Stage Door News
Stage Door News
When Carousel Players takes to the stage at the community centre next week, it will be a multifaceted celebration.
The professional theatre company holds a benefit every year in support of The Actors' Fund of Canada, but as they mark the 45th anniversary of Carousel Players, this year they are also using the event to celebrate the milestone with a performance at the Niagara-on-the-Lake Community Centre on Monday, May 1.
Jessica Carmichael, Carousel Players’ artistic director, said the event is a chance for the community to see their latest production, Boys, Girls, and Other Mythological Creatures, but they also hope to welcome friends and supporters to the event for some cake, refreshments and a walk down memory lane.
“We always hold a public performance and support (The Actors’ Fund of Canada) annually, but this year we wanted to tie in an extra celebration for the company and hold a birthday on the same day,” said Carmichael. “We really want everyone, from past to present, to come out and talk about the memories they’ve had over 45 years.”
There are many actors still in the Niagara area who have performed with Carousel Players over the last 45 years, said Carmichael. Since first taking to the stage those actors have now performed to more than 2.8 million audiences, she said.
The performance is also a chance to celebrate the work of outgoing general manager Jane Gardner.
“We will be saying goodbye to Jane and thank her for her 10 years of dedication to children’s live theatre,” said Carmichael.
The event is a pay-what-you-can performance of Boys, Girls, and Other Mythological Creatures, followed by the question-and-answer session with the cast and the celebration. The performance begins at 4 p.m. at the community centre, 14 Anderson Ln. in Niagara-on-the-Lake. Seating is limited, so those wishing to attend are asked to reserve seats by contacting Lauren on 905-682-8326, ext. 22, or email schools@carouselplayers.com. The play is recommended for those five years of age and up.
Boys, Girls, and Other Mythological Creatures follows the story of Simon (Matt Pilipiak), an eight-year-old boy who is trying to figure out his true self. Through his basement adventures, with his new neighbour Abby (Cynthia Hicks), the two take on a secret world of imagination and adventure where they aid the young prince in his work to save a princess from the fire-breathing dragon, all the while dealing with Simon’s meddling older brother, Zach (Drew O’Hara), who isn’t on board with all of the dressing up and fairy tale business.
The play made its debut in schools across Ontario earlier this month and will be performed to an audience of grades 1 through 4 students during its run. Carmichael said the reception has been positive to date.
“The schools are saying the play is sparking wonderful discussion after the performance,” she said, adding he play comes at the perfect time for Ontario schools, as new curriculum changes include the topic of gender identity and gender expression. The production aims at helping bridge the gap for teachers looking to incorporate those themes into the classroom.
“It’s a celebration of people being their true selves, how we express ourselves and the importance of allowing people to explore identity,” said Carmichael. “We’re so happy there are teachers so brave and championing these conversations with the pressures that are out there being faced.”
By Scott Rosts for www.niagarathisweek.com.
Photo: Cynthia HIcks (left), Matt Pilipiak (right) and Drew O'Hara (centre). ©2017 Melinda Cheevers.
2017-04-24
Niagara-on-the-Lake: Carousel Players marks its 45th anniversary with a benefit performance May 1