Outport October 2014 by Ryan Crocker

NEWFOUNDLAND & LABRADOR’S LGBT LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

theoutport.com

5 FUN

October 2014

TERROR TOWN THE NEW HARBOUR HAUNT EXPERIENCE

THE DOS & DON’TS

HALLOWEEN COCKTAIL

OF A GREAT HALLOWEEN COSTUME

RECIPES

ALLAN HAWCO TALKS HALLOWEEN, REPUBLIC

OF DOYLE’S FINAL SEASON & THE LGBT COMMUNITY The Outport // October 2014 1

CONTRIBUTORS Writers Darryl Davis @darryl_m_davis DJFabian Newfoundland @DJFabianNL Joshua Hackett joshuahackett@live.ca Taylor Stocks taylor.stocks@gmail.com

Editor/Writer Ryan Crocker theoutport@outlook.com Cara Brown carajeanbrown@gmail.com

Publisher

HALLOWEEN

PARTY

ANTHEMS

Josh Eddy theoutport@outlook.com

Advertising Pamela Sheaves theoutportpamela@outlook.com Karin Power theoutportkarin@outlook.com Marcela Certuche theoutportmarcela@outlook.com

Design & Layout Kimberley Devlin & Perfect Day perfectdaycanada.com

Cover Image Allan Hawco by Ian Vatcher

Well, it’s that time of year again – when ghosts, goblins, zombies, and Drag Queens come together to celebrate one of the best party nights of the year! This year, Halloween kickstarts at Velvet on October 24 with the latest edition of Divas After Dark: The Wicked Witches of the West Coast. This event is hosted by Irma Gerd and Doris Anita Douche.

#1. Thriller Michael Jackson

#2. Time Warp (PWL Remix) Damian

#3. Monster Lady Gaga

#4. Ghostbusters Ray Parker Jr.

On October 31, Velvet will be hosting the Halloween edition of the hugely popular hipster event Yung Dumb. Then, on November 1: the main event, Nightmare On Water Street: Halloween Night at Velvet.

#5. Better the Devil You Know Kylie Minogue

For all you Halloween party lovers, I’ve put together a list of classic Halloween party anthems along with a few fitting pop tunes to make your Halloween party just perfect.

#6. She Wolf Shakira

#7. Monster Mash Bobby “Boris” Pickett & The Crypt Kickers

#8. Disturbia Rhianna

#9. Get Your Freak On Missy Elliot

#10. Somebody’s Watching Me Rockwell

2 The Outport // October 2014

HALLOWEEN COCKTAILS Brain Hemorrhage Looking for something to evoke the darker side of Halloween? Try the brain hemorrhage, the adult version of sticking your hand in a bowl of peeled grapes and pretending they’re eyeballs.

What You’ll Need: 1 tsp grenadine ½ tbsp of Bailey’s 3/4 ounces peach schnapps

How You Make It: 1. Pour the schnapps into a rocks glass. 2. Float the Baileys on top of the schnapps. 3. Drop grenadine through the Baileys. by Nicolas Pell | source: mademan.com

Candy Corn Cordial

Jack-o’-Lantern

Ah, candy corn, the deliciously non-descript sweet snack for October. It doesn’t taste like delicious sugary wax in booze form, but it does help you get where you’re going, so to speak.

We’ll keep the party going with a classic Halloween cocktail that evokes all the best memories of October childhoods… just with more booze.

What You’ll Need: 1 1/2 cups of vodka 1/2 cup of candy corn 1 large egg white 2 ounces orange liqueur juice from half a lemon extra candy corn for garnishing

What You’ll Need:

Black Magic Halloween Cocktail What You’ll Need: 1/4 cup ice 1/2 cup orange juice 1 1/2 ounces black vodka 1/2 ounce triple sec orange wedge, for garnish

How You Make It:

2 ounces of citrus-infused vodka 1/8 ounce fresh lime juice 3/8 ounce simple syrup 1 ounce mango juice 1/2 ounce orange juice an orange

1. In a cocktail shaker, add orange juice and triple sec over ice. Shake well, and strain into a glass. 2. Using the back of a spoon, pour black vodka slowly into a glass so that the vodka sits atop the orange juice and triple sec mix. 3. Garnish with orange wedge on the glass rim.

