Cavendish Times and Transcript

MONTGOMERY THEATRE HOSTS THE "MY FAIR LADY" BALL

2010-02-01T14:17:00.002-04:00

Reserve Friday, April 16th, 2010, for the premiere event of P.E.I.'s spring social calendar.

The Georgian Room at Rodd's Charlottetown Hotel will come alive with music and splendor as the Montgomery Theatre presents the "My Fair Lady" Dinner and Dance.

The theme of the evening,"My Fair Lady", introduces one of the two plays the company will present this summer. The Montgomery Theatre, is staging George Bernard Shaw's original play, PYGMALION. That script was the inspiration for the 1964 Academy Award winning musical, "My Fair Lady".

"Maud Montgomery's writing defined intelligent romance in the 20th century and G. B. Shaw followed in her footsteps with his play, Pygmalion. This event will bring some of that romance to the capital and get us all in the mood for the wit, style, glamour and fun of this year's new productions at The Montgomery," says the theatre's Artistic Director, Duncan McIntosh.

The young flower seller, Eliza Doolittle, under the tutelage of the incorrigible Henry Higgins, will win the heart, not only of the Professor, but, of all who see her blossom on stage here on P.E.I. this July and August.

One of the memorable scenes in the production is the presentation of Eliza to society at a grand ball. In that spirit, all Islanders can dust off their tiaras and tuxes and join in a festive night in support of the Montgomery Theatre on April 16th. Musicians will entertain guests throughout the evening with a mixture classical, jazz and show tunes. Following the sit-down dinner, guests will be invited to take to the dance floor.

"How often do you get an opportunity to dress up and have such a grand time eating wonderful food, hearing fabulous music and then dance the night away?" says Gracie Finley, chair of the organizing committee.

Leading up to this special event, ticket holders will be eligible to take part in four weeks of free dance classes with the renowned Julia Sauve. You can enjoy the fun of learning all the moves, from an elegant waltz to a sizzling foxtrot, all of which you can show off on the dance floor April 16th.

"When the enchantment ends you'll be telling your friends, "I could have danced all night !" says Finley.

Tickets for the "My Fair Lady" dinner and dance are available on-line at the theatre's website: www.themontgomerytheatre.com or by visiting www.boxofficepei.com or by calling the Box Office, 902-963-3847. Reserve individual tickets or book a table for eight to ten people, and get ready for an inspiring evening.

Thanks 2009 Supporters!

2009-09-21T16:33:00.002-03:00

The Reviews are in - Critics love the Plays!

2009-08-06T16:02:00.005-03:00

We knew they would - but it is great to see it in print!

Check out what reviewers for The Buzz had to say about Private Lives:

"The cast of the Montgomery Theatre production of Noel Coward’s Private Lives is verbally deft, physically dexterous, and zinging with chemistry—where the relationships warrant it. Against the simple beauty of the set, in gorgeous costumes that set a tone of elegance that tears (along with the occasional sleeve) as the scenes get indecorous, the cast sparks, with particular fire in Jackie Torrens’s Amanda. ... The Montgomery Theatre has the advantage of intimacy and asks the players to meet the rigorous demand of close-ups in every scene and audience on three sides. Director Duncan McIntosh expertly uses the dynamic potential of this staging, using diagonal lines and movements that underscore the dialogue’s dance." Jane Ledwell, The Buzz, August 2009

And about The Fourposter:

"This summer’s production of The Fourposter at the Montgomery Theatre in Cavendish deals with the resilience and contrasting rigidity of marriage. The clever romantic comedy is brought to life by Margaret Smith as Agnes and Kevin Curran as Michael. ... Together they do justice to playwright Jan de Hartog’s theatrical production and hold the viewer’s attention. ... As much a focal point as the characters themselves are the costumes worn by the performers. Smiths’ character is outfitted in replicas of LM Montgomery’s clothing including a stand-out floor length white wedding dress that is elegant yet modest. ... Visiting newlyweds and those celebrating golden anniversaries will all enjoy The Fourposter."
Peggy Miles, The Buzz, August 2009

You can read the unabridged reviews yourself by going to www.buzzon.com/stage/reviews

Here's what they said about The Fourposter in the Guardian:

"I think it is both a sign of the fine writing and, perhaps moreso, of the realistic acting, that I found the play to have aged so well. Never did the dialogue seem too high and formal, too self-conscious. It flowed beautifully.

