The Sage Valley Voices performed for a full house on Sunday afternoon, April 27th. “Moments to Remember” involved some of the fun of ‘Grandma’s Feather Bed’, some of the heartbreak of ‘Unchained Melody’, some of the sweetness of ‘The Rose’ and some belly laughs “With a Little Bit of Luck”. Tamara Nunes,with husband Brad accompanying her on guitar, filled the United Church with her rich full voice in a signature rendition of “House of the Rising Sun”. You could hear a pin drop before the audience erupted in applause.
Ugly stepsisters, Portia and Joy, had the audience laughing at their heartfelt “Stepsisters’ Lament” from Cinderella. You may not recognize them immediately but that is Sue James (purple top and pink boa) and Sue Morhun (white top and purple boa). A picture of their more normal selves will help you!
It’s an era of evening dresses and tuxedos, sparkling champagne and even more sparkling tiaras, of romantic opera stars and their enamoured fans. In this world of luxury, chaos is about to ensue, in the style of classic 1930s screwball comedy. The South Okanagan Players bring this hilarious chaos to the stage in Lend Me a Tenor by Ken Ludwig. The production is a farce, and definitely not an opera, hitting the stage on May 23 -24 in Osoyoos and May 31-31 in Oliver.
Tito Merelli (played by Nathan Linders) is “Il Stupendo”, the Italian tenor of the title. The imposing singer arrives at his hotel suite, ready to open the Cleveland Opera’s 1934 season starring in Otello. World famous for his stupendous voice, Tito is also famous behind-the-scenes for his way with women, stage door admirers and co-stars alike. He soon attracts Maggie (Tracey Granger), an adoring fan and daughter of the Cleveland Opera’s general manager Saunders (Ted Osborne). Also vying for Tito’s attentions is his ambitious co-star Diana (Robin Stille), who aims to bed the tenor and advance her career in one fell swoop.
The tenor’s plans are put on hold by two immutable forces: a terrible stomach ache, and his hot-tempered wife Maria (Carrie Lyle). Concerned that his performance is in jeopardy, either from illness or conniving women, the fiery Maria orders him to rest. She wants him safely tucked up in bed – alone. In one of the farce’s funniest exchanges, Maria and Tito let their tempers flare: “Take-a you pills!” she shouts. “You wanna pills?” sneers Tito. ”OK. I take-a pills. I take–a four pills.” “Now you-a gonna be sick. You peeg!” “Shaddap!” “Shaddapa you-self!” Gulping down a handful of tranquilizers with wine, Tito passes out cold.
With Tito down for the count, the role of Otello is without a replacement. Opera house manager Saunders is justifiably worried about his sponsors, but has a cunning plan to fool the opening night audience. But is his hapless assistant Max (newcomer John Guiliano), an aspiring (albeit amateur) tenor, up for the challenge? What happens next is a whirlwind of frantic costume changes, mistaken identities, slamming doors, bed-hopping madness, hilarious sight gags, and romance.
Also featured in the cast are David Badger as a sassy singing bellhop, and Louise Szalay as Julia, a regal opera patron.
Lend Me a Tenor marks the directorial debut of Tom Szalay, a 10-year SOAP veteran. “Staging a high-energy farce such as this with eight characters is a lot of hard work and cast and crew are stepping up to play an important part in our success.” Szalay counts on the experience of stage manager Jen Jensen, producers Patrick Turner and Jennifer Mapplebeck, costume magician Bernice Myllyniemi, and set and props wizardry from Robert and Marla Wilson, among the many talented crew.
Lend Me a Tenor opens at OSS Theatre Osoyoos on the weekend of May 23 – 24 , and at Venables Theatre in Oliver, May 30 – 31. Curtain rises 8 p.m. for all shows. Tickets are available now at Sundance Video (Oliver) and Your Dollar Store with More (Osoyoos) for $18 adult, and $15 senior or student.
Photo: The hapless Max (John Guiliano) costumed as famed tenor Tito, tries to romance two of Tito’s admirers at once: Maggie (Tracey Granger, left) and Diana (Robin Stille).
The Double O Quilters’ Townscape, an art walk of quilts, is on display in businesses and storefronts all over Oliver until April 30. Take your favourite walking buddy, get some fresh air and exercise, and view some fine fabric art. Here’s where you can find them, north to south, and east to west, including three of our arts council business members (linked):
Dog Town Cafe, OK Falls
Tickleberry’s, OK Falls
Oliver Tourism (Information) Centre, Station Street
Quail’s Nest Arts Centre, 5840 Airport St., Oliver
Join us to learn about the progress and victories of 2013, meet our new Community Heritage Manager, and learn about the history of “The Ditch” through the eyes of the Norton family. Greg Norton, a 5th generation resident whose family was instrumental in building “The Ditch” and shaping our community, will tell the ‘real stories’ of what happened in those early years – as recalled by his family.
