By Dan White – Special to the Sydenham Current
So, here we are, days away from December. This is one of the busiest times of the year for artists.
Theatre Kent recently mounted a production of Jesus Christ Superstar, and it was wonderful to see this community theatre company not only back at the Capitol but succeeding.
In this cavernous facility with 1,200 seats, the theater can sometimes look desperately lonely with seat sales that would fill most community spaces. That was not the case for JCS. The cast did a wonderful job, and there were a number of solid performances.
The standout for Joni, Katie, and myself was Mary, played by Stacie Dengel. While there were many excellent voices in the cast, Stacie soared above the rest with a truly beautiful voice.
It was great to see the level of cooperation between the company and the Capitol staff as well.
The set, designed and created by Erica Myers, was simple but beautifully done. The first impression upon entering the theatre was impressive as a huge crown of thorns appeared to float above the stage.
The crown stayed in place for the entire show but never overshadowed the performances. Rather, Nick Grand, who did the lighting design and tech, did an exceptional job of bringing attention to the crown only during key moments of the production, allowing that fixture to be an important part of the supporting cast.
Nick did a fabulous job of designing the lights so that they too aided in telling the story. The changes in color, use of specials, and isolation lighting went a long way toward completing the picture that Director/Choreographer Jamie Johnston and Musical Director Tom Overton worked so hard to create.
I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the inimitable Gina Paradis, who has been a Theatre Kent fixture for decades. She was back in her happy place as the stage manager for this production, and I happened to glance over during the singing of the title song. Gina’s arms were extending above the booth walls, and she was bopping and waving them with the joy of a small child.
It is lovely to see this much joy from the company during the show. Bravo, Theatre Kent and Company, and thank you for an entertaining evening.
Check out the calendar of events at local venues such as The Capitol, Kiwanis Centre, and Mary Webb Centre for great local entertainment.
Next up in the arts world I travel in is the performance of the Wallaceburg Brass Quintet, opening the Dresden Shines concerts.
This will be our first full concert, and we are thrilled to be invited. Two hours of playing is a lot for brass musicians, and we have been working hard to prepare for this gig. Hopefully, some of you made it out to hear us.
(The concert is Nov. 21, so this column will appear after the gig.)
If you missed us there, we are planning to play at area nursing/retirement homes in December. We will also have our second annual Wallaceburg Brass Quintet and Friends concert on Dec. 20 at Trinity United Church in Wallaceburg.
In the next couple of weeks, there will be two opportunities to hear the Wallaceburg Concert Band perform.
On December 1, you can catch us at the Capitol Theatre for a 2 pm matinee. On December 7, you can catch the 56-member band in the WDSS gym at 7 pm. (Bring a seat cushion.)
Fun fact: The concert band and chamber concerts are free. If you choose to support these organizations, you are welcome to leave a goodwill donation.
Local visual artists have also been busy for months preparing for the season.
You may take for granted the murals, posters, and beautiful windows that adorn every community, but those embellishments are not created by community enhancement fairies.
A great many local artists donate time and effort for many of these projects. While I have pointed out before that artists need to be compensated for their efforts, now is a great time to remember that.
If you’re looking for a unique gift for a loved one, consider contacting a local artist or visiting a local gallery.
In Dresden, there is The Studio Gallery with a wide array of local art. Just outside town, Lee Highgate has beautiful glass mosaic creations at Glass, Vintage, and Whimsy. Think stained glass… with a twist.
In Chatham, there is Artspace, Art and Heirloom Shoppe, Thames Art Gallery, and Maple Art Gallery. A quick Google search will get you a number of local artists offering creations from their home studios.
This season, when you are looking for cost-effective, community-minded activities and gifts, don’t forget the arts.
Whether it is a band playing near you, a visual artist you discover, or a book by a local writer, consider that when you support a local artist, they will continue to enrich your community with their gifts.