Playing the part of Agnes, Margaret Smith was a captivating naive bride, a bitter homemaker, an indifferent wife. Kevin Curran, as Michael, believably bounced between flighty passion, aggression and defeatism. The actors had delicious comic timing to boot.

The play was thoughtfully directed by Zach Fraser. Never did any key moment get obscured, sharp changes in tone seemed genuine, and the actors moved around the full stage naturally... always in the moment right untilthe satisfying end."

Lennie MacPherson, The Guardian, August 4 2009

Shots from the new season

2009-07-22T21:12:00.009-03:00

Graham Percy and Jackie Torrens in Private Lives

Graham Percy and Jackie Torrens in Private Lives

Kevin Curran and Margaret Smith in The Fourposter

Margaret Smith and Kevin Curran in The Fourposter

Julia Lenardon as Maud in Maud of Cavendish

View of Montgomery from an early visitor

2009-07-09T08:23:00.004-03:00

Writer John Holbrook visited The Montgomery and PEI last week. His recent blog entry is fascinating - have a look at Potato Island.

http://jhalbrook.wordpress.com/

Canada Day Winner drawn for Avonlea Village Family Reunion

2009-07-04T07:27:00.008-03:00

Darlings! Louella Parsnips here with the latest scoop about the Buy Early Draw on Canada Day! As you can see here, that brilliantly handsome director of The Fourposter, Zach Fraser, helped me to draw a winning name out of one of my sunbonnets. And the lucky winner of the Grand Prize of a fabulous Family Reunion at Avonlea Village is.....

IAN CARTER of KENSINGTON! Congratulations to Ian and all the 25 Carter family members who will play for a day in an old-timey way.

YOU TOO CAN STILL WIN! Just buy one (or more, darling!) of the fast-disappearing tickets for Opening Night of Private Lives or The Fourposter and you could win a romantic Prize Package: Dinner for two at The Pearl Restaurant in Cavendish, Tickets to the Montgomery Theatre, and a night's accommodation at the Anne Shirley Cottages!

Buy Opening Night tickets now at www.themontgomerytheatre.com Almost sold out!

Japanese reading from Anne of Green Gables

2009-06-30T17:12:00.003-03:00

Mr. Haruo Matsumaru, Reading Instructor at the ASAHI Culture School in Tokyo, and his colleague, Ms. Sayuri Nishikawa, will be giving a Japanese reading of passages from the L.M. Montgomery novel Anne of Green Gables. Actor Julia Lenardon from the Montgomery Theatre in Cavendish will be on hand to recite the same passages in English. (Julia performs 3 times a week as L.M. Montgomery in Maud of Cavendish at Green Gables House in the National Park.)

Mr. Matsumaru won a trip to Prince Edward Island for submitting the winning essay in a special essay contest offered jointly by the Canadian Tourism Commission, Tourism PEI and Japanese publisher Shincho-sha. The contest was offered last year in celebration of the 100th anniversary of the publication of Prince Edward Island’s most famous novel. Mr. Matsumaru’s essay explored ‘Anne's voice’ in the novel.

The Montgomery Theatre, the L.M.Montgomery Institute, the Confederation Centre Art Gallery and the Friends of the Confederation Centre Public Library are pleased to be supporting this special event.
Please join us for refreshments following the readings.

Friday July 10th 2:00pm
Confederation Centre Art Gallery

Moving In Day to the Church at Avonlea Village

2009-06-27T08:32:00.004-03:00

Designer Cleo Pettitt paint a 16 foot high mural for the set of Private Lives
Private Lives and The Fourposter begin on July 14th in the Church at Avonlea Village at 7:30 pm. Buy your seats now at www.themontgomerytheatre.com

Maud of Cavendish Announcement

2009-06-27T08:26:00.002-03:00

Montgomery Theatre fans and friends at the official announcement of Maud of Cavendish at Green Gables House. Performances start July 14. Very limited tickets - get yours now at www.themontgomerytheatre.com