How You Make It:

by Andrea Correale | source: hgtv.com

1. Leave the candy corn and the vodka in an airtight container overnight, or for at least three hours. 2. Put four ounces of the infused vodka, lemon juice, orange liqueur and egg white into an ice-filled cocktail shaker. 3. Shake for 30 seconds. 4. Pour into martini glasses and garnish with candy corn.

1. Combine everything together in a cocktail shaker with some ice. 2. Shake. 3. Pour into a goblet glass. 4. Garnish using a slice of orange and mint leaf laid on top of the glass to look like a Jack-o’-Lantern. 5. Start grinning like one.

by Nicolas Pell | source: mademan.com

Black Devil Martini What You’ll Need: 2 ounces dark rum 1/2 ounce dry vermouth black olive & orange sugar

How You Make It: Stir and strain into chilled martini glass that has been rimmed with orange sugar for a festive touch, then garnish with black olives. by American Professional Bartending Schools of Illinois in Chicago | source: hgtv.com The Outport // October 2014 3

EVERY DAY IS HALLOWEEN FOR ALLAN HAWCO Republic of Doyle star opens up to The ‘Out’port.

Photo credit: Duncan de Young

or the supremely talented Allan Hawco, every day is Halloween – but it wasn’t always that way. The beloved son of Newfoundland used to cherish October 31, which gave him the opportunity to dress up, to pretend to be someone else. Now, as a respected actor, that’s simply what Hawco does every day. “I loved Halloween because I got to be someone else – that was back when I hadn’t realized I wanted to be an actor,” he said. “Now, I rarely get to be myself, I dress up every day. Granted, Jake Doyle – my character on Republic of Doyle – dresses the same way that I do, it’s still rare that I get to just be Allan Hawco.”

full character arc,” Hawco said. “Over these years, we’ve had that time. We’ve had an opportunity to build these characters, and that allows us to finish our final season on our terms, and go out on top. I feel so lucky and so grateful that these characters will finish right where I planned from the beginning. Obviously, our ideas for the characters have expanded as they’ve developed, but for the most part, they’re ending exactly as we had in mind from beginning. It’s so much fun.” Hawco said the process of bringing the stories of the show’s characters to an end is an enjoyable but emotional one.

To celebrate our Halloween edition, Hawco sat down to chat with with The ‘Out’port between shots while filming the final scene of the final episode of his his show, Republic of Doyle. Ever contemplative and wearing his heart on his sleeve, Hawco said fans of the show have a lot to took forward to from the final season currently in the works.

“Right now we’re in the middle of filming the final scenes, so it’s hard to see the end,” he said. “But, still, I have so many mixed emotions. Our cast and crew is such a huge family, and we have such a special working relationship. Having this series set in Newfoundland, and working with the local crew in the place that I love, I’m going to miss that so much. I’m going to miss playing Jake Doyle, writing these characters. I’m trying not to focus on everything that makes me emotional just yet. I’m just doing the best job that I can. We all are.”

“We’ve spent so much time building these characters and I have fantasies about where I would like them to end up at the end of a

Hawco said one of the hardest aspects of wrapping up the show is saying goodbye, at least for now, to the local crew.

4 The Outport // October 2014

“The crew in Newfoundland is, of course, as you can imagine, just top notch. They are the greatest, kindest, gentlest people – they’re honest, and it’s the same with the cast. Everyone is feeling it, saying goodbye to something we’ve loved for so long, but it’s been great working together. It’s so rare to create something that everyone involved cares about, that’s so rare, and there’s this sense hanging over us that we’re all going to miss it. I have to say I’ve never been so fulfilled creatively. This show has been a dream of mine my entire life, and it’s been one of my most satisfying experiences.”

show, across the country. The Newfoundland fans were responsible for spreading the word. And it warms my heart to know that this show was an escape back home for Newfoundlanders living away, a chance to share their enthusiasm and love for this place with their friends.”

I don’t really have any views, to be honest. It’s just a non-issue for me. Can you imagine being asked what your views are related to heterosexuality?

