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Once upon a time ... a play opens in Orangeville
Friday August 22 2008
By David Nairn, Centre Stage
 
I hope you’ve all had a wonderful (and safe) summer so far and that you’ve been able to attend lots of theatre during your travels. Some of the tremendous shows playing at other theatres in the province I can highly recommend include: Hamlet at Stratford, Wonderful Town at the Shaw Festival, Les Miserables at 1000 Islands Playhouse, The Long Weekend (sound familiar?) at Theatre Collingwood, and for something truly twisted and brilliant, be sure to catch Evil Dead – The Musical before it closes in Toronto on Sept. 6. Theatres everywhere deserve your support — see a play somewhere today!

Theatre Orangeville’s Drama Young Company production of Just This Once Upon A Time, written and directed by Jane Ohland Cameron, plays at Theatre Orangeville on Aug. 22, 23 and 24.  
This wonderful and witty original show stars incredibly talented young people from all four corners of our very own community. Join Brittany Allen, Hannah Bleasdale, Mariel Bulcan-Gnirss, Holly Bus, Abbey Carrigan, Mackenzie Collins, Mary-Margaret Courtney, James Gerus, Adam Higgins, William Jester, Freddie Keith, Mark Montgomery, Sarah- Jayne Martin, Stuart Martin, Michael McCreary, Aiden O’Brien, David O’Dwyer, Bridget O’Rourke, Colin Simmons, Nicole Robertson, Leela Scott and Lindsey Whiting, as together they bring to life a colourful and fast-paced show that will delight audiences from five years old to 105.
 This tale of The Once Upon a Time Players, a theatre troupe of classic fairytale characters who have been on the road for 110 years, will transport you and your family to the land of “happily ever after.” Please call the Theatre Orangeville Box Office at 519-942-3423 for tickets.

Also close to home is the Century Church Theatre’s Summer Festival presentation of the hilarious hit play “Who’s On First?”  Billed by its author, Jack Sharkey, as “a nightmare comedy,” the play involves false accusations among friends and lovers that lead to wildly improbable situations involving a lamp with strange powers, a rubber chicken, and the strangest party ever. “Who’s On First” plays in Hillsburgh only until Aug. 23. Tickets are $27. For reserved seats, please call the box office at 519-855-4586. For details, visit www.centurychurchtheatre.com.

The Orangeville Town Hall Opera House is the place to be when The Mainlanders release its first CD at 8 p.m. on Sept. 6. The Mainlanders have been around since 1996, and with a growing number of songs in their repertoire, thought it was high time to produce a CD.
The band all hail from right here in our community. Jeff Campbell has lived in Orangeville for over 20 years and has come back full circle to folk music, as it was the groundwork, growing up in a campfire family. Ryan Reid, originally from Orangeville, has been playing with local bands for over 30 years. Fergus resident Murray Abraham is the bassist who drives the rhythm of the Mainlanders stories. Jeff and Ryan told me in confidence that he is the newest member of the band and the last bass player they will ever need.
The Mainlanders are an energetic folk band with a decidedly East Coast flavour whose original music draws on the rich tapestry of Canadian history, both past and present. Special guest openers are the Time Catchers — a.k.a. Wayne King, Betty Ann Lusk and Tom Althouse.
General admission tickets are $18 if purchased through the Theatre Orangeville box office or $15 in advance by calling 519-938-9683.  

Real women, real harmony, real fun! That’s what you’ll find if you visit the award-winning Orangeville Chorus, Sweet Adelines International.  If you love to sing, they’ve got a place for you! Discover just how much fun a bunch of women can have with a song.  
Come and experience the joy of singing four-part harmony with 55 other women. New membership opportunities begin at 7 p.m. on Wed. Sept. 3 for three consecutive weeks at the Lord Dufferin Centre, 32 First St., Orangeville. For further information, call Linda at 519-943-0343, Fay at 519-927-5370, Gaye at 905-584-9759 or visit the Sweet Ads at www.harmonize.com/orangevillechorus.

Does your arts organization have an event coming up in the near future? Everyone reads The Banner, so get the word out there about your arts event! Event information can be dropped off in person at the Theatre Orangeville box office located at 87 Broadway or by emailing me at dnairn@theatreorangeville.ca.