Julia Lenardon as Maud in Maud of Cavendish

2009-06-27T08:21:00.003-03:00

Julia Lenardon stars as Maud Montgomery in Maud of Cavendish by Anne Kathleen McLaughlin at Green Gables House, Cavendish First performance July 14th at 7 pm VERY limited seats- buy yours now at www.themontgomerytheatre.com

Publication Day Launch of Maud of Cavendish

2009-06-19T13:43:00.001-03:00

Launch of a New Play at Green Gables House

A happy event took place at Green Gables, PEI National Park of Canada on Saturday June 20th from 5 to 7 pm.

The Montgomery Theatre in conjunction with Parks Canada announced a new production, Maud of Cavendish, which will be the first professional theatre production ever to take place in a National Park. Written by Canadian playwright Anne Kathleen McLaughlin and starring National Theatre School instructor Julia Lenardon as Lucy Maud Montgomery, the play will be performed at Green Gables House. Audiences of 25 persons will follow Maud through the house and grounds as she explores an author's excitement of imagination. This launch was timed to celebrate the 101st anniversary of the publication of Montgomery's most famous novel, Anne of Green Gables. Study Abroad Canada presents Maud of Cavendish as part of The Montgomery Theatre's 2009 Season.

Also to be announced at this event is the LMM Legacy Series Concerts to be held on 3 Monday evenings in July & August at The Montgomery Theatre at Avonlea Village. Funded in part by Heritage Canada, this series of concerts will celebrate the works of Island artists Lennie Gallant, Angele Arsenault and the late Poet Laureate, Frank Ledwell. Their works will be interpreted by the best of PEI's artists as a tribute to their role models. Fittingly, bestofpei presents The L.M.M. Legacy Series Concerts, as part of their goal to support all the best of everything the Island has to offer.

Next Buy Early Draw is July 1st for the Family Reunion at Avonlea Village

2009-06-17T18:02:00.010-03:00

Darlings! Louella Parsnips here with a great big scoop... and I'm not singing Ice Cream, darlings...

Our Buy Early Draw has found its June 15th winner of that gorgeous neckdrop from Nessya's Gems & Jewels! We asked two of The Montgomery Theatre's lovely actresses to help with the draw in our rehearsal hall in Rustico. In this photo you can see Julia Lenardon modeling the jewelry and holding my hat chock-full of the names on tickets bought before the 15th. Jackie Torrens made the lucky pick of... Drum roll, please...

Bruce Campbell of Russell, Ontario!

Bruce was clever enough to buy his 3 tickets to Private Lives just the night before the draw. (He'll be glad he did - I overheard the first reading of the play and it is screamingly funny!)

Congratulations, Bruce - I'm sure it will look scrumptious on you! You can pick up your prize when you are on the Island. Just call the theatre and ask for Louella....

Buy your tickets right away - seats are going fast and prizes getting bigger!

(And bigger IS better, darlings!)

Next Draw is July 1st for the Family Reunion at Avonlea Village

Go to www.themontgomerytheatre.com for tickets now!

We have a winner!

2009-06-02T16:26:00.003-03:00

Darlings ~

Louella Parsnips here, writing from Paris - I'm shopping for chapeaux for the Opening Galas!

I've just heard from that dashing Duncan McIntosh (Artistic Director of The Montgomery Theatre, don't you know) that last night the first of the Buy Early Draws was completed by Maxine Delaney (Mmmm, she runs The Pearl Cafe - delish, darlings!) with a helping hand from Cheryl Wagner (Superchannel Rep). Those gals are both Montgomery Board Members, there to keep everything on the up and up! And the winner of that beautiful vase from Stanley Pottery is....

ALLISON ELLIOT OF OAKVILLE ONTARIO!

Congratulations, Allison! You can pick up your vase when you come home for the summer.

Allison bought her tickets online early, and so she was eligible for all three of our fabulous draws. Don't fret, my pet - its not too late! Buy your tickets online now at www.themontgomerytheatre.com and you will be eligible for the next two draws! If you have already bought your tickets, your name is still in the hat - but you could always buy more for more chances! Next draw is June 15th for that gorgeous necklace from Nessya's...