“We’re filled with colourful characters, but I wasn’t interested in presenting the stereotypes,” Hawco said. “I wanted to follow in the path of Alan Doyle, Mark Critch, Rick Mercer, and all of the others who have done a lot to shatter these stereotypes. I wanted to present Newfoundland as a character, introduce it slowly. You can’t beat people over the head with it, you have to just let it be, let viewers live in this world, and gradually be immersed in what Newfoundland is – all through a crime-fighting show with a sense of humour rooted in the tone and sensibility of this city.”

But, like a proper Irish wake, Hawco is focused on everything that made Republic of Doyle a labour of true love for him and everyone else involved with the show. Some of the memories he’ll cherish most are shooting various scenes on location in St. John’s. In the same way a photographer might look at the roof of a downtown building and think, “Wow, I have to take pictures from there!” Hawco has grown up walking the bustling streets of our old city thinking, “I’d love to film a scene here.” “You always have a fantasy, when you’re a filmmaker or any creative type, really, to showcase and show off St. John’s to the people of the world,” he said. “I’ve had that opportunity for six years now, and it’s been mind-blowing. Every time I’ve worked with Newfoundlanders, we’ve always shared stories, fantasies, about doing a certain shot over this hill, or shooting from that street. I’ve been able to fulfill almost every one of these wishes. The only thing I haven’t gotten to film is a foot chase through The Battery, but you know, I’ll get to that on another project, I’m sure.”

It isn’t lost on Hawco that the scenes of a beautiful and vibrant city helped to shatter some of the negative stereotypes of Newfoundland and Labrador that are quickly fading in mainland Canada. In fact, he treated the province as a character in his show and set out to show other Canadians what the city really has to offer.

Hawco, who has attended Pride-related events in St. John’s in the past and can always be counted on to stand up for equality in all forms, was taken aback when asked by The ‘Out’port to share a little about his views regarding LGBT issues. For him, LGBT people are simply part of the community as a whole. He wants us to feel accepted and equal, but doesn’t view us as being any different from anyone else. “I... I don’t really have any views, to be honest. It’s just a non-issue for me. Can you imagine being asked what your views are related to heterosexuality?” he said. “Everyone who isn’t being treated equally has my full support, whenever it’s needed.” And we’ll all soon have another opportunity to support Hawco in return. Once Republic of Doyle wraps up, he’ll be pursuing his next goals – most of which involve his eternal love interest, Newfoundland and Labrador. “I have so much in the works, it’s kind of crazy,” he said, noting a show he appears in, The Book of Negroes, will air on CBC in January. “I don’t know how much I’m allowed to share as far as specific information about these projects, because we haven’t announced anything yet. BUT, we have A LOT in development. Series projects, major networks, things that would be filmed here. It’s going to be very interesting, so stay tuned!”

Those deliciously colourful scenes of old St. John’s have been part of the reason Newfoundlanders have embraced the show, especially those who live and work abroad on the Canadian mainland and around the world. “I’m so grateful that Newfoundlanders really got behind this show,” Hawco said. “That was critical. It was their excitement, their word of mouth, that led to Canada embracing the

As he embarks on the next stage of his career, Hawco shared his gratitude with all of his fans here in this province. “I’m just delighted to have the support of the fans,” he said. “We’re still one of the most popular selections on Netflix, and that’s because we’re supported by great people.” Photo credit: Duncan de Young

by Ryan Crocker The Outport // October 2014 5

GENDER LESSON 201 One year ago, I wrote my first article for the ‘Out’port, “An Intro to Genderqueer”. That article opened the conversation on gender and looked at some basic terminology so we could all start on the same page. Since then, I have written on drag, privilege, the gender binary, and a whole host of other topics that intersect trans* narratives. I greatly appreciate the ‘Out’port for giving me the opportunity to write about what I find most pressing each month and giving me the space to develop my thoughts about some key components of my identity. A big thanks goes to you too, readers, for sticking with me as I get my bearings in a new language and for reading what it is I have to share.

ver the course of this past year, I have slowly checked off the boxes on the list of things one does when they come out as a female-bodied transgender person. I began with my words, in this column and elsewhere, by expanding my pronouns. As the year progressed, I became more involved with the community through Pride and other organizations and I found more aesthetic ways of articulating my identity. Cutting my hair, the most drastic of my changes, seemed to solidify my tag as genderqueer better than all of my talks and articles had beforehand. My story is not necessarily a common one; few people move to Newfoundland and then come out as trans*. But the vast majority of my experiences here have been very positive and I am lucky to be here at a time where the trans population is visible, has more support than ever before, and is very accepting of any gender-questioning person. I have learned a lot from getting involved in the queer community here, and I’d like to revisit a few of those terms now, rounding out their definitions with my year’s worth of experience.

