Back to HomeFeature Article - October 22, 2009 NFLT: Beyond Reasonable Doubt

North Frontenac Little Theatre presents their latest production, the courtroom drama/mystery thriller “Beyond Reasonable Doubt” by Jeffery Archer, at the Sharbot Lake High School Cafe-torium this weekend. The play is being presented in a Theatre in the Round staging, and it will be peformed on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights at 7:00 pm and on Sunday afternoon at 2:00 pm. (Above - Mark Veeno as Sir David Metcalfe and Roseanna Redmond as Lady Metcalfe)

Back to HomeFeature Article - October 29, 2009 Beyond reasonable DoubtBy Margaret Sullivan

Mark Veeno as Sir David Metcalfe and Roseanna Redmond as Lady Metcalfe.

Beyond Reasonable Doubt, the latest venture of the North Frontenac Little Theatre, is a thought-provoking courtroom drama about Sir David Metcalfe, a defence attorney accused of poisoning his dying wife in order pay off a large debt with his inheritance.

The director, Doug MacIntyre, made a bold choice to use a theatre in the round setting for this play and was successful in his artistic efforts. This particular play was well suited to that form of theatre. The first act, which is set in a courtroom, allowed the audience to play jury, and the second act, set in the Metcalfe living room, worked equally well. The intimacy of being so close to the actors was a unique experience and not at all invasive, as one might imagine. It was evident that the cast paid special attention to their movements to ensure good visibility for all audience members. The Saturday night audience seemed receptive to the cozy theatre in the round setting.

The play begins at the murder trial of Sir David Metcalfe. Peter Platenius, who was well cast as the judge, watched as a number of witnesses presented their evidence and were cross-examined. John Stevens rose to the challenge of a role that demanded very lengthy monologues as the prosecutor, Anthony Blair-Booth.

The fairly lengthy first act was kept fresh by the supporting cast. Although Jane Adamson had no dialogue she remained present and in character as the court stenographer. Fred Barrett was flawless as Detective Chief Inspector Travers and Dick Miller exuded confidence and charm as Lionel Hamilton, Sir David’s friend and solicitor.

Marc Veno gained momentum as Sir David Metcalfe and by Act Two was on a roll. He was well matched by Sue Irwin who provided some comic relief as Mrs Rodgers, the nosy housekeeper, in an otherwise dark story. Roseanna Redmond, clearly enjoying her role as Lady Metcalfe, painted a picture of matrimonial bliss marred only by her illness, alternately playing up the romance and tragedy of the situation.

The sets were effective though not overwhelmingly complex. The use of levels added a nice dynamic to the courtroom, with the accused and the witnesses being slightly raised and the judge overseeing it all. Bernie Slavin and Jeff Siamon did an excellent job lighting the sets and managed to keep the light contained in the centre of the room without it spilling over the audience.

The costumes were another subtlety that added to the authenticity of the production. From the crisp uniforms of the court guards to the housekeeper’s starched cap and apron, the costumes provided by Nina Jenkins were very appropriate and detailed.

Although the scenes took place in non-sequential order, they were tied together using recordings of dialogue from previous scenes, ensuring that no one was lost as to how all the pieces of the puzzle fit together in the end. 

Following the opening performance of the Bellrock Schoolhouse Theatre's production of "Miracle on 34th Street" on November 22, Doug MacIntyre's beaming smile said it all. MacIntyre is the play's director and Miracle on 34th Street is his first ever musical. It was very well received by the sold out crowd at the first of its five performances.

The play tells the tale of one Kris Kringle, who manages to re-ignite the flame of faith and love in a bunch of unbelieving, consumer-crazy small-town shop keepers. It is the perfect choice for a holiday production and with the addition of music nothing can better put the excitement of the upcoming holiday season into the hearts of theatre goers. Kudos to MacIntyre for choosing the perfect cast to bring the charming decades-old tale to life and for adding some exceptional songs to its charming script.