A bientot, mes amis - See you at the theatre!

Louella Wants to Draw You In!

2009-05-13T14:13:00.009-03:00

Hello Darlings!

I hope you're here to see the fabulous prizes we are giving away to the lucky winners of our Buy Early Draws! Just by purchasing your tickets online now instead of waiting for that last minute rush to the box office, you can guarantee your chosen seats AND have your name put into one of my fabulous hats for a chance to win!

Win what, you say?

Well, darlings, every ticket purchased before June 1st, 2009 has a chance to win this beautiful hand-thrown vase from local artisan Malcolm Stanley. It stands 9" high and is valued at $120!

Our thanks to Stanley Pottery Studio & Gallery, Rte 246 Breadalbane for providing prize pottery! Go visit them, you'll love it!

If your ticket isn't drawn for that, have no fear! You are still in the running...

All tickets bought before June 15th have a crack at winning this wonderful piece to adorn a decolletage with Ammonite, Amethyst, Lemon Quartz and Moonstone all wrapped in Sterling Silver. Eclectic necklaces are all the rage, darling!

It comes from Nessya's Gems & Jewels, 64 Queen Street in Charlottetown, and is valued at $175! Thank you, Nessya ~ I'm sending everyone your way to see what else you've got...

And finally - TaDa! The great Canada Day Grand Prize Package!

Avonlea Village in Cavendish (where our theatre resides in the big yellow church) has provided a wonderful prize package! This just in from our faithful supporter, Sheela Curley:

A Family Reunion At Avonlea Village

Travel back in time 100 years with 25 family members in this unique setting! This packages offers complimentary admission to Avonlea and all of our daily programming.

The family will recieve a personal tour of the park, reserved seating at our traditional Island Music show, and ice cold Raspberry Cordial in the garden.

Value of package:$700.00

Darlings! What more could you ask for? Hurry up, go to www.themontgomerytheatre.com or cal 902-963-3847 to get your seats now and a chance for these fabulous prizes! Tell them Louella sent you...

Opening Night Contest

2009-05-07T10:44:00.005-03:00

All purchasers of tickets to Opening Nights this year are eligible to win a fabulous dinner for two at The Pearl - the wonderful new Cavendish Restaurant AND a night's accomodation at the Anne Shirley Cottages. Its a wonderful night at the beach this summer - fabulous cuisine, gorgeous theatre and wonderful accomodation. All you have to do is purchase opening night tickets and you can win!

Go to http://www.themontgomerytheatre.com/ to book your seats today - and we'll see you for fine art and food and a beautiful night at The Beach!

Louella's Setting Day

2009-05-02T07:23:00.006-03:00

Darlings,

I was not able to attend the ceremoney depicted in the little movie below because it was held at DAWN!!! I was resting.

My young friend lept from bed to capture the moment for me. Beauty rest is a responsibility when one has been committed to as many glamorous events as I have.

The gorgeous fishers seen here were setting their traps. They certainly caught me! They were looking for the first lobster of spring.

Summer is truly on the way. Tomorrow we will see the little crustaceans with the first sunburns of the season.

Reporting from Paradise, this is Louella Parsnips

Wondering How to Wow? Be the Hostess with the Mostest!

2009-02-24T12:12:00.008-04:00

Darlings! Louella Parsnips here to give you a little hint about putting some Wow Factor into those endless days of Summer Visitors so soon upon us! Playing host can sometimes seem so ho-hum...

Well, there's a cure! Add some summer sizzle by planning a theatre outing with your chums so you can enjoy a dream of a day at Cavendish Beach, a stroll along the Boardwalk, and a scrumptious meal at a local bistro ~ all culminating in a wonderful evening of comedy at The Montgomery Theatre! Aaaahhhh, Heaven ~ now doesn't that feel better? It's good to have a dream, darling...

But you don't have to simply dream of that heavenly vision ~ make it so! A little bird gave me a message just now that I simply had to pass along. The divine Montgomery Theatre has fantastic Group Rates!

Look at these prices. I mean, my dear! So invite along your book club, bridge club or mah jong team and all your Friends From Away - and plan your theatre party now!

