jamie immediately makes the audience love him with his giddiness early in the relationship. He is a delightful storyteller in The Schmuel Song. Uhre handles the shift from happy romantic to disenchanted husband very well and expresses himself perfectly in song.
Julie Martell as Cathy breaks our hearts in the first scene with her song Still Hurting. She is excellent as the unhappy, dissatisfied Cathy, but doesn’t match Uhre’s exuberance when the relationship is at its outset. In Act Two, one would assume that she should be happy, but she fails to really demonstrate it in the songs. She provides comic relief in Climbing Uphill/Audition Sequence as we hear her thoughts during an audition. Unfortunately, Martell has some difficulty switching from her belting voice to her soft voice in Jason Robert Brown’s complex style of song writing.
The set is interesting – on top is a waterfront pier and they even move across in a boat. It looks great, but I just wish the boat would float along smoothly. The lower set is their apartment building – we see in windows, sometimes through Venetian blinds. I found the fact that they moved in and out through a half-door below one window a little strange. I also appreciated the range in lighting and how it changed with the characters’ moods. However, the shadows in the muted lighting created distracting blotches on their faces.
Jason Robert Brown gives a fascinating inside look into both sides of a relationship. His lyrics express the feelings well and the music is moving. The Grand gives us a credible version of his work.
The Last Five Years continues at the Grand Theatre in London until February 6. Tickets are available at the Grand box office at 519-672-8800 or 1-800-265-1593, or visit www.grandtheatre.com .

A member of the Canadian Theatre Critics Association, Mary Alderson reviews shows at area theatres and posts her reviews at www.entertainthisthought.com.

Friday, February 5
6 to 9 p.m. – GB Public School
Sobey’s Drive-in Movie Night. Build your own car and come to the movies. Ages 12 and under.

8 p.m. – Various Locations
Opening Ceremonies. Torch Relay beginning at Municipal Parking Lot across from FINE A Restaurant. Lighting of the Flame at Paddington’s.

Saturday, February 6
9 a.m. – Grand Bend ball diamond
Sno-Pitch Tournament

11 a.m. – Oakwood Inn
Snow Golf

11 a.m. – Paddington’s
Children’s Piñata Party. Mexican theme. Limo contest and more. Call 519-238-5788.

1 to 8 p.m. – Riverbend
Riverbend Olympics

2 p.m. – Gables
Fat Kat Karaoke. Win prizes.

5 to 8 p.m. – Grand Bend Legion
Spaghetti Dinner. $8 adults, $5 children.

6 p.m. – behind Legion
Fireworks

Sunday, February 7
10 a.m. – Grand Bend Legion
Register for Veteran Memorial Dart Tournament. Mixed doubles and teams. Contact Legion or Sam Bell (519-243-2452) or Bob Chapdelaine (519-238-2775)

Second weekend

Friday, February 12
TBA – Gables
Bring Your Own Meat BBQ. Age of Majority. Reserve early. Call 519-238-2371.

Saturday, February 13
9 a.m. – Grand Bend ball diamond
Sno-Pitch Tournament

9 a.m. – Pine Dale Motor Inn
Winter Carnival Craft Show. Vendors register: call 519-238-2231.

11 a.m. – Main Street Grand Bend
Rotary/Chamber Parade

11:30 a.m. – GB United Church
Lunch. $6/person. $3/child 12 and under.

12 to 4 p.m. – Colonial parking lot.
Kids’ amusement rides

3 p.m. – Gables
Search For Talent. Win prizes. Age of Majority.

3 to 6 p.m. – Grand Bend Legion
Live music by The Persuaders

5 to 8 p.m. – Grand Bend Legion
Steak BBQ. Limited tickets $12/person.

9 p.m. – Riverbend
Karaoke Contest (age of majority event).

Sunday, February 14
8 a.m. – Grand Bend fire hall
Firemen’s Breakfast. $6/person. $3/child aged 5-12. Free for children under age 5. Please bring canned goods for the Food Bank.

10 a.m. – Grand Bend Legion
Register for Youth Dart Tournament. Free admission. Lunch provided by Legion.

2 p.m. – Colonial parking lot.
Waiters’ Race. Music by Lance Bedard.

TBA – Oakwood clubhouse
Children’s Talent Show. Free admission. Call 519-238-7325 to register.

6 p.m. – Grand Bend Legion
Closing Ceremonies. Tickets $10/person. Join us as we put out the flame on another Winter Carnival. Dress as your favourite Winter Olympic athlete. Medal presentations for business and community awards and snow sculptures. Carry The Torch Passport Lottery draw at 8pm.
Other community events

Monday, January 25
9:30 to 11:30 a.m. – Grand Bend CHC
Heart Health Workshop. Free program. Patricia Baker 519-238-1556 ext 235.

Wednesday, January 27
10 a.m. to 1 p.m. – Grand Bend CHC
Men Can Cook. Advance your cooking skills and enjoy a tasty healthy lunch for $5. Contact Miranda at 519-238-1556 ext 222.

10 a.m to 12 p.m. – Grand Bend CHC
Mental Health Support Group. Lise Callahan 519-238-1556 ext 230.

12:30 to 3 p.m. – Southcott Pines clubhouse
Huron Country Playhouse Guild monthly luncheon meeting. Mary 519-238-5640

Thursday, January 28
2 to 4 p.m. – Grand Bend CHC
Blood Pressure Clinic. Free service.

Thursday, February 4
7 p.m. – Grand Bend CHC
Sunset Cinema presents “Amal”. Admission: free.

Sunday, January 31
1 to 3 p.m. – Morrison Dam, Exeter
Winter Wonderland snowshoeing event

ABCA education staff will be leading a guided hike on snowshoes. Participants will travel by snowshoe on the South Huron Trail while learning about trees and animal life in winter. The cost is $5 per adult to join in on the guided hike and there is no charge for children when accompanied by an adult. Please call 519-235-2610 or toll-free 1-888-286-2610 to register for the guided hike.
Anyone who wants to rent snowshoes for the event can rent them for only $3 per pair. They are available for rental starting at 1 p.m. sharp and must be returned by 3 p.m.
Snowshoers are reminded to dress appropriately for being outdoors and wear comfortable, low-heeled boots. After snowshoeing, enjoy some hot chocolate (please lug-a-mug) and warm up by the fire.

Saturday, February 13
10 a.m. to 3 p.m. – Sunnivue Farm
27093 New Ontario Road, between Parkhill and Ailsa Craig
Winter Day

Winter activities, good food, and good conversation. Organizers are hoping for snow so participants can enjoy snowshoeing, skiing, making snowmen, snow forts or snow sculptures. There will be a hockey game and hockey stick snow-shoveling contest, so bring your own hockey stick either way.
If snow fails to fall, there will still be a hockey game, and participants will enjoy a walk by the river or through the bush.
Visit the farm’s water buffaloes, who stay close to the barn in cold weather.
For lunch, the farm will provide hot apple cider, one of Ellinor’s renowned soups, bread, and wieners. Feel free to contribute additional treats.
For more information, call Sunnivue Farm at 519-232-9096.

Drayton Entertainment is looking for area teens to be members of the chorus for Disney’s High School Musical, which runs from May 19 to June 5 at the Huron Country Playhouse in Grand Bend.
Open auditions will be held on Sunday, February 21 at South Huron District High School in Exeter from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. for students of the Avon-Maitland, Bluewater, Huron-Perth and Lambton-Kent District School Boards only; from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. for students of the London District and Thames Valley District School Boards only.
Auditions are open exclusively to students in Grades 9 though 12. Students do not need to prepare any material for the audition; please bring a recent photo and comfortable clothes and shoes for the movement audition.
Additional information is available at: draytonentertainment.com.

Just a brief mention that South Huron District High School is hosting a Grade 8 night Wednesday, January 13 (snow date Jan. 14). The event takes place at 6:45 p.m. in the large gym.

Public policy and regulation among subjects of winter Partners in Learning discussions

The winter season of Partners in Learning, a discussion group that meets at the Southcott Pines clubhouse, runs Wednesdays from Jan. 13 to Feb. 10 and then March 3 to 31. This season’s topics include Science, Serving the Public Interest?; Has Big Brother Gone Too Far?; Theatre, Behind the Scenes; and The World of Books. Socrates Café runs Thursdays from 2 to 4 p.m. every other week from Feb. 4 to April 1.

“Has Big Brother Gone Too Far”
Molly Russell, moderator

I find that hardly a day goes by that I don’t hear on the news that there is some law being instituted to “protect” the public. I think these laws have gotten out of hand. That’s the premise of my course.

Give me some examples.
For instance, when the actress went skiing in Quebec and died of a head injury, they wanted to bring in a law that said everyone has to wear a ski helmet all of the time. And people are saying, come on, that’s too much.
Seat belts are another example. Most people would agree that seat belts are probably a good thing, and they have saved lives. My mother was in a car crash, and in those days (1952), they didn’t require seatbelts. My dad was saved because he had the steering wheel. But my mother was tossed from the car and she died. So seatbelts are at least rational for most people.
Another one: people were in a boat, and had lifejackets in the boat. The boat capsized and they weren’t wearing them, and one of them drowned. So now in a boat you have to wear a jacket at all times. How are you going to get a suntan or swim off the boat in your bikini, etc.?
To protect us, they put laws in, but they base it on a small part of the population. What are they really afraid of? I think people are afraid of being sued. (Demonstrating a coffee cup cardboard sleeve) This is from VIA Rail. They decided they had to do this to protect people from the heat of the cup. Is this really necessary? It’s very costly.

But laws are made by people. How do these laws come into place if people don’t think they’re a good idea?
I disagree with that statement. Laws are not made by people; laws are made by politicians. And politicians wish to be reelected. They get on bandwagons and lose the rationality that’s really behind a lot of human behaviour. Most people would say there is too much regulation because we are not making these laws, but are subject to these laws.

So what would you like to see? What is the solution?
I’m going to throw that out to the participants. I think there are two things: one, the politician thing; and two, people protecting themselves from being sued. Should we have people sign a waiver saying, if they get hit by a car and they’re not wearing a helmet, that they can’t sue?
The problem lies where laws infringe upon my freedom. Human beings are individuals. Every one is different. You can’t do a blanket law and treat everyone the same.
I feel we need more examples of people taking responsibility for their actions, and not having Big Brother telling them what to do.

Science, Serving the Public Interest?
Mike Ash, moderator
It’s exploring whether science supports or doesn’t support the benefit of society. And how that connects with public policy because public policy gets formulated by interest groups and input from the public, but also hard information – let’s call that science. How do those things all connect?

What are some issues you are looking at that are hot topics influenced by public policy?
With the Copenhagen conference going on, what is science telling us about the future of the environment and sustainability? This is probably one of the areas we will explore. For 20 years, scientists have been warning us about global warning, but why hasn’t this translated into public opinion and public policy action to make a change and an improvement? What’s the problem there?
How is science providing information to predicting the future or the formulation of public policy that supports the public interest?
How well can we predict the future? Do we believe these predictions? Does the public understand what science is telling them? How good is science at communicating that to the public? Why are there contradictions in scientific evidence, for example when one group says one thing and another says the opposite?

Why is this topic important right now in Grand Bend?
I think probably because there’s so much conflicting information out there and I think there might be a perception that science isn’t held in the esteem it once was. Why is that? We need to know why we can’t have fact based, research based decision making for the betterment of society. I know people think that happens a lot, but I’m not sure society is taking full advantage of scientific information.
Certainly locally, there are some issues to talk about. Wind energy; are there really health issues related to wind energy?
One interesting topic might be whether public opinion and public interest are one in the same. This comes across in the balance of the welfare of individuals and special interest groups and society overall. How does that translate into the best solutions and policies overall?
Today, public input seems to be dominated by opinion and communication through social networking tools. Fact based decisions are less, rather than more, common at all levels of society. Today, with the Internet, anyone can put out information and sway the public without any basis in fact.

It’s a challenging and demanding topic, and I think it will be very interesting for the group.

To register, visit partnersinlearning.ca

The Wizard of Oz
Written by L. Frank Baum
Music and lyrics by Harold Arden and E. Y. Harburg
Directed by Susan Ferley
Musical direction by Mike Lerner, assisted by Floydd Rickets
Choreography by Kerry Gage, assisted by Doug Price
Grand Theatre, London
November 25 to January 3, 2009

Live! On Stage!
Review by Mary Alderson

An old favourite has been revived at the Grand Theatre. The Wizard of Oz is on their stage again, after just seven years. However, as director Susan Ferley points out, that’s a lifetime for some members of the Wizard’s audience.
The classic story of Dorothy’s adventures after a cyclone carries her away over the rainbow is fresh and lively in this new production. Sets and costumes are colourful and the cast’s energy is amazing.
A delightful chorus of 10 children makes this performance. The kids play several roles: Munchkins, Crows, Poppies, Apple Trees, Winkies, Jitterbugs and Ozians, They sing and dance their way through the show, keeping energy levels up as if they were professionals.
The rest of the cast maintains the pace. Adrienne Merrell is an animated Dorothy. Her trio of travellers are all well cast: Keith Savage as the Scarecrow/Hunk; Alana Bridgewater as the Cowardly Lion/Zeke; and Steven Gallagher as the Tin Woodsman/Hickory. Keith Savage is always a favourite Huron Country Playhouse, with his talent for song, dance and comedy. As the Scarecrow, he delights the audience with his stumbles and spins. Alana Bridgewater was the Killer Queen in Toronto’s We Will Rock You, the Queen musical. She has the opportunity to rock the Lion’s music in this production.
Jewell Blackman was last seen at the Grand as Deena in Dream Girls. As Miss Gultch and the Wicked Witch of the West, she too, rocks her numbers. Her green hair, twisted into a point, gives the audience a chuckle when she takes off her witch’s hat.
Stephanie Roth is a charming Glinda and a realistic Auntie Em, while Shane Carty is a quiet Uncle Henry but comes on strong as the Ozian guard, offering some laughs. Kawa Ada’s wizard is reminiscent of Joel Grey’s Wizard in Wicked, and he plays a charming Professor Marvel.
Almost stealing the show is Tilley, the Norfolk Terrier, as Toto. The well-trained four-legged actor performs on cue every time, and receives oohs and aahs from the audience every time she wagged her little tail. (For some fun, visit the Grand’s website and read Tilly’s blog – she describes the rehearsals from her vantage point, 8 inches off the ground.)
The costumes are extraordinary. The Munchkins colourful assortment, through to the Ozians green outfits are all so eye-catching. But the favourite has to be the Jitterbugs. The children are dressed in Roaring Twenties style zoot suits and flapper dresses in shades of red, pink and purple, complete with bug antennae sticking out of their hats!
The sets are not to be outdone by the colourful costumes. Munchkinland is awash in psychedelic colours. Even the tornado was applauded! The pyrotechnic special effects were very well done – enough fire to scare a Scarecrow.
The choreography is outstanding. Both the adult cast members and the children have all the moves, from rock and roll to jazz and jitterbug jives, along with back-flips and cartwheels. And what dance does he Tin Man do? Why, the Can-Can, of course! Kudos to choreographer Kerry Gage and Assistant Choreographer Doug Price.
The vocals and music are exceptional, too, thanks to Musical Director Mike Lerner and Apprentice Musical Director Floydd Ricketts. This classic story has been dressed up with jazz, rock, doo-wop and more to keep it lively.
The old movie has some lulls in the action as the characters move towards the big meeting with the Wizard, but the Grand’s production as overcome any plot slowdowns with lively choreography and quick scene and costume changes. Children will love the show, and adults will not be disappointed.
The Wizard of Oz continues at the Grand Theatre in London until January 3. Tickets are available at the Grand box office at 672-8800 or 1-800-265-1593.

Mary Alderson offers her view of area theatre in this column on a regular basis. As well as being a fan of live theatre, she is a former journalist who is currently employed with the Ontario Association of Community Futures Development Corporations.

Darlene O’Rourke taking part in torch relay

Story and photo by Casey Lessard

This is one flame Dashwood firefighter Darlene O’Rourke won’t want to put out. O’Rourke is on her way to Summerside, PEI this week to take part in the 2010 Winter Olympic torch relay. She will run the torch November 22 at approximately 5:56 p.m.
O’Rourke won the chance to be part of the run after submitting an entry each day through the Vancouver 2010 website sponsored by Coca-Cola and RBC. She was asked to submit a choice of three cities, and her choices were London, Vancouver and Summerside. She passed into the second round and was asked to submit a 200 word essay about how she lives an active lifestyle and inspires others to do the same. July 30, she was notified that she was being considered, as long as she passed legal muster, and was notified October 2 that she would be carrying the torch.
“Being a part of the torch relay is very important to me,” O’Rourke says. “I have competed in world championships for tug-of-war and won a bronze medal and know how proud it makes you feel to represent your country in such an event. Words can not describe how great this opportunity is to be a part of the Olympics in your country.”
It’s taken more than a ballot to make this happen. O’Rourke has to cover the cost of travel and accommodations in Summerside, and has received support from friends, family and neighbours. She gets to keep her torch bearer uniform, and thanks to a $350 contribution from her work, Hayter’s Turkey Products, she will also get to bring home the torch she will be carrying.
To follow her progress, you can visit iCoke.ca, CTV.ca, or her blog, which she will start posting Friday:
darleneorourketorchrelay.blogspot.com

Locally, the torch comes through the London-Strathroy area December 27.

Zurich photographer opens shop in Exeter above Village Vines

Story and photo by Casey Lessard

One of our favourite area photographers, Sandra Regier, opened a studio and office above Village Vines in Exeter in July. Regier hosted an open house Friday to show the new place, which is a photographer’s dream. The former apartment has two floors: the floor above the flower shop is her office, and the top floor is a wide open loft ideal for studio portraits and classes.
“I wanted to separate my work and family life,” Regier says, noting she was previously running the business from her home. “I got busy a lot faster than I thought I would. When I was at home, I was always working. Part of it was to separate that. I also wanted to show people that it is my business and I take it seriously. I love doing it, but it’s not just a hobby.”
Now that digital photography has made photography a hobby anyone can do, it seems like many are trying to also make it a business. The Strip asked Regier what she thought of the trend.
“For me, it’s making sure the images last a lifetime and are well taken care of,” she says. “I also want to make sure your children and grandchildren have pictures to look at. It’s not just about having pictures on a disc, but also prints that can become family heirlooms. Digital is really easy, it seems, but if you never make a print or album, there’s nothing for people to look at. It’s important to me that you have something that has lasting power.”
To get a sense of Sandra’s work, visit http://www.sandraregier.com or stop by her studio at 391 Main Street in Exeter.

SHDHS receives $10,000 CARAS instrument grant

Story and photos by Casey Lessard

Music students at South Huron District High School are blowing new horns after the school’s music program received a $10,000 equipment grant from the Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (CARAS).
“You’d be surprised how much equipment costs,” says music director Isaac Moore. “We were able to refresh every section a little bit and that helps us out in terms of the longevity of the program’s equipment in general. We got three flutes, three clarinets, three trumpets, three trombones, one new baritone, one tenor sax and two alto saxes.”
Close to 70 senior band members use a school instrument, and the intermediate band adds more users, so the need for decent equipment is high.
“Having one that works well makes a huge difference,” says saxophonist Trish Pavjeke, who uses her own instrument. “Some of the older saxophones are gross. They’ve been used for 100 years. The keys stick and the necks swivel back and forth. I’ve tried the new ones and they’re really nice. They work perfectly.”
While Pavjeke’s 100 year estimate is a bit off, former music teacher Bob Robilliard says some of the equipment was due.
“When I first came here, the equipment was one year old,” Robilliard says, noting the program started in 1986. “Most of that equipment is still here and still being used. Most school line equipment has a life of 25 years. It gets a lot of use.”
CARAS issued 60 MusiCounts Band Aid grants across Canada in 2009, and South Huron is one of the only rural schools in Ontario receiving the grant. Letters of support from the community were key to getting the grant on the first attempt, Moore says, noting some schools try many times unsuccessfully.
“It came around at a nice time for us,” he says. “The instruments have been heavily used. I wasn’t sure how we would pay for new ones. Having good equipment for the kids to play is really motivating. Without this, I’d have to build a case to the board, which has been very supportive of us, but its budget is finite like ours.”
As a result of the grant, some of the school’s older equipment will be transferred to another school in the board.
The band showed off the equipment for the first time at this weekend’s school concert, but Moore suggests the audience may not see a noticeable difference in sound, but it certainly makes playing easier.
“It’s like buying a new car. It’s not like it takes you anywhere faster, but it’s a more enjoyable experience and lasts longer. Eventually things need to be replaced. Plus, the older it is, the more you have to put into repair, so that will save us a lot.”
And while the actual sound may be the same, music council president Joe Pavjeke thinks the musicians will sound better because they’ll have more confidence.
“It’s like we’re getting recognized for our work. The students notice that. It shows that what we’re doing is a big deal.”

Community/Charity

Grand Bend Nursery School is now offering 5 sessions a week of the Early Learning Program…a FREE high quality program designed to help prepare young children for school.
If you have children 2.5 to 4 years old and reside in Lambton County call Grand Bend Nursery School at 519-238-8514

Tuesdays
10 a.m. to 2 p.m. – Port Franks Community Ctr.
Kids Matter every Tuesday. Join us as we crochet sleeping mats out of milk bags to send to the children in Africa and South America. Bring your lunch, scissors and a #7 crochet hook. Call Peggy Smith at 519-296-5834 for details.

7 p.m. – Grand Bend Legion
Bingo

Fridays
5 to 7 p.m. – Grand Bend Legion
Meat Draw

Thursday, November 19
1:30 p.m. – Grand Bend CHC
Grand Bend Women’s Institute Meeting.
The Currant Organic General Store – Angie Richter. Everyone welcome!

Wednesday, November 25
1 to 3 p.m. – Southcott Pines clubhouse
Huron Country Playhouse Guild Annual Christmas Wassail
Please come out and join in for a fun afternoon. Guests and new members welcome. Call Mary at 519-238-5640.

Monday, November 30
7 p.m. – Grand Bend Legion (check to be sure)
Grand Bend Horticultural Society. Annual Meeting and Pot Luck Dinner.
Flower show – format to be announced.