Who better to play Kris Kringle than Paddy O'Connor, with his magical mix of spark, humbleness and knack for singing. Connie Shibley as always charmed in the role of Doris Walker, the naysayer - the all-business woman whose cold heart eventually melts by the play's end. Shibley's talents both as an actor and a golden-voiced singer made for a very memorable performance. Astrid Tanton was perfect as Doris' incorrigible daughter Susie and her temper tantrum scene showed she is a newcomer to the stage to be watched. Micheal Andrew, who played Fred Gaily, brought the humorous love element of the play to life and his straight-faced, coy one-liners made for some great guffaws.

Also of note were Beth Freeland's portrayal of the hilarious Ms. Shellhammer; Fred Barrett's impressive and very believable portrayal as the shaky and neurotic Mr. Sawyer; Dick Miller's villainous portrayal of the doubting District Attorney, Thomas Mara; and the also golden-voiced Ralph McInnes as Mr. Macy. Jeanette Pixley played the perfect, no-nonsense tight-lipped judge. Add to that a talented group of youngsters, some very memorable bit part players, and a special appearance by South Frontenac Mayor Gary Davison, and you have a perfect holiday theatre treat that can be enjoyed by the whole family. The music of pianist Kate van Allen, who plays regularly with the Frontenac Women's Chorus, shone especially bright and tied the entire production into a festive holiday bow.

The play included a cast of 18 and a total of 18 scenes, which might seem to be a logistical nightmare for the behind the scenes crew. However, the simple and cleverly designed sets made for amazingly quick scene changes, which kept the pace of the show flowing. Congratulations to the entire cast and crew for what will long be remembered as one of the Bellrock Theatre's finest moments to date. For those who missed the "Miracle" last weekend, the play will be performed three more times: on Fri. and Sat. November 29 & 30 at 7pm, and on Sun. Dec. 1 at 2pm.

Bards, buffs and behind the scene-ers of the North Frontenac Little Theatre (NFLT) filled the Oso Hall in Sharbot Lake for their first ever lifetime achievement awards ceremony. Like all great awards ceremonies, this one offered up fine food and fancy fashions; a fabulously talented, tuxed and tailed emcee, Brian Robertson; some very off the wall comedy thanks to a few NFLT veterans; and some great live musical entertainment courtesy of Toute Ensemble and Fiddlers and Friends. Add to that six heartfelt speeches, each honoring special members of the community who have shaped the North Frontenac Little Theatre over its 35-year history, and you had one very special night to remember.

Town Crier Paddy O'Connor opened up the evening and summed up in a nutshell what the NFLT continues to bring to this community. “Amateur theatre strengthens the cultural environment and provides an emotional and creative outlet for those participating and for those observing. It is indeed time that this special tribute is awarded to the six recipients for their countless hours, days, weeks, and months of dedicated volunteer service to making our community a better place to live”.

NFLT president Nina Jenkins spoke of the NFLT's history, which dates back to 1979 when John Pariselli put an ad in this paper. The ad attracted 15 other thespians and they worked together to assemble a cast and crew of 35, who put on the NFLT's memorable inaugural performance, "Alice in Wonderland". The play had a sold out run, which demonstrated the local thirst for live amateur theatre, and which the NFLT would continue to quench over the next 35 years in more than 70 shows that included musicals, dramas, comedies, children's shows and one-act plays. The productions have involved over 200 members of the community over three and a half decades.

Michel Alarcon spoke of the importance of seeding the ground for the upcoming next generation of theatre thespians and buffs to keep the tradition of NFLT alive and well in the community. Interspersed throughout the evening were the presentations to the six recipients by their long-time NFLT comrades.