HOT SUMMER HOUSE GUEST SAVINGS

BOOK YOUR GROUP OF 10 OR MORE NOW

to see professional productions of

Private Lives by Noel Coward and The Fourposter by Jan de Hartog

Playing Tuesdays - Sundays JULY 14 - AUGUST 23

All performances 7:30 pm in the Church at Avonlea Village, Cavendish

(You can see their Calendar at www.themontgomerytheatre.com)

Book by CANADA DAY to be entered into our BUY EARLY DRAWS

_______________________________________________________
GROUP RATE DISCOUNTS FOR GROUPS OF 10 OR MORE:

20% Discount on all seats ~ 20% deposit required ~ Group rates do not apply to Opening Nights

Regular Rate Group Rate
Balcony $ 20 + tax $ 16 + tax
Side $ 25 + tax $ 20 + tax
Premier $ 32 + tax $ 25.60 + tax

(Yes, darling, it does mean you can see world-class theatre for less than $20!!)

Call the Theatre Office 902 963 3847 or go to www.themontgomerytheatre.com to buy online

2009-02-18T10:45:00.000-04:00

Live From The Ball

2009-02-15T17:39:00.015-04:00

The Prince of Wales Ballroom
Charlottetown , Prince Edward Island

Darlings! Louella Parsnips here, reporting from the Private Lives Ball... The evening is just getting underway in this fabulously decorated ballroom, swathed in sheer and glittering fabrics and bestrewn with white tulips and exotic orchids.

(We owe a nod and a wink to the PEI Orchid Club for providing a gorgeous array of exotic orchids and to Vanco for making the tulips affordable.)

This beautiful room pales in comparison, however, with the glory of the guests.

The Island’s finest are out in their finest to sway and swoon to the dreamy jazz stylings of the Chris Mitchell Quintet.

The evening was charmingly introduced by our very own Gracie Finley, who is serving as Co-chair of the Private Lives Ball. Gracie is here with her husband, the very charming Mr Barry Stickings, all the way from their home in Great Britain, just to support The Montgomery Theatre in its efforts to bring high quality professional theatre to Cavendish PEI in honour of the Island’s most famous and accomplished author, L.M. Montgomery.

The Stickings are seated with Gracie’s fellow thespian, Ms Glenda Landry and her devoted hubbie Cliff Campbell. Oh, it’s “Kindred Spirits” all over again when the former Anne and Diana come out to play together! Glenda is doing double duty as resident beauty and as Official Judge of the dance competitions.

Champagne is flowing freely as the band begins to play....

Oh my, the crowd looks lovely floating across the dance floor in their gowns and black tie to the first tune – Our Love is Here to Stay. Oh, I wish you could see the likes of Gray and his dance partner, Brenda Porter: he in his kilt and she in a tux – darlings, WHAT IS THE WORLD COMING TO? Gerry complains that despite the cross dressing , Brenda won’t lead! Well, I never!

Other couples, more traditionally dressed, have taken their roles more seriously – many have taken advantage of the ballroom dancing lessons offered as part of the ticket price for this fabulous fundraiser. And you should see them strutting their stuff as vocalist Pam Barr croons It Had to be You.

Yes, romance is alive and well in Charlottetown tonight! Oh my –

Is that our Official Chaperones I see in a moving musical embrace? Catherine Hennessey and Ron McKinley – who would have guessed?

Well, the dance floor is crowded now as couples swirl slowly to the tune Smile. I see Mr Erskine Smith and his lovely wife Patricia have generously come in from The Victoria Playhouse to dance in support of the Montgomery Theatre. Artistic solidarity at its best! Melanie and Kris Taylor from Harmony House in Hunter River both looked gorgeous and Cate Proctor from The Guild popped in from volunteering at the Razzle Dazzle Ball - looking fabulous as always. The Confederation Centre donated the tables for the night - thank you to the delicious David Mackenzie.

Architect Ole Hammarlund and his jazzy snazzy wife Karen Lips are here of course - you just try to keep them off a dance floor! Oh my – Ole is wearing tails! For once Karen’s classic black outfit is eclipsed by her husband’s – but her WONDERFUL hairstyle provides her usual panache. They surely do dance delightfully! The Montgomery Theatre is so grateful to them for giving such a lovely radio interview about The Private Lives Ball.