Tuesday, December 8
9:30 to 11:30 a.m. – Grand Bend Legion
Women’s Probus, Grand Bend. Anyone interested in joining is asked to call membership chair, Susan Trumper, at 519-238-5516

Arts & Entertainment

Mondays
1 to 3 p.m. – Grand Bend CHC
Golden Agers Shuffleboard

7 p.m. – Port Franks Comm. Ctr.
Dunes Duplicate Bridge

Tuesdays
1 p.m. – Port Franks Comm. Ctr.
Bridge

Wednesdays
7 p.m. – Port Franks Comm. Ctr.
Dunes Duplicate Bridge

Thursdays
1 to 4 p.m. – Pt. Franks Comm. Ctr.
Shuffleboard

1 to 3 p.m. – Grand Bend CHC
Golden Agers Shuffleboard

7:30 p.m. – Pt. Franks Comm. Ctr.
Cards

Fridays
10 a.m. – Port Franks Comm. Ctr.
Badminton

1 p.m. – Port Franks Comm. Ctr.
Bridge

1:30 to 3:30 p.m. – Grand Bend Youth Centre
Grand Bend Drum Circle. Contact Anita at the Youth Centre or call 519-238-8759.

7 p.m. – Port Franks Comm. Ctr.
Dunes Duplicate Bridge

Health & Fitness

Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays
8 to 9 a.m. – Southcott Pines Clubhouse
Workout for your Life. To learn more, call Beth Sweeney at 519-238-5555

Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays
8:45 to 10 a.m. (Mon/Fri), (to 9 a.m. Wed.) – Grand Bend Legion
TGIF Exercise classes with Elinor Clarke. $3/week – all proceeds to charity.

Mondays and Wednesdays
6 to 7 p.m. – Precious Blood Catholic School gym
Workout for your Life. To learn more, call Shelley Van Osch at 519-234-6253.

Mondays
10:30 to 11:45 a.m. – Pt. Franks studio
Gentle Yoga to November 9th – 8 weeks. Anne Chute 519-243-3552 www.annesyogaworks.com

6:45 to 8 p.m. – Pt. Franks studio
Gentle Yoga to November 9th – 8 weeks. Anne Chute 519-243-3552 www.annesyogaworks.com

Tuesdays and Thursdays
9 a.m. – Port Franks Community Centre
Healthy Lifestyle Exercise Program. Program includes warm up, low impact aerobic workout, strength work and stretching. Sponsored in part by Healthy Living Lambton. Cost: Free!! Everyone welcome. Contact Cindy Maxfield, Health Promoter at the GBACHC, 519-238-1556 ext 6 to register.

Wednesdays
7 to 8 p.m. – St. Francis Advocates Building, Arkona
Yoga to November 4 – 8 weeks. Anne Chute 519-243-3552 www.annesyogaworks.com

Wednesday, November 25
1:30 to 3:30 p.m. – Grand Bend CHC
Healthy Aging Seminar – Present Changing Relationships. Join Social Worker Mickey Gurbin and N.P. Lynda Wilkey as they discuss how aging can change our interaction with others and how to enhance and improve our relationships.

7 to 8:30 p.m. – Grand Bend CHC
Healthy Aging Seminar – Present Changing Relationships. Join Social Worker Mickey Gurbin and N.P. Lynda Wilkey as they discuss how aging can change our interaction with others and how to enhance and improve our relationships.

10 a.m. to 1 p.m. – Grand Bend CHC
Men Can Cook. Advance your cooking skills and enjoy a tasty healthy lunch for $5. Contact Miranda at 519-238-1556 ext 222.

10 a.m. to 12 p.m. – Grand Bend CHC
Mental Health Support Group. Please note new time. Contact Social Worker Lise Callahan at 519-238-1556 ext 230 for more info.

Father Brad Dunbar has been rector of Trivitt Memorial Church in Exeter and St. John-by-the-Lake in Grand Bend for the past two years, and recently presided over Trivitt’s 150th anniversary celebrations.

As told to Casey Lessard
Photos by Casey Lessard

Trivitt has begun to recognize that we live in a post-Christian era. The days when everyone went to church Sunday mornings are gone. Families are way too busy. So what’s been happening is a looking back to the early church and trying to do the things that started Christianity: feeding people, housing people, and trying to be a voice for people who don’t have one. It’s active, not passive.
We have a three pronged approach: we look to our world, we look to our region, and we look to the town of Exeter. With our global view, Trivitt has been active in the construction of an AIDS clinic in South Africa, and that’s been a big project. In our area, we’ve been sponsoring Huron University College to support their trans-cultural projects. And in a big way, we’ve worked aggressively in being part of the town of Exeter. The money raised at our Thanksgiving celebration went to the Habitat for Humanity in Exeter. We have a weekly Alpha program that includes a free meal. There’s a free monthly meal hosted the third week of the month for the needy, and we go to the different agencies that help people who are on social assistance, and the end of the month is a tough time for those people, so Trivitt tries to feed them.

Spirituality’s important, and how it is expressed can be varied. We’re trying to bring a message of hope and good news to Exeter, but being creative about it. We’d like to make our physical space available for the town when it’s needed. We want to be a civic church and a centre for the community.
I’m involved in Fresh Expressions (www.freshexpressions.ca), and the idea is to find new ways to meet people half way. The folks who are in their 20s and 30s don’t necessarily have a church memory, but they have a strong spirituality. If you go to Chapters, the best sellers on the shelf will all be books on spirituality. So it’s important for people. What we’re trying to realize and live out is the traditional method isn’t going to work in the reality we live in. We’re looking toward the church of 2050 as opposed to the church of 1950, and I think that’s going to look quite different.
The building will still exist – it’s architecturally significant. The church will look different. The interior will not look like it does today. Just like banks and schools have changed in the last 100 years, so will the church change to meet the needs of the community using it. What the people in their teens and 20s are going to look for is different than what it looked like in 1950. You can’t avoid technology, and I think it will be a big part of how the church looks. Kids today are the generation of the screen. They work and learn and play using the screen. It will be a significant change for the Anglican church. New churches look more like gymnasia than churches, and it’s intentional. People are more comfortable walking into a gymnasium than they are walking into a church. Our building will show the history of the church, but will change to meet the needs of the emerging generation of churchgoers.

For a lot of people, walking into a church building – and we look like a traditional church – can be a very intimidating thing. It can be a barrier for people, so when we hold concerts and shows and other events, and people are able to come in and enjoy, they get a little more comfortable with coming into our worship space. If they don’t go to church, it’s a gentle way to say, Hey, we’re here. If they have something in their lives that makes them need to speak to a pastor, we want to be an option they consider. We also see it as a benefit to the community; we have the physical space to put on big productions and we would like to bring them to South Huron, and we don’t think you have to drive to London for that.
We’re looking at a couple of very contemporary services that we’re hoping to start in Exeter at a different time than Sunday morning. Often, that’s the only time of the week you can relax, sleep in and have bacon and eggs or whatever. We’re going to offer church in a worship sense at different times of the week. We’re also looking at programs that feed someone’s spirit but don’t seem like traditional worship.

The parish spent some time doing some soul searching, and we discovered that music was very important to us and to Exeter. In bringing music director Janet Heerema in, we’ve brought a music professional in full-time and she has made a dramatic impact right from the start. She does an adult choir, children’s choir and a hand-bell choir, which are community based, and the Trivitt choir. The community choirs have people from various churches in the area, and some who don’t go to church. As a church, it’s a gift to the community: we pay her salary and she spends a great deal of her time working on music for the community.
We have an aggressive arts agenda over the next 10 months. We created an arts and culture community and started brainstorming what people might enjoy in the area. The Three Cantors came up on the list, and they work out well for us because they donate from the proceeds of the show to the Huron Hunger Fund, which is affiliated with the Primate’s World Relief and Development Fund. It becomes a charitable event, and they’re a big draw, so it will sell out.

Future concerts include a children’s choir concert Dec. 6, and a Christian rock concert in March. The Three Cantors (www.3cantors.com) perform Wed., Nov. 18 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $20 available online (www.trivitt.ca).

Story by Casey Lessard
Painting by Helga Otton

After a trip to Cuba, an inspired Helga Otton returned to Grand Bend with plans to document the town in the way Caribbean artists do. The result is Dreamin’ Grand Bend, a surreal collage of favourite Grand Bend landmarks painted in acrylic on canvas, as seen at left.
“I put in what I wanted, but I’m sure some business people will say, ‘How come I’m not in there?’ But I was looking for interesting architecture.”
The buildings that are included are iconic, Otton says.
“I knew I had to have a steeple in it for the skyline, and the rest are landmarks of Grand Bend. The church is a landmark as are the lighthouse and the bathhouse. I used a couple of cottages from the old village. Dairy Dip is pretty important; you can’t come to Grand Bend without having an ice cream. FINE is a cute little building.”
Otton, who is inspired by Lake Huron and often paints the lake, admits she left out some iconic parts of Grand Bend.
“I don’t have any sand. I couldn’t put sand in it. (Casey: “No bikinis either.”) I do have T-shirts in the Island Beach Company window!”
Several prints have already sold, including one on its way to Florida, and another to Toronto. It’s enough to inspire Otton to consider more using this technique.
“With the response I’ve gotten, I think I might do more.”
If you’re interested in getting a print, Otton will be part of the Sunset Arts Christmas show November 7 and 8 at the gallery in the River Road art complex. Otherwise, you can contact the artist directly at 519-238-6671.
Prices are as follows: 8×10 matted prints are $55, 8×10 framed prints are $100, 16×20 prints on canvas are $275, and 20×25 prints on canvas are $385.

Story by Casey Lessard

Disney sensation High School Musical will kick off a musical summer at the Huron Country Playhouse as Drayton Entertainment prepares for the 2010 season. The playbill also includes Sweet Charity, Country Legends, Cagney! and the world premiere of Dance Legends.
The playbill “offers something for everyone,” artistic director Alex Mustakas said in a release, “and appeals to avid theatergoers who want a taste of all genres.”
The season opener, High School Musical, runs May 18 to June 5 and follows Troy and Gabriella as they navigate the tricky world of high school. Based on the Disney film series, the musical was a big hit in 2009 at St. Jacobs and Penetanguishene. A full review is available at grandbendstrip.com.
Sweet Charity follows June 9 to 26, and follows the misadventures of Charity Hope Valentine in 1960s New York. Country Legends, which features tributes to Johnny Cash, Dolly Parton, Patsy Cline and more. comes to Grand Bend after a sold-out run in Drayton and Penetanguishene; it runs June 30 to July 24. The Canadian premiere of Cagney!, a celebration of silver screen legend James Cagney, runs July 28 to August 7. The season ends with Dance Legends, a Drayton Entertainment original production; it hits the stage August 11 to September 4.
On the second stage, watch as two couples from contrasting walks of life face the unpredictable waves of romance in Separate Beds. It runs at Playhouse II August 3 to September 4.

To learn more and to buy tickets, which are already available for members and go on sale to subscribers November 1 and the general public January 4, call 1-888-449-4463 or visit draytonentertainment.com.

After learning that the annual Kause for Kids fundraiser was cancelled after seven successful years, Jen Gaukroger at Paddington’s decided last week to revive the event as Bikes for Tykes November 7.
“There’s not a lot going on in Grand Bend in November,” Gaukroger says, “and when you get 600-700 people coming in and supporting our town, I’d hate to lose that crowd.”
Like Kause for Kids, motorcycle riders will tour the town starting at 11 a.m. in support of the Huron-Perth Children’s Aid Society. Gift donations will go as Christmas gifts to children who are wards of the state.
Tickets for the event, which includes a barbecue and party at Paddington’s, are $20; $135 gets you two tickets and a hotel room for the night. Tickets are available at the pub or by credit card at 519-238-5788 Thursday through Saturday.

If you’re looking for a spooky evening out as Hallowe’en approaches, there’s nothing spookier than walking around alone in the dark in a corn field. If you’re looking to share in this tension-building thrill, take a friend to the Sunrise Corn Maze at the Sunrise Garden Centre on Highway 4 south of Centralia (just south of McGillivray Drive). The maze is open weekends until Hallowe’en. Friday nights it is open until 10 p.m., so bring a flashlight or two.
The maze was created by an American company, which used GPS mapping to make it precisely the way it looks in the drawing below. There are several mazes of varying difficulty in the field, as well as other activities for kids of all ages.
The maze is open Fridays 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., Saturdays and Sundays 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and through the week by group appointment. Admission is $8 for people 12 years and older, and $7 for children 3-11. One dollar from each ticket goes to the Children’s Hospital in London. To learn more, visit www.sunrisecornmaze.com or call 519-227-1879.

Community/Charity

Grand Bend Nursery School is now offering 5 sessions a week of the Early Learning Program…a FREE high quality program designed to help prepare young children for school. If you have children 2.5 to 4 years old and reside in Lambton County call Grand Bend Nursery School at 519-238-8514

Tuesdays
10 a.m. to 2 p.m. – Port Franks Community Ctr.
Kids Matter every Tuesday. Join us as we crochet sleeping mats out of milk bags to send to the children in Africa and South America. Bring your lunch, scissors and a #7 crochet hook. Call Peggy Smith at 519-296-5834 for details.

7 p.m. – Grand Bend Legion
Bingo

Fridays
5 to 7 p.m. – Grand Bend Legion
Meat Draw

Monday, October 26
7 p.m. – Grand Bend Legion
Grand Bend Horticultural Society Meeting. Marie from Plant Paradise will speak on her career working in the flower industry along with her catering and crisis counselling.

Wednesday, October 28
Huron Country Playhouse Guild. Annual luncheon meeting. A turkey dinner will be catered by the “Ladies of the Legion”. Call Mary 519-238-5640 for details. Everyone welcome!

Saturday, October 31
1 to 4 p.m. – Pt. Franks Comm. Ctr.
Kids Hallowe’en Fun Fair. Ausable Port Franks Optimists presents the Monster Bash of the Year. $15/family or $5/person.

8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. – Pt. Franks Community Centre
Hallowe’en Dance (age of majority). Presented by Ausable Port Franks Optimists. $10 – for more information, call Jason 243-0582 jttech@execulink.com.

Saturday, November 7
7 to 9 p.m. – Morrison Dam, Exeter
Owl Prowl. Presented by the Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority. After an engaging multimedia show, participants go on a guided night hike to call in owls. For more details, call Julie Stellingwerff at 519-235-2610 or 1-888-286-2610.

Arts & Entertainment

Tuesdays
7 to 9 p.m. (to December – Bliss Studios, Port Franks
Adult drawing classes. Painting, drawing, collage and lots more fun. Contact Lorraine or Tony at 519-243-3598.

Fridays
1:30 to 3:30 p.m. – Grand Bend Youth Centre
Grand Bend Drum Circle. Contact Anita at the Youth Centre or call 519-238-8759.

Thursday, November 5
7 p.m. – Grand Bend CHC
Sunset Cinema presents Cadillac Records, a musical biopic based on the true story of the creation of Chess Records in 1947 and the blues artists of its time. Free admission. Donations welcome.

Health & Fitness

Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays
8 to 9 a.m.
Last outdoor Workout for your Life Friday October 23. After a two week break, WFYL moves indoors to the Southcott Pines Clubhouse starting Nov. 9. To learn more, call Beth Sweeney at 519-238-5555

Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays
8:45 to 10 a.m. (Mon/Fri), (to 9 a.m. Wed.) – Grand Bend Legion
TGIF Exercise classes with Elinor Clarke. $3/week – all proceeds to charity.

Mondays and Wednesdays
6 to 7 p.m.
Last outdoor Workout for your Life Wednesday October 21.After a two week break, WFYL moves indoors to the Precious Blood Catholic School gym Nov. 9th. To learn more, call Shelley Van Osch at 519-234-6253.

Mondays
10:30 to 11:45 a.m. – Pt. Franks studio
Gentle Yoga to November 9th – 8 weeks. Anne Chute 519-243-3552 www.annesyogaworks.com

6:45 to 8 p.m. – Pt. Franks studio
Gentle Yoga to November 9th – 8 weeks. Anne Chute 519-243-3552 www.annesyogaworks.com

Tuesdays and Thursdays
9 a.m. – Port Franks Community Centre
Healthy Lifestyle Exercise Program. Program includes warm up, low impact aerobic workout, strength work and stretching. Sponsored in part by Healthy Living Lambton. Cost: Free!! Everyone welcome. Contact Cindy Maxfield, Health Promoter at the GBACHC, 519-238-1556 ext 6 to register.

Wednesdays
7 to 8 p.m. – St. Francis Advocates Building, Arkona
Yoga to November 4 – 8 weeks. Anne Chute 519-243-3552 www.annesyogaworks.com

Inspired by Brian Dale’s Miss Grand Bend, a group of radio listeners is fighting to win CBC’s Great Canadian SongQuest

Story and file photos by Casey Lessard

Only days remain to vote for Grand Bend (or its competitors) in CBC Radio 2’s Great Canadian Songquest, a contest to choose one town from each province to be immortalized in song. Grand Bend made it into the top five for Ontario thanks to some aggressive voting by enthusiastic radio listeners, including Brantford resident and Klondyke Park trailer owner Frank Beattie, University of Western Ontario sociology student Heidi Klopp and others.
“It’s about getting Grand Bend noticed and recognized,” says Klopp, 20, a Zurich veteran who now considers Grand Bend home. “It’s an awesome small town with as much to offer as the big towns.”
Beattie and Klopp thought the contest would be a good way to promote their favourite iconic song about the village, Brian Dale’s “Miss Grand Bend”, which is now available on Dale’s peace/love/waves/song CD that came out this summer. Plans to promote Dale’s music changed somewhat after nominations began and the nominators realized the contest wasn’t to recognize songs that already existed (vis-a-vis “Miss Grand Bend”), but rather to find 13 places across Canada that would be written about by an artist from each province. For Ontario, the artists are Jully Black (R&B/soul), Hawksley Workman (alternative), Shad K (rap), Lynn Miles (folk/roots), and Justin Rutledge (alt-country).
“It’s too bad they’re not using local artists like Brian, Greg Gallello, Natalie Tobin,” Klopp says, “but it’s still a good thing for our town.”
It’s a misunderstanding shared by early Grand Bend bid supporter Frank Beattie, 56, who heard about the contest from a friend.
“All I could think about was Brian’s new album, released after all these years, and thought maybe this is a place to suggest ‘Miss Grand Bend’ as a candidate for the contest,” Beattie says. “They had a few blogging tools that allowed you to create a blog to promote your place. Every time you logged in, you could nominate your town, so on the first day while updating the blog, I voted enough to get us off to a pretty good start.”
A good start is an understatement. At times, Grand Bend was in the lead, and finished in the top five, good enough to be a finalist. After a week of voting, says CBC Radio director of music Mark Steinmetz, Grand Bend was fourth after Algonquin Park, Sleeping Giant (Thunder Bay) and Toronto; Picton was fifth. It’s a proud accomplishment for Beattie, who nine years ago had no idea where Grand Bend was.
“After finishing a big project at work, my boss said we needed to get away,” he says. “There were eight of us involved in that project, and our entire company was dependent on our group, so he decided to leave them on their own while we went away during the middle of the week. We rolled in on Wednesday night. I remember calling my wife and saying, ‘This is unbelievable. It’s an hour and a half away from home (Brantford) and it’s got everything we want.’”
Two weeks later, he brought his wife for a stay at the Oakwood.
“We sat in the dining room for a late dinner and the sunset coming down Oakwood Drive hooked us.” Later that summer, they bought a used trailer at the Klondyke Trailer Park. “Best investment we’ve made,” he says.
His passion for the village is apparent, and his love for local music – among the reasons he and his wife decided to stay – makes him want to promote it across Canada.
“Brian has been adamant since this started that we promote the town, not him. To me, Grand Bend is a secret and a gem. It’s priceless and not well-known. Do we want to lose our paradise? The answer is no, but I’ve been promoting Grand Bend for eight years and the only person to ever take me up on my offer, my neighbour at work, is now my neighbour at the park. He and his partner just love it.”
“It’s a town for everybody and every age group,” Klopp says. “No matter how old or young, there’s something for you.”
For Klopp, the people are the main attraction, then the location. And of course, there’s the music.
“We’re a very musical town, and everyone feels the music. Even if you can’t get up and dance (at a Gables jam night, for example), you can bop to the music.”
For Beattie, the location is the inspiration.
“The beach, the lake, sunsets, the strip, the atmosphere. It’s like Gravenhurst, but it’s 40 minutes from London and an hour from Stratford.”
That’s why CBC Songquest is a good fit, Klopp says.
“I thought it was exactly what Grand Bend needs with the new downtown and beach renovations. What’s the point of spending those millions of dollars if no one comes? Tourism has definitely been down these past few years. It’s great that the locals get to enjoy it, but we want to share it with everyone else as well.”
Just the type of message CBC hopes will come out of the contest, in addition to raising awareness of a recent format change at Radio 2.
“We wanted something to engage Canadians, the artistic community, and our people here to come up with 13 new songs commissioned by the CBC that represented towns across the country,” Mark Steinmetz says. “Rather than us dictating how it was going to go and who we would commission, we thought it would be great to open it up to Canadians.”
While expecting major urban centres to make the top five for each province, he notes that smaller centres are leading the pack. “It’s a tight race right now for what people are voting for,” he says. “It’s a way to discover new artists in this country. We play a diverse range of music, and there are so many great artists out there that don’t get played on private stations.”
Plus it’s a good way to create new music about Canada.
“I don’t know if you know this, but Gordon Lightfoot’s ‘Canadian Railroad Trilogy’ was actually a CBC commission (for the centennial year, 1967),” Steinmetz notes. “We’ve commissioned many types of music. That came from internally. Now Canadians get to help us decide who we’re going to commission. And who knows, one of these songs could become a song that gets embedded in the nation’s consciousness.”
Local listeners hope Grand Bend inspires that song. The final days of the contest will be tough, but Beattie remains as optimistic as he can.
“I think it’s going to take a miracle now to win. Toronto has a few million people, while we have a few thousand. Brian Dale says it right: to be successful in the music business, you need luck and connections, and for us to win this contest, it’s going to take a lot of both.”
“Vote as much as you can,” says Heidi Klopp. “You can vote once a day. Tell everyone you can. Listen to CBC radio, and spread the word.”
To vote, visit: http://www.cbc.ca/radio2/songquest/

Community/Charity

Grand Bend Nursery School is now offering five sessions a week of the Early Learning Program, a FREE high quality program designed to help prepare young children for school. Lambton County residents witih children 2.5 to 4 years old can call G.B. Nursery School at 519-238-8514

Tuesdays
10 a.m. to 2 p.m. – Pt Franks Comm Ctr.
Kids Matter every Tuesday. Join us as we crochet sleeping mats out of milk bags to send to the children in Africa and South America. Bring your lunch, scissors and a #7 crochet hook. Call Peggy Smith at 519-296-5834 for details.

