There’s a bit of nervousness mixed in with an adrenalin rush at the new Morinville Community Cultural Centre. No one knows quite what to expect as tickets go on sale for the first season starting Thursday, Sept. 1.
“We’re looking to take the arts and culture to a brand new level in our community. The curtain is rising,” says theatre manager Laurie Stalker.
Brochures expected for released by mid-August were delayed by the cancellation of a Chuck and Albert performance slated for Feb. 17, 2012.
“Fortunately we were able to fill that with Lorne Elliott on Feb. 10. He’s the CBC host for Madly Off in All Directions. He’s a storyteller, comedian and musician. His bio describes him as ‘wacky.’ He was on Montreal’s Just for Laughs and he presents a one-man show. He finds the funny in everyday situations and the relates to everyone.”
Stalker has programmed an 11-show season divided into three different series. The Especially Family series features the nutty Al Simmons on Oct. 15 and Alberta Opera’s Musical Theatre for Young People’s newest production of Pinocchio on May 25, 2012. Both productions are priced at $10 per ticket.
As a special feature of the family series, Stalker has also included Beyond the Frame, a giant pop-up book and walk-through world of art featuring original murals and a 3-D interactive exhibit. And the ticket price is a grand toonie.
Stalker’s second series is the Friday Night Special series that showcases five different disciplines from ballet and comedy to Celtic music and percussion.
Opening the season on Sept. 30 is Lizzie Hoyt, an Edmonton folk/roots fiddler who blends East Coast Celtic fiddling with prairie country.
Immediately following on Nov. 18 are the Polyjesters, an energetic foursome with a swing/jazz sound they call CHUNK. “They play everything from Billie Holiday to the Beatles.”
Kicking off the New Year on Jan. 13, 2012, is TorQ Percussion Quartet with a showy performance of drums and percussion instruments. “Their repertoire ranges from high-energy no holds barred percussion to sweet lyrical mallet grooves.”
And on March 9, Ballet Kelowna will showcase traditional excerpts from Sleeping Beauty and the breathtaking Romeo and Juliet alongside more contemporary tangos.
The third series is Extra Specials, a look at exceptional works created or performed by local artists.
This series kicks off at Christmas with a River City Big Band seasonal special on Dec. 17. The 18-piece jazz band presents unique arrangements by local musicians Larry Schrum, Stan Kenton and Alan Gilliland. Renowned broadcaster and writer Colin MacLean will narrate the show.
Pro Coro Chamber Choir is developing a partnership with a local Morinville artist and makes its debut at the centre on April 15, 2012.
And Morinville son Calvin Vollrath hosts a three-day Fiddle Fest April 20 and 21. “He was just inducted into the North American Fiddlers Hall of Fame in New York. He’s branded as Canada’s fiddling sensation,” Stalker said.
Tickets for the Friday Night Specials and the Extra Specials range from $20 to $30. Special subscription rates are available. Call 780-420-1757 or online at www.tixonthesquare.ca.