Whoo hoo! The pace just picked up with a lively Samba to a rendition of Quando Quando Quando and am I impressed! Boy that looks like fun! I’m a little jealous – only my fingers get to skip and trip across this little keyboard - but under the table my feet are tapping!

We only have three daring couples cutting the rug as they say for this one – the rest of the crowd are watching in amazement and comforting themselves with champagne, darlings! And where is my glass, I wonder? I’m just too busy gossiping to get myself a bit of refreshment!

Oh, they’ve just started playing Always and the couples are crowding onto the floor once more. Lovely, just lovely....

Our Chaperones & Judges have just been called to the front of the room by our host, Artistic Director Duncan McIntosh, to observe the Foxtrot Competition. Couples are encouraged to make a wee donation as they enter the dance – this is a fundraiser after all! Pam Barr has begun singing Paper Moon and I see eight brave couples trying it on for size... The Judges are going to have a tough time calling this one! The rest of us observe enraptured as the swell sixteen strut their stuff – and a big round of applause marks the conclusion of the dance.

Now the Judges have slipped away to confer as Pam and the band pops into It Don’t Mean a Thing if It Aint Got that Swing to finish the first set. Who IS that dashing couple who have claimed the entire dance floor as their own for a wild careen around the room in the finest display of dancing style! I must go and ask...

Well! This evening is certainly exciting! Mr Ron McKinley on behalf of the 3 Judges has just announced that the winners of the Foxtrot Competition are John Sylvester and his partner, the lovely Diane Knox. Their prize is Dinner for Four at The Pearl. Yum!

Oh my, now we are enjoying a fashion show! Beautiful specialty garments are being introduced by our co-hosts, Ms Grace Findlay and Mr Arnold Smith. Our gracious models are: Ms Findley herself in a scrumptious green crushed velvet gown,

followed by the famous and fantastic CBC celebrity, Ms Karen Mair modeling a pencil-thin blue-black sheath. I swear, her beauty is wasted on radio!

Then we got to admire a very pretty, floaty, coral floral cocktail dress, very finely modeled by a lovely young woman, Miss Sarah Greenan. (Here is a view of my ebony gown and chapeau as I interview Sarah!) On her heels is that hysterical historian Miss Catherine Hennessy circling the room in a burgundy velvet cape rakishly offset by her own crushed plush top hat beribbonned in – omigod, is that JUTE STRING? What’ll she think of next?

Darlings, I was so stunned by that vision of eccentricity that I almost missed telling you about the stoles and capes and scarves in angora and sequins and shiny beads shown us by Karen and Glenda and Grace... Sorry Arnold, your creations are beautiful and deserve a better write-up than they are getting here – no jute string on Arnold Smith creations, I can guarantee it! Tthey are all Coc0 Chanel original designs, lovingly reproduced.)

I just got back from a wee break – and a side trip to sample some of that champagne, darlings! – when the band began again with Sweet Embraceable You. Oh, for a dance partner! I did find out while wandering around that that brave couple of dancers who took over the floor are Mike and Colleen Sheen, recently moved to Wheatley River after years away in St John’s. Welcome back, I say! We need people like the Sheens, full of joie de vivre and a love of dance and theatre!

Pam Barr is back with the band singing You’re Nobody ‘Til Somebody Loves You, but only one sweet couple are swaying on the dance floor. Then on to My Funny Valentine, which has brought out the Sheens for a romantic twirl and another couple who dance like a pair of pros... Who are they, I wonder? What I do know is that the combination of Chris Mitchell’s dreamy cool sax with Pam Barr’s powerful vocalizations is really quite divine, darlings! OH, YOU WISH YOU WERE HERE!

The Tango Competition is about to begin: Gracie Finley has called the Judges back to the front of the stage. Prize for the best Tango is 2 tickets to any performance at the Shaw Festival! I see NINE couples on the floor – but one couple is Duncan McIntosh partnering Julia Sauve, our dance coach, so I don’t imagine that they are competing – that wouldn’t be fair! (but it sure is pretty to watch.) Karen Lips & Ole Hammarlund are holding their own, as are Gerry Gray and Brenda Porter, John Sylvester and Diane Knox, and the Sheens.