7 p.m. – Grand Bend Legion
Bingo

Fridays
5 to 7 p.m. – Grand Bend Legion
Meat Draw

7 p.m. – Grand Bend Legion
Grand Bend Horticultural Society. Brenda Campbell from Cozyns Gallery presents “Fall Décor Inside and Out”

Friday, September 25
7 p.m. – Grand Bend Legion
Sweet Dreams: A Tribute to Patsy Cline. Tickets $10. Call Marg 519-238-5154 or Agnes 238-6267.Everyone welcome!

Sunday, September 27
8 to 11 a.m. – Grand Bend Legion
Annual Legion Breakfast

3:30 p.m. – Trivitt Church, Exeter
Thanksgiving Celebration. Fish fry at 5 p.m., adults $15 and children 5-12 $7. Choir and orchestra: Bach cantata. Proceeds to Lioness Club. Phone 519-235-4156.

Thursday, Oct. 1
10 a.m. – GB Catholic Church
Tai Chi Open House. Refreshments served. Everyone welcome. Contact Elaine at 238-6312 for details.

12:30 p.m. – Grand Bend Legion
Golden Agers Luncheon. $4 per person. Speaker Molly Russell. Memberships now due. New members welcome!

7 p.m. – Grand Bend CHC
Sunset Cinema (Social Film Club) presents Noel Coward film “Easy Virtue”.

Saturday, October 3
10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. – Pinery park visitor centre
Art in the Park.  Artwork by local artists will be on display.  For more information please call 519-243-1521.

Tuesday, Oct. 13
9:30 a.m. – Grand Bend Legion
Grand Bend Women’s Probus Club. Guest speaker is Frank Ihrig from Hessenland speaking on the Taste of Huron event. New members welcome!

Wednesday, Oct. 14
11:45 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. – GB CHC
Octoberfest Lunch. Drop in and enjoy turkey sausage on the bun, sauerkraut, dessert and drink. $6. Entertainment featuring “Rambling Rose” Take out available if ordered by Oct. 5. Contact Tammy at 519-238-6289 for details or to order lunch in advance.

Arts & Entertainment

Wednesdays
10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. – GB Legion
Line Dancing

Fridays
1:30 to 3:30 p.m. – GB Youth Centre
Grand Bend Drum Circle. Contact Anita at the Youth Centre or call 519-238-8759.

Saturday, Sept. 26
3 to 6 p.m. – Grand Bend Legion
Live Music with The Undecided

Saturday, Oct. 3
3 to 6 p.m. – Grand Bend Legion
Live Music with Cactus Jam

Saturday, Oct. 10
3 to 7 p.m. – Grand Bend Legion
Live Music with Bob FInlay

Health & Fitness

Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays
8 to 9 a.m. – Lion’s Pavilion, by BMO
Workout for Your Life. $8/class; $5 spouses/students. Beth Sweeney, (519) 238-5555.

Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays
Yoga and Pilates with Anne Chute
519-243-3552, www.annesyogaworks.com

Tuesdays and Thursdays
9 a.m. – Port Franks Comm. Centre
Healthy Lifestyle Exercise Program. Program includes warm up, low impact aerobic workout, strength work and stretching. Sponsored in part by Healthy Living Lambton. Cost: Free!! Everyone welcome. Contact Cindy Maxfield, Health Promoter at the GBACHC, 519-238-1556 ext 6 to register.

Tuesdays and Wednesdays
6 to 7 p.m. – McNaughton Park pavilion, Exeter
Workout for Your Life. $8/class; $5 spouses/students. Beth Sweeney, (519) 238-5555.

Grand Bend CHC
Red Cross First Aid and CPR Courses. Contact Steve Clemens 519-238-2035

Monday, September 28
10 a.m. to 12 p.m. – Grand Bend CHC
Mental Health Support Group. New Time! Contact Social Worker Lise Callahan at 519-238-1556 ext 230 for more info.

Community/Charity

Grand Bend Nursery School is now offering five sessions a week of the Early Learning Program, a FREE high quality program designed to help prepare young children for school. If you have children 2.5 to 4 years old and reside in Lambton Cty, call GB Nursery School 519-238-8514

Tuesdays
10 a.m. to 2 p.m. – Pt Franks Comm Ctr.
Kids Matter every Tuesday. Join us as we crochet sleeping mats out of milk bags to send to the children in Africa and South America. Bring your lunch, scissors and a #7 crochet hook. Peggy Smith 519-296-5834.

7 p.m. – Grand Bend Legion
Bingo

Fridays
5 to 7 p.m. – Grand Bend Legion
Meat Draw

Saturday, September 5
10 a.m to 2 p.m. – 45 Centre St, G.B.
Yard Sale. Household items, purses, dishes, glasses, golf clubs, electric snow shovel.

Sunday, September 6
10 a.m to 12 p.m. – 45 Centre St, G.B.
Yard Sale. Household items, purses, dishes, glasses, golf clubs, electric snow shovel.

Wednesday, September 9
To Oct. 28 – Pt. Franks Comm. Ctr.
Bridge lessons. Mavis 519-238-1239.

2 to 4 p.m. – Southcott Pines clubhouse
Partners in Learning Open House and AGM. Everyone welcome!

Friday, September 11
5 to 10 p.m. – 184 Church Street, Ailsa Craig
Taste of Harvest. An elegant evening of local wine tasting, gourmet local food sampling by Ian Wark, and live entertainment by Justin Plet. Proceeds to Ailsa Craig medical clinic. Hosted by John & Jan Bender. $75 inclusive. 519-294-6553 or Baillie’s Framing, Parkhill & Ailsa Craig Foodland.

Tuesday, September 15
10 a.m. – Grand Bend Legion
Grand Bend Men’s Probus Club meeting. Everyone welcome!

Wednesday, Sept. 16
10 a.m. to 12 noon and 2 to 4 p.m. – Southcott Pines clubhouse
Partners in Learning fall courses. Sept.16-Nov. 18 . 10 a.m. – The Lively Arts; 2 p.m. – Innovations that Changed the World

Thursday, September 17
2 to 4 p.m. – Schoolhouse restaurant lower level
Socrates Cafe discussion group


Arts & Entertainment

Saturday, September 5
Grand Bend Art Centre
Rotary Club of Grand Bend Special Event: Autumn Indulgence Art Preview.

9 a.m. – 4 p.m. (pre-registration required) – Grand Bend Art Centre
Plug Into Your Creativity/Conquer Your Fear. Suzette Terry. $80 ($75 for members). 519-238-8978 grbartcentre@hay.net

Saturday, Sept. 5
3 to 7 p.m. – Grand Bend Legion
Elimination Draw. Live Music with Midlife Crisis.

Saturday, Sept. 12
3 to 6 p.m. – Grand Bend Legion
Live Music with Willie Styles

Health & Fitness

Mondays
6 to 7 a.m. – Dashwood Comm. Centre
Funfit low impact aerobics. Begins Sept. 9 with Cecile Muller, 519-238-8536.

8 to 9 a.m. – Lion’s Pavilion, by BMO
Workout for Your Life. $8/class; $5 spouses/students. Beth Sweeney, (519) 238-5555.

10:30 to 11:45 a.m. - Pt. Franks studio
Gentle Yoga – Sept 14-Nov 9 (8 wks). Anne Chute 519-243-3552.
annesyogaworks.com

6:45 to 8 p.m. - Pt. Franks studio
Gentle Yoga – Sept 14-Nov 9 (8 wks). Anne Chute 519-243-3552.
annesyogaworks.com

Tuesdays
9 a.m. – Port Franks Comm Centre
Healthy Lifestyle Exercise Program. Low impact aerobic workout, strength work and stretching. Sponsored in part by Healthy Living Lambton. Free!! Cindy Maxfield 519-238-1556 ext 6.

6 to 7 p.m. – McNaughton Park pavilion, Exeter
Workout for Your Life. $8/class; $5 spouses/students. Beth Sweeney, (519) 238-5555.

7 to 8 p.m. – Parkhill Wellness Centre (Basement)
Yoga – Sept 1-Oct 20 (8 wks). Anne Chute 519-243-3552   www.annesyogaworks.com
 
Wednesdays
6 to 7 a.m. – Dashwood Comm. Centre
Funfit low impact aerobics. Begins Sept. 9 with Cecile Muller, 519-238-8536.

8 to 9 a.m. – Lion’s Pavilion, by BMO
Workout for Your Life. $8/class; $5 spouses/students. Beth Sweeney, (519) 238-5555.

8:45 to 10 a.m. – Pt. Franks studio
Yoga – Sept 2-Oct 21 (8 wks). Anne Chute 519-243-3552   www.annesyogaworks.com
 10:15 to 11:30 a.m. - Pt. Franks studio
Pilates – Sept 2-Oct 21 (8 wks). Anne Chute 519-243-3552 – annesyogaworks.com
 
6 to 7 p.m. – McNaughton Park pavilion, Exeter
Workout for Your Life. $8/class; $5 spouses/students. Beth Sweeney, (519) 238-5555.

7 to 8 p.m. - St. Francis Advocates Building, Arkona
Yoga – Sept 9-Nov 4 (8 wks). Anne Chute 519-243-3552 – www.annesyogaworks.com

Thursdays
9 a.m. – Port Franks Comm Centre
Healthy Lifestyle Exercise Program. Low impact aerobics, strength work, stretching. Sponsor: Healthy Living Lambton. Free!! Cindy Maxfield 519-238-1556 ext 6.

Fridays
6 to 7 a.m. – Dashwood Comm. Centre
Funfit low impact aerobics. Begins Sept. 9 with Cecile Muller, 519-238-8536.

8 to 9 a.m. – Lion’s Pavilion, by BMO
Workout for Your Life. $8/class; $5 spouses/students. Beth Sweeney, (519) 238-5555.
Thursday, September 3
Huron Good Food Box Program deadline for September delivery. You get a great assortment of healthy fruits and vegetables for $15. To order and pay, call registered dietitian Miranda Burgess at the GBCHC, 519-238-1556 ext 222. Boxes will be delivered to the Health Centre September 17.

Cyrano de Bergerac
Written by Edmond Rostand
Translated by Anthony Burgess
Directed by Donna Feore, with Colm Feore as Cyrano
Stratford Shakespeare Festival Production
Festival Stage, Stratford
May 29 to November 1, 2009

Live! On Stage!
By Mary Alderson

One of my favourite Stratford actors, Colm Feore, is starring in Cyrano de Bergerac on the Festival Stage, and as usual, he makes the show. I remember first enjoying Feore when he played Henry Higgins in Stratford’s My Fair Lady, absolutely stealing the show with his energy. Other memorable Feore shows were Shakespeare’s Coriolanus, and Oliver!, in which he played a menacing Fagin.
In the role of Cyrano, Feore reminds me of the character he played in the movie Bon Cop Bad Cop, a bilingual police officer trying to solve a murder that took place on the Ontario-Quebec border. He plays Cyrano switching seamlessly from English to French throughout the show, conveying the meaning of every word through his acting, in case anyone has difficulty understanding either language.
The story of Cyrano de Bergerac by Edmond Rosland is well known. It first premiered on the French stage in 1897. Stratford’s version was translated Anthony Burgess of Clockwork Orange fame. It is cleverly written and credit must go to Burgess for maintaining the wit in translation.
Cyrano is a swashbuckling musketeer, who unfortunately has been blessed with a very large and long nose. He has made it clear to his colleagues that he doesn’t want any mention of his oversized proboscis. But whenever anyone sees him for the first time, they can’t stop themselves from staring and commenting.
Cyrano is in love with the beautiful Roxane, but realizes he has no chance with her because of his gigantic nose. When she confesses her love for Christian, Cyrano kindly tells Roxane he will look out for Christian and keep him safe in battle.
Cyrano also generously offers to help Christian woo the lovely Roxane. He tells the romantically-challenged Christian what to say and writes love letters for him. So of course, Roxane falls in love with the notion of the romantic Christian, even though he is inept as a suitor.
When Cyrano’s overbearing, older commanding officer, De Guiche, shows a lecherous interest in Roxane, Cyrano encourages the marriage of Roxane and Christian to thwart De Guiche’s dishonourable intentions. To retaliate, De Guiche sends Cyrano and Christian off to the front lines in battle, and tragically Christian is killed. Roxane is heartbroken. The show concludes with Roxane and Cyrano meeting many years later, and finally she learns whose words had impressed her so much.
There have been many movie versions of Cyrano de Bergerac, and even a Broadway musical. The humourous favourite is the Steve Martin – Daryl Hannah version Roxanne, in 1987. Canadian comedians Wayne and Schuster had an excellent parody Cyrano de Bergerac as part of their CBC TV specials. But it is always wonderful to see an original and Stratford’s version is well done.
The costumes are colourful and extravagant. The show opens with a play within the play, where the actors are delightfully made up and dressed.
Colm Feore is utterly outstanding as Cyrano. His huge nose is amazing: the makeup is very realistic. Michael Shara is excellent as Christian with perfect comedic timing. His bungled attempts at romancing Roxane are laugh-out-loud funny, just before Cyrano steps in to assist. Amanda Lisman is an adequate Roxane, although misses opportunity for comedy. She is also unconvincing as she plays the aging woman. The rest of the colourful cast of 30 or more characters are exciting and engaging throughout the show. Credit goes to Director Donna Feore, Colm’s wife. A young Thomas Feore plays a page – it will be interesting to see the next generation.
The action of stage is remarkable, with fast action sword fights, and cannons exploding in war. The sets are incredible: there is even a full bakery complete with a huge inventory of goods. As Cyrano ages, fall leaves come fluttering to the ground.
For any Feore fan, it is well worth the trip to Stratford.

Cyrano de Bergerac continues at the Festival Theatre, Stratford until November 1. For tickets, call the box office at 1-800-567-1600 or check www.stratfordfestival.ca.

Mary Alderson offers her view of area theatre in this column on a regular basis. As well as being a fan of live theatre, she is a former journalist who is currently employed with the Ontario Association of Community Futures Development Corporations.

Needs supporters to maintain River Road presence

Story and photos by Casey Lessard

The Grand Bend Art Centre could give up the lease on its River Road space if a fundraising effort fails to generate enough interest before October. Artists (including this reporter) use the space to teach art workshops to community members. Artist Teresa Marie, who launched the centre last summer, hopes to sell enough books of coupons valid year-round at local businesses ($40 each, available at the River Road Gallery and elsewhere locally) to pay the rent and secure programming for the fall.
“We have to let Milford know by October whether we’re going to keep this facility as an art centre,” Teresa Marie says. “If we can sell 150 coupon books before the fall, we can probably pull ourselves out of this. Then in April we’ll do the coupon book again with more coupons and have a fresher book for the new season.
“I’m looking for people who want to support the art centre, and this is our gift back to them and our gift to the community to keep the money spent in the community.”
The centre has $15,000 in annual expenses, and rentals and workshops do not cover the cost completely. Even with donations from Rotary and some private donors, the centre has not been able to cover costs.
“We fell short of our budget last year. Milford Purdy, who has been very forgiving, has let us continue to have the place and we’re paying him on a catch-up basis right now.
“As a painter, I was trying to get all of the painters in town together to form groups to use the art centre. For the short term summer season, I wanted it to be available for visiting artists who would stay for the weekend, take some workshops, meet some artists, spend some money in town, and get to know our community through the art.”
Regardless of whether it has a permanent physical space, Teresa Marie says the centre will continue to operate.
“If we can’t come up with the funds to keep that location, I will have to farm out the workshops elsewhere. I will continue to do this on a smaller scale, but I would like to see it continue here.”
Judy Steeper of Corbett hopes the space can maintain the status quo.
“I love the classes,” Steeper says. “They’re Grand Bend’s best kept secret. We’re really fortunate to have it because it’s a treasure. It’s great, especially for me. I work as a wedding planner and designer, and this helps me keep my creativity up.
“It’s handy and it’s close to home. It’s adding tourism and it’s a plus all around.”
Marie Hughes of Bayfield agrees.
“I hope it keeps on going,” says Hughes, who has taken several classes at the centre. “I’ve been hoping to do this for years and years. It’s an opportunity to do some learning close at hand without driving to the big city.”
Hughes notes that the centre is special because students of all abilities are welcome.
“It’s suitable for people who have never picked up a brush. I like that everyone in the class is at different stages in their ability.”
That’s what attracted Rosemary Stevens of London to the Teresa Marie’s painting workshop.
“I always wanted to find out if I could paint,” Stevens says. “I just retired in January and I established a bucket list of things to do that I never had time to do. My mother painted for pleasure and I always admired her work. I thought I’d like to try that and come down and take a class.”
How has the experience been?
“It was very scary when I first started, but now I’m developing some self-confidence. It shows you that you just have to try.”
“People don’t always want to buy things,” says Teresa Marie, “but they want to do things. Grand Bend needs to offer that so people can stay active physically and mentally.
“I started to paint when I was 28 years old and I learned to paint from Barry Richman, David Bannister, and Klaus Verboom. Through them, the art gallery developed. Good things happen when good people get together. Out of that has grown a second gallery. I was taught by other people hands-on, and I want to share that with other people.”
For Rosemary Stevens, supporting the art centre is important for Grand Bend, not only for the students but also for the greater community.
“I think it’s an expression of people in the community and their appreciation for where they are. It’s very important.”

To show your support, buy a coupon book ($40 at River Road Gallery and elsewhere) or sign up for a class.
To find out more, call 519-238-8978 or email grbartcentre@hay.net.

Paintings by Lorraine Thomson and Tony Miller on display at Bliss Studio in Port Franks

The Art of Bliss
Bliss Studio, 519-243-3598
7617 Riverside Drive, Port Franks

Story by Casey Lessard

A winter storm set in motion a collaboration that led to this summer’s final show at Bliss Studio in Port Franks. Owners Lorraine Thomson and Tony Miller started working together on paintings after Thomson came into the studio where Miller was working in December. Asking if she could add some strokes to his painting, Miller agreed, and by the time they were done, they had to push the door together to get through the snowpile that had built up.
“I was working on the Red Dancer,” Miller says. “She said she’d really like to paint on it, too. So we went for it. It worked out so well, I got her to make me a commitment to work on a series for a show. Just wanted to show how two different styles can work together.”
“It was Tony’s idea, but it was meant to happen,” Thomson says. “After all these years, it was inevitable.”
Together, the pair painted six works that are on display at their home studio/gallery. Work by the individual artists completes the show.
“It’s surrealistic,” says Miller, describing the work. “I do some high realism work and some abstract work. Lorraine’s a contemporary artist, but she paints a lot of realism and abstracts it a bit. Combined they’re abstract, surrealistic and fantasy. It’s hard to put a label on them.”
“Our work is experimental,” Thomson adds. “If it doesn’t work out, it’s no big deal. It’s not the end of the world.”
There were times, though, when Thomson surprised Miller with her contributions.
“She shocked me sometimes by totally covering something I just spent an hour or two painting,” Miller says. “You just have to trust each other knowing you have the best wishes for the ultimate outcome.”

Alternative View
By Lance Crossley

On July 23, Bank of Canada governor Mark Carney announced that the recession was coming to an end. On July 29, President Obama said things have gotten better: the United States had prevented a depression and this was the beginning of the end of the recession. On August 3, a Bank of Montreal economist said the U.S. recession will end in the third quarter. And on August 5, the front page of The Toronto Star declared “Economy on the Rebound”. Leaders, experts, and media have announced in unison that all is well with our economy.
What a steaming pile of horse doo-doo.
The facts tell a very different story. Everything hinges on the United States’ ability to generate growth but there just isn’t any credible evidence that will happen. Now that the housing bubble has burst, the next shoe to drop is the commercial real estate market. Banks have postponed this day of reckoning by extending commercial loans instead of foreclosing, but how long this can go on is anybody’s guess.
Unemployment is officially at almost 10 percent now. Unofficially, some reputable analysts have it at almost twice that figure because of the skewed methods the government uses in its calculations. Either way, unemployment benefits are running out for many Americans, with the New York Times reporting as many as 1.5 million jobless will see their benefits end by Christmas.
State tax revenues have experienced their biggest fall since records began 45 years ago. Virtually every state is insolvent, most notably California, which has had to make draconian cuts to avoid bankruptcy.
Railroad carloads, which carry goods and are an accepted reflection of economic vitality, are down 22.5 percent since 2006. Retail sales are slumping. Consumer spending is tightening despite government efforts to stimulate credit. Even the Bank for International Settlements, which acts as a global central bank, has warned that the fiscal stimulus packages are only a band-aid and will be followed by an “extended period of economic stagnation.”
Most ominously, countries like China and Russia are starting to show signs they will no longer support America’s debt by buying its government bonds and treasury bills. If this happens, the dollar will plummet and American standard of living will drastically fall, as everything they import will becoming significantly more expensive.
So why all the optimism about emerging “green shoots” in the economy? Their hope is largely based on the rise of stock markets, which have rebounded greatly since bottoming out in March. But this climb can be attributed to Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke, who has expanded the monetary base by $1 trillion with fresh money. This new money has not been directed into productive purposes; rather it has been channelled straight into tradable assets. As a July 16 Wall Street Journal article pointed out: “In other words, Ben Bernanke has been the market.”
Where is it all headed? I wouldn’t be at all surprised to see another stock market crash as early as this fall, following the end of the American fiscal year when the final numbers come through and investors can see the bigger picture. Even if that day is postponed, the economy’s cheerleaders won’t be able to hide the reality forever.