Only Heritage Society Members in good standing may vote at the AGM. To become a Heritage Society member please drop by the Archives, 430 Fairview Road, on Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday between 9am and 4pm or at the Museum, 474 School Avenue, on Wednesdays between 9am and 4pm, to renew or purchase a membership.
For more information please call us at 250-498-4027, e-mail info @ oliverheritage.ca or visit our website at www.oliverheritage.ca
Quail’s Nest Arts Centre, 5840 Airport St., Oliver
Join us to learn about the progress and victories of 2013, meet our new Community Heritage Manager, and learn about the history of “The Ditch” through the eyes of the Norton family. Greg Norton, a 5th generation resident whose family was instrumental in building “The Ditch” and shaping our community, will tell the ‘real stories’ of what happened in those early years – as recalled by his family.
Only Heritage Society Members in good standing may vote at the AGM. To become a Heritage Society member please drop by the Archives, 430 Fairview Road, on Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday between 9am and 4pm or at the Museum, 474 School Avenue, on Wednesdays between 9am and 4pm, to renew or purchase a membership.
For more information please call us at 250-498-4027, e-mail info @ oliverheritage.ca or visit our website at www.oliverheritage.ca
This Spring the Sage Valley Voices bring you “Moments to Remember”, a programme of past favourites sure to warm you heart. Mark Saturday, April 26th at 7 pm or Sunday, April 27th at 2:30 pm on your calendar and join us at the Oliver United Church for some great entertainment. Tickets available at the door for $10 include a social following the concert where you can meet with friends and chat with members of the choir.
Alice DeRoche is back to lead numbers that include “Come Follow the Band”, “Do Wah Days”, “Shenandoah”, “Bring Him Home” and a medley from Fiddler on the Roof and another from Hair. Alice loves entertaining and she loves costumes. This time she is creating a spring flower theme with women wearing a rainbow of colour and men sporting new vests and shirts in bright hues.
Pianist, Sandy Andres, brings her exceptional talent to this 35 voice community choir. When she arrives to accompany, she is frequently cheered. She has a way of making us sound better than we are and she can exorcise errant notes when they appear. Basses and Baritones pay attention and Sandy gives them the little cues that make all the difference.
Recently I read a Globe and Mail article about choirs. It asked, “What is it about singing in harmony with other humans that changes the way we feel and think?”
Apparently British scientists have found that choirs boost the mental and physical health of their members. Researchers studied 375 people who sang alone, sang in choirs and played team sports and found the choristers experienced the greatest benefits by far. One study even found that choral singers unconsciously synchronize their heartbeats with other choir members. Our group is wondering if pacemakers help!?
“We’re always encouraged to sing as children,” said one member, “and then you grow up and unless you go to church, when do you sing?” Singing in a group gives us something we have lost as a society. In Oliver we sing twice a week preparing for the concerts and pursue harmony with those around us. We sing together, laugh together, and entertain together. New members are always welcome. Those who regularly attend our concerts know the fun of lifting their voices and joining in for some finale numbers. Together we create community! Come and enjoy!
Remarkable, breath-taking quilts are on display Friday April 11 and and Saturday April 12 at the Oliver Community Centre. Here is just a small sampling – and cannot do justice to the colours, richness of the detail, dimensional elements, and tiny embellishments. See the bottom of the photo spread for the list of titles and fabric artists.
A warm spring day attracted a stream of visitors to the Spring Arts Faire all day on Saturday April 5. First booth at the Faire (above): Board members Bernice Myllyniemi and Arleyene Farnworth say “Hello!” at the arts council’s welcome table. There was a flurry of spring arts events to promote, along with plugging the activities and specials of member arts groups and businesses.
Three door prizes, donated by the Oliver Sagebrushers, Sally Franks, and Okanagan Archive Trust Society (Brian Wilson) provided a tempting display. Thank you, members! Local Oliverites won all three prizes: a wine basket, a sepia-toned aerial photograph of Oliver in the 1930s, and a colourful print of burrowing owls.
Close to thirty artists and artisans demonstrated their craft and sold their works. Photography, painting, spinning and weaving, jewelry making, sewing crafts, preserves, woodworking, and more!
A warm spring day attracted a stream of visitors to the Spring Arts Faire all day on Saturday April 5. First booth at the Faire (above): Board members Bernice Myllyniemi and Arleyene Farnworth say “Hello!” at the arts council’s welcome table. There was a flurry of spring arts events to promote, along with plugging the activities and specials of member arts groups and businesses.
Three door prizes, donated by the Oliver Sagebrushers, Sally Franks, and Okanagan Archive Trust Society (Brian Wilson) provided a tempting display. Thank you, members! Local Oliverites won all three prizes: a wine basket, a sepia-toned aerial photograph of Oliver in the 1930s, and a colourful print of burrowing owls.
Close to thirty artists and artisans demonstrated their craft and sold their works. Photography, painting, spinning and weaving, jewelry making, sewing crafts, preserves, woodworking, and more!