Gosh! They are all so good, it must be tough to judge... Well, maybe not so very tough, judging from the snorts and giggles coming from the nook behind me where the adjudicators have slipped away to confer.

Now the band is giving us I’ve got You Under My Skin and once more the dance floor is packed. All those happy faces! For a moment, all I want to do is watch and wish...

Ah, now Duncan McIntosh is announcing a wee break. Time for more bubbly! And mmmm, is that a CHOCOLATE FOUNTAIN? Oh my! According to my programme, that means it must be after 10 o’clock! Where does the time go when you are having so much fun?

And now Jack and Susan Lessard of the Ballroom Barn in New Glascow are giving a demonstration of how it really should be done... lovely, just lovely....

Apparently they’ll be back to show us the Cha Cha, but first we have Catherine Hennessy announcing the winners of the Tango competition as Lindsay Reddin and Randy Campbell – Glenda’s son! Well that explains the giggles from the back room – Glenda was excusing herself from judgement lest there be a perceived conflict of interest (something which Transport Minister McKinley knows all about!)

A great shout of laughter went up over that observation... Light-footed Lindsay in her little basic black ensemble certainly helped her partner shine in his pale blue three piece suit.

I’ve just had a lovely visit from some ladies trying on some of the items from the Fashion Show. One of these was Suzanne Tining of the Department of Veteran Affairs. Ms Tining is a great supporter of The Montgomery Theatre - and evidently has excellent taste in designer originals.

And here are the musicians again starting up a light-hearted tune to which the Sheens and the Lessards give each other a run for their money for style and grace. Soon more pairs come onto the floor for a spin. The couples are mixing it up – Hmmm – mayhap there will be some REAL gossip for this gal to report if things keep up in this vein...

Wait! Duncan is proclaiming the Waltz Competition – Here come de Judges! Come on all you people, get up here and DANCE! The tune is Someday My Prince Will Come. Oh my, all the loving couples look so fine as they waltz their cares away. Gracie and her Barry are sticking out in the crowd doing a lovely display of marital mutuality. Happy Valentines Day to romantics everywhere!

Chris Mitchell has announced the last dance, after handsomey thanking the bar staff, the caterers, and The Montgomery Theatre and Private Lives Ball committee for having them play. Their last tune is The Lady is a Tramp.

The couples crowd the floor for a last chance at musical bliss... After the musicians have said goodnight, Glenda Landry comes up to announce that the winners of the Waltz Competition is none other than Mike and Colleen Sheen – and deservedly so! They have won a Dinner for Six at The Dunes!

Ah, the Auction begins! First a Dinner for 8 at the Doucette House with chef Arnold Smith. Bidding starts at $100 and builds to $550 under the persuasive auctioneering of Duncan McIntosh. The successful bidder is Dr Kaiser. The next item is 2 tickets to the Stratford Festival worth $250. Bidding begins at $100 and goes for $150 to Wade MacLaughlin. The third item is a chance to BE A STAR! - perform as “Amanda’s Servant” in Private Lives at The Montgomery Theatre (and 8 tickets for your friends to see you get 3 guaranteed laughs). Bidding starts at $100 and builds to $275 – winning bid by Glen Sinclair!

Best Dressed Couple (chosen by Arnold Smith) is announced as the Kaisers who won tickets for 4 to any performance at The Montgomery Theatre 2009.

Most Improved Dancers (as chosen by Julia Sauve) are Fred and Mary Horne who won a Carriage Ride. ...

And it seems that the party is over! Ah, parting is such sweet sorrow – but how lovely it has been to spend time in company with such and illustrious group of well-wishers! See you all in Avonlea Village in Cavendish for The Montgomery Theatre 2009 Season! You’ll know me, darlings – I’ll be the one in the marvellous hat!

