As live theatre continues to grow in popularity across the world, the Morinville Community Cultural Centre holds its own.
In one of its biggest seasons running Jan. to April 2017 the centre continues to be a playground for theatre and concert aficionados.
Below is a list of future shows and the impressive resumes of its artists. Tickets are available at 780-939-4361, at the centre on 10125 – 100 Ave. or online at tixonthesquare.ca.
A Cowboy Story
Accidental Humour
Saturday, Jan. 14
Accidental Humour Theatre Co. – the name says it all. Once again these theatrical broncos have created a multimedia spoof from a screen satire.
This time around it's A Cowboy Story, borrowed from Mel Brooks' Blazing Saddles, the ultimate western parody.
A blend of modern live action and theatre, the show is a dizzy array of actors appearing one minute on stage and stepping into the screen the next moment.
In this lawless Old West town, a mysterious stranger known only as the "Cowboy" rides into town. He's the strong, silent type, a man of few words with a fast draw and a catch for the town's lone woman. The big question is, why is he suddenly here?
Treasure Island
Missoula Children's Theatre
Saturday, Feb. 18
Ahoy, matey!
Missoula Children's Theatre, one of the most popular road shows to perform in Morinville, sails into town for a third time.
They will dock with their version of Treasure Island and are searching for local children and youth from Kindergarten to Grade 12 to play all the roles.
Young actors searching for stage time can audition for this original adaptation of Robert Louis Stevenson's epic pirate novel.
Little Big Frog
Faustwork Mask Theatre
Saturday, Feb. 25
Masks change a character's personality radically, but also allow the audience to connect in special way.
Faustwork Mask Theatre uses masks, puppets, poetry, music, dance and comedy to deliver an unorthodox adaptation of Grimm's fable The Frog Prince.
Little Big Frog wears a mantle calling for tolerance of others, self-acceptance, reverence for nature and respect for all creatures.
Comedy in Motion
Bob Cates
Sunday, March 5
Mix a cup of fast-paced comedy with spoonfuls of wild juggling, clownish unicycling, magic, laser manipulation and balancing sketches, and you have Bob Cates.
The Canadian juggling champion and physical comedy circus performer transcends believability with his signature piece – a 22 real-plate-spinning finale you may never see again.
Hamelin: A New Fable
Axis Theatre
Saturday, April 2
For more than 40 years, Axis productions have toured the continent and the world enriching the lives of hundreds of thousands of young children.
At this point the award-winning, world-class theatre company has 57 works under its belt and will introduce Hamelin: A New Fable in the spring.
It's the 13th century in the medieval Hamelin Town governed by a spoiled mayor, his mommy and stuffy corporate types. When it seems that no one other than Opa Johannes keeps their word, 10-year old twins Celeste and Ralph devise a plan to shake up the establishment.
Things come to a head when silly new taxes render the family homeless and desperate for help. Oh yes, and they do meet a minstrel with an old flute that has seen better days.
Uses masks, puppets, music and physical theatre.
Peter 'n Chris and the Kind of OK Corral
Friday, March 31
Seems Morinvillians really, really like cowboys. Or do they just like city dudes doing a send-up of the old-time cowboy?
First it was A Cowboy Story. Now it's Canadian Comedy Award-winning sketch duo Peter 'n Chris riding into town with their version of a quick draw at the OK Corral. Yes, this duo is quick to disarm their audience firing off an insane blend of narrative jokes and relaxed absurdity.
Anansi's Gift of Stories
Story Theatre
Saturday, April 8
Story Theatre's signature shows combine literacy and imagination with simple costumes, sets and props to take children on a magical journey to far away lands and far away times.
In Anansi's Gift of Stories, Anansi is an adventurous character from West Africa or the Caribbean that is either a small spider or a skinny old man.
In this tale, all stories on Earth are locked away by the sky god and Anansi vows to bring them back for everyone to delight in.
However, to succeed in his quest Anansi must finish three nearly impossible tasks. He must capture a panther, trap a giant python and make the invisible fairy visible. Will he succeed?
Scott Cook and the Second Chances
Saturday, April 22
Prairie balladeer Scott Cook and the Second Chances are part of the North American tradition of travelling minstrels.
Cook has collected story songs over the years and adapted his straight-talking, keen insight and stage warmth to attract fans and friends alike.
He is at home on stage playing guitar, banjo, ukulele and mbira (an African percussion instrument consisting of metal tines attached to a wooden board).
When Second Chances accompanies him, the story songs based on real life and sung straight from the soul inspire an immediate connection with audiences.