Genderqueer Since moving to Newfoundland, I have found that the term genderqueer does not resonate with most people. Though I have defined it as an umbrella term for those who do not fit within the gender binary, non-binary folk in St. John’s still tend to use trans* as a signifier instead. This may be due to the word ‘queer’ in Newfoundland English carrying strong connotations of ‘weird’ or ‘odd’. However, this is still the word that I use to identify my gender identity, in no small part because of the political stance of ‘queer’ as a descriptor. 6 The Outport // October 2014

Trans*/Trans/Transgender Trans, or trans*, if you’ve been reading my articles over the months, is the most common umbrella term used for those whose gender identity does not match that which they were assigned at birth. There is internal debate over the use of the asterisk; some say it is there to include all those who are questioning their gender, even if they do not yet feel trans. Other say that it makes the term more inaccessible and is hiding the potential exclusivity of trans narratives. Both sides have valid argumentation, so continuing on with the column I will be using both interchangeably. Trans* and trans each come from the abbreviation of transgender, the word that I’ve found resonates most with cisfolk above a certain age. What’s important to note here is that transgender is a perfectly acceptable descriptor while transgendered is not. Transfolk know better than most how gender is constantly performed; you don’t play your gender once and be done with it, it’s there every time you put on clothes or use your body in a particular way. Transgender is an active adjective, transgendered implies a finished process. Use trans if you are ever unsure.

Pronouns/Names Though extraordinarily difficult to change in day-to-day speech, one of the best and most trans-friendly steps you can take is to use a person’s chosen pronoun. It might not match up with what your brain is telling you their pronoun should be and it may be different from the pronoun that was used a year ago. However, names and pronouns are parts of language that hit very close to home. If you are talking or writing about a trans person, make sure that you are up-to-date on what words they use to protect and define their identity. Do not ask transfolk what their ‘real’ name is, do not switch to ‘she’ just because they are wearing a dress, do not assume that a pronoun used in the past is the one that is current. When in doubt, just ask. Thank you all again with your patience and attention this past year. I look forward to continuing the conversation about gender with you through the coming months. by Taylor Stocks

THE DOS & DON’TS

OF A GREAT COSTUME As we embark upon the beginning of the fall fashion season, we see a carefree take on 60s styles and prints; comforting knits in neutral tones; fun and vibrant (faux) furs; masculine, tailored suits; and the return of khaki/military chic. The autumn season also brings the most fashionable of holidays: Halloween! Thus, we have compiled a list of dos and don’ts of a great Halloween costume to get you looking your very best this year, from sexy to downright horrific. Do be sexy:

Don’t use body paint:

Do channel celebrities:

Live a little and show some skin! A sexier version of anything is a better version. Anyone who’s watched Mean Girls know that Halloween’s the one night of the year you can dress outrageously sexy and no one can say anything. Well, outside of Pride Week. If you’re stuck for ideas or time, you can’t go wrong with a cute pair of undies or lingerie and a fun mask. Think Andrew Christian and Victoria’s Secret.

Steer clear of costumes that require body paint for three reasons: 1. Whether you’re going to a house party or club, no one wants whatever you have smeared all over your body on their furniture and guests. 2. Sweat and rain. Trust me; if it rains or you start to sweat (which you will), you’re going to be one big mess. 3. Have you ever walked into a club and say, “God, I really want that purple guy at the bar”? No? Well, no one will say it about you either. Who wants a date that’s only going to stain the sheets?

Lifestyles of the rich and famous! Hallowe’en is the perfect opportunity to take on a new persona for the night. You can be anyone you want, past or present – take advantage! You’re bound to be someone’s celebrity crush!

