Mike Uncorked: SHOW ME THE SHOWS!!!!

Mike Uncorked: SHOW ME THE SHOWS!!!!

By Mike Butler

You know, if I had a nickel for every hour I spent on stage performing in a show or sitting in a theatre as an audience member watching a show; I would be a very rich man! The reason I practically drown myself in live theatre is because I love it! I love everything about rehearsing, fine-tuning, gathering props and costumes, developing characters, and presenting all that hard work to an enthusiastic audience. On the flip side, I love seeing all that come together in front of me! There’s a lot of live theatre in this big beautiful valley and I am honoured to be a part of it. It’s a very busy time of year with the holidays approaching but it’s all about time with family and friends (remember that!) and here’s a few theatrical suggestions for you to consider as a way to spend time with those you love! Let us entertain you this winter!

First up is the Lighthouse Theatre Company’s production of “Creely Mountain Law”. Written and starring local playwright Allen Hume, who penned last year’s successful “Golf, Cheese and Chess Society”, “Creely Mountain Law” tells the story of a batch of shifty characters all bidding for the same valuable mountain property. You can trust anyone, including your brother… until he gets a better offer. The plot twists and turns as the characters try to out do each other in a caper that offers laughs and gasps! Starring with Allen are local performers Ray Baltzer, Sherry Bishop, Candy O’Brien, John Smith, Emily Lutz and myself (I get to be a bad guy…. or am I?) and this very talented crew are ready to hit the stage and keep you guessing! “Creely Mountain Law” plays evenings on November 17, 18, and 19 at the Al Whittle Theatre. The show starts at 7:30pm and tickets can be purchased at the door or in advance at The Box of Delights Bookshop on Main Street, Wolfville.

As I said before, the holidays are about family, friends, togetherness, and good cheer, and Centrestage Theatre in Kentville in getting into the swing of the season with “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever” by Barbara Robinson. This production is a Christmas family classic. A couple struggling to put on a church Christmas pageant is faced with casting the Herdman kids–probably the most inventively awful kids in history. You won’t believe the mayhem – and the fun – when the Herdmans collide with the Christmas story head on!

The pageant will be performed at CentreStage beginning on November 4 and running to December 10 on Friday and Saturday evenings with matinees on November 13 and December 4. Please call 902-678-8040 to make reservations.. this is strongly recommended as this classic show is bound to be a sell out!

And here’s a neat little story. In December 2009, I performed in my FIRST play called “A Brand New Year” and I was instantly hooked on live theatre. Since then I’ve been so fortunate to meet the most wonderful people and work in some of the best venues. Now, 7 years later, I am proud to be in my 50th production, which is a remount of *A Brand New Year*! It seems I’ve come full circle but this new production is going to be bigger and better than the first one. 
Edalene Theatre I will present the show in Wolfville from November 23 to 26. Writer, Director and star Kerri Leier describes her play as a story about family; finding yourself, true love and starting over all set during the busy holiday season. With Music by Melissa Vidito, this relatable show will touch your heart, tickle your funny bone, and restore your belief in the magic and warmth of the holiday season. 

I am thrilled to be back in this show (I’m much less nervous than the first time!) and with this stellar cast; it’s going to be a wonderful production! And a fun promotion is the chance to buy a “sparkling” ticket to the show, which includes a little L’Acadie Sparkling to sip at intermission. “Brand New Year” plays November 23 to 26 starting at 7:30pm plus a Matinee on the 26th at 2:00pm at the Al Whittle Theatre on Main Street, Wolfville. See you there!

Keep checking Valleyevents.ca and the Theatre Listings here in your Grapevine for all the shows in the valley. In the coming weeks we have the new Fezziwig production “Robin Hood: The Forest Awakens”, the one-man show of “Dicken’s Christmas Carol”, the “Nutcracker”, and Quick as a Wink’s Production of “Grease”. And who wouldn’t love a gift certificate to Centrestage or Quick as a Wink theatre for the holidays? Check out their websites for more details! And enjoy the shows everyone! It’s the most theatrical time of the year… Have fun and thank you!

Photo Credit: Mike Butler