Margaret Bell, who was one of the organization's original founding members, presented the first award of the evening to John Pariselli, founder of the NFLT. “The NFLT would not exist as we know it today without John, his vision and his direction,” Bell said. John Pariselli has taken part in dozens of NFLT productions, sometimes simultaneously as director, actor, and producer as well as behind the scenes technician, and has been a continuous member of the executive for decades. He not only maintains the NFLT's web page, but has written numerous grant proposals that have allowed the NFLT to acquire much needed materials. He also personally made possible the purchase of the little white church in Tichborne, the NFLT's permanent home.

Pam Giroux presented the second award of the evening to someone she called “the Queen Mum of the NFLT”, Marjorie Fossey, who was another founding member along with her late husband Glen. Fossey has been active in the theatre since its first production and in Pam's words “had a hand in creating, designing and painting all of the sets during the 1980s and 1990s. Wherever she was needed she was there giving her time, selflessly and I don't think I have ever met a more humble, kind, and generous person than Marjorie.”

Lynda Boulter presented the award to Dawn Hansen, who had a decades-long role as stage manager with NFLT beginning in 1984 and who also volunteered for years on the executive as well as acting and singing in a number of productions. Dawn was honored by Boulter as someone who “loved what she did and who mentored others to learn the role of stage manager at the NFLT.”

Doug Boulter presented the awards to John and Ann McDougall, a couple whose extraordinary talents have brought music to countless members of the communities in South, Central and North Frontenac both as music teachers and as members of the NFLT. John made his premiere at the NFLT as Humpty Dumpty in "Alice in Wonderland" and performed in numerous roles over the years. His prowess as a musician saw him in the role of musical director for the productions of "Music Man", "L'il Abner", "Fiddler on the Roof", "Brigadoon", "The King and I" and "South Pacific". Ann, who is well known near and far for her talents as a piano player and piano teacher, provided piano support at countless rehearsals and also for the staging of "The Music Man", "Li'l Abner", "You're a Good Man Charlie Brown", "Nunsense II", "Fiddler on the Roof", "Brigadoon", "The King and I", "Oliver" and "South Pacific". Ann also took to the stage in choral support parts as well as playing the part of Mrs. Pye in "Anne of Green Gables".

Paddy O'Connor had the honor of presenting Peter Platenius with the sixth award and praised Peter with the words, “We know how talented he is, how dedicated he is, how dependable he is, how creative he is, how thoughtful he is, how generous he is, and how he is not afraid to get his hands dirty. He [Platenius] is a perfect choice for this honour.” Peter played many roles on stage including the narrator in "Our Town" and worked behind the scenes for countless productions creating memorable sets and props for "Anne of Green Gables" and "Noises Off", as O'Connor said, “doing anything and everything from A to Z.”

Each life time achiever received a medal, and the memorable event, which was admittedly long overdue, demonstrated how the NFLT is such an important cultural mainstay in the community and one that continues to bring together hundreds of like-minded individuals to celebrate their love of the theatre.

Back to HomeFeature Article - April 30, 2009

Sydenham High School Drama Productions

Our Town

The Virtuous Burglar

Our Townby Wilma Kenny

The cast of Our Town

"We faced three major challenges in producing this play at SHS," admitted Dan Raponi, theatre arts teacher, " and they were: working with a cast of 21 student actors, putting together period costumes for them all, and helping the actors 'get it'."

"Getting it" refers to the play itself: Thornton Wilder's Our Town is a deceptively simple story of life in a small village a hundred years ago. It's divided into three parts, which deal with the commonplace events of life, love and death, and its message about the importance of appreciating the everyday things around us in our daily lives develops gently and subtly. Raponi says that only in these later stages of rehearsal when all the actors have been present for the whole play, have they been able to fully appreciate the cumulative effect of the individual scenes they have been working on for the past two months.

    A rehearsal visit brings home the implications of coordinating such a large cast of individuals. "But I have to be at work then/by five/all morning Saturday," "How'll I get home?" "I've changed my doctor appointment," are only a few of the comments fired at Raponi. But somehow when the rehearsal begins, all 21 are present, hitting the stage on cue, and focussed.

