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Your LOCAL Media since 1918! Volume 106 Issue 24
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Tribute to Health Care Workers Inside Wednesday, February 14, 2024
Two shows left for Ursula Kari Janzen Staff Reporter
The Churchmice Players production of The Little Mermaid is half over, with five of the ten shows being presented last weekend. Kate Down, of Tofield, is cast as Ursula and performs in five of the shows. She performed on opening night to an audience of over 230. “Opening night attendance was 237, which is good for an opening, as it's the hardest show to sell. That number of audience members fills the lower floor of the Jeanne and Peter Lougheed Performing Arts Centre really well. The audience was really supportive and jumped to their feet for a standing ovation as soon as the cast started their curtain call. That is a bit unusual too, that an opening show is good enough to gain that positive reaction. Often there's a lot of nerves to be worked through, but the cast knew the show so well, the performance was excellent,” said Janine Carroll, Churchmice Players board member. “We have tickets available to every remaining show, five in all including two matinees. The Lougheed holds about 575 seats. As the marketer, I'm hoping for a sell out on the matinees, but likely all shows will have walk-up tickets available,” said Carroll. Many audience members commented on the detail and accuracy of the costumes, which were designed and made specifically for the production. “Our show costume master is a gal named Wendy Wenig. She did a great job. All of the costumes had to be created, though we do have an extensive wardrobe and also borrowed some pieces from other theatre companies. Wendy also designed the set and did a lot of the construction and painting,” Carroll said. This is Kate Down’s second performance with the Churchmice Players, her first being in Rock of Ages. Acting has been part of Down’s life for many years,
beginning in her early years. “I was in drama or musical theatre in some form or another from a very young age, until the start of my 20s. I got my first adult job and had to leave those dream worlds behind, but it was always something I loved and missed,” she said. Down hasn’t had a lead role to the extent that the character of Ursula is in a while. “I’m usually happy to have smaller roles, but this one is a dream I’m ecstatic to have come true,” she said. The part that Down has enjoyed the most about playing Ursula has been stepping into the character and doing her best to bring the sea witch to life. “She’s tenacious, witty, confident, and a total powerhouse. I’m most excited to channel all of that into
myself, even if for only a couple of hours at a time. I am honoured to be a part of The Little Mermaid in any capacity, let alone as my all-time favourite villain. I hope that everyone who comes out to see us has even half as much fun as I’ve had watching it come together,” Down said. Three roles in the production have been double-cast: Ariel, Flounder, and Ursula. In all, 36 individuals have an onstage role, with numerous moving pieces behind the scenes. “Directing this production has been the most amazing experience – every cast member has worked so hard to crate a show that is outstanding! The crazy truth is that there are at least twice as many talented people helping out behind the scenes,” Signe Peake, director, wrote in the program.
Wonderful weather for Winter Walk Day in Ryley Kari Janzen
Staff Reporter
All students and staff at Ryley School enjoyed the wintry weather on Wednesday, February 7, as they participated in the 17th annual Winter Walk Day. “Winter Walk Day is an Alberta-wide initiative that encourages Albertans to be active outdoors in the winter. All students in grades 1-9, and teachers and support staff participated as staff led students on a walk around the Village of Ryley,” said Alycia Whalley-Lomness, grade 8/9 teacher. “This is an annual event at Ryley School, and this year the weather was perfect for our walkabout the Village! February is also random acts of kindness month; as an act of kindness, several students served hot chocolate to all students and staff after the event,” she said.