Story by Casey Lessard

Sometimes the Huron Country Playhouse saves the best for last, and this year is one of those times. Evita, playing now until August 29, is top quality theatre thanks to excellent hiring decisions that include a star director, a perfect Evita, and great talent all around.
Michael Lichtefeld, who was a performer in the original Broadway cast of Evita, directs and choreographs the Playhouse version to great effect.
“I’m not recreating what we did on Broadway,” Lichtefeld says, “but you can’t do a show for two years and not be influenced by what you did. I’m trying to make it my own and make it fresh for now.”
For Lichtefeld, a key part of making it fresh is the star he discovered after a chance audition.
“I think we’ve found a Canadian star in Dena Chiarcossi,” he says. “She’s exactly what I was looking for because I was looking for someone young and on the verge of a breakthrough. For me, she’s spectacular in the show. The whole cast is terrific.”
Chiarcossi planned to audition for a secondary role, Juan Perón’s mistress.
“I asked my agent if I could audition to play the part,” she says, “but they said it was already cast, but they’re looking for an Eva. I said, all right, I’ll try.”
“She’s an incredible actress and has an amazing voice,” Lichtefeld says. “I asked her at the audition if she could dance and she said ‘a little.’ Well, she dances a lot more than just ‘a little.’ She’s quite a find for me, and she knocked my socks off.”
The show opens with Eva Perón’s 1952 death at age 33, and flashes back to show her life from age 15 to her rise to power with her husband Juan Perón, who was Argentina’s president from 1946 to 1955 and again from 1973 to 1974. During her time at Casa Rosada (the presidential residence), Eva Perón championed women’s rights and the rights of workers.
“I’ve always been on her side,” Lichtefeld says. “There’s something interesting about a woman, especially in the ‘30s and ‘40s, who worked her way up through a male-dominated society to become as powerful as she did. At the end, it went to her head. But look at how many young stars spend all their money or get burned out at the end.
“She’s kind of an anti-hero. She’s a tough character and you’re either going to love her or be elated that she dies in the end.”
Chiarcossi believes the script makes Evita (or Little Eva) look worse than she was.
“Eva Perón was for the people,” she says. “The reason she wanted power and jewels and money was to show the upper class and middle class that they’re not the only ones entitled to this. She, being lower class, wanted to show the people of Argentina that they too could have all of those riches. That’s what I believe. The script is a little different. It manipulates that a little. It shows her more on the arrogant and greedy side.”
This is the challenge for viewers: is Evita (the character) good or bad?
“For me, it’s about how power can corrupt,” Lichtefeld says. “She started off with ambitions to be greater than what fate had dealt her at the beginning. She worked her way up to be the first lady of Argentina. She did some great stuff but also some really bad stuff.
“She slept her way to the top. But she got the vote for women in Argentina, and that itself is a big deal.”
As a counterpoint, Stephen Patterson plays narrator Che Guevara, who never met Evita.
“I tried to find out why they chose him,” says Patterson, who plays a central role in the success (once again – he starred in Miss Saigon and Dirty Rotten Scoundrels) of this Playhouse presentation. “What would his problems be with Perónism? A revolutionary acts from the heart. She might have believed she was there for the people, but Che would likely say that she wasn’t.”
With strong singing, dancing and acting, perfectly simple set pieces, and wonderful orchestration, Evita is a perfect reason to spend a couple of hours in the Playhouse theatre on a hot August afternoon or evening.
“It’s controversial, which makes good theatre and makes you think,” Patterson says. “If you can leave the theatre and think about something, we’ve done our job.”

Community/Charity

Tuesdays
10 a.m. to 2 p.m. – Pt Franks Comm Ctr
Kids Matter every Tuesday. Join us as we crochet sleeping mats out of milk bags to send to the children in Africa and South America. Bring your lunch, scissors and a #7 crochet hook. Call Peggy Smith at 519-296-5834 for details.

7 p.m. – Grand Bend Legion
Bingo

Fridays
5 to 7 p.m. – Grand Bend Legion
Meat Draw
Friday, August 28
6 p.m. – Oakwood Golf Club
Golf ball drop. Presented by West Coast Lions Club serving Grand Bend. $10 ticket gets you a chance to win: $2500 travel voucher or cash, $1000 TV, or $500 ring. To purchase tickets, ask a Lions member, call Peter at 519-238-2715, Dianne at 519-236-7399 or Agnes at 519-238-6267, or visit the booth at the Grand Bend Beer Store Fridays. After ball drop, Sundance balloons will take passengers for $5 donation.

Monday, August 31
Port Blake Park
Grand Bend Horticultural Society Picnic and Awards.
Saturday, September 5
10 a.m. to 2 p.m. – 45 Centre St, GB
Yard Sale. Household items, purses, dishes, glasses, golf clubs, electric snow shovel.

Sunday, September 6
10 a.m. to 12 p.m. – 45 Centre St, GB
Yard Sale. See above.

Arts & Entertainment

Wednesdays
to August 26
6:30 to 9 p.m. – GB Art Centre
Life Drawing Group (Space limited; pre-registration required)

Fridays
1:30 to 3:30 p.m. – GB Youth Centre
Grand Bend Drum Circle. Contact Anita at the Youth Centre or call 519-238-8759.

Thursday, August 20
9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. (pre-registration required) – Grand Bend Art Centre
Photography Workshop (Intermediate – pt 1 of 2) Mary Lynn Fluter. $80 (members $75). 519-238-8978 or grbartcentre@hay.net

Saturday, August 22
9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (pre-registration required) – Grand Bend Art Centre
Workshop (T.B.A.) with Suzette Terry. $80 (members $75). 519-238-8978 or grbartcentre@hay.net

3 to 6 p.m. – Grand Bend Legion
Live Music with Cactus Jam

Sunday, August 23
9 a.m. – 4 p.m. (pre-registration required) – Grand Bend Art Centre
Workshop (T.B.A.) with Suzette Terry. $80 (members $75). 519-238-8978 or grbartcentre@hay.net

Thursday, August 27
9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. (pre-registration required) – Grand Bend Art Centre
Photography Workshop (Intermediate – pt 2 of 2) Mary Lynn Fluter. $80 (members $75). 519-238-8978 or grbartcentre@hay.net

Saturday, August 29
8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. – GB Art Centre
Plein Air Painting Competition

3 to 6 p.m. – Grand Bend Legion
Live Music with Mike Fagan
6 to 9 p.m. – Grand Bend Art Centre
Plein Air Art Show Opening

Thursday, September 3
Grand Bend Art Centre
Plein Air Art Show

Health & Fitness

Mondays
8 to 9 a.m. – Lion’s Pavilion, by BMO
Workout for Your Life. $8/class; $5 spouses/students. Beth Sweeney, (519) 238-5555.

10:30 to 11:45 a.m. – Anne’s Yoga Works, Pt. Franks
Beginner Yoga to Aug 31 – 519-243-3548 or www.annesyogaworks.com

6:45 to 8 p.m. – Anne’s Yoga Works, Pt. Franks
Beginner/Intermediate Yoga to Aug 31 – 519-243-3548 or www.annesyogaworks.com

Tuesdays
9 a.m. – Pt Franks Community Centre
Healthy Lifestyle Exercise Program. Free!! Cindy Maxfield 519-238-1556 x6.

9:30 to 10:30 a.m. – Anne’s Yoga Works, Pt. Franks
DROP IN Yoga/Pilates for Adults. Residents and Tourists Welcome – 519-243-3548 or www.annesyogaworks.com

1:30 to 2:15 p.m. – Anne’s Yoga Works, Pt. Franks
DROP IN Kids Yoga – 519-243-3548 or www.annesyogaworks.com

6 to 7 p.m. – McNaughton Park, Exeter
Workout for Your Life. $8/class; $5 spouses/students. Beth Sweeney, (519) 238-5555.

Wednesdays
8 to 9 a.m. – Lion’s Pavilion, by BMO
Workout for Your Life. $8/class; $5 spouses/students. Beth Sweeney, (519) 238-5555.

8:45 to 10 a.m. – Anne’s Yoga Works, Pt. Franks
Experienced Yoga to Aug. 26 – 519-243-3548 or www.annesyogaworks.com

10:15 to 11:30 a.m. – Anne’s Yoga Works, Pt. Franks
Pilates Mat 1, to August 26 – 519-243-3548 or www.annesyogaworks.com

Wednesdays
6 to 7 p.m. – McNaughton Park, Exeter
Workout for Your Life. $8/class; $5 spouses/students. Beth Sweeney, (519) 238-5555.

Thursdays
9 a.m. – Port Franks Comm Centre
Healthy Lifestyle Exercise Program. Free!! Cindy Maxfield 519-238-1556 x6.

Fridays
8 to 9 a.m. – Lion’s Pavilion, by BMO
Workout for Your Life. $8/class; $5 spouses/students. Beth Sweeney, (519) 238-5555.

Thursday, August 20
10 a.m. to 2 p.m. – Blessings, Zurich
Cooking Outside of the Box. Taste test and get ideas for yummy, low-cost, healthy recipes! Utilizing the Good Food Box. Miranda 519-238-1556 x222
Wednesday, August 26
10 a.m. to 1 p.m. – Grand Bend CHC
Men Can Cook. Advance your cooking skills and enjoy a tasty healthy lunch for $5. Contact Miranda at 519-238-1556 ext 222.

1:30 p.m. – Grand Bend CHC
Mental Health Support Group. Contact Social Worker Lise Callahan at 519-238-1556 ext 230 for more info.

Thursday, August 27
2 to 4 p.m. – GB CHC Adult Wing
Community Blood Pressure Clinic. Everyone welcome. Have your blood pressure checked free. No appointment necessary.

Clooney Tunes
Created, Directed and Choreographed by Dean Regan
Performed by Judy Marshak, Graham Coffeng, & Jay T. Schramek
Victoria Playhouse, Petrolia
August 11 – 29, 2009

Live! On Stage!
Review by Mary Alderson

For those who remember and take pleasure in the music of Rosemary Clooney, Clooney Tunes will be an enjoyable evening at Victoria Playhouse, Petrolia.
To many of us, Rosemary Clooney is just one of the sisters in the classic movie White Christmas. But she also had a long singing career, performing in the style of a big band vocalist or jazz singer. This musical revue brings together 19 of her favourite songs from the 40s and 50s – for those familiar with that era, it will be a great nostalgia trip.
Dean Regan, well known for his creation of A Closer Walk with Patsy Cline, collected the songs and put the revue together. This Petrolia production is the world premier of Clooney Tunes.
Judy Marshak portrays Rosemary Clooney, singing tunes such as “This Ole House”, “Mambo Italiano”, and “Come on-a my house.” Jay T. Schramek and Graham Coffeng, both with smooth vocals, back her. A three-piece band, including Michael Barber, Spencer Lewis Cole and Michael Herring, provides the music.
Schramek gets spontaneous applause for a dance solo early in the show. He also provides the comedy as a cowboy in an extreme hat, and keeps the audience laughing at his over-the-top expressions. Coffeng with his singing voice duels with Schramek’s amazing tap-dance skills in an entertaining number.
The audience fully enjoys their rendition of Sisters, a favourite song from White Christmas. But instead of two beautiful sisters, we get three – Marshak is flanked by Coffeng and Schramek in very interesting glittering gowns.
Local children Justine Davis, Katherine McNabb, Emily Cross and Sharlyn Mcquigge alternate performances and portray Clooney’s family in the early numbers.
The set for the final number, White Christmas, brought forth “oohs and aahs” from the audience. Barn doors are opened to reveal a beautiful winter scene with snow falling, while a sleigh appears. Marschak wears a beautiful red satin dress, recreating the movie scene.
Costume changes and moving set pieces took a little longer then they should have, on opening night. We hope the pace will be stepped up over the run of the show, to avoid the loss of momentum.
The performance is short, running just over an hour and a half including an intermission. There is more Regan could do with this show to make it good theatre. Perhaps a little more of Clooney’s life could be included: she tried to overcome a dysfunctional upbringing, battling mental health issues and weight problems. Her career faltered, then she made a comeback. Those who remember Clooney will enjoy this light fare, but to attract a new audience, a story is needed.
Clooney Tunes continues with eight shows a week at Victoria Playhouse Petrolia until August 29. Call the box office at 1-800-717-7694 or (519) 882-1221 for tickets.

Mary Alderson offers her view of area theatre in this column on a regular basis. As well as being a fan of live theatre, she is a former journalist who is currently employed with the Ontario Association of Community Futures Development Corporations.

Evita
Lyrics by Tim Rice
Music by Andrew Lloyd Webber
Directed & Choreographer by Michael Lichtefeld
Performed by Dena Chiarcossi, Stephen Patterson, Kyle Dadd & company
Drayton Entertainment Production
Huron Country Playhouse, Grand Bend
August 12 – 29, 2009

Live! On Stage!
Review by Mary Alderson

To wrap up the 2009 season in Grand Bend, Huron Country Playhouse is offering a brilliant production of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Evita. More opera than musical, this show features a fascinating story, great music, excellent cast and good orchestra.
The show opens with revolutionist Ché Guevera in a movie theatre in Argentina in 1952. The movie is interrupted to announce the death of Eva Peron, wife of Argentinean president Juan Peron. The people of Argentina are devastated by the demise of their beloved Evita, their pet name for her. Then Ché, as the narrator, takes the audience back through time to tell the story of Eva’s life. Born illegitimate and in abject poverty, Eva Duarte convinces a lounge singer to take her away from small-town Argentina to the big city of Buenos Aries at age 15. There, she gets what she wants – working her way from model to radio announcer to famous actress by offering sexual favours to influential men. Finally she meets Juan Peron, a candidate for president of Argentina. She dispatches his 15-year-old mistress, and puts herself in that role, eventually getting him to marry her. With her strength and drive, he becomes president. She ingratiates herself with the working class people and is their “spiritual leader”. The Perons travel the world on their “Rainbow Tour”, where Eva is very popular in Spain and Italy but snubbed by England. Ché points out the discrepancies – money in a charity she creates goes missing, and the poor people are no better off under the Peron regime. The Argentinean military doesn’t like Eva’s power, which only strengthens her desire to be vice-president. But she becomes ill, and her body prevents her from doing all that she wants. She dies of cancer at age 33.
Dena Chiarcossi is outstanding as Eva, playing the character as strong and feisty, ready to take on the world. Chiarcossi sings the many difficult songs beautifully, including the showstopper “Don’t Cry for Me, Argentina”. Chiarcossi was part of the cast of Miss Saigon two years ago, and recently played Sharpay in Disney’s High School Musical for Drayton Entertainment.
Stephen Patterson as Ché is also exceptional. Last summer at Huron Country Playhouse, Patterson was Freddy Benson in Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, where he also had the outrageous Ruprecht role. Returning from a North American tour of Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, Patterson shows his strength and wonderful voice as Ché, narrating the story through song. He easily handles the many different music styles and tight lyrics, getting the story told without slowing the action. Together, Patterson and Chiarcossi sing a moving version of “High Flying Adored.”
Kyle Dadd is excellent as Juan Peron. Earlier this summer he played Bill Sykes in Oliver! at Huron Country Playhouse. Keely Hutton gives a very good rendition of “Another Suitcase in Another Hall” as Peron’s young mistress, and Jay Davis as Magaldi is entertaining with “On This Night of a Thousand Stars.” Michelle DiGioacchino, another Drayton favourite, gives an amazing performance as the tango dancer.
The large cast of 23 plus a children’s chorus of six, give a rich, full sound to the songs. “A New Argentina” is a strong, rousing close to act I. Comedy is created with the stuffy British at the polo match, and with the tap-dancing military.
The set is sparse – just a few pieces of furniture along with the famous balcony where Eva greets the masses. But by using actual photographs and newspaper accounts from the times, the feel of Argentina in the 30s and 40s is created.
This is a top quality production and the abilities of Broadway director Michael Lichtefeld are evident. The very full house on opening night was thrilled with the show and showed their appreciation.
Evita continues with eight shows a week until August 29 at Huron Country Playhouse, Grand Bend. Tickets are available at the Huron Country Playhouse box office at (519) 238-6000, Drayton Entertainment at 1-888-449-4463, or check www.draytonentertainment.com

Mary Alderson offers her view of area theatre in this column on a regular basis. As well as being a fan of live theatre, she is a former journalist who is currently employed with the Ontario Association of Community Futures Development Corporations.

The Band In You is building a following for bands that might hit their peak 10 or 20 years from now

Photos and story by Casey Lessard

Sitting outside a basement studio in the Dalton Subdivision south of Grand Bend, four teenagers wait their turn in Ken Dinel’s domain: his professional music recording studio. Surprised by the success of his project, The Band In You music school, Dinel has had to abandon basement space to expand the studio and the lounge, which is still in the renovation stage.
“I thought I might get five students and teach a little music,” Dinel says. “I didn’t expect a big turnout, but it just took off. And it took off fast. I didn’t do any advertising other than in the Strip, and the word of mouth spread. Kids started telling their friends they were in a band. My five-year-old group members are six now, and they went to Florida for a month; they drove their mom nuts telling everyone they’re in a band.”
Their passion for being part of something bigger than themselves has led to performances by The Band In You students at various community events this summer, including at the Canada Day celebrations and the Relay for Life.
“It’s different from what I’m used to, but a good different,” says 14-year-old Blake Percy of Grand Bend, a guitarist in the band Sweet ‘N’ Toxik. He joined the school after his mom saw the ad in this paper.
“I’m learning a lot of new things. Before I would learn how to play the guitar and go home and practice for hours and hours. Here, you’re learning how to play with other people in a band. The timing is a whole different thing. It’s like comparing an individual sport like tennis to a team sport like soccer.”
The band members range in age from three to 18, and there are seven bands in total. Band members come up with the names, such as Famous, Victim, and Rocket Stars. Everyone is involved in songwriting, which is the main thrust of the school.
“They come in and sit down, and we start writing,” Dinel says. “We’ll rewrite together until the song’s somewhat complete, and then it’s introduced to the band. If the bands are less capable of writing, we each take a turn writing a line and then it’s edited that way. The Rocking Kids are five years old, and they all wrote me a bunch of lyrics about being rock stars and I put it together for them. With Sweet ‘N’ Toxik, Kyla came in with a semi-finished song (“Building My Time Machine”), and we tore it down and rewrote it with new elements. Then we sat down and worked on the music for it. It all came together very quickly.
“From there, we go into the studio and lay down a bed track where the band performs the song together to a click track. Then we just start replacing parts one at a time. We redo it until it’s radio-worthy.”
That level of professionalism and solidarity is what attracts Dinel’s students.
“I thought I was the next Taylor Swift,” says Sweet ‘N’ Toxik singer Megan O’Brien, 15 of Zurich. “But then I got into the band and this is so much cooler because you get to share the hard work and pride with other people. I really want to hit it big with the band. I love sharing our music with people. When I’m listening to the radio, I’ll hear a song that makes me say, ‘I’m so glad they wrote that.’ I want to share that with people.”
Sharing the music is part of the appeal for Kyla Hunt-Beach of Grand Bend, also a singer with the band.
“I like being able to perform and entertain,” says the 17-year-old. “I like being able to work in a team as a band. It’s been really amazing.
“The highlight is playing at concerts,” Kyla says. “The first one at the Grand Bend Public School Family Fun Day was amazing. I loved how there was a big crowd and how enthusiastic they were. I loved how they came up afterward and complimented us.”
Blake Percy agrees.
“It’s great seeing people come out to watch you play because I’m not used to that. Our band is good, so we get good applause and that’s a rush.”
Dinel estimates the school’s show has about 200 loyal fans, so he’s looking forward to taking the bands on tour locally. Coming off well-received shows this summer, Dinel has started picking up paying gigs for his students.
“The original goal of the school was to teach them how to write songs and record them,” he says. “Now that the school’s full, we’re going to develop a show. They’ll write and perform originals and covers, and each band will have its own set.
“We’ve been promised radio. Next year, I want to take these kids on tour locally. Then it’s TV. They’re very young, but there’s an It factor. We’ve performed with some bigger bands, and the bigger audience seems to be when the kids are on. We don’t see kids play, so it’s a rarity. And it’s coming out of Grand Bend.”
That said, the performers are still kids, so they’re not polished professionals, although there are a few prodigies. For Dinel, career longevity is the key, and that comes from accountability and desire, even if their age sometimes shows in the lyrics and sound.
“There’s a lot of editing at this stage,” Dinel admits. “But they get better each time they do the process. They’ve been here six months, so imagine them in two years. Grand Bend’s going to have some serious music out of this. Victim is a very committed band; my daughter’s in that one. They’re the real deal, and in two years they’ll only be 10!
“Most garage bands typically envision these ideas (touring, recording, etc.), but don’t go any further because they don’t have anyone to help them get there. I always push them to look forward. It’s more of a preparation mentality than a practice mentality.”
“I had lessons before,” adds Megan O’Brien, “and you go home and play, but it’s not fun. With a band, people are depending on you. We’re looking at the bigger picture.”
Mom Yvonne O’Brien is impressed.
“On several occasions, our daughters have been jamming and performing with other friends who have a lot more formal or traditional training. Their experience with The Band In You’s format was very apparent, and helped produce a more confident performance.”
Shannon O’Brien, 13, plays drums and is learning the bass. She agrees that the experience has helped boost her confidence in performance.
“Before, friends would come over and I’d be totally lost,” she says. “Now I can play with bands and it’s a lot better.”
“Ken is phenomenal,” Kyla Hunt-Beach says. “He’s really good to work with and easy to get along with. He gets you on track when you need to. It’s really fun and you don’t even realize when you’re practicing because you’re having so much fun. You get lost in the music because it’s so much fun.”
Dinel believes his process helps students relax, creating a desire to come back for more.
“When Kyla came in, she was conservative, safe and tense. Now, you see her in there and she’s a whole different person.
“I’m trying to put together bands that really get along well. There’s no inner dating. They’re respectful to each other. For the sake of longevity, they have to share the limelight, be respectful and encouraging to each other.”
That was a challenge at first for Kyla and Megan, who share the stage as singers in Sweet ‘N’ Toxik.
“At first, when we didn’t know each other, we kind of competed,” Megan says. “Not too bad, but we’d almost scream trying to get over each other. Finally we said, we want to sound good, and we sound good together. We’re both equally in this, so let’s just do it. Now we hang out all the time. We’re good friends. It wasn’t like that before, but now it is.”
Together they are stronger, they say, and they’re in it for the long haul.
“I want our band to get big and become well known, ” Kyla says. “ To be able to travel and tour. I just hope it grows. It’s going to be hard, but that’s how you get big.”
Thirteen-year-old Shannon’s prepared for the ride.
“I’d like to see people know our band. That would be the coolest thing.”
For Dinel, the end result is up to his students.
“It’s a self-defined experience,” he says. “We have a great time, but I do have expectations. If they don’t come in prepared, it’s not cool. As a band, they all feel part of something greater than their everyday life.”