    Obviously the third challenge has also been met: costume mistress Linda Bates is busy handing out hats and tying sashes. "Thousand Islands Theatre has been fantastically generous," says Raponi: "they've loaned us all the costumes we need." Because the stage setting is spare and abstract, he notes, "It's essential to have good costumes."

    Why such a challenging play? "After three years of doing comedies, it was time to tackle something more serious," Raponi noted, " and we have some very seasoned actors who have been studying theatre arts for four or fiveyears: this is a good way to use their skills, and also bring in some of the newer actors. Most of the cast has grown up in or near small villages not so very different from the one Wilder depicts."

    Raponi and his drama crew have a solid reputation for putting on excellent shows, and this one is shaping up to become another winner. (On a personal note, their last year's production was so well done I rounded up some friends and went back to enjoy a second night.)

    After day performances for grades seven and eight from area schools, and for a sold-out house of their fellow high school students, Our Town will run at SHS Thursday, Friday & Saturday, May 7,8 & 9. Doors open at 6:30: show starts at 7:00.Admission is $6.00 for students and seniors, $8.00 for adults.

The Virtuous Burglar – timing is everything

reviewed by Jeff Green

Curtis Law and Ana Donevan-Hickie, as the Man and Woman, in the Virtuous Burglar

The Sydenham High School (SHS) production of The Virtuous Burglar surprised a few people at the St. Lawrence District Sears Drama Festival in Perth last month.

Schools such as Kingston Collegiate (KCVI) and Regiopolis (Kingston) and Perth Collegiate (PCVI) have often moved on to the regional festival from this district, but this time the Virtuous Burglar was one of three productions, along with PCVI and Marie Riviere (the French language school in Kingston) to move on to the next level.

At the Eastern Regional Festival, which was held at the KCVI theatre in Kingston last weekend, the SHS production of the Virtuous Burglar was the final play to be performed on the Saturday Night of the Festival.

One viewer, the parent of a student from another school who saw the production in Perth as well as last weekend in Kingston, said “it was really good in Perth but they did a lot of work since then and it was even better tonight.”

The result of all that work was a sharp, fast flowing production of the Virtuous Burglar, which was written back in 1958 by the Italian playwright Dario Fo.

As the festival adjudicator pointed out, selecting a play by Dario Fo was an interesting choice for a high school production in 2009.

Fo, along with his wife and theatrical partner, Franca Rama, were steeped in the Commedia del Arte tradition of Italian comedy. To this tradition, they have brought an uncompromising left wing/humanist political satire that has made them controversial figures in Italy to the present day. Fo, now 80, recently performed a devatastating imitation of current Italian Prime minister Sylvio Berlusconi on Youtube. He won the Nobel prize for literature in 1997.

In the “Virtuous Burglar” social satire is couched in fast paced comedy of misunderstanding that works in much the same way as a modern situation comedy.

The “burglar” is virtuous because he is the only character in the play, with the exception of his wife, who is honest about what he does. The rest of the characters, who come from the more privileged classes, aren't virtuous in any sense.

The character of the Man, a city councilor played by Curtis Law, epitomized the corruption that Fo saw at the heart of Italian society. When he was worried that the public would find out he was an adulterer, he said “I was planning to retire from council next year. If they find out about this they'll make me the Mayor.” Curtis Law played the role with the kind of oily self confidence typical of the rich ids in modern day TV shows such as “Gossip Girl” or “90210”

The key to the SHS production was the flawless interplay between the actors. The banter was delivered at breakneck pace, and the actors also knew which lines to respond to and which lines to let go over their heads.

The audience, as steeped as they are in the conventions of situation comedy, took great delight in catching those jokes that went over the heads of the dumbfounded actors.

Dylan Parsons, as the Burglar, set the tone for the play. He made full comic use of his height, squeezing himself into the grandfather clock a couple of times. Although he was on stage for the bulk of the play, he never lost his focus, and even when he was not involved in the dialogue, he was always listening, reacting, or sneaking about the stage furthering his own interests.

