Ross Creek Centre for the Arts and Two Planks and a Passion Theatre’s spectacular 2007 outdoor production of The Odyssey has earned six award nominations.
“The incredible response we had to our production of The Odyssey made us realize that we had embarked on a very special creative journey, one that’s challenging, unique and fulfilling for audience and performer alike,” says Artistic Director Ken Schwartz.
Theatre Nova Scotia’s Executive Director Christopher Shore announced the nominees for the ninth annual Merritt Awards for Theatre Feb. 18 in Halifax.
The most highly nominated production is 2b theatre’s Revisited with seven nominations, including Outstanding Production and Outstanding Direction. The Odyssey and One Light Theatre’s The Veil are tied in second place with six nominations each. In all, 18 shows from 13 theatre companies across the province are up for awards.
Nominees for the 2008 Merritt Awards for Two Planks and Passion Theatre’s The Odyssey include:
Outstanding Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role is Graham Percy playing the character of The Stranger.
Outstanding Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role is Francine Deschepper playing the character of Penelope.
Outstanding Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role is Burgundy Code playing the character of the Old Woman.
Outstanding Direction by Artistic Director Ken Schwartz.
Outstanding Costume Design by Jenifer Darbellay.
Outstanding Production of The Odyssey for Two Planks and a Passion Theatre.
Awards in these categories as well as Volunteer of the Year, Stage Manager/Technician of the Year and the Merritt Legacy Award will be handed out at a gala ceremony Mon., March 3 at 8 p.m. at the Alderney Landing Theatre in Dartmouth.
Tickets are available through the Alderney Landing box office. For tickets call 1-888-311-9090. For more information call 425-3876, e-mail theatrens@theatrens.ca, or visit the new website:
www.merrittawards.ca.In 2008, Two Planks will present Thornton Wilder’s classic Our Town, also directed by Schwartz, from July 1-27, as well as the world premiere of Jerome: The Historical Spectacle by Ami McKay, bestselling author of The Birth House, with previews Aug. 1 and runs until Aug. 17.
The Village of Canning Apple Blossom Princess Committee is seeking candidates for Princess Canning 2008. If you are a young woman interested in becoming the next princess and will be 19 years of age by Dec. 31, 2008 and not over the age of 23 in 2008, then contact the Village Office between 9-12 noon at 582-3768 no later than March 10 to obtain additional information.
Glooscap Elementary School: there will be an early dismissal of 11:05 Thurs., Feb. 28; an assembly Tues., March 4; and second term reports go home Thurs., March 6.
Home and School: the next regular meeting will be held Mon., Feb. 31 at 6:45 p.m. in the school library. Constable Greg Byrne, the school RCMP liaison officer, will speak about the DARE program offered to all Grade 5 students and about the National RCMP Reading Challenge. Child care is provided.
Science/Subject Fair: all students are encouraged to participate in the annual fair held March 3-5. Registration forms to have science projects judged may be obtained from classroom teachers or at the office.
Awarded projects will compete at the Regional Science Fair April 1-4, hosted at Avonview High School. Entries from any subject area (e.g. science, social studies, art, health, math, and language arts) are accepted.
New Gym: with Canning Recreation offering a variety of youth and adult programs to the community and a new synthetic floor that may become damaged by snow and salt, help protect this surface by removing outside footwear before entering the gym and placing them on the mats provided in the lobby.
Northeast Kings Educational Centre: Music Parents Association general meeting will be held Tues., Feb. 26 at 7 p.m. in the library with everyone welcome to attend.
Middle School report cards go home Wed., Feb. 27.
Spring Fundraiser: The AP Biology class will be selling a variety of Vesey’s Bulbs and seeds over the next month to help fund a trip to Costa Rica. If you’re interested in viewing a brochure, contact Miss Healy at jhealy@nkec.ednet.ns.ca or by phoning the school at 582-2040.
Drama News: Rehearsals for the upcoming musical Guys and Dolls are underway and off to a good start, and will continue until the production is presented to the public Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, April 17, 18, and 19.
This is a huge event with upwards of 100 participants from students, to teachers and staff to volunteers around the community.
With the event quickly approaching, costumes from the ‘40s era such as: fedoras, pinstriped suits and dresses will be needed. Any help in this area will be appreciated. Contact Mr. Lugar or Joann Greenough at the school.
Get Active: The Canning Recreation Commission has several winter/spring activities to help keep you fit. Some fees might apply. Contact Kelly Lee at 582-2033 or e-mail: canningrec@ns.sympatico.ca.
Body Boost is a low impact aerobics class for adults held in the Glooscap Multi-Purpose room Wednesdays from 7-8 p.m. beginning Feb. 25 to April 17.
Open Gym Night is a two-hour structured playtime in the Glooscap Gymnasium Friday nights for Grades 2-6 from 6-8 p.m.
Sports Play Group is a positive sport-oriented playtime for ages 3-4 Tuesdays from 5-6 p.m. beginning Feb. 26.
Winter Walk/Snowshoe is an evening walk in Canning depending on weather conditions held Thursdays at 7 p.m. at the Canning Lions Hall.
Mini-Volleyball is held Tuesdays beginning March 4 to April 8 for Grades P-5 from 6-7 p.m.
Fireside Café Customer Appreciation Night: for the past seven years an appreciation night has been held to benefit the food bank and the Lions Hall in Canning with the same talented musical group. Approximately 400 people attend each year.
This year’s event is scheduled for March 1 from 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. at the Canning Lion’s Hall. There will be a dance and buffet, music by “Men Will Be Boys”, cash bar, 19 years and up, 50/50 draw, door prizes, free admission, donation to Canning Food Bank. Contact 582-7270 for further information.
Dovecote Haven workshop’s “Step Out of Fear” is a Circle of Light Celebration that will take place at the Centre in Medford Sat., March 1 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. For further information or to register, contact Donna at 582-1775 or e-mail dovecotehaven@auracom.com.