2009-02-12T12:37:00.001-04:00

Song List for the Ball

Chris Mitchell, the fabulous band leader for the Private Lives Ball has just announced the song list - here it is:

Set One
Our Love Is Here To Stay (Foxtrot)
Pennies From Heaven
Fly Me To The Moon
It Had To Be You
Quando Quando Quando (Tango)
Always (Waltz)
Paper Moon (Foxtrot – Competition Song)
It don’t mean a thing

Set Two
Secret Love
Embraceable You (Foxtrot)
Your Nobody Till Somebody Loves You
My Funny Valentine
Teach Me Tonight
La Campanista (Tango – Competition Song)
Anniversary Waltz (Waltz)
I’ve Got You Under My Skin (Foxtrot)
Sweet Georgia Brown
Set Three
Sway
Satin Doll (Foxtrot)
Someday My Prince Will Come (Waltz Competition Song)
Stormy Monday
Come Rain or Come Shine
Never on a Sunday (Cha Cha)

2009-02-10T14:21:00.001-04:00

The Private Lives Ball

2009-02-10T14:15:00.000-04:00

The Private Lives Ball is soon approaching and we are primping and puffing, shining and sweeping and sashaying as fast as we can.

Visit our Facebook Page for fast breaking news at:

To see more details and RSVP, follow the link below:http://www.facebook.com/n/?event.php&eid=74137441368&aref=61804480

Here is the newly published schedule of events and fabulous prizes at the ball!

The Private Lives Ball
In support of The Montgomery Theatre
Saturday, February 14, 2009
The Prince Of Wales Ballroom, Holland College,
140 Weymouth Street, Charlottetown

8 pm Opening Reception Complimentary Champagne available all night; Martini Bar opens with four specialty martinis, wine and beer, pop and juice available all evening ; canapés and crudités served
8:45 pm The Chris Mitchell Quintet featuring Vocalist Pam Barr
9 pm The Fox Trot Competition. Handmade Dessert Crepes available.
9:30 Ballroom Dancing Demonstration with Jack and Susan Lessard
10pm Tango Competition . Chocolate Fountain Opens
10:30pm Fashion Show with Karen Mair
11 pm The Auction
11:20 The Waltz Competition
11:30 Mid night Lunch with Tea and Coffee
Midnight The Last Dance

Prizes

Entry to each competition open to everyone attending the ball. A small donation to the Montgomery Theatre is requested from each competing couple.

The Foxtrot – Dinner for four at The Pearl including Wine donated by Maxine Delaney

The Tango - Two tickets to any Shaw Festival 2009 productions, Niagara on the Lake, Ontario,

donated by Jackie Maxwell, Artistic Director, Shaw Festival

The Waltz – Dinner for six at The Dunes, donated by Chef Emily Wells

Most Improved Dancers - “The Business of Acting “ Book and workshop at The Prince Edward Island Conservatory by Just A Stage Mom author, Robyne Baruchel

Best Dressed Couple – Tickets for four to any 2009 Montgomery Theatre Performance

Congeniality Couple – Horse Drawn Tour of Historic Charlottetown donated by Sarah Greenan

The Auction

All The World A Stage: Two Tickets to any 2009 performance at The Stratford Festival, donated by Festival Antoni Cimolino, Director General, Stratford Festival

Cuisine Française: Hearth cooked Acadian Inspired Dinner for 8 at The Doucette House, Rustico donated by Arnold Smith

You’re Coming Back A Star: A one night performance as Amanda’s Butler or Maid in this summer’s production of Private Lives including rehearsal, a costume designed for you and tickets for 8 friends to see your debut

The Private Lives Formal Collection created by Arnold Smith and Anita MacInnis. Each item will be specially created for the lucky owner

Amanda’s Passion: an interpretation of the mid 1920’s embroidered black crepe netting over an ivory under dress

Sybil’s Sensation: A 1930 Coco Chanel inspired French floral georgette skirt and bodice in rose and tangerine over an ivory underdressed

Evening In Paris: Elbow length formal cape of black Eyelash Fabric

Burgundy Dream: Longer Cut Velvet formal cape in the colour of delicious Beaujolais Nouveau

The Montgomery Theatre will accept cash, cheques, Visa and MasterCard for all auction purchases and donations on the evening of The Ball

To see more details and RSVP, follow the link below:http://www.facebook.com/n/?event.php&eid=74137441368&aref=61804480