It was a phone call to the house that the burglar was in the midst of robbing, by the Burglar's Wife, played by Megan Tidman to great effect, that propelled all of the other characters into fits.

Ana Donefer – Hickie, as The Woman, was as amoral as the burglar was virtuous. While none of the characters were particularly concerned about anyone else, she was the master manipulator, balancing her desire for The Man with her desire to avoid getting caught by The Man's wife, Anna, or her own husband Antonio.

Donefer was as adept at playing off the other characters as she was at playing to the audience. The play also involved a lot of running around for her, and being carried, all of which could not have been easy for someone with a sprained ankle.

It was only at the end of the production, after the curtain call, that it became apparent that there was anything wrong with Donefer's ankle, which had been hidden underneath her shoes throughout the performance.

Lauren Hammond, as Anna, arrives late in the play. She plays the stern, unsuspecting wife convincingly, making it all the more entertaining for the audience when her affair with The Woman's husband Antonio, Geoff Hull, is revealed.

Although the Virtuous Burglar was not chosen to move on to the Sears Ontario Finals, which will be held at the Grand Theatre later in May, Megan Tidman was given an award of merit for her performance, and Ana-Donefer-Hickie, who directed the play as well, received an award of excellence for Direction and Performance.

Other students who were involved in the production included; Owen Sheffield, who played the second burglar, Julie Sleeth – stage manager, Emelia Myles-Gonzales, Cait Dickison, and Brook Davy – set crew, and Julie Sleeth and Jacob Dearborn – lighting crew.

Photo: Cash Matson plays Hansel opposite Jessica Deroches' Gingerbread Witch

For four days in early May, Grade 7 student Cassidy Savic, and Grade 4 student Cash Matson, cast off their normal earthly persona and skillfully transformed themselves into lovable heroes of legend as Land O’ Lakes Public School presented “The Story of Hansel and Gretel”.

Backed by a well-rehearsed choir of 28 “Gingerbread Cookies” conducted by Mrs. Joanne McCullough, and a cast of 32 performers directed by Mr. Brian Robertson and Ms. Jenn Meulenaar, Cash and Cassidy showcased the results of hard work, commitment and sheer talent as they carried the play through song, dance and acting, portraying the lead characters, Hansel and Gretel.

Cast and crew worked together to overcome minor and major obstacles as the performances unfolded, producing awesome results. Cast and crew included Jessica Desroches and Sadie Clarke as the Witches; Devon Scott, Cassy Lowery and Jade Walker as the Children; Jonathon Wisteard and Matt Sproule as the Trolls; Claudia Thompson and Erica Thompson as the Owl and Echo; Jessica Wisteard as the Gypsy; Bailey Paddick as the Sandman; Jesse Mae Ferguson and Megan Power as Caspar and Katrina; the amazing sound and light crew, Ophelia Cooper, Adam Power, Tristen Veley; and the awesome set crew who doubled as emcees, Summer Kennedy, Noah Wilson and Emalee Riddell, with Brianna Drew on props.

Several production numbers clearly stand out: “Public Holiday” featured singing solos by Cassy Lowery, Jade Walker, Cassidy Savic and Cash Matson. As the flats of Hansel and Gretel’s poor mountain cabin transformed into a colourful panache of circus-oriented scenes (designed and painted by Mr. Lee Hull and his grade 7/8 class), the choir exploded onto the stage depicting, through song and action, various circus acts including those of strongmen, puppeteers, clowns, cowgirls, candy vendors, dancers, and acrobats.

In “Hocus Pocus” and “Gingerbread Witch”, Jessica Desroches and Sadie Clarke (who shared the role of the Gingerbread Witch), performed spell-binding, dramatic versions of these songs, mixing up a cauldron of fun with comic sidekicks, goblins Claire Willis and Swayde Scott (voice by Jack Willis). In “Hocus Pocus”, the zombie-induced Gingerbread cookies are transformed into live dancing delights (all 28 gingerbread costumes and the two Shrek costumes were designed and sewn by Mrs. Peggy Muldoon of Sharbot Lake).

