A unique Sable Island evening

Performers agree the Astor Theatre, entertainment centre for the South Shore, is a gem all should treasure. It’s “Our Astor” that gives Liverpool its unique status in the world of the performing arts.

Each year, manager, Chris Ball, hosts a variety of acts that includes the hottest country stars, classical pianists and Rock ‘n Roll groups. Ballet, live theatre, and puppet shows, something for everyone, can be added to that list.

Astor fundraisers, themed around Sable Island, offer an eclectic blend of songs, stories, poetry, and the visual arts. The exhibits include Roger Savage’s paintings, Susan Tooke’s full-colour creations as well as Zoe Lucas’s breathtaking photographs of Sable’s flora and fauna. Some of these photos will be included in her amazing slide show on the “big screen.” Zoe has generously donated photographs to be sold with all proceeds going to the Astor.

The Triple Trio reunited this past summer to perform at Liverpool Regional High School’s 50-year reunion. In 1972 when music teacher, Ruth Ernst formed this high school choir, these girls were mere teenagers. Now they are “classy” ladies. Rosalee Peppard, former member, has enjoyed a successful career in the music industry. Rosalee calls herself a maritime heritage singer/songwriter. Her dramatic performance of “Graveyard of the Atlantic,” an original composition, is guaranteed to give you goose bumps on Saturday night.

You’ll feel the roll of the sea as Queens County Girls Choir sings several maritime ballads. Their talented director, Kristopher Snarby has taken these girls to a standard of excellence applauded Canada wide.

Susan Tooke, award-winning artist and illustrator of several children’s books, will show her drawings for Jamie Bastedo’s book “Free As The Wind” – the story of how children saved the horses of Sable Island. Susan’s paintings of the seaside are so vigorous and alive that the smell of salt and seaweed seems to waft off the page.

Janet Barkhouse will read from her mother’s novel Pit Pony, which was made into a movie and television series. Janet, retired teacher/actress/ writer recently won an award in the WFNS poetry contest.

Years ago, when Janet studied acting at the National Theatre School in Montreal, one of her colleagues was Richard Donat. “Dick” went on to establish himself as well-respected professional actor. He has played in more than 60 television and movie productions, including the role of Willie’s father in Pit Pony. He has earned many prestigious awards. This past summer he directed “The Drawer Boy” at the Atlantic Theatre Festival. He will read excerpts from Dr, Thomas H. Raddall’s best-loved novel, The Nymph and the Lamp.

Our youngest performer, Thomas H. Raddall IV, will read “Farewell to Sable Island,” the poem his great grandfather wrote while serving as a “brass pounder” (ie wireless operator) on Sable Island in the early 1900s.

Behind the scenes, volunteers are working hard - constructing sets, tuning up equipment, making sound recordings, planning lighting, making desserts, baking cookies, selecting photographs for the art exhibit, writing newspaper articles, putting up posters, and doing a host of other jobs. WHY? Because the Astor Theatre is a gem we must preserve. With your support the Astor will continue to provide you with memorable entertainment.

A dessert auction is planned during imtermission and art, books and CDs will be on sale. Tickets are $15. The cost for students and seniors is $12. The reception following the show is $5.

Tickets are available at the Astor - 354-5250 or www.astortheatre.ns.ca.