Meet St. Albert on the street

We are part of a world that believes time travel may be part of our not so distant future. In the meantime, daydreaming makes up our flights of fancy.

Now through the imagination of Rooney and Punyi Theatre Productions, we can escape 150 years into the past to encounter St. Albert’s most illustrious leaders — the men and women who shaped the community’s foundation.

Director Maureen Rooney has drawn upon her extensive playwriting skills to create Meet the Street, a one-day, one-of-kind theatrical extravaganza that recreates seven city founders right at the street they are named for.

As part of St. Albert’s 150th anniversary, theatre-goers kick-start the event by hopping on board an articulated bus on Sunday, June 12 at Servus Credit Union Place. Adopting a shotgun start, buses depart to Akins Drive, Perron Street, Grandin Road, Cunningham Road, Giroux Road, Poundmaker Road and Riel Drive in no fixed order.

At each locale, a St. Albert actor dressed in period costume performs a monologue about the colourful character for who the street is named.

There’s Lorne Akins, a farmer/rancher; Fleuri Perron, the first mayor; Sam Cunningham, a MĂ©tis Rifleman; Chief Poundmaker, a peacemaker; Alice Giroux, St. Albert’s music teacher; Bishop Grandin and the revolutionary Louis Riel.

The live tour ends on Mission Hill with Paul Punyi taking up the mantle of Father Albert Lacombe, followed by a light reception with bannock.

“They had such inspiring stories and maintained an incredible sense of humour despite some of the hardships they endured,” says Rooney, who in partnership with husband Paul have produced historical drama for 16 years.

“Every time I read about the character I realized how tough they had it, yet they accomplished so much with a sense of humour and an element of class.”

All the actors are students from city high schools with the exception of Fleuri Perron, played by Mayor Nolan Crouse. “Perron owned the general store, and the men would meet at the back and play cards. That’s where they would decide what laws to make, what streets to create.”

Rooney was also bowled over by Cunningham (Andrew Boyd), a farmer who after a full day’s work would cart barrels of water to the Sturgeon River to create a smooth ice so the community could have a skating rink.

Cunningham (Jeff Punyi/Dylan Rosychuk) revealed that not all MĂ©tis followed the same political path. As head of the Riflemen, he was cognizant of the dangers Ottawa represented to the aboriginal population. He refused to be lumped in with the Riel rebellion by opposing the Saskatchewan leader.

Few know that Chief Poundmaker (Josh Languedoc) had an uncanny resemblance to Chief Crowfoot’s deceased son. It was this very quirk that drew the two chiefs together and allowed them to bring peace between the two warring nations of the Cree and Blackfoot.

Alice Giroux (Sarah Elder), wife of Dr. Giroux, was the most well-heeled lady in town. “She decided to share her wealth using her living room as the first theatre. She taught music and invited parents to recitals. Then she started hosting professional quartets in her living room. She’d open windows so everyone that didn’t fit in the living room could hear. She brought culture and fun to St. Albert.”

Paintings depict Bishop Grandin (Keegan Goerz) as an older man, however, Rooney introduces him as a young man with severe health issues and a lisp. “Twice he lost everything to fire, but he had a great sense of humour. He was Christian in every sense. He gave everything away.”

And finally there is Riel. “He came through St. Albert and he was pretty hurt when Cunningham took up arms against him.”

For Rooney, this is more than a one-time theatrical showcase. “When you learn about where you came from, it affects the decisions you make for your future. When you understand St. Albert was built on a culture of people who risked everything, you will look after it better.”

After the presentation, the researched script will be made available in book form to schools, libraries and museums. “We hope future generations can put it on for the community.”