The school’s roster is full, but has a waiting list that could be drawn upon in the fall. To join the waiting list and be part of the process, contact Ken Dinel at thebandinyou (at) hay.net

I’m a Soulman
Based on The Blues Brothers (Dan Ackroyd and John Belushi)
Performed by Geoff Dahl and Chris Dahl, with Frank Rondell and Denise Pelley
London City Music Theatre, London
July 24 to August 9, 2009

Live! On Stage!
Review by Mary Alderson

The London City Music Theatre is filling a specialty niche as the place to go for tribute artists. But the current offering, I’m a Soulman, is more than just a tribute show – it’s an entire musical production.
The show features Goeff and Chris Dahl, real life brothers from London, Ontario performing as the Da Blooze Brothers. What started as a tribute to the Blues Brothers has grown into a show featuring two other performers, three dancers and a seven-piece band. The Dahls impersonate John Belushi and Dan Ackroyd doing their famous Jake and Elwood Blues act. This act spawned the 1980 hit movie, and then 20 years later, after Belushi’s death, a sequel was made with John Goodman in the role of Jake. Da Blooze Brothers and I’m a Soulman are sanctioned by Dan Ackroyd and the Belushi estate.
Geoff Dahl is excellent as Elwood, sounding very much like Dan Ackroyd, speaking in clipped words. He also plays a mean harmonica, even keeping the music going while he runs up the steps among the theatre seats. Chris Dahl is a very convincing Jake Blues, with a better singing voice than Belushi. They harmonize well, presenting all the Blues Brothers favourites: Soul Man, Gimme Some Lovin’, and Let the Good Times Roll. Geoff/Elwood even manoeuvres his mouth through the gibberish of Rubber Biscuit.
Frank Rondell plays the role of Ray Charles performing Shake a Tail Feather and What’d I Say. Later he returns with Hit the Road Jack and a beautiful rendition of Georgia. London singer Denise Pelley plays a perfect Aretha Franklin belting out The Queen of Soul’s numbers: Think, Chain of Fools, Respect, and Natural Woman.
The Dahl brothers also perform Elvis’ Jailhouse Rock, Wilson Picket’s 634-5789 and Flip Flop and Fly of Downchild Blues Band fame. As Jake croons the Drifter’s Boardwalk, Elwood plays along, running a drumstick up and down the chain that usually handcuffs him to a briefcase.
Joining the singers on stage are the European Dancers: Carla Oya, Laura Fernandez and Gwenny Ludwig. The three young women have a myriad of costumes – from neon-fringed outfits to police officers, all in keeping with the original Blues Brother story. They are an impressive ensemble with great choreography.
An extraordinary band has been assembled for I’m a Soulman. Guitar player Doug Varty has an extensive list of credits, going back to the 70s band Seadog. Bass player Prakash John has been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame for his work with Parliament/Funkadelic, and has also performed with the likes of Alice Cooper, James Brown, and Paul Shaffer, not to mention the original Blues Brothers. He appears in the 2000 Blues Brother sequel movie. His son, Jordan John, is drummer for the I’m a Soulman band, and Duncan Grant plays keyboards. The amazing horn section, known as Dr. Bombay Horns includes Scott Edwards, Ron Walker and Mike Polci.
The Dahl brothers have performed I’m a Soulman all over North America and Europe. They have produced a 2 CD set of the show, which was recorded live in Germany. With their attention to detail when bringing back The Blues Brothers, their popularity will continue.
I’m a Soulman continues until August 9 at London City Music Theatre at the Western Fairgrounds, London. Tickets are available at the box office at (519) 432-0888, or check www.londoncitymusictheatre.com

Mary Alderson offers her view of area theatre in this column on a regular basis. As well as being a fan of live theatre, she is a former journalist who is currently employed with the Ontario Association of Community Futures Development Corporations.

See How They Run
Written by Phillip King
Directed by Marcia Kash
Performed by Kevin Burnett, Phil Martin, Stephanie McNamara, Paul McQuillan, Jane Moffat, Nicholas Rice, Clive Walton, Robin Ward, Karen Wood.
Drayton Entertainment Production
Huron Country Playhouse, Grand Bend
July 29 to August 8, 2009

Live! On Stage!
Review by Mary Alderson

There is great fun to be had at Huron Country Playhouse’s production of See How They Run, a zany British farce. Billed as a “Marathon of Laughs”, this comedy had the opening night audience in gales of laughter nearly continuously.
Director Marcia Kash, herself the author of a couple of great Canadian farces (Who’s Under Where and Too Many Cooks), knows how to organize a farce: lots of slamming doors, funny faces, and in this case, plenty of running and jumping around the stage.
See How They Run is true British farce, written by Phillip King in the 1940s to entertain British troops in World War II. It has all the necessary elements of the farce: a prim and proper local spinster who is sure that the Vicar’s wife is having an affair, with a myriad of other eccentric characters, and of course, the requisite mistaken identities. Indeed, the Vicar’s wife has a sketchy past – she was actress until she married the Vicar, and she was seen brazenly waving at a soldier. But her uncle is a Bishop and he’s coming to visit. Unfortunately the Vicar won’t be preaching this Sunday when the Bishop visits; a travelling clergyman will be taking the pulpit. Add to this a crazy maid, a Russian spy and a cop. What more could one want in a farce?
Karen Wood nearly steals the show as the Cockney maid, Ida. Her expression-filled eyes are enough to start the laughter rolling and then she delivers the hilarious lines. Jane Moffat, as the up righteous, judgemental parishioner also keeps the audience in stitches when her character has a bit too much to drink. Both women have excellent comedic timing and know when and how to make the lines work for them. Stephanie McNamara is delightful as the Vicar’s wife, and Clive Walton is excellent as the Vicar, showing his slapstick skills after he has a conk on the head. Paul McQuillan creates some laughs as the soldier, but unfortunately, the character goes a bit too far over the top. Robin Ward as the Bishop, Nicholas Rice as the visiting reverend, Phil Martin as the Russian and Kevin Burnett as the policeman round out the cast and contribute to the hilarity.
The set is excellent: designer Allan Wilbee made sure that there were enough doors to run through and slam, while still keeping it believable. The furnishings are authentic 1940s, and are located strategically to ensure there are places to hide and things to jump over – well, there are things to jump over some of the time – and other times the characters just jump!
For fans of the British farce, this show offers laugh-out-loud fun.
See How They Run continues with eight shows a week until August 8 at Huron Country Playhouse, Grand Bend. Tickets are available at the Huron Country Playhouse box office at (519) 238-6000, Drayton Entertainment at 1-888-449-4463, or check www.draytonentertainment.com

Mary Alderson offers her view of area theatre in this column on a regular basis. As well as being a fan of live theatre, she is a former journalist who is currently employed with the Ontario Association of Community Futures Development Corporations.

West Side Story

Book by Arthur Laurents, Conceived by Jerome Robbins
Music by Leonard Bernstein, Lyrics by Stephen Sondheim
Directed by Gary Griffin, Musical direction by Rick Fox
Choreographed by Sergio Trujillo
Performed by Chilina Kennedy, Paul Nolan and company
Stratford Shakespeare Festival Production
Festival Theatre, Stratford
June 5 to October 31, 2009

Live! On Stage!
By Mary Alderson

Based on the tragic love story of Romeo and Juliet, West Side Story is a perfect fit for Stratford’s Festival Theatre stage. The darkness of the wooden stage, dressed with the stark balcony and fire escape ladders of tenements, transports the Festival theatre into 1957 west side New York City.
Instead of Shakespeare’s Montagues and Capulets involved in a family feud, West Side Story has two street gangs, the Jets and Sharks, in a turf war. The Jets are the “Americans” (ironically most of them are first generation Americans, the sons of immigrant families), and the Sharks are recent immigrants from Puerto Rico. Juvenile delinquent gangs were frequently in the news in New York in the fifties, when Arthur Laurents, Jerome Robbins, Leonard Bernstein and Stephen Sondheim got together to create this musical. Viewed as very controversial 50 years ago, West Side Story was declared by many too dark for a musical.
Tony, the former leader of the Jets, meets Maria, sister of Bernardo, the leader of the Sharks. The two fall in love at a school dance. A rumble between the rival gangs is planned, and Maria asks Tony to put a stop to it. But the fight gets out of hand, with both Tony’s friend Riff and Bernardo killed. The story is brilliantly woven together, with beautiful music leading to the rumble at the end of Act I. In Act II, the atmosphere is lightened with Maria singing “I Feel Pretty” before she knows about the deaths. There is also a beautiful ballet sequence imagined, and comic relief as the Jets members sing a funny song “Gee, Officer Krupke”. But the harsh reality of the gang war returns in the heart-wrenching conclusion.
Chilina Kennedy, who also plays the female lead this summer in A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum at the Avon Theatre, is wonderful as Maria. Along with her beautiful voice, Kennedy adds a delightful sauciness to Maria’s character, who is usually played too demurely. This attitude builds to Kennedy’s draining performance in the final scene.
Paul Nolan, in his 3rd season at Stratford is excellent as Tony. Nolan and Kennedy’s harmony in the familiar songs such as “One Hand, One Heart” and “Tonight” is perfect, and the chemistry between them is palpable. Nolan also gives excellent performances in “Something’s Coming” and “Maria” – even showing that he can belt lying flat on his back.
The dance numbers are what make West Side Story such a great production. Credit goes to Sergio Trujillo for capturing the essence of the original Jerome Robbins choreography, taking full advantage of the thrust stage. When the Jets come out with the famous finger-snapping dance number, their feet barely touch the stage. The Sharks girls, in the song “America”, when they argue over whether life is better in New York or back in Puerto Rico, are all amazing dancers. The Latin dance with the girls flashing the colourful full skirts in spike heels, contrasting with the lyrics about America, is a definite audience-pleaser.
Other favourite moments include Nolan lifting himself chin-up style onto the balcony for one more kiss from Kennedy, Anita (Jennifer Rias) appearing on stage in a bubble bath (was that the partial nudity that the playbill warned of?), and the beautifully lit bridal shop number.
The Stratford Festival orchestra brings the score to life. From those first distinctive notes, you know you’re in for some superb music. With more than 25 musicians and the excellent acoustics of the Festival theatre, the sound is full and rich.
West Side Story was groundbreaking back in the fifties and has become a classic of the musical stage. As we hear the horrors of drive-by shootings and the difficulties faced by immigrants in our big cities today, we know West Side Story, like Romeo and Juliet, is timeless. Stratford has done it justice.
West Side Story continues in repertoire at the Festival Theatre, Stratford until October 31. For tickets, call the box office at 1-800-567-1600 or check www.stratfordfestival.ca.

Mary Alderson offers her view of area theatre in this column on a regular basis. As well as being a fan of live theatre, she is a former journalist who is currently employed with the Ontario Association of Community Futures Development Corporations.

One day event includes visits from Maude Barlow and Cindy Cook

Story by Casey Lessard

Considering the fact that Grand Bend’s economy is based on the attractiveness of the waterfront, it’s surprising no one thought of celebrating the natural resource before. Aquafest 2009 runs Saturday, August 9 all day at locations around the area, including the main beach, Pinery Provincial Park, and River Road. The free event celebrates the value of water and stems from the Grand Bend Community Foundation’s environment committee.
“It’s a natural for this area to think about water,” says Pat Morden, who co-chairs the event with Jennifer Mossop. “It’s something we see every day.
“It occurred to us that a beachfront festival that drew attention to environmental issues in a fun and celebratory way would be very appropriate with what Grand Bend is. We have this magnificent resource and we want to be able to swim every day when it’s hot and sunny. We want to enjoy clean water and feel good about our kids paddling in the water. We now have these wonderful enhancements to the beach that make it more attractive. We want beautiful and clean water for us to enjoy.”
It’s good for the greater community, too, especially considering the fact that most of the water for the region comes from the lake.
“We have a role as stewards of a precious resource and one that’s becoming more rare all the time. This is our way of drawing attention to it without too much gloom and doom, but with an attitude of ‘Let’s see what we can do.’”
The event was scheduled for mid-summer so the committee could reach cottagers, residents, and visitors in town for the day. The hope is to raise awareness of water issues and to promote conservation and preservation.
“We’re emphasizing the usual things you can do at home to conserve water,” Morden says. “We can think about our water use and our septic systems and avoid pesticides and harsh cleaners. I’m hoping people will become more involved in the broader issues related to water and the first step is to create awareness and activity at the grassroots level. Every time you do something for the environment in your own life, that’s going to prepare you and encourage you to take broader action.”
The event includes activities for children and adults, and includes a visit from Cindy Cook of Polka Dot Door fame. Author and activist Maude Barlow, the senior advisor on water issues to the president of the United Nations, is the event’s keynote speaker.
Everything is free and runs rain or shine.

Grand Bend Aquafest
Saturday, August 8
Rain or shine. Free admission

Grand Bend beach
10 a.m. – Oakwood team building games
11 a.m. – Live music by Pedro Quintana
12 p.m. – Lambton Main Street Players
12:30 p.m. – Cindy Cook (Polka Dot Door) – environmentally themed children’s show
1:15 p.m. — Mr. Something Something – Juno-nominated afro-jazz band powered by the SoundCycle.
2:15 p.m. – Maude Barlow
2:30 p.m. — Brian Dale and other local musicians take the stage
4 p.m. — Mr. Something Something

Other Main Beach Activities:
• Children’s activities & face painting
• Kite surfing demonstration by Eclipse Kites
• Vendor/exhibitor Fair
• Shoreline aerobics provided by Workout For Your Life
     
11 a.m to 5 p.m. – River Road Gallery
Aquafest Art Exhibit featuring underwater photography by Mary Lynn Fluter.

11 a.m to 5 p.m. – GB Art Centre
Children’s Art Exhibit. Amateur photo contest submissions on display.

Pinery Park
8 a.m. – Riverside Trail
Birding hike guided birding tour.
9 a.m.
Nationally renowned canoe maker Skip Izon will discuss canoe design/construction.
2 p.m. – General Store Parking Lot
Lambton Main Street Players
7:15 p.m. – Outdoor Theatre
Maude Barlow: keynote address at Outdoor Theatre. If severe weather approaches Ms. Barlow will speak at the Grand Bend Legion (20 Municipal Drive)
8 p.m. – P9 beach parking lot
Sunset hike

Review by Casey Lessard

Like a train ascending a mountain, See How They Run (playing now to August 8 at the Huron Country Playhouse) starts out slow but picks up speed as the comic antics get out of control.
The first laughs come almost near the end of the first act, courtesy Ida the maid, played by Karen Wood.
“From day one, our director Marcia Kash said to keep it real,” Wood says. “It may not have seemed totally real to you or the audience, but in our world, on stage, whatever we’re doing, if you play it for real, that’s where the comedy lies. We’re in unbelievable situations and because we’re playing it for real, that’s what makes it funny. If you go for stupid, it’s not nearly as funny.”
“You try to walk on and be debonaire and in control,” says Paul McQuillan, who plays a smooth soldier visiting an old friend, “and that all goes away very quickly in this melody of craziness that happens on stage. You think you’re insane like everyone else is. That’s the premise of the piece. You start with your sanity and then you question it.”
If looking like a comedian helps make one funny, Clive Walton is a step ahead of his castmates. Walton resembles Rowan Atkinson, better known as Mr. Bean.
“My kids sometimes tell me I look like him,” Walton admits. “He’s a bit shorter. I wish I were as successful and rich as he is, though.”
As Reverend Lionel Toop, Walton is the centre of the confusion after he is attacked by a Soviet spy on the loose from the local air base. Performing in a play set in war-time England, Walton need not learn a new accent: he’s a recent immigrant to Canada.
“I just came over about five years ago. I don’t know how I ended up here. I didn’t know where Grand Bend was. I must admit I’d never heard of it. But it’s lovely. It’s like the Mediterranean going down to the beach.”
Back in the theatre, McQuillan admits the actors often didn’t know how they ended up where their characters were.
“When we were in rehearsals,” McQuillan notes, “we had to ask each other questions to make sure we were all on the same page. ‘Do I know that this person’s in the closet right now? Who do I think is Rev. Toop right now?’ Sometimes nobody had the answer, and you’d connect the dots.”
That, to Wood, is the secret to the success of the play’s humour.
“There’s lots of embarrassment and frustration and that’s real life.”

Community/Charity

Tuesdays
10 a.m. to 2 p.m. – Pt Franks Comm Ctr.
Kids Matter. Join us as we crochet sleeping mats out of milk bags to send to children in Africa and South America. Bring your lunch, scissors and a #7 crochet hook. Call Peggy Smith at 519-296-5834 for details.

7 p.m. – Grand Bend Legion
Bingo
Fridays
5 to 7 p.m. – Grand Bend Legion
Meat Draw

Saturday, August 8
Grand Bend Aquafest. See p. 6-7.
12 to 6 p.m. – Corbett Comm. Centre
Live entertainment all day, live auction at 3pm, car rally, kids games, car show, BBQ dinner 4 to 6:30. Info at www.corbettcc.ca

2 to 4 p.m. – Rodeo arena, Exeter
Dodge Rodeo Tour.

5 to 7:30 p.m. – South Huron Rec Ctr
Steak BBQ hosted by Exeter Lions Club

9 p.m. to 1 a.m. – South Huron Rec Ctr
BX93 Video Dance

Sunday, August 9
8 a.m. to 1 p.m. – South Huron Rec Ctr
Country Style Brunch

9 a.m. – South Huron Trail, Exeter
South Huron Trail Run. To register visit www.shbbbs.on.ca or visit Runners Choice. Proceeds in support of Big Brothers Big Sisters South Huron. Call 226-268-3871 or cw@shbbbs.on.ca

2 to 4 p.m. – Rodeo arena, Exeter
Dodge Rodeo Tour

Tuesday, August 18
10 a.m. – Grand Bend Legion
Grand Bend Men’s Probus Club meeting. Everyone welcome!

Arts & Entertainment

Wednesdays
6:30 to 9 p.m. to August 26
Life Drawing Group (Space limited; pre-registration required)

Fridays
1:30 to 3:30 p.m. – GB Youth Centre
Grand Bend Drum Circle. Contact Anita at the Youth Centre or call 519-238-8759.

Thursday, August 6
9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. (pre-registration required) – Grand Bend Art Centre
Photography Workshop (Beginners – pt 1 of 2) with Mary Lynn Fluter. $80 (members $75). 519-238-8978 or grbartcentre@hay.net

Saturday, August 8
10 a.m. to 6 p.m. – GB Art Centre
Aquafest. Open House and Registration

2 to 6 p.m. – Bliss Studio, Port Franks
The Art of Bliss. Lorraine Thomson and Tony Miller. Opening Reception. Music by Joani Paige. 519-243-3598.

3 to 6 p.m. – Grand Bend Legion
Live Music with The Persuaders

Monday, August 10
9 a.m. – 4 p.m. (pre-registration required) – Grand Bend Art Centre
Paint with Teresa Marie. $80 (members $75). 519-238-8978 or grbartcentre@hay.net

Tuesday, August 11
9 a.m. – 4 p.m. (pre-registration required) – Grand Bend Art Centre
Artists: Bring your artwork for Professional Archival Photographing. 519-238-8978 or grbartcentre@hay.net

Thursday, August 13
9 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. (pre-registration required) – Grand Bend Art Centre
Photography Workshop (Beginners – pt 2 of 2) with Mary Lynn Fluter. $80 (members $75). 519-238-8978 or grbartcentre@hay.net

Saturday, August 15
9 a.m. – 4 p.m. (pre-registration required) – Grand Bend Art Centre
Workshop: Expand Your Creativity with Mary Abma. $80 (members $75). 519-238-8978 or grbartcentre@hay.net

3 to 6 p.m. – Grand Bend Legion
Live Music with Ben Shane & Bobby K

Sunday, August 16
9 a.m. – 4 p.m. (pre-registration required) – Grand Bend Art Centre
Take the Mystery out of Painting People with Teresa Marie. $80 (members $75). 519-238-8978 or grbartcentre@hay.net

Tuesday, August 18
9 a.m. – 4 p.m. (pre-registration required) – Grand Bend Art Centre
Painting with Pastels with Catherine Weber. $80 (members $75). 519-238-8978 or grbartcentre@hay.net

Health & Fitness

Mondays
8 to 9 a.m. – Lion’s Pavilion, by BMO
Workout for Your Life. $8/class; $5 spouses/students. Beth Sweeney 519-238-5555.

10:30 to 11:45 a.m. – Anne’s Yoga Works
Beginner Yoga. To Aug 31. 519-243-3548 or www.annesyogaworks.com
 
6:45 to 8 p.m. – Anne’s Yoga Works
Beginner/Intermediate Yoga. To Aug 31. 519-243-3548 annesyogaworks.com 
 
Tuesdays
9 a.m. – Pt Franks Community Centre
Healthy Lifestyle Exercise Program. Free. 519-238-1556 ext 6 to register.

9:30 to 10:30 a.m. – Anne’s Yoga Works
DROP IN Yoga/Pilates for Adults. Residents and Tourists Welcome – 519-243-3548 or www.annesyogaworks.com
 
1:30 to 2:15 p.m. – Anne’s Yoga Works
DROP IN Kids Yoga – 519-243-3548 or www.annesyogaworks.com
 
6 to 7 p.m. – McNaughton Park, Exeter
Workout for Your Life. $8/class; $5 spouses/students. Beth Sweeney 519-238-5555.
Wednesdays
8 to 9 a.m. – Lion’s Pavilion, by BMO
Workout for Your Life. $8/class; $5 spouses/students. Beth Sweeney 519-238-5555.

