2010 Season

Ship’s Company Theatre Season Revealed at Fundraiser in Halifax

by Rena Kossatz, Ship's Company Theatre

PARRSBORO NS: Ship’s Company Theatre’s 2010 Season was revealed during a sparkling annual fundraising event at the Lord Nelson Hotel in Halifax. Artistic Producer, Matthew Tiffin, introduced to the gathered dignitaries, special guests, sponsors and supporters, details of the many and varied offerings within the exciting upcoming theatre season in Parrsboro.

Fishing for Frank, a new play by Nova Scotia playwright Daniel Lillford, will receive its World Premiere on the theatre’s Mainstage June 30th through July 25th, directed by Linda Moore, former Artistic Director of Neptune Theatre, and starring Deborah Allen, Lee J. Campbell, Michael Chiasson, and Mary Vingoe. Daniel Lillford’s past shows have included Snow Dance (2008), The Mystery of Maddy Heisler (2006) which went on to Centaur Theatre in Montreal, and Apple Tree Road (1999).

The Net by New Brunswick playwright Marcel-Romain Thériault, and translated by Maureen Labonté and Don Hannah, will be staged for the first time in English in Atlantic Canada August 4th through the 29th. Directed by Matthew Tiffin, it will feature Michael Chiasson, Wally MacKinnon, and newcomer Douglas MacAulay. Translated by Maureen Labonté and Don Hannah         

Jake’s Gift, a touching and nostalgic play by Julia Mackey, will play to public and school audiences September 7 - 12.

Marshall Button will bring his charismatic character Lucien to life on the theatre's Second Stage July 28th, 29th and 30th.

The popular Monday Night Concert Series will showcase Atlantic Canadian artists, performing a wide range of musical genres. First up will be Gospel/Pop singer and songwriter Chelsea Nisbett on July 12th. The captivating Calysto Steelband will bring its lively sounds on July 19th. Colin Grant, a richly talented and innovative fiddler, will bring musical friends to the stage on July 26th. The band Lone Cloud combines native rhythms, pop, rock, and jazz to create a unique and dynamic sound, and will be featured on our stage on August 9th. Beatlemaniac Hal Bruce will return to thrill the crowd on August 16th with his authentic and energetic delivery of timeless Beatles classics. Honky-tonk style artists Ryan Cook and Sunny Acres have been delighting fans with their catchy original tunes, reminiscent of the ‘hayride era’ of country music, and will play Parrsboro on August 23rd. The final concert in the series, this one on September 5th, the Sunday evening of the labour Day weekend, will feature the phenomenal Garret Mason and band in their fabulous funk and blues groove.

An early-season Kids’ Stage presentation will feature the delightful tale of The Bremen Town Musicianson June 5th, performed by Truro’s world-renowned Maritime Marionettes.

The highly-anticipated Mainstage Special Event in September will bring back memories with ‘Take Me Home – a Musical Tribute to John Denver’, orchestrated by longtime Ship’s associate, Greg Simm. Three performances only: September 24th, 25th and a matinee on Sunday, September 26th.

The Theatre’s 2010 Reading Series will include readings by playwrights Daniel Lillford, Marcel-Romain Theriault, and playwright and screenwriter Josh MacDonald.

Drama Day Camps for young people in three age groups will take place during the month of August.

Next up on the Ship’s Company agenda is the annual Fiddle Camp, to be held this year on the long weekend of May 21st, 22nd, and 23rd in Parrsboro. Master Fiddler and educator Gordon Stobbe will lead, with professional musicians and instructors: fiddling sensations Kelli Trottier, Kendra MacGillivray, and Timi Levy, Geoff Horrocks on piano, and Skip Holmes and Greg Simm on mandolin and guitar accompaniment. Visit www.shipscompany.com to read instructors’ bios, to view the weekend agenda, and to download a printable registration form. Come for the music, savour the experience, and stay for the adventure!

Ship’s Company Theatre gratefully acknowledges the valued support of its many generous sponsors, supporters, and patrons. We invite you to visit www.shipscompany.com to make your summer plans!