“Tap, Tap, Tap” featured the lead actors, Cash and Cassidy, singing this catchy children’s song and skillfully leading choir members (portraying local children) in an entertaining dance.

Ms. Fournier’s Grade 4/5 students did a fine job performing a “Witch’s woodland dance” based on Rossini-Respghi’s “The Tarantella”.

From the pitch-perfect notes of the opening song sung by Dew Princess Kirstin Colliss to the celebratory closing song with Father and Mother (Jacob Brash and Quinn Scott) leading the entire cast, “The Story of Hansel and Gretel” achieved an entertaining sharing of magic, wonder and delight that only children’s theatre can produce.

Director Brian Robertson was noticeably moved when the cast presented him with beautiful thank you cards and dedicated a song to him at the end of the final performance. He thanks everyone – actors, crew, choir and Land O’ Lakes Public School parents and staff – for their support and role in making live children’s theatre such a success in Mountain Grove.

 

What better for spring than a good old-fashioned rollicking romantic comedy to get the love juices flowing.

And while most of the bonking in this Sam Bobrick play consisted of unexpected knocks to the head of the amnesia-inducing kind, the play in its essence is a playful jaunt about love and marriage and the hoops some will go through to see their loved ones find it.

As the play opens, Sarah's crazy, meddling but lovable matchmaking Aunt Martha, is played full throttle by theatre veteran Roseanna Redmond. Martha wants nothing more than to see her niece married to a man named Brandon.

The fact that Sarah is a high-powered, happily single New York lawyer who wants nothing less than a man in her life, doesn’t seem to matter to Aunt Martha.

So, Martha hires Noogie Malloy (Paddy O’Connor in a role to which his skills in barely containing mayhem were particularly suited) to throttle Brandon as he leaves his office and deliver him to Sarah’s apartment.

This rather Neanderthal ploy, which needs to be repeated before taking full effect, sets up the love and hi-jinks that form the bulk of the action in the play at Sarah's apartment, where together the two romantic leads manage to untangle the mysterious web that brought them together.

As the play unfolds the two come to develop a very believable fondness for one another. This comes, of course, after some very funny slapstick moments involving crashing bowls of oatmeal, anaphylactic shock-inducing sandwich-sharing episodes and a number of misunderstood and emotional phone calls to and from crazy aunts and bossy fiancées.

The two leads successfully carry it off, easily convincing the audience of their growing fondness for one another, culminating up in a long embrace and final kiss in the last scene.

Angela Cowdy was confident and believable as Sarah, the high-powered New York lawyer. Sarah’s aversion to the very idea of marriage and emotional coldness gradually melts as she gets to know and love the soft spoken and charming Brandon.

NFLT newcomer Michel Alarcon was equally as convincing as the likeable, endearingly soul-searching but often confused Brandon, who after coming to terms with his amnesia also comes to realize that his bossy fiancée Heather is not the ideal woman for him.

Charlene Knight was perfect in the role of Heather, who ultimately ditches Brandon. In the end it is Sarah (tah hah) who wins over Brandon with her charms and instant oatmeal.

Also of note was the role of the tennis pro played on alternate nights by Craig Godfrey and Barry Harding, who each managed to keep a straight face while doing some funny things involving crazy Aunt Martha and tennis rackets.

The set was designed by Paddy O'Connor. It was a small New York apartment, and the original hanging artwork and a twinkling night skyline view from the window, both courtesy of Donna Laroque, gave it a very convincing feel.

Congratulations to first time NFLT director Kelli Bell, to all the actors and to the behind-the-scenes production team who once again successfully transformed the Sharbot Lake High School cafeteria for four days into a venue offering community theatre of the highest calibre.

