Finding Miss Darbus

By Geoffrey Agombar

Spectator

NovaNewsNow.com “I don't think I've wanted anything quite this much before. I guess that's part of the excitement. And the Terror. To really be going for something,” says Donna Holmes of her run to win the biggest role of her acting career – a career she had pretty much set aside.

Out of a pool of hundreds who auditioned, Holmes has been voted one of five finalists who will compete for the role of Miss Darbus in Neptune Theatre's upcoming stage production of “High School Musical.”

Alternately ecstatic and overwhelmed, Holmes is focused on preparing a knock-out performance for the final round, in the hope that friends, family, and thousands of strangers will light up the CBC switchboards between 6 p.m. and midnight next Thursday, Feb. 19, and give her a chance to chase her dreams... again. “The response has been amazing. The CBC was pretty much blown away, too. They were saying they've received 10 times more votes than they were expecting. And, even though the show doesn't open until April, Neptune is saying advance ticket sales are the highest they've ever seen.” “It makes me kind of want to throw up and yell “WOOHOO!” all at the same time,” says Holmes.

Now living in Wolfville, Holmes grew up singing in Annapolis Royal. Many in town will remember her for her performances at Kings Theatre, or as Twinkle the Clown at Upper Clements Park, or as a frequent featured singer with the Annapolis Big Band. If not, maybe they'll remember her years as a vocalist with the school band (“The other kids had been playing instruments for a couple of years when I joined. Mr. Hay tried me on the flute, and that didn't go anywhere. So, I ended up as a vocalist for the school band.”). Otherwise, they are sure to remember her helping out at her parents' restaurants. Tom and Pam Holmes have owned and operated a number of restaurants in the area through the years, starting out by the golf course, then Charlie's Place, and currently the Holmestead Restaurant and Grizzly Bar in Granville Centre.

Eventually, however, Holmes came to the conclusion that – talent and experience aside – she would not be one of the lucky few to perform for a living. “By the time I got back from Japan, I figured it was kind of too late. Back when I was performing at [Upper Clements Park] I was out auditioning all the time, including at Neptune. But, it just started to get to the point where I would have to move to the city, and I didn't want to do that. I've lived in Calgary, and Toronto, and Japan, but I really feel like Dorothy, 'There's no place like home.' There is such an amazing mix of people here, groovy-hippy-art-lovin'-hard-workin'-farmin'-and-fishin', amazing people who get so much done. This is where I want to be. This is home.”

So, Holmes set her professional acting dreams aside. She got a job as a secretary with Flower Cart (an organization that offers support to intellectually-challenged employees and their employers) and got heavily involved in community performance. With Kentville's Centrestage Theatre, Holmes performs, directs, and sits on the board of directors. She has been active at the Deep Roots festival in Wolfville since it began.

But, isn't it funny how life works? Recently, Holmes decided to take on more responsibility at Flower Cart. After four years with the organization, she applied and was hired for an administrative position. Then, six months later she was laid off, by which time her old job had been filled, of course.

Suddenly Holmes was unemployed and unsure what to do. Then a friend called to say that Neptune was holding an open call for a 30-50 year-old actress to play Miss Darby, and that the role would be cast based on votes by CBC listeners. Holmes had to wonder whether that wasn't Fate calling. “It couldn't come at a better time. It's a minor miracle.” “I think my chances are good – well, I hope they're good! I've had so long to think about it now, I'd be really disappointed if I didn't win. This will totally change my life. It's already transforming to know that all those people voted for me. That they watched my video, liked it and voted for me.”

A final audition will take place in front of a live audience next Wednesday, Feb. 18 at Neptune. Holmes has narrowed her list to three possible songs, which she will record at home and send to friends to discuss her final selection. “Right now, I'm focused on making a good choice and making sure I'm ready. The worst thing would be to stumble on the lyrics – I just don't want to do anything dumb! I couldn't face people in the street. I just want to make them proud, the people who voted for me.” “And, I don't just mean by winning. There are five finalists, and we all deserve to be there, because we've all put so much work and heart into this. So I have to be prepared that I might not get it, that someone might be better on that night. But, I will be able to live with that so long as I know I did the best I can do.” “It's funny, I love performing in front of people, but I have a hard time asking them to vote for me,” Holmes reflects. “Working at the restaurant with my parents, people come to you and you serve them. That's good. One time I tried selling magazines door-to-door in Edmonton, and I couldn't do it. Going to people and asking for stuff, that's hard. But, then again, I'm not asking for them to vote for me just because they like me. I have a lot of experience, and I really think I can hold the role. I mean, I am Miss Darbus! She's so-o dramagical!” Holmes laughs. “I guess that's the exciting and scary and fun thing about this: I was getting pretty comfortable. I guess I'm feeling uncomfortable again, and that's kind of nice!” (gagombar@annapolisspectator.ca) * * * * * *

Search 'Donna Holmes' on Facebook to find the group dedicated to her campaign to become Miss Darbus in Neptune Theatre's production of “High School Musical” starting in April.

Visit http://www.cbc.ca/ns/features/highschoolmusicalcontest to listen to Miss Darbus contestants, and vote for your favorite.

The five finalists will be recorded live at Neptune Theatre on Wednesday February 18th.

CBC listeners can hear the auditions on Mainstreet the following day.

Phone lines will be open for votes from 6pm to midnight on Thursday February 19th.

The winner will be announced live on-air during Mainstreet on Friday February 20th.