When the Morinville Community Cultural Centre officially opened its doors to the public this past weekend, it was more than a way to kill a few hours enjoying first-class entertainment — it was the beginning of a new cultural era for the town.
By boldly planning this exquisite multi-purpose facility leaders have provided an opportunity for the entire community to showcase its culture and heritage, artistry and innovation. It is limited only by imagination.
One of its most important movers and shakers has been the cultural centre’s manager, Laurie Stalker, who will navigate the facility through its initial hiccups. Stalker has already planned the 2011-2012 theatre season, and at the Saturday night gala, she released a teaser. The complete line-up will be available later this summer.
“We wanted to do a season with variety. We have a young community, professionals with children who work outside the community. We wanted to target that audience. This year, as you can see, is an experiment,” says Stalker says.
The season’s eclectic mix ranges from country, Acadian and straight-out percussion to ballet, choral music and opera for youth. All the acts are Canadian.
“As we discover what the Morinville and region residents like to see, we will adapt and over time we’d like to bring in acts from around the world as well as having a performance space for our artists and community groups. It’s all about balance.”
Opening the season on Sept. 30 is folk/roots fiddler, singer, songwriter Lizzie Hoyt and her five-piece band. Hoyt, the daughter of associate conductor David Hoyt of the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra and pianist Janet Scott-Hoyt, was classically trained before branching into Celtic.
The toe-tapping populist feel of her shows combines fiery East Coast fiddling with the Prairie’s rambling country folk songs. “She has a great sound and she’s very appealing. Did you know she was a finalist in the John Lennon song-writing contest?”
On Oct. 15, beloved Canadian children’s entertainer Al Simmons, a solo, multi-prop, off-the-wall performer hits the stage. “I first heard of him 20 years ago with our children. He was hilariously funny and continues to be. He was a wonderful musician and comedian and appeals to young audiences.”
The Polyjesters billed for Nov. 18, are guaranteed to get the place hopping. An energetic foursome, they play everything from swing/jazz to alternative country and have developed a sound they call CHUNK. “They’re very personable with the audience. They’re fun, interactive, energetic and contagious.”
Country singer Gord Bamford headlines on Nov. 25 as part of the town’s Christmas festivities. The Lacombe farm boy was a popular act in Alberta, but after winning the Canadian Country Music Association’s Male Artist of Year Award, his phone hasn’t stop ringing.
“We felt really lucky to get him. He’s an Albertan that’s been so successful and we feel great to have a facility to attract this type of headline artist.”
TorQ Percussion Quartet kicks off the New Year on Jan. 13, 2012 with a showy performance of highly trained musicians duelling on a variety of drums and percussion instruments. “It’s as much about choreography as it is about percussion.”
Chuck and Albert swing by on Feb. 17 with their variety show of Acadian music and comedy. “They are fun and funny, an authentic Acadian cultural, music and dance tradition.”
Ballet Kelowna drops by on March 9 with a combined repertoire of both contemporary and classical. “We are going to partner with schools. It might mean school shows, master classes or artist in residency programs.”
The Pro Coro Chamber Choir sings on April 15. Renowned for their classically trained sound and “pure floating voices,” the choir is looking to push the boundaries of its classical character to partner with Morinville artists.
And finally on May 25, Alberta Opera Musical Theatre for Young People will introduce Pinocchio, its new production for the season.
Stalker is also excited about possibly bringing in dinner theatre. “That’s one of the wonderful things about the configuration we have. You can combine a meal with brunch or dinner shows.
“We feel really proud of the facility and the ability to showcase our culture and heritage is a huge thing for the size of town like Morinville. We are only headed for good things.”
Tickets will go on sale this summer. For more information visit www.morinville.ca.