Don’t lose sight of your creativity:

Do live happily ever after:

Use your imagination and be original! How many more times can you really be a naughty nurse or bloody zombie? Think outside the box and make your own interpretation of your favourite character. Don’t limit yourself to a store bought, ready-made costume. Make it your own by adding unique accessories to enhance your style. As military trends hit the runway, you can’t go wrong with a sophisticated solider look.

Don’t let being an adult stand in the way of embracing your inner child. Characters from your favourite fairy tales make fabulous costumes! Let your imagination run wild and put together a look fit for any hero or villain. After all, I’ve never met anyone who wouldn’t want to take home Prince or Princess Charming.

Do find a friend or group for a themed costume:

If you don’t normally wear makeup, now’s your chance to start! If you do normally wear makeup, wear MORE! This is the perfect opportunity to test more daring looks and if you’re a man, everybody loves a good drag queen. Pile it on and paint those faces! If you’re new to using cosmetics, I do suggest practising in advance or getting help from an experienced friend.

There’s nothing that adds to your costume more than having friends to match the theme. Your costume becomes much more recognizable when there’s someone else to help portray the story. Top picks are the Teenaged Mutant Ninja Turtles, the characters from Frozen and the cast of Orange is the New Black.

Don’t forget to dress up your eyes and wear makeup:

Don’t super-size it: Bigger isn’t always better. It’s easy to let your imagination run wild as you plan an over-thetop look, but remember where you’ll be going. It’s virtually impossible to get through big crowds or small spaces when wearing large wings; long, draping garments; or tall, elaborate head pieces. You may want to turn heads, but you won’t succeed if you’re unable to move from a dark corner. Remember; if it’s hard to get into, it’s going to be even harder to get out of... when it really counts!

Do bust out your evening wear: Most of us don’t have many opportunities to dress in black tie. If you have something in your closet collecting dust and begging for a night out, here’s your chance. Pair with a Venetian mask and you have one distinguished Halloween look... and no one can resist a man or woman in a suit!

Don’t be predictable: Why not do something original this year? The stereotypical witch, vampire and bloody corpse have been overdone. Change it up and get noticed with a hot new look. When you become predictable, you become boring and who wants that? by Joshua Hackett The Outport // October 2014 7

THE NEW HARBOUR HAUNT EXPERIENCE Every nervous breath raises money for charity...

t. John’s may be one of the North America’s most beautiful cities, but it also one of the oldest.

All that history, some say, doesn’t simply fade away to memory. Some of it still haunts the capital – and for the first time in two years, revellers will able to work their way through a terrifying maze guarded by ghosts, ghouls, and lost souls. Starting October 2, Frontline Action and Easter Seals will be reviving a new version of the famously terrifying St. John’s Harbour Haunt. “For 10 years Easter Seals Newfoundland and Labrador offered Halloween enthusiasts a unique frightful experience during the month of October,” said Mark Lane, CEO of Easter Seals Newfoundland & Labrador.

“Over its lifetime, Harbour Haunt, raised more than $500,000 to support life-changing programs and services for children, youth and families living with disabilities in this province. But for the past two years, Easter Seals NL has not operated Harbour Haunt due to the unavailability of an indoor venue in the metro region ... However, Tom Davis and Frontline Action has changed that by offering to partner with Easter Seals NL and using their state of the art facility.” Frontline Action is thrilled to be part of this special Harbour Haunt, now officially named Terror Town. “This year, similar to that in the past, people will navigate their way through a 14,000 square feet maze of spooks and scares,” said Lane. “Something is very wrong in Terror

Town. This is a place that only the very brave will visit,” Tom Davis from Frontline Action said. “Friends and strangers will group together to survive. Their senses and wits will be tested by the undead that inhabit this labyrinth. For the lucky, this experience will last around 20-30 minutes, or a lifetime for those not so fortunate.” The Miles for Smiles Foundation, who are committed to creating awareness of child abuse, will also be benefitting from this event. “Terror Town is relocating to its permanent home in the Frontline Action Center located at 10 Pearl Place in St. John’s. This is just off Brookfield Road and is serviced by Metrobus. Frontline’s facilities will not be closed during the day for this event.