8:45 to 10 a.m. – Anne’s Yoga Works
Experienced Yoga, To August 26 – 519-243-3548 or www.annesyogaworks.com

10:15 to 11:30 a.m. – Anne’s Yoga Works
Pilates Mat 1. To Aug. 26 – 519-243-3548 or www.annesyogaworks.com
6 to 7 p.m. – McNaughton Park, Exeter
Workout for Your Life. $8/class; $5 spouses/students. Beth Sweeney 519-238-5555.

Thursdays
9 a.m. – Port Franks Comm Centre
Healthy Lifestyle Exercise Program. Free. Everyone welcome. 519-238-1556 ext 6.

Fridays
8 to 9 a.m. – Lion’s Pavilion, by BMO
Workout for Your Life. See Wednesdays.

Starbright Summer Festival
Produced & Directed by David Hogan

Imperial Theatre, Sarnia
July 7 to August 16, 2009

Live! On Stage!
By Mary Alderson

The Heart of Broadway
Musical Direction by Mark Payne

Performed by June Crowley, Susan Gilmour, Marcus Nance, Cory O’Brien, Rebecca Poff, and David Rogers.

Sarnia has been blessed this summer to host the best in Canadian musical theatre. Produced by Stratford actor David Hogan, four shows are running in repertoire at the Imperial Theatre.
The Heart of Broadway is a delightful evening of songs from Broadway. It opens with a medley of musical theatre hits involving all six performers; each of them stars in their own right.
David Rogers has played leading man roles in a myriad of musical productions and is best known for playing both Raoul and the Phantom in Toronto’s long-running Phantom of the Opera. June Crowley is a veteran of the Stratford and Shaw Festivals and has been on stage all over North America. She is also best known for her role in Phantom of the Opera, as Christine. Susan Gilmour played Fantine in Les Miserables in Toronto, on Broadway, in Los Angeles and around the world. She has also starred in numerous productions such as Evita, Cats, Into the Woods, and Joseph.
Rebecca Poff has performed in Phantom of the Opera and Show Boat and is a favourite at Huron Country Playhouse, having starred in the past as Marion the Librarian in The Music Man, Aldonza in Man of LaMancha, and in Dirty Rotten Scoundrels. Marcus Nance is familiar as the Beast in London’s Grand Theatre’s Beauty and the Beast and as the Mikado in The Mikado at Huron Country Playhouse. He has also appeared in My One and Only and To Kill a Mockingbird in Stratford. Cory O’Brien spent four seasons with the Stratford Festival, most recently in Cabaret. He has also been in numerous Toronto productions such as Iolanthe, Lord of the Rings, and Man of LaMancha.
With six such experienced and talented performers, The Heart of Broadway can’t help but be an excellent show. In fact, the cast received standing ovations at the end of Act One, and again at the end of the evening. Act One concludes with numbers from Les Miserables. Susan Gilmour sings “I Dreamed a Dream” as she did as Fantine. Then two Les Mis show stoppers are presented: “Bring Him Home” followed by the entire cast giving an amazing performance of “One Day More”.
At the end of Act Two, David Rogers and June Crowley sing “All I Ask of You” and “Think of Me”, followed by Rogers singing “Music of the Night”, from Phantom of the Opera.
Marcus Nance singing Show Boat’s “Old Man River” is a crowd pleaser, followed by Gilmour having some fun with “Blow Gabriel Blow”. Rebecca Poff provides comedy with “Arthur in the Afternoon”, and later she introduces the Dream songs with Abba’s “I have a Dream” from Mamma Mia.
Cory O’Brien sings “Mr. Cellophane” from Chicago, and later O’Brien and Rogers garner some laughter when they perform the duet “Agony” where two princes compare their sorrows in Into the Woods.

Cynthia Dale in Concert
Performed by Cynthia Dale
Accompanied by Charlene Nafziger

Cynthia Dale, is of course, well-known as Stratford’s leading lady of musicals, appearing such classics as Camelot, Man of LaMancha, My Fair Lady, Anything Goes and South Pacific. She brings selections from these shows and many more to Sarnia in concert. Among the audience favourites are “Meadowlark” from The Baker’s Wife and “Moon River”.
Dale is very personable, with friendly patter between songs. She talks about Pete (her husband, CBC National News anchor Peter Mansbridge), son Will, and their home in Stratford. She sings a very touching number dedicated to her young son.
She concludes with “Impossible Dream” as her encore number and gets a warm standing ovation.
It is indeed wonderful to see such high-calibre professionals in Sarnia’s Imperial Theatre. Credit goes to the local community theatre group, Theatre Sarnia, for restoring this old movie house to a beautiful Art Deco live theatre. My only concern with the venue is the seating: instead of staggering the rows of seats, the chairs are placed one directly behind another. For the Cynthia Dale concert, I was seated behind a woman who had beautiful upswept hair with large fluffy curls framing her head. It was nearly impossible to see Dale when she stood by the grand piano at centre stage, which she did much of the time.
Also part of the Starbright Summer Festival are two other productions: You’ve Got a Friend and Tuesdays with Morrie. You’ve Got a Friend features the Mantini Sisters and David Rogers singing favourites from the seventies. The Mantinis have been favourites on the stage at Victoria Playhouse, Petrolia. Tuesdays with Morrie is a poignant play written by Detroit Free Press columnist Mitch Albom about one his favourite professors. Cory O’Brien plays Mitch, while Aron Tager reprises the role of Morrie, which he performed so well at London’s Grand Theatre.
An amazing amount of talent assembled on one stage – Starbright Summer Festival is a wonderful surprise for Sarnia.
Starbright Summer Festival continues at the Imperial Theatre, Sarnia until August 16. For tickets, call the Imperial Theatre box office at 1-877-344-7469 or 519-344-7469 or see www.starbright.ca.

Mary Alderson offers her view of area theatre in this column on a regular basis. As well as being a fan of live theatre, she is a former journalist who is currently employed with the Ontario Association of Community Futures Development Corporations.

Harvest
Written by Ken Cameron
Directed by Robert More
Performed by Robin Craig and Patric Masurkevitch
Victoria Playhouse Petrolia
July 21 to August 8, 2009

Live! On Stage!
Review By Mary Alderson

The concept of retirement does not come easy to most farmers. They’ve said, “Farming is a way of life” so often that to cease farming might mean the end of life. Harvest, a warm comedy now playing at Victoria Playhouse Petrolia, explores one farming couple’s shift to retirement and what it means to their relationship.
Charlotte and Allan have finally decided to sell the farm and move into a condo in the city. A neighbour offers to buy the farm, but doesn’t want the house. The family home is severed from the farm, and Charlotte and Allan put it up for rent. They are thrilled when a nice young pilot is interested in it. They don’t want to be nosy landlords, but they drop by frequently to pick raspberries or check on the koi in the fishpond.
Without giving away the plot – it turns out the nice young pilot isn’t who he seems to be. Charlotte and Allan learn the hard way about a lifestyle very different from theirs, and fortunately, their marriage is strengthened.
Robin Craig as Charlotte and Patric Masurkevitch as Alan are excellent. I must confess that I sometimes cringe when I pick up the playbill and see only two names in the cast – especially since my preference is always the big cast musical. I worry that two people can’t keep up the required energy for an entire show, or that the writing won’t be adequate to support one person playing several roles. My fears have been unfounded twice in the past week: 2 pianos, 4 hands in Grand Bend and this production are both excellent examples of two people playing many parts and keeping the audience well-entertained.
Both Craig and Masurkevitch bring impressive experience to Petrolia’s stage. You may recognize Craig and her distinctive voice from playing Toppy Bailey on CBC’s Wind at my Back, or Spinner’s mother on DeGrassi – The New Generation. Masurkevitch has 28 years experience in theatre, and his bio states that he is still with this “original wife” which may account for his ability to portray the evolution of marriage so well.
Craig and Masurkevitch are excellent at playing many characters: they easily handle the East-European neighbour, the sketchy tenant in sunglasses, the police officer, and the local insurance agent. Comedy is provided when Masurkevitch plays a myriad of church ladies, all wearing different hats. As quickly as Craig could slap a different hat on his head, Masurkevitch changed accents or lisps to suit the hat. On opening night, the audience erupted in spontaneous applause for this hilarious scene.
Canadian playwright Ken Cameron has created a funny and heart-warming story. It’s completely believable – in fact, it is based on his parents’ real-life experience. Cameron grew up on a south-western Ontario farm, and wrote the play so that it can be adapted to any community. In the Petrolia version, we hear about friends down the road in Wyoming and other local place names. Credit goes to Director Robert More for making this a Lambton County story, and finding just the right mix of fun and poignancy.
The delight in Harvest is that it isn’t just meant for farmers. Anyone moving through the various stages of life can easily relate to Charlotte and Allan. It’s a wonderful way for a couple to spend an evening together.
Harvest continues with eight shows a week at Victoria Playhouse Petrolia until August 8. Call the box office at 1-800-717-7694 or (519) 882-1221 for tickets.
Mary Alderson offers her view of area theatre in this column on a regular basis. As well as being a fan of live theatre, she is a former journalist who is currently employed with the Ontario Association of Community Futures Development Corporations.

Story and photos by Casey Lessard

When Deb and Jim McCann bought a lakefront cottage last year, it came complete with a dead tree. Of course, they thought what anyone would: make a pirate.
“It’s an elm tree that was hit by lightning about four years ago,” Deb says. “The bark flew off it one winter and we got it cut down last fall. We left the stump, and Jim thought a pirate would look good looking out to sea.”
They asked around if anyone knew a carver, and the Wilhelms of Exeter suggested Paul Frenette, who had carved one of their trees. Frenette, of Kitchener, has been carving for five years.
“I carve all kinds of stuff, but my favourite to do is stump carving,” Frenette says. “Bring a tree back to life and give it a second life. I’ll do pretty much anything they ask, but if it’s up to me I do something mythical, like spirit faces, dragons, or gargoyles.”
For this project, he took his inspiration from the Wexford shipwreck off the Lake Huron coast, and from popular culture.
“I like pirates, so the Pirates of the Caribbean movie was the ultimate resource. I did a clay model of what I wanted to do, and I do that for complex jobs. Otherwise I carve what feels good.”
Neighbour Daphne Johnston is impressed.
“It’s terrific. I think it’s a very creative way to use a dead tree stump rather than cutting it up. It’s neat to have pirates guarding our little section of Elmwood.”
The pirate took several visits to complete, and is all freehand carving using a variety of tools.
“It’s about 99 per cent chainsaw, so I have five chainsaws of different sizes, and when I get to the details, I use chisels for eye balls and fine details I can’t get into with the chainsaw.”
With proper care, the carving can last a long time.
“I’ll use a wood hardener because it’s already been dead for four years. I’ll treat it and finish it. This should last 15 to 20 years if they take care of it. Ideally you would cut it off at the bottom, seal it and reattach it. Then it would last forever because water’s not getting into from the bottom.”
Frenette’s clients include homeowners like the McCanns and several Kitchener area golf courses. For more information, visit http://www.rantandrave.ca or call 519-744-9544.

Story by Casey Lessard

Fresh out of college, fresh-faced Thomas Alderson of Strathroy is hogging the spotlight in Camelot, playing now to July 25 at the Huron Country Playhouse.
“It’s a dream come true,” says the 21-year-old, whose mother Mary writes theatre reviews GrandBendStrip.com and other newspapers. “I grew up coming to see every show here for the last 20 years, and I always joked with my mom that if I ever lived in Grand Bend, I would come and live with her. I was thinking that would be a few years from now. I just graduated from Sheridan College two months ago, and I was so lucky to get this job.”
Luck seems to have little to do with it; Alderson perfectly portrays the conniving Mordred, who draws the play to its climax. Still, Alderson believes fortune played a role in getting him here.
“It was all luck,” he says. “Drayton Entertainment did High School Musical live and because I look young, that’s a show I can be in, right? Through that, I got an audition for Camelot and the stars aligned.”
The role of villain is a new experience for Alderson, and he says he needs to stay focused because of the fact that he plays such a pivotal part.
“I don’t come in until intermission, so I have time to do my hair the way I like it and get ready. Then I hide in the tree before I come out, and I listen to their (Arthur and Guenevere’s) song. It’s like Mordred’s actually spying on them. I’m able to plot and then I come out and give ‘er.”
And he’ll be “givin’ ‘er” for a while. The show is going on tour across North America from October to March, with a stop at the John Labatt Centre in London.
“When I heard the possibility this would go on tour, I thought that was crazy. That IS my dream come true. That takes us through to March. After that, who knows? Maybe back here again.”
And back in with mom. Why not? At this pace, he’s got a long career away from home ahead of him.
For tickets, call the box office at 519-238-6000 or visit http://www.huroncountryplayhouse.com

Review by Casey Lessard

It’s a good thing 2 Pianos 4 Hands is running most of the summer at Huron Country Playhouse II – it’s good enough that there should be no empty seats all summer. The comedic musical (versus a musical comedy) centres around two pianists and their careers starting from their first lessons to the moments they have to decide whether they will make a career out of classical music.
Jonathan Monro has been portraying Ted Dykstra “on and off for 11 years”, while Patrick Burwell takes his first swing at the role of Richard Greenblatt. Dykstra and Greenblatt wrote the play; Greenblatt directs the Playhouse staging.
“It’s really hard to cast this show,” Monro says, “and once they have people they don’t really like to find new ones for a long time. The first thing I did was the U.S. tour and we went everywhere for that.”
“One of the challenges is that you have to play and act and do physical comedy at the same time,” Burwell says. “Jonathan has been a big help.”
In the play, the two characters dream of playing Carnegie Hall one day, but Monro actually did as a teenager.
“I started out as a classical pianist; that was my career path. Then so many things happen to block the way of that occurring. This show showed me there’s life after the death of my career as a pianist.”
And that life, ironically for Monro, has included 11 years of portraying a pianist. His practice has paid off; a must-see for music lovers and anyone who had to endure any kind of lessons or coaching as a child.
2 Pianos 4 Hands runs through August 29. For tickets: 519-238-6000 or visit http://www.huroncountryplayhouse.com.

Late night television fans have the opportunity to see Jimmy Fallon’s Late Night house band, The Roots, when they perform at the Cutting Edge Music Festival August 2 at the Motorplex. Named by Rolling Stone Magazine as one of the “twenty greatest live acts in the world,” The Roots are releasing a new album this summer. The eight-piece Philadelphia hip-hop band has performed with such greats as Paul Simon, Public Enemy, Beastie Boys, and Mos Def.

It may sound like an odd place for a metal concert, but the Grand Bend Legion will host four metal bands, including Toronto’s To Cherish, Battlesoul from London, Grizzly from Wingham and a band yet to be announced. Also on the roster are indie rockers Blaze ‘n’ Murder of Wingham and punk group Streetcore of Clinton/Bayfield. The show is July 25 at the Grand Bend Legion.

Community/Charity

Tuesdays
10 a.m. to 2 p.m. – Pt Franks Comm Ctr.
Kids Matter. Join us as we crochet sleeping mats out of milk bags to send to the children in Africa and South America. Bring your lunch, scissors and a #7 crochet hook. Peggy Smith at 519-296-5834 for details.

7 p.m. – Grand Bend Legion
Bingo

Fridays
5 to 7 p.m. – Grand Bend Legion
Meat Draw

Wednesday, July 22
12:30 p.m. – GB Legion parking lot
Grand Bend Men’s Probus Club Picnic and Fun Car Rally. First team will depart at 1:01. Picnic at Port Blake.

Monday, July 27
7 p.m. – Grand Bend Legion
Grand Bend Horticultural Society. Astrid Eastman – Recycling junk into art and homemade garden tonics for plants and the lawn. Flower show – format to be announced.

Sunday, August 9
South Huron Trail, near Exeter
South Huron Trail Run. To register visit www.shbbbs.on.ca or visit Runners Choice. Two runs an 8km and a 2km fun run. Call 226-268-3871 or cw@shbbbs.on.ca

Arts & Entertainment

Wednesdays
6:30 to 9 p.m. to August 26
Life Drawing Group (Space limited; pre-registration required)

Fridays
1:30 to 3:30 p.m. – GB Youth Centre
Grand Bend Drum Circle. Contact Anita at the Youth Centre or call 519-238-8759.

Saturday, July 25
9 a.m. – 4 p.m. – GB Art Centre
Workshop: Plug Into Your Creativity – Conquer Your Fear with Suzette Terry. $80 non-members; $75 members. Pre-register 519-238-8978 or grbartcentre@hay.net

3 to 6 p.m. – Grand Bend Legion
Live Music with Don Harvey

Monday, July 27
1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. – GB Art Centre
Paint with Teresa Marie. For cost and to pre-register 519-238-8978 or grbartcentre@hay.net

Wednesday, July 29
9 a.m. – 4 p.m. – GB Art Centre
Workshop: Paint Landscapes From Your Photographs–Cheryl O. $80 non-members; $75 members. Pre-register 519-238-8978 or grbartcentre@hay.net

Thursday, July 30
9 a.m. – 4 p.m. – GB Art Centre
Workshop: Paint Landscapes From Your Photographs (Day 2) – Cheryl O. $80 non-members; $75 members. Pre-register 519-238-8978 or grbartcentre@hay.net

Friday, July 31
9 a.m. – 4 p.m. – GB Art Centre
Workshop: Painting Reflections In Water with Teresa Marie. $80 non-members; $75 members. Pre-register 519-238-8978 or grbartcentre@hay.net

Saturday, August 1
9 a.m. – 4 p.m. – GB Art Centre
Jewellery Workshop: Precious Metal Clay Pendant – Pat Wilde. $80 non-members; $75 members. Pre-register 519-238-8978 or grbartcentre@hay.net

3 to 6 p.m. – Grand Bend Legion
Live Music with Murray Andrew

Sunday, August 2
9 a.m. – 4 p.m. – GB Art Centre
Jewellery Workshop: Precious Metal Clay Bracelet or Watch with Pat Wilde. $80 non-members; $75 members. Pre-register 519-238-8978 or grbartcentre@hay.net

Thursday, August 6
9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. – GB Art Centre
Photography Workshop (Beginners – part 1 of 2) with Mary Lynn Fluter. $80 non-members; $75 members. Pre-register 519-238-8978 or grbartcentre@hay.net

Saturday, August 8
10 a.m. to 6 p.m. – GB Art Centre
Aquafest. Open House and Registration

Health & Fitness

Mondays
8 to 9 a.m. – Lion’s Pavilion (by BMO)
Workout for Your Life. $8/class; $5 spouses/students. Beth Sweeney, (519) 238-5555.

10:30 to 11:45 a.m. – Pt. Franks
Beginner Yoga, Session dates July 27 – Aug 31. 519-243-3548 or www.annesyogaworks.com

6:45 to 8 p.m. – Pt. Franks
Beginner/Intermediate Yoga, Session dates July 20 to Aug 31 – 519-243-3548 or www.annesyogaworks.com

Tuesdays
9 a.m. – Pt Franks Community Centre
Healthy Lifestyle Exercise Program. Free!! Everyone welcome. Contact Cindy Maxfield, GBACHC, 519-238-1556 ext 6

9:30 to 10:30 a.m. – Pt. Franks
DROP IN Yoga/Pilates for Adults. Residents and Tourists Welcome – 519-243-3548 or www.annesyogaworks.com

1:30 to 2:15 p.m. – Pt. Franks
DROP IN Kids Yoga – 519-243-3548 or www.annesyogaworks.com
Tuesdays
6 to 7 p.m. – McNaughton Park pavilion, Exeter
Workout for Your Life. $8/class; $5 spouses/students. Beth Sweeney, (519) 238-5555.

Wednesdays
8 to 9 a.m. – Lion’s Pavilion, by BMO
Workout for Your Life. $8/class; $5 spouses/students. Beth Sweeney, (519) 238-5555.

8:45 to 10 a.m. – Pt. Franks
Experienced Yoga, Session Dates July 29 – August 26 – 519-243-3548 or www.annesyogaworks.com

10:15 to 11:30 a.m. – Pt. Franks
Pilates Mat 1, Session Dates July 29 – August 26 – 519-243-3548 or www.annesyogaworks.com

6 to 7 p.m. – McNaughton Park pavilion, Exeter
Workout for Your Life. $8/class; $5 spouses/students. Beth Sweeney, (519) 238-5555.

Thursdays
9 a.m. – Pt Franks Community Centre
Healthy Lifestyle Exercise Program. Free!! Everyone welcome. Contact Cindy Maxfield, GBACHC, 519-238-1556 ext 6

Fridays
8 to 9 a.m. – Lion’s Pavilion, by BMO
Workout for Your Life. $8/class; $5 spouses/students. Beth Sweeney, (519) 238-5555.

Wednesday, July 29
10 a.m. to 1 p.m. – Grand Bend CHC
Men Can Cook. Advance your cooking skills and enjoy a tasty healthy lunch for $5. Contact Miranda at 519-238-1556 ext 222.

1:30 p.m. – Grand Bend CHC
Mental Health Support Group. Contact Social Worker Lise Callahan at 519-238-1556 ext 230 for more info.

Thursday, July 30
2 to 4 p.m. – GB CHC Adult Wing
Community Blood Pressure Clinic. Have your blood pressure checked free.