 

When North Frontenac Little Theatre presents “Getting Sara Married” at Sharbot Lake High School next weekend, there will be a number of familiar faces on stage, including Paddy O’Connor, Roseanna Redmond and Angela Cowdy. But there will also be two newcomers to the theatre troupe on stage, Michel Alarcon and Charlene Knight, while backstage, Kelli Bell will be directing for her first time.

“I didn’t have any idea it was Kelli’s first time directing until someone mentioned it last week,” said Charlene Knight from her home in Arden this week, “she seems so natural at it.”

Charlene Knight will be playing the role of Heather in the play. She has had acting experience locally, as a student at Land O’Lakes Public School (LOLPS) acting in the spring musicals under Brian Robertson, another long-time Little Theatre member, who interestingly enough will be directing his final musical at LOLPS next week before he retires at the end of the school year. (more on that next week)

Charlene Knight moved to Napanee for High School and did some acting there as well. “My greatest role was in ‘Zeussical’ in Grade 12,” she said.

She recently moved back to Arden with her husband and two-year-old child.

“I had a bit of time available so I came out for this play and it has been a great experience. I went to the first rehearsal and saw Nina Jenkins there. She had been my grade one teacher, so I felt comfortable from the start.

Charlene will be rather busy next week. In addition to caring for a two-year-old and getting ready for “Getting Sara Married”, she will be back at LOLPS doing makeup for the spring musical.

“I think ‘Getting Sara Married’ is going to be great. The actors are really good and the crew is very organized. I’m looking forward to it,” she said.

“Getting Sara Married” runs on Thursday & Friday, May 6 & 7 at 7:30 pm and on Sunday May 8 at 2:00 pm. Tickets are $12 for adults. On Saturday, May 5, there will be a dinner theatre for $27. Dinner theatre tickets must be booked by Saturday April 30. Call Nina Jenkins at 279-2945.

Regular performance tickets are available at Verona Hardware, Gray’s Grocery, Sharbot Lake Pharmacy and at the door.

 

Four dead nuns in the convent freezer? Believe it or not, that's the problem that must be solved in the hilarious musical Nunsense, now in rehearsal at Sharbot Lake high school by North Frontenac Little Theatre. The Frontenac County health inspector is on the way, so a dedicated group of seven nuns from the convent of Our Lady of Sharbot Lake are presenting a fundraiser to raise enough money to bury the nuns who died after eating soup infected with botulism. Don't worry, you won't be asked to give money to this fundraiser (other than buying your ticket!). The nuns will discover a solution to their problem of where to get the money. All you have to do is enjoy the fun as each one entertains you with song, dance, riddles and stories. Tickets will soon be available in Verona at the hardware store and in Sharbot Lake at Gray's Grocery and the Pharmacy. Nunsense runs Thursday, April 29 7:30 p.m. $12 adult, $10 student; Friday April 30, 7:30 p.m. $12 adult, $10 student; Saturday May 1, Dinner Theatre 6 p.m. $27; Sunday May 2, Matinee, 2pm $12 adult, $10 student.

An experienced group of actors who work beautifully together, are performing a three-night run of The Importance of Being Earnest at Sydenham High this weekend. This last and best of Oscar Wilde’s plays is full of biting humour, poking fun at marriage, social hypocrisy, and rural life: “When one is in town, one amuses oneself: when one is in the country, one amuses other people.”

It’s the story of two young men living double lives of respectability, spiced with wild weekends in the city. Eventually, of course, their dual identities catch up with both of them in a fast-paced, very funny melodrama of confused identities and furious fiancées. There is a young heroine hoping to find a man who needs reforming, a governess with a shady past, and an elderly aunt who’s determined to uphold the family reputation at all costs (almost).

“Most of this group has performed together for several years, and they’re outstanding,” says Director Dan Raponi, “It’s a shame we can’t reward them with larger audiences.”

For most of them it’s their last year at SHS.

Earnest is playing this Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, May 6, 7& 8, at SHS. Doors open at 6:30, show starts at 7:00.