Source: Huntsville Forester, May 18, 2005
Theatre opens to rave reviews By Gillian Brunette
There is an old proverb that states, ‘Where there’s a will there’s a way,’ and never has a truer word been spoken than when applied to Huntsville’s new Algonquin Theatre. Defying all the odds and the gloomy predictions of some, notwithstanding the hard work and long hours put in by volunteers, the theatre opened its doors for the first time on Saturday night as planned. True, only the theatre house, balcony and Partners’ Hall were physically open to the public, (the rest of the Civic Centre is still a construction site) and if anyone cared to look carefully, they would see many of the finishing touches were absent. However, no-one appeared to notice, so electric was the atmosphere as enthusiastic patrons at last experienced the new theatre for the first time. Over four hundred invitees settled into their seats for what was an appreciation night for donors, volunteers, Town staff, council and dignitaries. These included Parry Sound-Muskoka MP Andy Mitchell and Parry Sound-Muskoka MPP Norm Miller, whose governments had contributed substantial funds, former Ontario premier Ernie Eves and his partner TVO head Isobel Basset, and all Muskoka’s mayors. When Mayor Hugh Mackenzie took the podium he received a standing ovation. As the audience settled in their seats, Mackenzie admitted, to laughter, that he had not been as nervous since the Saturday he got married. He noted that this, the opening night, was a tribute to everyone who had, in one way or another, been involved in the success of the Civic Centre. In addition to the congratulatory messages from a number of political and arts representatives, the evening showcased performances from a cross section of the local arts community. Bill Sibeon first led the the audience in ‘O Canada,’ which was followed by a formal declaration of opening from town crier Bruce Kruger of Bracebridge. Down in the bowels of the orchestra pit Dr. Lynn Sergeant directed his musicians, first in a ‘My Fair Lady’ medley and then after intermission another medley, this time from ‘Oklahoma,’ as well as accompanying several of the performers on stage. The first half of the program featured the Muskoka Dance Academy, a cornet solo from the Northwood Brass Ensemble’s Neil Barlow, and a re-creation of the lumber camp scene from Stina Nyquist’s historical play ‘At Three Mile Lake,’ with guitar and vocals provided by Tina Turley. There followed performances from The Suzuki School of Music, the Huntsville School of Ballet and Sherisse Stevens, who along with dancers Emily Bridle, Liz McCarty and Katie Stevenson, sang ‘All That Jazz’ from the hit ‘Chicago.” By intermission, it was apparent that any concerns there might have been about the acoustics in the theatre were unfounded, for which, no doubt, the theatre management team breathed a collective sigh of relief. In the second half of the show Mackenzie once again took the podium to list and publicly thank all the donors. He also recognized three people who, he said, were instrumental in making the theatre a reality. They were Huntsville Festival of the Arts general manager Rob Saunders, Town CEO Walt Schmid, and Algonquin Theatre facilities manager Karin Terziano, who received a standing ovation for her efforts. The program concluded with a performance from the Phil Nimmons Quartet and featuring Nimmons’ grandson, Sean Nimmons Patterson, followed by soprano Pamela Hoiles, who was accompanied by Myron McPherson. With opening night now relegated to the history books, Mackenzie said he was thrilled with the events of the opening weekend. “We still have many things to do, but I think we have a functional Civic Centre that works for the community.” The week-long opening celebration continues until Saturday with the official opening of the Civic Centre Square and the unveiling of the Tom Thomson statue tonight at 7 p.m. Tomorrow night ‘An Extravaganza of Local Talent’ features youth from Huntsville schools, and on Friday Natalie and Donnell will entertain a full house. A gala fundraiser on Saturday brings the week’s festivities to a close with tenor John McDermott. Tickets are $145 with a $100 tax receipt and are still available from the theatre box office or by dialling 789-4975. ‘Jesus Christ Superstar,’ the first community musical to
be featured at the theatre, runs all next week with tickets still available
from the box office. |