This month I want to begin by thanking Mike at Tru Value for putting Solstice on the Spirit Board, which helps us raise some revenue for our productions. Many island groups benefit from this service, which means that virtually everyone on Pender benefits, one way or another. Solstice’s number, in case you have forgotten, is 13.
In the spirit of Remembrance Day and as a tribute to all our veterans, Solstice Theatre is presenting “Heroes” on November 11, 12 and 13th.
“Heroes” is a bittersweet comedy about three veterans living in a retirement home. We honour these delightful characters whom we meet on the back terrace of their residence. There, they discuss and come to grips with the big subjects: love, sex, death and friendship, all of it treated with great humour and panache.
Most people by now know about, and are really looking forward to, our Christmas show for all the family . “The Cinderella Xmas Show” is a first for the Solstice group in that some of our more junior talent will be performing a lot of the major roles in the performance, alongside some of your older “favourite” characters! Here are a few of our stars:
Wren Wilde as Cinderella
Wren has been with us for a number of years and has had a few roles in past productions. Even when she was not on stage though you could always find her backstage helping out in some way. A great asset to the company, Wren has now been given her big break on stage with Solstice and is being asked to show us all of her marvellous talents, singing, dancing as well as acting in this show. She is sure to melt your hearts as poor Cinders. In her spare time she plays the cello (recently won an award!) takes dancing lessons and tries to take part in most of the theatre workshops on island. I just wish I had a camera when she saw Cinderella’s ball gown for the first time!
Ona Vilarmau Newell as Prince Charming
Although Ona has been front stage singing solos in the Choir and recently had the female staring role in Ptarmigans production of “The Tempest”, she has up till now been helping backstage at Solstice. In “Cinderella” she moves into the spotlight as the dashing Prince Charming, serenading Cinderella with her wonderful voice and dazzling us all with her choreography. Make sure you all bring your handkerchiefs; the emotion this girl puts into her songs is amazing.
Sean Parker as Dandini
Sean is one of the most dependable , enthusiastic and versatile members of our junior group. He is always first in line to volunteer for script readings and will eagerly take on any role we give him. Just like Wren and Ona he can normally be found in anything where there is acting involved and his characterizations are brilliant to behold. He also recently performed in “The Tempest” (as Ona’s Father!) and his sense of humour really comes into play with his role as Dandini in this show. All he ever wants is just a small standing ovation! Let’s make sure we give him one!
Gregory Nicholls