ATHABASCA – A beloved theatrical classic is going to get a local twist thanks to a volunteer theatre group here in Athabasca.
The Sound of Music will be returning to the Nancy Appleby Theatre May 15, 16, and 17 thanks to Big River Arts Society (BRASS).
“We’re always looking for family-friendly options in our community, and The Sound of Music really does fit that bill well,” said Gwyneth Morrison, who handles choreography and a variety of additional tasks for BRASS.
“We did Annie last year and it went over really well, so we thought we would do The Sound of Music. Things like those two are very iconic, they go way back into people’s childhood and there’s something really nostalgic about that that draws people in.”
The cast, crew, and theatrical staff didn’t realize how nostalgic the production was going to be until rehearsal was underway. As it happens, the first show to take the stage at the Nancy Appleby Theatre was The Sound of Music.
“We didn’t even realize that this was the first show that was ever done there, that was a really fun coincidence,” said Gina Martel, BRASS’s founder and executive director.
“I would have to say it’s very nostalgic for me, going back and reviewing it. Everybody has the program, it’s insane how many people have the program still. My mom has all the information from it as well,” said Morrison.
When Martel founded BRASS a decade ago, she wanted to help make the arts — particularly theatre, dance, and voice — more accessible for Athabascans. With the spirit in mind, the group tries its best to find a role for anyone who auditions, which in this case, means 44 people will be on stage at some point once the curtain drops.
“It’s pretty impressive how the community has come out for this and how they’re all excited to be a part of it,” said Morrison.
Audience members can either purchase a dinner ticket for $70, or a general admissions ticket for $25. Martel said a major highlight of the show is that its local — people don’t need to drive into Edmonton for a dinner and a show.
“This is a fabulous opportunity for our community in multiple ways. First of all, you have a performing opportunity for people who are so inclined right here in our town,” she said.
“A lot of the people we have working on this are professionals. This is going to be an amazing show, and it’s quite amazing to me that we’ve got these professionals within our own community. You’re going to get to see your neighbour, your banker, your dentist, all seeing a different side to them than you ever would.”
Tickets are available the Athabasca Value Drug Mart. Drinks start at 5:00 p.m., dinner is at 5:30, provided by Baba Sue’s Catering, and the theatre doors open at 7:15 p.m. each night.