2 Pianos 4 Hands
Written by Richard Greenblatt and Ted Dykstra
Directed by Richard Greenblatt
Performed by Patrick Burwell and Jonathan Monro
Drayton Entertainment Production
Playhouse II, Grand Bend
July 15 to August 29, 2009

Live! On Stage!
Review by Mary Alderson

Anyone who has ever taken piano lessons and hated it when your mother forced you to practise every night for one full hour, will appreciate the opening of 2 Pianos 4 Hands. Any parent who has paced in the hallway, straining to listen while your son or daughter struggles through a Conservatory piano exam, will enjoy this show.
2 Pianos 4 Hands is a funny and touching musical comedy currently on stage at Playhouse II, inside the old barn beside Huron Country Playhouse in Grand Bend. Playhouse II’s intimate space is perfect for this production as we get to know the characters well.
The story is semi-autobiographical, written by Richard Greenblatt and Ted Dykstra, two Canadian actors/pianists who realized that they had the same experience growing up and learning to play piano. They collaborated on the play, which was first performed in 1994 in Toronto. Since then, it has been off-Broadway, all across Canada and the U.S., as well as London, England; South Africa and Japan. It’s been called Canada’s most successful musical comedy. Greenblatt and Dykstra originally played the roles themselves, but many others have followed, including female performers playing characters Rachel and Thea.
The story starts off with Richard and Ted as little boys. While one is at the piano, the other plays a strict parent or a strange piano teacher. We’re with them as they prepare for the music festival, and the elderly Kiwanis member stumbles through the introductions while the bizarre adjudicator offers words of advice. There is an assortment of eccentric piano teachers as the boys cram for conservatory exams and practise their ear training. Somewhere along their journey, the emphasis shifts from trying to avoid practise to spending every spare minute at the piano. As nerdy teenagers they are told to find other interests and get out more. Finally comes the crushing blow – reality sets in and they realize they aren’t going to be classical concert pianists. Harsh teachers tell them they are good, just not good enough.
Patrick Burwell plays Richard, and Jonathan Monro plays Ted. Both are accomplished pianists and excellent comedic actors. With author and performer Richard Greenblatt directing, we can rest assured that this production is exactly as it was intended to be.
The music played ranges from Bach, Beethoven and Mozart to Heart and Soul and Chopsticks. Among the great classical music is a pop medley including Elton John, John Lennon and even Linus’ song in the Peanuts movies.
It’s a poignant everyman story – from the kid on the hockey rink who’s sure he’ll make the NHL but gets cut from the try-outs, to the smart university student who can’t get the marks for med school. Sometimes the dream doesn’t always unfold as hoped, but the journey is always interesting, and in this case funny, emotional and entertaining.
Fortunately for Richard and Ted, they do move on in the world of entertainment – acting, directing and writing a wonderful musical comedy. The result is worth seeing.
2 Pianos 4 Hands continues with eight shows a week until August 29 at Playhouse II, Grand Bend. Tickets are available at the Huron Country Playhouse box office at (519) 238-6000, Drayton Entertainment at 1-888-449-4463 or at www.draytonentertainment.com.

Mary Alderson offers her view of area theatre in this column on a regular basis. As well as being a fan of live theatre, she is a former journalist who is currently employed with the Ontario Association of Community Futures Development Corporations.

I’ll Be Back Before Midnight
Written by Peter Colley
Directed by Robert More
Performed by Susie Burnett, Terry V. Hart, Andy Pogson, Elana Post
Theatre Orangeville/Victoria Playhouse Production
Victoria Playhouse, Petrolia
June 30 to July 18, 2009

Live! On Stage!
By Mary Alderson

If you enjoy a thriller with dark moments of horror, then you’ll like I’ll Be Back Before Midnight, currently running at Victoria Playhouse Petrolia.
Jan (Susie Burnett) is just out of the hospital after an extended stay, and her husband Greg (Andy Pogson) decides that relaxation in a desolate country farmhouse is just what she needs. The farmer next door (and owner of the house), George, (drops by and mentions that it’s haunted, of course. Then Greg’s sister comes to visit, much to Jan’s dismay… and that’s all that can be told without spoiling the thrills and chills.
The first act is slow to unfold. But that is an inherent problem with a murder mystery or thriller story. Setting up the mystery requires a lot of exposition: the audience needs to know all the characters and understand how they came to be in this house, and pains must be taken to make it all plausible. If the playwright asks too much of the audience, they won’t be open to the big scares. The writer also has to set up the killer, ensuring that it’s feasible, and then set up the “red herrings” so that the audience starts guessing who is going to die and “who done it”.
In act two, the action takes place, and certainly in this story there is plenty as it builds to the conclusion. Susie Burnett is good as the troubled wife – the character waivers between nervousness, giddiness and anger. Burnett will be remembered for her past roles in farces at VPP, such as Too Many Cooks and Confessions of a Dirty Blonde. She proves she can handle mystery as well as comedy. Andy Pogson is excellent as the loving husband and brother – he’s had experience at VPP’s thrillers – he was the bumbling idiot in 2004’s Thumbs. In 2006, he played the pot-smoking son in one of my favourites, Test Drive. Elana Post is great as the sister with attitude, and she wears her make-up well. Terry V. Hart provides the comedy as George the farmer – when Greg introduces his wife, George assumes they are newlyweds, but Greg explains she’s not a new bride. “Very few are these days,” George quips. Hart is skilled at getting the audience on his side, having them laughing, and then surprising them. His humourous performance is reminiscent of Tom Poston’s portrayal of George Utley, the Stratford Inn handyman on the 1980’s TV show, Newhart.
The set — a realistic farmhouse living room – is very well done, and the special effects impressive. The lighting is excellent, taking us back and forth between dim nights to bright lights: possibly one of the best-lit shows at VPP.
This play was first performed at the Blyth Festival in 1979. It’s interesting to see the changes in 30 years. Groceries arrive in brown paper bags. The cassette tape player has an important role, as does the dial phone. The lack of cell phones is certainly a key factor – if characters could easily call police, the action would come to an early end.
In a salute to the late Michael Jackson, his song Thriller was playing as the audience left the theatre on opening night.
I’ll Be Back Before Midnight continues with eight shows a week at Victoria Playhouse Petrolia until July 18. Call the box office at 1-800-717-7694 or (519) 882-1221 for tickets.

Mary Alderson offers her view of area theatre in this column on a regular basis. As well as being a fan of live theatre, she is a former journalist who is currently employed with the Ontario Association of Community Futures Development Corporations.

Camelot
Disclaimer: the reviewer’s son appears in this production
Book & lyrics by Alan Jay Lerner
Music by Fredrick Loewe
Directed by Timothy French
Musical Direction by Stephen Woodjetts
Performed by Jayme Armstrong, Mark Harapiak, Gabriel Burrafato, William Fisher, Thomas Alderson, and company
Drayton Entertainment Production
Huron Country Playhouse, Grand Bend
July 8 – 25, 2009

Live! On Stage!
Review by Mary Alderson

It is said that John F. Kennedy loved the Broadway show Camelot. He asked that the cast recording be played throughout the White House. His short tenure as U.S. President has been compared to the kingdom of Camelot’s brief shining moment. In both cases, idyllic civilizations were destroyed by human weakness.
Camelot, now playing at Huron Country Playhouse in Grand Bend, offers three shining hours of superior entertainment. Director Tim French and Musical Director Stephen Woodjetts have brought together a high-quality cast of great voices to tell this timeless musical story.
Young Arthur, nicknamed Wart, reluctantly becomes King of all England when he pulls the sword Excalibur out of the stone. He grows up at Camelot and resolves to build a utopian kingdom. When a marriage is arranged between Guenevere and Arthur, they are both nervous and shy, but soon fall in love. Camelot becomes the perfect place where by decree, it can only rain at night, and the amount of snow is regulated.
Arthur decides that rather than fighting, knights should be out doing good deeds. They gather at the round table (where there can be no jealously as all are equals) to come up with ways to improve civilization. When Lancelot hears about this in France, he travels to Camelot to join the Round Table. Lancelot is so self-righteous that Queen Guenevere mocks him, but she comes to appreciate his purity and they fall in love, even though they both love and respect Arthur. King Arthur turns a blind eye to the affair, but it causes unrest in the court. The elderly King Pellinore is caught in the middle as the kingdom starts to unravel. Then Mordred, Arthur’s illegitimate son shows up, jealously points out the hypocrisy, and destroys Camelot.
There is also fantasy in the plot. Merlyn is Arthur’s mentor, Nimue is a fairy spirit and Morgan Le Fey is a sorceress who assists Mordred in plotting against the Royals.
The casting is excellent. Jayme Armstrong takes Guenevere on a journey, from a spirited young bride to a frightened adulterer. Armstrong will be remembered as the 2nd runner up on CBC TV’s “How do You Solve a Problem Like Maria?” Her beautiful voice is reminiscent of Julie Andrews on the original cast recording. Mark Harapiak is a perfect King Arthur – strong and commanding attention, but at the same time, very human and vulnerable. Gabriel Burrafato channels the late Robert Goulet when singing the show-stopper “If ever I would leave you”. He plays an understated Lancelot, but it works well in endearing the audience to him.
Great credit goes to William Fisher in the dual roles of Merlyn and Pellinore. Douglas Chamberlain was originally cast in the two roles; but unfortunately, he suffered a medical emergency during final rehearsals and could not carry on with the show. Fisher came in at the last minute, performing on opening night with script in hand. Nevertheless, Fisher had the audience’s full attention and was a given a loud and long round of applause, for his delightful and humourous portrayal of both characters.
My son, Thomas Alderson, plays the evil villain, Mordred. It’s difficult for me to be objective – I enjoyed seeing him in the malevolent role, with his surprise entrance. The audience appreciates his sarcastic solo “The Seven Deadly Virtues” and his rousing number with the knights “Fie on Goodness”. Susan Johnston Collins is wickedly charming as Morgan Le Fey, especially as she and Mordred tease each other. Linda Gallant is enchanting as Nimue, singing with great clarity. Henry Firmston, a youngster from London, plays little Wart at the beginning and young Tommy at the end of the show.
The rest of the Ladies of the Court and Knights of the Round Table are all strong singers, each bringing unique personalities to their characters. The chorus numbers highlight their truly outstanding voices.
There are many delightful costume changes, with colourful dresses on the ladies, and golden gowns for Guenevere. Similarly, the men all have colourful medieval costumes and make several changes. The jousting knights wear convincing armour and chain mail.
The set is the only disappointment in this production. The tree and castle wall are abstracts, and resemble a poor quality digital photo with boxy pixels. In the May Pole dance, the pole looks wobbly, and the “rocks” aren’t convincing when they turn into the famous round table.
If you can’t make it to Huron Country Playhouse to see Camelot before it closes July 25, there is still a possibility to catch it. Drayton Entertainment has once again contracted with a New York company and this production is going on a North American tour. In fact, it will be in London at the John Labatt Centre January 10th and 11th, as part of their Broadway in London season. But best to see it now with better sightlines and acoustics than an arena.
Camelot continues with eight shows a week until July 25 at Huron Country Playhouse, Grand Bend. Tickets are available at the Huron Country Playhouse box office at (519) 238-6000, Drayton Entertainment at 1-888-449-4463, or www.draytonentertainment.com.

Mary Alderson offers her view of area theatre in this column on a regular basis. As well as being a fan of live theatre, she is a former journalist who is currently employed with the Ontario Association of Community Futures Development Corporations.

View from the Strip
By Casey Lessard

I want to send my gratitude to everyone who came to my art exhibition opening over the weekend. It was not only a pleasure to see old faces, but also to see the silent supporters who had never previously said hello. I had people visiting from as far away as England and Denmark (thanks for coming Darren). I am especially grateful to the few, including the Brits, who supported me by buying my work; you know who you are, and I hope others follow your example. It proves to me that the work I’m doing is valued, so thank you very much.
Thank you also to Anjhela for performing, and to Tony and Lorraine for hosting. As always, my mom is my biggest fan, so thank you especially. The show continues until the 26th, so be sure to stop by Bliss Studio in Port Franks when you get a chance.
Thanks also to you, the people who are reading this paper right now. If you have this in your hands, it means that you believe in what I’m doing, and for that I’m grateful. If you’re not a subscriber, I hope you will consider signing up as it is the best way to give me the flexibility to cover events and find stories that no one else is covering. This area is full of interesting stories, and I do my best to report on as many as possible.
It’s a short summer, and we’re already into it. Enjoy the good weather when it comes, and stay safe.

Bob Teskey was “a good listener and companion.” This week, his wife Barb pays tribute to his legacy by walking in the Relay for Life. Her lesson: live your dreams.

Originally from Sarnia, retired teacher’s assistant Barb Teskey, 58, and her family are participating as team Family Ties in Grand Bend’s 12 hour Relay for Life at Klondyke Sports Park July 10 and 11. The survivor lap starts at 7 p.m.
Teskey’s husband Bob was a teacher for 30 years, and was six months away from retiring from Cathcart Public School when he was diagnosed with pneumonia. Two weeks later, doctors had bad news: he had lung cancer, and it had already spread to his bones. Despite radiation on his hip, Barb and Bob received disheartening news on February 14, 2005: Bob would have to move into palliative care. Bob Teskey died two months later aged 54. He left behind two sons, and an expectant daughter-in-law.

As told to Casey Lessard
Photos courtesy Barb Teskey

Bob was a good companion. I miss his presence. I used to go out and walk all the time and knew that he was there waiting for me. Coming home at night and knowing that he’s not here to greet me and be here for me – you just have to cope. You have to go on.

Bob and I were born and raised in London, and we went to the same high school. There were a bunch of us who hung out in a coffee shop after high school, and we knew each other and had been friends for a long time.
We were very good friends, so it was difficult to make that leap into romance. It just happened. Then we decided that we would be together. He had a wonderful sense of humour, and I think that’s why I was attracted to him. We had a lot of the same interests. Our favourite thing to do in Sarnia was walk in Canatara Park, and we spent a lot of time at a cottage in Kettle Point until the boys were 16. We always loved being at the beach and having a cottage. When he passed away, I knew a lake setting was where he would have loved to have been.

With the pneumonia, we just assumed he would be okay. He was on medication for a couple weeks and it wasn’t going away. He went in for another x-ray and they saw a mass on his lung. In the original x-ray, it wasn’t there. You’re in a state of shock, and that point we weren’t aware of how aggressive it was. But it became very apparent that it was moving very quickly. It was Valentine’s Day that he had to go into palliative care. The cancer left him paralyzed from the waist down from that point.
It doesn’t even give you enough time to think and to process it. You’re also in some denial that this is meaning that it’s the end. We hadn’t really wanted to believe it.
He never once complained. He told me, “Barb, there are worse things with parents losing children to it.” He didn’t seem frightened. He didn’t say, Why me? He was very brave through the whole thing.
His battle with cancer was very short. It was such an aggressive cancer, and for the last two months of his life, I lived in palliative care with him. We had all the comforts we needed, but it was a difficult time, especially at the end when he lost consciousness. The last few days were very tough, just sitting beside him.
He was so looking forward to retiring and pursuing other interests, such as traveling. In an instant, your life is changed.
When he was in palliative care, he was quite ill when I found out that our son and daughter-in-law were going to have our first grandchild, so I very much miss that he didn’t get a chance to meet his grandchildren. That’s one of the toughest things because we were looking forward to being grandparents. I believe he is with us and knows that he has a lovely granddaughter and grandson.

He asked my daughter-in-law to make up photo boards for the funeral home, so she made them up really quickly so we could have them. We had the pictures in his room so that when people came in, we would talk about all the different pictures. It made it easier because we would talk about old memories. We didn’t really talk about his passing that much, other than he and I personally. We would just talk happy memories. A friend taped an interview with him for many hours, which I haven’t yet been able to listen to. He tells me he hasn’t yet, either.
Because he was a Grade 8 teacher and young – he was only 54 when he died – of course, the children were devastated. He received all kinds of wonderful messages from the kids and parents.
This was the first time my children had to go to a funeral, and it had to be their father. They were both overwhelmed by the number of people who were there. It was very difficult for them.

Because this happened so quickly, we didn’t have time to prepare. If there’s anything you want to do in life, don’t put it off. You don’t know when your day is going to come.
I was nervous I wouldn’t have a travel partner, but people always call. I basically say yes to everything people offer. Wherever they want to go, I’ll go. It’s very important to be happy and live your dreams before anything happens to you. Do what you want to do.
We shared wonderful times together. I know he would have loved being up here at the water with me. It’s very difficult that he’s not able to share this with me.

Barb recommends everyone should attend or participate in a Relay for Life. To donate, visit www.cancer.ca/relay

Leading lady in Camelot was finalist on CBC’s How Do You Solve a Problem Like Maria

Fifty years after celebrated musical writers Alan Jay Lerner and Frederick Loewe wrote the hit, Camelot makes its Huron Country Playhouse debut this week, with eight shows a week from July 8 to 25. Set in medieval England, the musical – from the team that created My Fair Lady, which appeared at the Playhouse last year – tells the story of King Arthur, his Queen Guenevere, and her lover Lancelot.
“The Huron Country Playhouse is renowned for staging extraordinary musicals, and this production is no exception,” Drayton Entertainment artistic director Alex Mustakas said in a release. “I am thrilled to have the opportunity to present this spectacular production to our audiences in Grand Bend for the first time.”
Full of action, magic, and romance, Camelot is billed as a musical for everyone. The original Broadway production won four Tony awards, and spawned a film version that won three Oscars. Jayme Armstrong, a contestant on How Do You Solve a Problem Like Maria, takes the lead role of Queen Guenevere, made famous by Julie Andrews. Mark Harapiak is King Arthur, and Gabriel Burrafato plays Sir Lancelot. In all, the cast consists of 16 performers under the direction of Timothy French.
Tickets for Camelot can be ordered by calling the Huron Country Playhouse Box Office at (519) 238-6000 or toll free at 1-888-449-4463. To find out more about the 2009 season, visit www.huroncountryplayhouse.com.

Community/Charity

Tuesdays
10 a.m. to 2 p.m. – Pt. Franks Comm Ctr
Kids Matter every Tuesday. Join us as we crochet sleeping mats out of milk bags to send to the children in Africa and South America. Bring your lunch, scissors and a #7 crochet hook. Call Peggy Smith at 519-296-5834 for details.

7 p.m. – Grand Bend Legion
Bingo

Fridays
5 to 7 p.m. – Grand Bend Legion
Meat Draw

Friday, July 10-11
7 p.m. to 7 a.m. – Klondyke Sports Park (9989 Klondyke Rd. Grand Bend)
Relay for Life. Teams of 10 people walk, run, or stroll in this overnight event to raise money for cancer research, education and prevention. Participants pay $10 registration fee and raise a minimum of $100. Register at www.cancer.ca/relay. Registration forms available at Grand Bend Chamber of Commerce and Bank of Montreal. For further info call (519) 238-2297 or (519) 238-6361.

Saturday, July 11
8:30 a.m. – Port Franks Comm. Ctr.
Family Fishing Day weekend. Free for all kids. There is no license required to fish on these days. Meet at the parking lot by 8:30am.  Bring your fishing gear, your enthusiasm and we will provide worms for the fish. Hot dogs and pop will be provided at noon for our young fisherpersons. For more information contact Jim 243-2003 or John 243-3741.

Monday, July 13 to Friday, July 17
9 a.m. to 12 p.m. – Pinery Baptist Church, Northville
Vacation Bible School. Children 4-12. Pre-registration July 11 10 a.m. to noon.

Saturday, July 18
11 a.m. to 4 p.m. – South Huron Ag Building (behind rec centre)
Big Brothers, Big Sisters Children’s Festival. Come visit the many stations, enjoy lunch, watch stage shows, and be part of our talent show. All children receive 5 tickets. Additional tickets are 25 cents each. For more, visit www.shbbbs.on.ca

Tuesday, July 21
9 a.m. – Port Franks comm. centre
Euchre-Rama. Join the Port Franks Seniors for coffee at 9 a.m. and games at 10 a.m. Cost is $6.00 per person which includes lunch. Everyone is welcome. For further information call 519-243-3844 or 243-1126.

Wednesday, July 22
12:30 p.m. – Grand Bend Legion parking lot
Grand Bend Men’s Probus Club Picnic and Fun Car Rally. First team will depart at 1:01. Picnic at Port Blake Conservation Area.

Arts & Entertainment

Wednesdays
to August 26
6:30 to 9 p.m. to August 26
Life Drawing Group (Space limited; pre-registration required)

Fridays
1:30 to 3:30 p.m. – Grand Bend Youth Centre
Grand Bend Drum Circle. Contact Anita at the Youth Centre or call 519-238-8759.

Saturday, July 11 & 12
9 a.m. – 4 p.m. (pre-registration required) – Grand Bend Art Centre
Jewellery Workshop: Precious Metal Clay Ring with Pat Wilde. $80 non-members; $75 members; ask about fees for partial days. To register or for more information: 519-238-8978 or grbartcentre@hay.net

3 to 6 p.m. – Grand Bend Legion
Live Music with Bob Finlay

Saturday, July 18
9 a.m. – 4 p.m. (pre-registration required) – Grand Bend Art Centre
Workshop: Turn on the Light in Watercolour Painting with Mary Abma. $80 non-members; $75 members; ask about fees for partial days. To register or for more information: 519-238-8978 or grbartcentre@hay.net

3 to 6 p.m. – Grand Bend Legion
Live Music with Ben Shane & Bobby K

Health & Fitness

Mondays
8 to 9 a.m. – Lion’s Pavilion, by Legion
Workout for Your Life. $8 per class; $5 for spouses and students. Call Beth Sweeney, (519) 238-5555.

Tuesdays
9 a.m. – Port Franks Comm. Centre
Healthy Lifestyle Exercise Program. Program includes warm up, low impact aerobic workout, strength work and stretching. Sponsored in part by Healthy Living Lambton. Cost: Free!! Everyone welcome. Contact Cindy Maxfield, Health Promoter, 519-238-1556 ext 6 to register.

9:30 to 10:30 a.m. – Anne’s Yoga Works studio, Port Franks
Starting July 7 until July 30. Yoga Classes. Starting July 7 until July 30. Info and registration call Anne 519-243-3552 or visit annesyogaworks.com . Beginners welcome. 

1:30 to 2:15 p.m. – Anne’s Yoga Works studio, Port Franks
Kid’s Yoga Classes. Starting July 7 until July 30. Info and registration call Anne 519-243-3552 or visit annesyogaworks.com . Beginners welcome. 

6 to 7 p.m. – McNaughton Park pavilion, Exeter
Workout for Your Life. $8 per class; $5 for gym members, spouses and students. Call Beth Sweeney, (519) 238-5555.

Wednesdays
8 to 9 a.m. – Lion’s Pavilion, by Legion
Workout for Your Life. $8 per class; $5 for spouses and students. Call Beth Sweeney, (519) 238-5555.

