Archived information for December, 2008
A Review of Hercules: A Panto
Posted December 24, 2008 under ArtsCP Activities
Can Hercules Save Princess Wanda From Her Fate?
A Review of Hercules: A Panto
by Lorrie Beaton (Arts Carleton Place)
Published in the Canadian Newspaper - December 2, 2008
The latest production by the Mississippi Mudds stays true to both the traditional stylings of English Pantomime, and its mandate of "having fun and entertaining local audiences".
Starting with the wonderful and brightly coloured costumes of the Three Fates, a hero complete with his own cheering section, a nasty princess to be saved, a narcissistic sidekick in pink high top running shoes, a dangerous villain, a hairdressing Grand Dame in drag, and to add to this campy production Elvis the King, the audience is in for a real treat that will find them booing the bad guys, cheering for true love and singing along to familiar songs.
The role of the English Pantomime was usually an outing for Victorian families during the Christmas season. English Pantomime gained popularity in England in the mid 1800's. Traditionally, it was a blend of buffoonery, slapstick, song, dance, in-jokes, political satire, mild sexual innuendo and audience participation. This was theatre played to a mass audience looking for fun, and a place where they could bring the whole family. The stories told on stage were not really anything to do with Christmas, but were almost always based on children's stories and fairy tales. Meredith Millman (director) and The Mudds have done an exceptional job of bringing all of these elements together in their latest production called Hercules.
From the moment the curtains open for the first time, you feel like you have been transported into this wonderful and magical place. The play follows Hercules (Dean Adema), who has just arrived back in Greece after finishing his 12 Labours and hopes to find true love. He is asked by Venus (Judith Scott) to perform a 13th Labour, which will win him the hand of Princess Wanda (Michelle Kay). Problems arise when the Fates (Patricia Black, Louise Link, and Jennifer Hetherington) decide on Wanda's fate. Hercules is called to come to the aid of the Kingdom by the King (Andrew McDougall) when Princess Wanda is kidnapped by Cyclops, and with the help of his sidekick Narcissus (Jim MacGregor) they fight the villain. Venus helps Hercules realize that, "the power of love comes from the heart". Can Hercules save Princess Wanda and find true love at the same time?
Some noted performances come from Hercules, who brings strength to our hero with his great singing voice and sparkling eyes. Another performance worth mention comes from Venus, played by Judith Scott. With the beautiful costumes and set decoration, Venus is a delight to watch on stage. She shines also through her amazing singing voice and striking stage presence. The beauty of this production is the overwhelming sense of community that comes from the blending together of so many performers of varying degrees of experience. Lastly, this pantomime would not be as wonderful without the exceptional talents of the band that accompanies all of the songs during the performance. Peter Brown's performance on the piano is playful and makes you want to join the cast in singing all those familiar tunes. This is expressed during the grand finale that brings together the musical talents of all of the members. During the final scene you get to take in all the elements that made this production possible. The important thing to remember about this production is that every voice has a place and each performer blends with the next to bring some exceptional songs for us to sing along to.
Another point worth mentioning is how beautiful the Town Hall Auditorium looks after its recent renovations. Our Auditorium is a true gem, and the riches include a Proscenium Arch and Raked Stage that slopes upwards and away from the audience. We are truly blessed to have such a historical treasure right under our noses, and that so much work has recently gone into the preservation of this unique piece of antiquity.
A Review of Hercules: A Panto
by Lorrie Beaton (Arts Carleton Place)
Published in the Canadian Newspaper - December 2, 2008
The latest production by the Mississippi Mudds stays true to both the traditional stylings of English Pantomime, and its mandate of "having fun and entertaining local audiences".
Starting with the wonderful and brightly coloured costumes of the Three Fates, a hero complete with his own cheering section, a nasty princess to be saved, a narcissistic sidekick in pink high top running shoes, a dangerous villain, a hairdressing Grand Dame in drag, and to add to this campy production Elvis the King, the audience is in for a real treat that will find them booing the bad guys, cheering for true love and singing along to familiar songs.
The role of the English Pantomime was usually an outing for Victorian families during the Christmas season. English Pantomime gained popularity in England in the mid 1800's. Traditionally, it was a blend of buffoonery, slapstick, song, dance, in-jokes, political satire, mild sexual innuendo and audience participation. This was theatre played to a mass audience looking for fun, and a place where they could bring the whole family. The stories told on stage were not really anything to do with Christmas, but were almost always based on children's stories and fairy tales. Meredith Millman (director) and The Mudds have done an exceptional job of bringing all of these elements together in their latest production called Hercules.