PUMPKINFEST

The 13th annual Pumpkinfest is on Saturday, October 18, from 10am-5pm, and Lester’s Farm hopes to see as many ‘Out’port readers as possible in attendance. In previous years, the event has attracted up to 7,000 visitors. Visit lestersfarmmarket.com or call 747-FARM.

rganizers have countless activities planned as well as numerous contests to be held throughout the day, including two pie-eating contests and three worm-digging contests for the kids as well as two hot pepper-eating contests for adults.

photo booth, wagon rides, corn maze, and of course our contests that are always fun to participate in or watch.”

“Whether you participate in the contests directly or are a part of our interactive audience, we can ensure that you will have a true fun family experience on our farm,” said Susan Lester of Lester’s Farm.

“There’s just such a good vibe throughout the entire day, you see people having the chance to do things that we did all growing up and I can’t explain the feeling that I have when I see others enjoying what my family and I did,” she said.

“It’s a Fall Family Farm Fun. Try saying that multiple times! It really is a day to get out and do what we would consider good ol’ activities plus a few newer ones; there’s a gourd toss, seed spit, pumpkin bowl, face painting, a craft corner, a black maze, a straw jump, plinko,

Lester said she may be a bit biased, but being in the middle of the Pumpkinfest truly is like no other experience.

“When people come together to support a great cause or great programs such as the R.E.A.L. Program and Mount Pearl Sport Alliance the Newfoundlander in all of us shines through; kind, caring, and fun.”

In fact, the event is the only time of year when Lester’s Farm charges for admission, and the proceeds all go to the R.E.A.L. Program and Mount Pearl Sport Alliance. Last year, the grand total raised was more than $20,000. “We wouldn’t be able to put off such an event without our sponsors and volunteers,” Lester said. “We work alongside the R.E.A.L. Program and Mount Pearl Sports Alliance a lot and we also have multiple sponsors to help make the day a success. Although this year’s sponsors are not set yet, we have had many local businesses who have so graciously helped us out in the past. As the date comes closer, we will have a full list of this years sponsors on our Pumpkinfest section on our webpage.” Parking is available at Lester’s Farm Market on Brookfield Road but there are also shuttle services provided by Metrobus. The free park and ride will pick people up from the Newfoundland Housing Building behind the Village Mall and drop them off at Lester’s Farm. The first bus leaves the Housing building at 10am and the last bus leaves Lester’s Farm at 4pm. The buses run frequently during those two times. “It really is an experience like no other. This is a different activity in support of great programs,” she said. “Plus, where else can you go in town to find a giant scarecrow? or a pumkinosaur? or a grown man cry from eating hot peppers? Overall, it’s just great family fall fun with us on the farm.” This page and previous page by Ryan Crocker The Outport // October 2014 9

THEATRE REVIEW Skeets, Snobs & Peppermint Nobs

humorously titled ‘Skeets, Snobs and Peppermint Nobs’, the focus on Newfoundland heritage and culture is front and centre. The show celebrates the extensive history and beauty of Newfoundland folk music, as well as, the man responsible for compiling many of them, Gerald S. Doyle. Like many of the previous productions staged by Spirit of Newfoundland, ‘Skeets, Snobs and Peppermint Nobs’ is a clever combination of good humour, sketch comedy segments, a history lesson and beautifully performed musical performances. This show, in particular, integrates these elements so well that it feels like a truly immersive experience. There is a loose reoccurring narrative in the form of skits involving ‘The Corner Boys’, characters established in earlier productions from this company, used largely for comedic effect.

Written by: Peter Halley, Deborah Wells Smith & Sheila Williams | Musical Direction by: Evan Smith | Produced by: Spirit of Newfoundland | Starring: Dana Parsons, Keith Power, Erin Winsor & Jeff Simms | Venue: Masonic Temple, 6 Cathedral Street, St. John’s, NL | City: St. John’s, Newfoundland & Labrador | Currently running: Next Show November 6th, 2014.