6 to 7 p.m. – McNaughton Park pavilion, Exeter
Workout for Your Life. $8 per class; $5 for gym members, spouses and students. Call Beth Sweeney, (519) 238-5555.

Thursdays
9 a.m. – Port Franks Community Centre
Healthy Lifestyle Exercise Program. Program includes warm up, low impact aerobic workout, strength work and stretching. Sponsored in part by Healthy Living Lambton. Cost: Free!! Everyone welcome. Contact Cindy Maxfield, Health Promoter at the GBACHC, 519-238-1556 ext 6 to register.

Fridays
8 to 9 a.m. – Lion’s Pavilion, behind BMO
Workout for Your Life. $8 per class; $5 for spouses and students. Call Beth Sweeney, (519) 238-5555.

Monday, July 13
8 a.m. – Birch Bark Campground
Swimming Lessons. Three weeks. All ages. For more information, call Jacqueline at 519-236-4958.

Thursday, July 16
10 a.m. to 2 p.m. – Blessings Community Store, Zurich
Cooking Outside of the Box. Taste test and get ideas for yummy, low-cost, healthy recipes! Utilizing the Good Food Box. Call Miranda at 519-238-1556 ext 222

Blue Champagne
Conceived & Written by Ken John Grant
Musical Arrangements by Bob Ashley, Ted Shadbolt, Dan Parr
Directed & choreographed by David Connolly
Performed by Michael Killinger, Marianne McCord, Leah Oster, Stephanie Roth, Michael Torontow
Music Performed by Charles T. Cozens & Robert Mills
Drayton Entertainment Production
Huron Country Playhouse, Grand Bend
June 24 to July 4, 2009

Live! On Stage!
Review by Mary Alderson

For those who remember the 1940s, there’s a nostalgia trip to be taken at Huron Country Playhouse. Blue Champagne, billed as a musical flashback to the 1940s, offers 65 songs from that era.
The production pretends to be a radio show. The songs are categorized into sets such as Swing Medley, Hollywood Medley, Juke Box Medley and even a War Medley. One song flows into the next and then between sets, the audience is treated to commercials and newscasts. Old favourites like “Campbell Soup is Mmm-Mmm Good” and Chesterfield Cigarettes with their promise of smoke dreams are promoted.
Some of the numbers are real crowd pleasers. “The Trolley Song” featuring Leah Oster is a favourite, as is “Comin’ in on a Wing” with Stephanie Roth. Later in the show, the wartime favourite “Lilli Marlene” with Marianne McCord has patrons singing along. Michael Killinger and Michael Torontow round out the cast. In some songs, all five cast members harmonize creating a “Manhattan Transfer” sound, in other numbers they perform solo, in duets or trios and so on. The show demands good voices and high-energy to keep up the fast pace of one song after another, and this cast delivers.
The female cast members have great 1940s hairdos and the costumes seem authentic. The set is an Art Deco stage, with old-fashioned microphones set up, as if it were a radio broadcast before a live audience. At one side of the stage is a radio programming office and on the other side is a living room with a big old radio beside a chair.
One of the characters tap-dances along with the music. When she tires, she takes off her shoes and taps them on the desk, giving radio listeners the sound of tap-dancing, to the laughter of the audience. The old commercials and newscasts could have been great vehicles to bring in more comedy, but they fell short. There is certainly the potential for more laughs that isn’t fully exploited.
It isn’t often that I get to use the phrase “I’m too young” anymore, but on opening night, I actually felt too young to fully appreciate this show. However, for those with a fondness for the sound of the forties, it’s a great night out.

Blue Champagne continues with eight shows a week until July 4 at Huron Country Playhouse, Grand Bend. Tickets are available at the Huron Country Playhouse box office at (519) 238-6000, Drayton Entertainment at 1-888-449-4463, or check www.draytonentertainment.com

Mary Alderson offers her view of area theatre in this column on a regular basis. As well as being a fan of live theatre, she is a former journalist who is currently employed with the Ontario Association of Community Futures Development Corporations.

A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum
Book by Burt Shevelove & Larry Gelbart
Music and Lyrics by Stephen Sondheim
Directed by Des McAnuff
Choreographed by Wayne Cilento
Musical direction by Franklin Brasz
Stratford Shakespeare Festival Production
Avon Theatre, Stratford
June 20 to November 1, 2009

Live! On Stage!
Review by Mary Alderson

From the minute the Proteans’ heads pop up between the curtains, you know you are in for a funny show. Physical comedy and farcical situations are the hallmarks of Stratford’s A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, which opened Saturday at the Avon Theatre.
If you are a fan of the kind of comedy found on 1960’s television, then you’ll love this production. From the Three Stooges smacking each other, to Dick Van Dyke tripping over the footstool, or Carol Burnett’s crazy faces to Tim Conway’s deadpan looks – this production of A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum offers the best in the style of those old favourites.
First produced on Broadway in 1962, this musical comedy has all the elements of a farce – slamming doors, mistaken identities, white lies that turn into big fibs, and men dressing as women. When the Stephen Sondheim score is added, it’s great entertainment.
Bruce Dow is Pseudolus, a Roman Slave who will do anything to gain his freedom. Dow’s wonderful singing voice and comedic skill make him a natural for the part. His expressive face under the Roman bangs of his bowl-shaped haircut causes laughter to ripple through the audience when he simply bats his eyelashes. He plays the part cute and cuddly, a far cry from the frightening Emcee he played in last year’s Cabaret. But like the Emcee, all eyes are on him when Dow is on the stage. Dow plays a very energetic Pseudolus and you know you’re in for fun as soon as he sings the opening number “Comedy Tonight”.
The Proteans, played by Jordan Bell, Stephen Cota and Julius Sermonia, are hilarious from start to finish. The three play a variety of roles – slaves, Roman soldiers, guards, and even eunuchs reminiscent of Saturday Night Live’s Coneheads. These three young men are going to be constantly bruised from all the slapstick. Sermonia was repeatedly tripped and pushed into the orchestra pit, only to climb out and be shoved around again. There are tumbles and pratfalls throughout the show. And if the three of them aren’t funny enough, they have extra dummies of themselves to add to the hilarity.
Stephen Ouimette is excellent as Hysterium, the slave left in charge while the owners are away. Ouimette’s deadpan comedy reminded me of the great Tim Conway. The look on his face as Domina pulls out fistfuls of his hair is priceless.
The young lovers, Hero and Philia, are played wonderfully by Mike Nadajewski and Chilina Kennedy. Both have amazing singing voices and a penchant for comedy. Kennedy’s wide-eyed dumb blonde is perfect, and Nadajewski’s innocence is delightful.
The costumes are colourful with plenty of glitz. The courtesans’ alluring outfits are accentuated by their amazing dance moves.
The set is great fun in itself – the nudes carved on the pillars light up strategically, while the arms move on other carvings, and even the gargoyles sing along.
If you enjoy farcical comedy, Forum offers it at its best. Just be sure to order your tickets early and get seats close enough to the stage to see all the facial expressions – I don’t think it would be as much fun if you couldn’t see the expression these actors put into the show. As the opening number tells us, it’s comedy tonight, and weighty decisions will just have to wait.
A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum continues at the Avon Theatre, Stratford until November 1. For tickets, call the box office at 1-800-567-1600 or check www.stratfordfestival.ca.

Mary Alderson offers her view of area theatre in this column on a regular basis. As well as being a fan of live theatre, she is a former journalist who is currently employed with the Ontario Association of Community Futures Development Corporations.

EDIT (Adding events):
Saturday June 20, 2009
1:00 p.m.
Visitor Centre, Pinery Provincial Park

3:30 & 4:30 p.m. – Rum & Spirits program
& Voyageur Canoe trip (Canoe Dock)

Story by Casey Lessard
Photos courtesy Pinery Provincial Park

It has been a big part of family life for area residents and visitors for 50 years, and this weekend the Pinery Park is celebrating that milestone with cake and more at the visitors’ centre.
Friends of Pinery Park is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year; the non-profit is dedicated to education, promotion, preservation and support of the park and its activities. Brenda Kulon, 55, of Bright’s Grove has been coming to the park most of her life, and chairs the committee.
“My first time in Pinery park was as a kid,” Kulon recalls. “I was amazed at the tall pines. In my high school years, we did a lot of camping here. And then as a young adult, I volunteered here counting butterflies and was a photographer for the park during my 30s.”
Over the years, Kulon has noticed major changes in the features and operation of the park, including the move from planting pines to restoring the native habitat, the oak savannah. Some changes were for the better and others not.
“Environmentally, we’re losing a lot of the insect population and species, and we don’t understand why,” she says. “A lot of it is habitat loss, but there has to be another reason. We don’t have the knowledge. As far as staffing, there used to be numerous people working as educators, and now the Pinery is threatened with fewer and fewer of them. The role of volunteers in the park is still very important because your experts are often outside of the park system. You need both. There’s a happy medium.”
Marty Page also remembers early days at the park, enjoying time swimming and having barbecues. His father installed the hydro lines as an employee of Ontario Hydro that first year.
“My dad said that they rather enjoyed working in the Park in the winter, as the trees blocked the cold winds,” Page says. “There were two trucks working everyday. Each truck had a foreman, a driver and four linesmen. There were First Nations people hired from the reservation at Kettle Point, I believe, and their job was to dig the holes for the poles to be set in and they had to be paid cash each day when they were finished.”
Park lovers like Page are critical to the Pinery’s ongoing success, Kulon says.
“Friends was formed by caring people who were dedicated to the preservation of what’s inside Pinery park and to the education and promotion of the park. Friends was designed to be the voices of the Pinery and show people what a beautiful place it is.”
Getting involved by volunteering could mean anything from fundraising, to educating visitors, to helping with promotions.
“We do a lot for the park, and a lot of those things they (the ministry) can’t do on their own,” says Friends manager of operations Jessica Brownlee. “We do a lot of fundraising for park projects. We do the trail guides, educational exhibits, interpretive signs. We built the Savannah bike trail, maintain the website, and run the nature store, which is a fundraiser for the Friends.”
Noting the variety of family experiences possible, Brownlee notes the Pinery’s value in giving people a chance to commune with nature while helping in the preservation of the wildlife, culture and history of the park.
“It is a big place with lots to offer,” she says, mentioning the variety of activities from hiking, biking, swimming, to toboganning, snowshoeing and skating that take place. “It’s really a special place.”

Caroline Bruce creates exotic accessories at home in Parkhill

After spending a couple of years working in Jamaica, Caroline Bruce decided home is where her heart was. The 28-year old recently launched Tweak jewelry (http://www.tweakboutiqueonline.com/), her line of unique hand-crafted accessories made from semi-precious stones, metals and woods.

As told to Casey Lessard
Photo by Casey Lessard for Casey365.com

The biggest compliment is when someone sees what I make, falls in love with it, and can’t resist wearing it three days in a row.
I make necklaces, rings, earrings, and bracelets. I want to be sure I’m making things people couldn’t just go out and buy at the mall. If it doesn’t make sense to be hand making it, I don’t. The collection is pretty narrow, but it’s stronger because more time has been put into the composition and base design of the pieces.
I’ve been making jewelry for about seven years as a hobby. Then I started selling things so I could buy more beads. People liked it and I liked it even more, so it grew from there.
I grew up in Parkhill and went to school in Toronto for human biology. I decided that wasn’t for me, and did a degree in interior design. I spent a couple of years in Jamaica doing interior design and decided I wanted to be back at home with my parents. I couldn’t think of anything that I wanted to do more than turn something that had been a hobby into a business. My bills are reduced, and I don’t have any other commitments, so I thought, go for it.
I had seen before that it was possible to preserve orchids in resin, and I was enamored by it. I bought a few brooches and things, but they were gilded with metals like gold or silver. I thought it would be better to see the entire flower. One day, I found exactly what I was looking for on the internet. I eventually found someone who would do the colours and sizes I wanted. The process is complicated and because orchids aren’t native to Canada, I get them from overseas and they do exactly what I want.

The challenge of starting out
It’s easy to waste your time and not to realize that your time is your money when you’re trying to make a business out of something you’re doing personally. Since I’ve narrowed down my collection, I can be more productive in purchasing my materials, in the design time, in the time to put things together. I don’t create things I don’t like.
It’s not profitable for creative people to make what everyone else is making. You need to set yourself apart. Quality raw materials are a big thing. I’ve learned to find out exactly what the stone is and whether or not it’s been colour enhanced so you can tell the truth about your raw materials. Know as much as you can about it. You also have to learn what your niche is and how to portray your company. You want people to know something about you when they look at your advertising materials.

Advice to other creatives
Take to heart what people are saying about what you’re making. You’re making it and you love it, but other people have to love it, too. It can’t be all in your head. If you’ve given people things, listen to how it’s working for them. Don’t get caught in trends or fashions, and don’t compromise your dream for what you see out there.
Home is the best place to be when you’re starting out. You know everyone, you have family and friends to help you, you can ask advice from people who you know are experts. Businesses are smaller, so the wait time is less. Even running errands takes less time because it’s close. Living with my parents has made this all possible. They’ve helped me in so many ways.
I’ve done private shows, which are put on by myself for friends and family. I find them productive because everyone who comes wants to see your work. I’ve done craft shows and clothing shows, but the sales are proportionally less because people didn’t come specifically to see you.
I’ve realized I have to broaden my base by creating a website (http://www.tweakboutiqueonline.com/) that can showcase the work and where people can buy it. E-commerce is the way to go right now, and is probably the best bet for me.
My dream customer is anyone who loves unique accessories; anyone who’s going to love their piece is a customer I want.
To learn more, visit http://www.tweakboutiqueonline.com/

The Grand Bend Horticultural Society hopes this year’s Festival of Homes, Gardens and Arts sells out like last year’s event did. On board for the June 27 event are nine homes and gardens, 23 artists and 2 nurseries. Passports for the tour are $15, with locations disclosed that day. The passport includes treats such as homemade cookies and lemonade, and samples from local restaurants, Parmalat Cheese in London, and Brantford’s The Cider Keg. M&M Meat Shops is a major sponsor, and is donating proceeds from a lunch barbecue to the event.
Entertainment will be provided by UWO’s New Horizon Band, with Paul Seagrave performing at the Putherbough home in St. Joseph during the afternoon.
To reserve your passport, call 519-236-7884.

Grand Bend Canada Day 2009 festivities
Wednesday, July 1 – Main Beach
4:30 p.m. – Ken Dinel’s The Band In You students present rock music
5 p.m. – Ruth’s Hat, Lance Bedard, Brian Dale, Vintage Moments
10 p.m. - fireworks

Zurich native Lance Bedard is on a roll after launching his debut solo CD, Restless, this spring; he’s already working on the second.
“I just went back in the studio last week,” Bedard says, “and I’m waiting on a reply for another (recording) grant so I can release a CD in the next year and a half.”
Bedard’s debut was recorded in Goderich at Dig Productions, where Rob McKercher blended Bedard’s sound with guests Nick Haberer, Marcel Gelinas and Mike Klaassen.
“You write a song, but you hear everything else,” he says, describing the value of collaborating with other artists. “You hear it in your head, but you can’t do it all at once. So when you finally get a chance to build a song from a small four chord progression to a full band production, that gets you fired up to make more music.”
Success at local gigs gave him the push he needed to record the songs he started writing more than five years ago. Early experiences with the Pillowheads and Point of Impact gave him his first exposure to putting together a studio album, but this time, he took the process much more seriously.
“To put this out on my own was something I always wanted to do and to get it out to everyone was the greatest feeling in the world. It’s probably my biggest accomplishment since I entered the music industry. To get everyone’s positive feedback made it all the better.”
Now the push is on to sell, sell, sell. He recently hired a manager to promote his work.
“This guy could take me to the next level. If I hadn’t made the CD, I wouldn’t have this opportunity.”
So it’s back in the studio for round two.
“Hearing the way the music is played and changing is an addicting process. You go there every day and you’re excited about making music. Just hearing yourself and some of the things you can do, it’s like raising a child.”
To hear samples from Lance Bedard’s Restless, visit http://www.myspace.com/lanceromance01

Grand Bend Canada Day 2009 festivities
Wednesday, July 1 – Main Beach
4:30 p.m. – Ken Dinel’s The Band In You students present rock music
5 p.m. – Ruth’s Hat, Lance Bedard, Brian Dale, Vintage Moments
10 p.m. - fireworks

Long-time Grand Bend performer Brian Dale has finally gotten around to putting together a CD for his fans, and he can’t wait to get it in their hands. There’s a catch, though; a manufacturing delay means it will be two weeks after the July 1 launch party (as part of Grand Bend’s Canada Day celebrations) before he can deliver the product.
“I could have done it a long time ago and pushed it and rushed it,” Dale says. “I didn’t want to force it.”
After all, after 15 years performing, you can wait two extra weeks for your first CD, right?
“I’ve been putting it off for close to 10 years,” Dale says. “It always seemed like whenever I got the time and money to do it, I would go on vacation and spend all of my time and money.
“I came home for Christmas from Costa Rica and was planning on going back. I went up to this little studio in Goderich that Lance Bedard was recording at, and he introduced me to the engineer. I finally decided I needed to get this done. ”
Although he won’t have the CD, tentatively titled peace/love/waves/song as a tribute to his email signoff, ready by the Canada Day event, he will be distributing free preview copies of a single from the album at the event. The CD will have 11 tracks, all originals written over the last 15 years. Some are old favourites for fans, while others are new songs to most.
“The songs were always written and performed acoustically. I always had a picture in my head of what the songs would sound like and I had never put it together with a group. Once I started recording, the songs matured, even more than we were expecting.”
“It’s been a long time coming, but we’re really, really happy with the way it’s turned out.”
Just what fans want to hear.
Brian Dale’s CD peace/love/waves/song will be available for $15 at Archies and local bars where he performs, and through online retailers. To learn more, visit his facebook fan page.

Friday, June 19
Main Beach, Grand Bend
2 to 9 p.m. – Burgers and beer
9 p.m. to 1 a.m. – Live entertainment

Saturday, June 20
Main Beach, Grand Bend
11 a.m. to 9 p.m. – Burgers and beer
11 a.m. – Bed races on the beach road
3 p.m. – Mr. & Mrs. Burgerfest contest on stage in the main tent
All afternoon – DJ music
All day – Games and face painting for kids of all ages
10 p.m. to 1 a.m. – Live entertainment

Sunday, June 21
Main Beach, Grand Bend
11 a.m. to 6 p.m. – Burgers and beer
2 to 3 p.m. – Kids and father figure sand castle contest
11 a.m. to 2 p.m. – DJ music
2 to 6 p.m. – Live entertainment

Community/Charity

Tuesdays
10 a.m. to 2 p.m. – Port Franks Community Ctr.
Kids Matter every Tuesday. Join us as we crochet sleeping mats out of milk bags to send to the children in Africa and South America. Bring your lunch, scissors and a #7 crochet hook. Call Peggy Smith at 519-296-5834 for details.

7 p.m. – Grand Bend Legion
Bingo

Fridays
5 to 7 p.m. – Grand Bend Legion
Meat Draw

Wednesday, June 17
1 to 5 p.m. – Grand Bend CHC
10 year Anniversary Celebration of Midwestern Adult Day Centre. Speakers, music from the Grand Bend Beach Boys, open house and refreshments

Sunday, June 21
9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. – Thedford Legion
Thedford Ladies Auxiliary Sunday Brunch. Adults $7, children $5, everyone welcome!

Wednesday, June 24
Widder Station Golf Course
Huron County Playhouse Guild monthly luncheon. Speaker Angie Richter from the Currant Organic General Store, Parkhill will talk about Teas of the World. Call Mary at 519-238-5640 for more information. Members and guests welcome!

Saturday, June 27
Grand Bend Horticultural Society. Festival of homes, gardens and arts – visit beautiful homes and gardens in the area — $15.00 – refreshments at northern and southern venues.

Monday, June 29
3 p.m. – Grand Bend Legion
Grand Bend Horticultural Society. Trillium Walk. Gardens to be viewed will be announced. Reception after Trillium Walk will be paired with the Volunteer Appreciation and will take place at the Legion starting at 5:00 P.M.

Friday, July 10-11
7 p.m. to 7 a.m. – Klondyke Sports Park (9989 Klondyke Rd. Grand Bend)
Relay for Life. Teams of 10 people walk, run,or stroll in this overnight event to raise money for cancer research, education and prevention and aiding those living with cancer. Participants pay $10 registration
fee and raise a minimum of $100. Register at www.cancer.ca/relay . Registration forms available at Grand Bend Chamber of Commerce and Bank of Montreal. Registration forms and money to be dropped off to Marlene Regier at Bank of Montreal. For further info call (519) 238-2297 or (519) 238-6361.

Arts & Entertainment

Thursdays
1 to 3 p.m. – Grand Bend Art Centre
Open Painting. Cost is $10 – bring a project and materials and paint with various artists.

Fridays
1:30 to 3:30 p.m. – Grand Bend Youth Centre
Grand Bend Drum Circle. Contact Anita at the Youth Centre or call 519-238-8759.

Saturday, June 20
3 to 6 p.m. – Grand Bend Legion
Live Music with Kurtis Kaine

Saturday, June 27
3 to 6 p.m. – Grand Bend Legion
Live Music with Joan Spalding Duo

Saturday, July 4
2 to 6 p.m. – Bliss Studio, Port Franks
Casey365.com art show and sale opening reception. Photographic art by Grand Bend Strip publisher Casey Lessard. For more details and directions, visit casey365.com or call Casey at 519-614-3614.

3 to 6 p.m. – Grand Bend Legion
Live Music with Mike Fagan

Health & Fitness

Mondays
8 to 9 a.m. – Southcott Pines Clubhouse
Workout for Your Life. $8 per class; $5 for spouses and students. Call Beth Sweeney, (519) 238-5555.

Tuesdays
9 a.m. – Port Franks Community Centre
Healthy Lifestyle Exercise Program. Program includes warm up, low impact aerobic workout, strength work and stretching. Sponsored in part by Healthy Living Lambton. Cost: Free!! Everyone welcome. Contact Cindy Maxfield, Health Promoter at the GBA