From the moment the curtains open for the first time, you feel like you have been transported into this wonderful and magical place. The play follows Hercules (Dean Adema), who has just arrived back in Greece after finishing his 12 Labours and hopes to find true love. He is asked by Venus (Judith Scott) to perform a 13th Labour, which will win him the hand of Princess Wanda (Michelle Kay). Problems arise when the Fates (Patricia Black, Louise Link, and Jennifer Hetherington) decide on Wanda's fate. Hercules is called to come to the aid of the Kingdom by the King (Andrew McDougall) when Princess Wanda is kidnapped by Cyclops, and with the help of his sidekick Narcissus (Jim MacGregor) they fight the villain. Venus helps Hercules realize that, "the power of love comes from the heart". Can Hercules save Princess Wanda and find true love at the same time?
Some noted performances come from Hercules, who brings strength to our hero with his great singing voice and sparkling eyes. Another performance worth mention comes from Venus, played by Judith Scott. With the beautiful costumes and set decoration, Venus is a delight to watch on stage. She shines also through her amazing singing voice and striking stage presence. The beauty of this production is the overwhelming sense of community that comes from the blending together of so many performers of varying degrees of experience. Lastly, this pantomime would not be as wonderful without the exceptional talents of the band that accompanies all of the songs during the performance. Peter Brown's performance on the piano is playful and makes you want to join the cast in singing all those familiar tunes. This is expressed during the grand finale that brings together the musical talents of all of the members. During the final scene you get to take in all the elements that made this production possible. The important thing to remember about this production is that every voice has a place and each performer blends with the next to bring some exceptional songs for us to sing along to.
Another point worth mentioning is how beautiful the Town Hall Auditorium looks after its recent renovations. Our Auditorium is a true gem, and the riches include a Proscenium Arch and Raked Stage that slopes upwards and away from the audience. We are truly blessed to have such a historical treasure right under our noses, and that so much work has recently gone into the preservation of this unique piece of antiquity.
Arts Carleton Place is a Winner!!
Posted December 22, 2008 under ArtsCP Activities
Good News!
Arts Carleton Place has won the proposal writing contest held by the Carleton Place & District Chamber of Commerce.
This means that we are entitled to a free consultation plus ten hours of our grant researching and writing service.
We hope they will help us tap into funding opportunities that will help us grow in the upcoming years!
Arts Carleton Place has won the proposal writing contest held by the Carleton Place & District Chamber of Commerce.
This means that we are entitled to a free consultation plus ten hours of our grant researching and writing service.
We hope they will help us tap into funding opportunities that will help us grow in the upcoming years!
Database Update! Welcome Aboard!
Posted December 10, 2008 under ArtsCP Activities
Good News!
Richard Ellis is joining the team!
We are pleased and excited to announce that Richard Ellis will now be managing the Online Artist Database!
Lorrie Beaton, who has been taking care of the database for the last few years, will be focusing her energy on acquiring funding opportunities for Arts Carleton Place.
All board members extend a warm welcome to Richard!
Richard Ellis is joining the team!
We are pleased and excited to announce that Richard Ellis will now be managing the Online Artist Database!
Lorrie Beaton, who has been taking care of the database for the last few years, will be focusing her energy on acquiring funding opportunities for Arts Carleton Place.
All board members extend a warm welcome to Richard!
Vernisagge at Brush Strokes - December
Posted December 9, 2008 under Artist Activities
PLEASE COME AND CELEBRATE WITH US AS WE FEATURE:
A celebration of Art!
We would appreciate...You, your friends and family being with us to help CELEBRATE with FREE beverages, appetizers and dessert.
FEATURE ARTISTS
Elizabeth Veninga
LIVE ENTERTAINMENT
Steve MacDonald (acoustic guitar and vocals)
Where: Brushstrokes Art Supplies and Studio (129 Bridge Street, Carleton Place)
When: November 14, 2008 at 7-9 pm.
A celebration of Art!
We would appreciate...You, your friends and family being with us to help CELEBRATE with FREE beverages, appetizers and dessert.
FEATURE ARTISTS
Elizabeth Veninga
LIVE ENTERTAINMENT
Steve MacDonald (acoustic guitar and vocals)
Where: Brushstrokes Art Supplies and Studio (129 Bridge Street, Carleton Place)
When: November 14, 2008 at 7-9 pm.
Flippin' Art Night - Highlights
Posted December 9, 2008 under ArtsCP Activities
Check out some of the pictures from our recent Flippin' Art Night hosted by Ballygiblin's in Carleton Place.
 2008 Award Winner Lindsay Fry |
 The Girouards! |
 Rowan and Lorrie |
 Dan, Lorrie, and Rowan |
 Ina and Wendy |
Annual General Meeting 2008 - Pictures
Posted December 9, 2008 under ArtsCP Activities
Check out some of the pictures from our recent Annual General Meeting hosted by Ballygiblin's in Carleton Place.
 Christina MacLachlan, Marilyn Johnston, Ina Jackson |
 Rowan Charters, Peter Lewis, Robin Andrews |
 Louie Antonakis, M.J. Lancaster |
 Adrian Baker, Lorrie Beaton |