Over the past year, Spirit of Newfoundland has produced a number of original and interactive musical experiences. Whether being an hilarious tribute to the greatest male musical artists of our time (‘Women Doin’ Men’), a loving musical showcase of pop super group ABBA (‘ABBA: Gotta Get The Scoop!’), or a celebration of the many holiday traditions from a variety of cultures (‘Christmas Around The World’); they have all had a distinctive Newfoundland flavour. With their latest production, the 10 The Outport // October 2014

This time around, however, these characters not only illustrate the historical rivalry between ‘townies’ and ‘baymen’ and breaks down Newfoundland slang for the audience; they are also humorously shown completing a school assignment regarding historic folk music and radio jingles written and created in Newfoundland. During transition points, the show even incorporates a few prerecorded video segments involving these characters which are executed seamlessly. One funny segment in particular involves acting and singing extraordinaire, Sheila Williams, who so happens to share a co-writing credit here. It must also be noted that the musical numbers offered by this production truly run the gamet regarding folk music in this province, and are a wonder in themselves. The show beautifully highlights traditional songs; such as: “Lukey’s Boat”, “Feller From Fortune”, “Let Me Fish Off Cape St. Mary’s”, and “Kelligrews Soiree”, as well as more contemporary numbers from the likes of the Ennis Sisters, Buddy Wasisname and the Other Fellers, Ron Hynes and Great Big Sea. The production’s rendition of ‘Ordinary Day’ proved to be a crowd favorite.

As well written and produced as ‘Skeets, Snobs and Peppermint Nobs” is, the show succeeds, in large part, due to its outstandingly charismatic cast and the talented musicians on stage. Dana Parsons, Keith Power, Erin Winsor and Jeff Simms, have such amazing camaraderie and chemistry with each other, the kind that cannot be scripted or acted. The enthusiasm, delight and energy they demonstrated throughout the production was completely infectious, and it was apparent that they genuinely adored performing with each other.

The vocal harmonizations from the four talented vocalists were also extremely on point and seemed effortlessly performed. The amazing Dana Parsons, a Spirit of Newfoundland favorite, last seen in their original production of ‘Christmas Around The World, is quite simply a revelation here. She is one of the best comedic musical talents currently on the stages of this province, not to mention the fact that she is a vocal powerhouse who never disappoints. The extremely prolific Keith Power, another Spirit of Newfoundland favorite, seen recently in ‘Chicago’ by TaDa Events, ‘Avenue Q’ by Best Kind Productions, ‘Mary Poppins’ by Theatre St. John’s, is a firecracker of a performer. He is energetic and unpredictable in only the best way possible. His comedic timing is impeccable, especially in an interactive setting, and he is a dynamite vocalist deeply rooted in pop music sensibilities. This show only demonstrated his musical versatility in that

he sounded amazing and confident performing folk music as much as he does on more contemporary numbers. Erin Winsor is a relatively newcomer to the stage of Spirit of Newfoundland, but is the exact opposite with regard to her musical theatre credentials in this province. She has given show stopping, mesmerizing performances in recent turns as the eponymous character in ‘Mary Poppins’ by Theatre St. John’s, and as Eponine in the Atlantic Light Theatre production of ‘Les Misérables’. Cast members of ‘Skeets, Snobs and Peppermint Nobs’ affectionately called her the diva of the production during the show for good reason, she possesses an outstanding, blow you out of your seat, operatic vocal range. A highlight of the show is her beautiful and spellbinding take on “She’s Like The Swallow”. She has also seemingly adapted to the interactive environment of Spirit of Newfoundland like a champ, displaying great comedic timing which might surprise those who only know her pristine theatrical works. The cast is rounded out nicely by Jeff Simms, who comes across as a true triple threat performer; one who confidently sings, acts and dances on stage. On display in this production were his dynamic comedic and theatrical chops, showcased nicely, not only during ‘The Corner Boys’ moments but also in his dramatic rendering of ‘The Smokeroom on the Kyle’. He also possesses an exceptionally strong and powerful voice; truly sensational and astonishing! As always, the house band, composed of guitarist Sandy Morris, Frank Fusari on bass, Paul Stamp on drums, and musical director Evan Smith on piano, were exceptional. In all, ‘Skeets, Snobs and Peppermint Nobs’ is an extremely funny, touching, informative and entertaining production; not an easy feat for a dinner theatre musical show. It is one of the best productions by Spirit of Newfoundland to date, features outstanding performances, and should not be missed! by Darryl Davis