Lots of action on stage during the musical production Cabanés in Chéticamp. With the comical likes of actor Ryan Doucette and the other cast members, one is sure to be laughing at the seams. Photo by: Michel Soucy.
-by Rosie Aucoin-Grace
Summer time has arrived offering residents of our county and visitors, beach weather, spectacular sunsets, warm nights for star gazing, and so much more. For those who have been waiting in anticipation for Le Conseil des arts de Chéticamp productions to start, they certainly were not disappointed with their second musical production of the season. The show Cabanés aired every evening from July 12th – July 15th and it was a hit!
This play was written by the very talented comedians, no stranger to the stage and to Chéticamp, Ryan Doucette and Alexandre Poirier.
Doucette who stems from Clare, Nova Scotia, began his career touring his solo mime show Ryan Doucette: Premiere ronde. His English theatre debut was in Vimy at Eastern Front Theatre in 2008. He met with some acclaim for his performance in the original stage production of Thom Fitzgerald's Cloudburst in his native Nova Scotia, and was subsequently cast in the film version starring opposite Academy Award winners Olympia Dukakis and Brenda Fricker. He subsequently starred in The Disappeared and appeared in Ron Maxwell's Copperhead. He appeared on stage again in Whale Riding Weather and His Greatness and had a recurring role on Forgive Me. He won the Merritt Award for his performance in His Greatness.
Alexandre Poirier of Chéticamp has been involved in theatre for over a decade including acting/theatre studies in Toronto. Known for his outstanding performance in the production – Le Grand Cercle and numerous other theatrical roles. He recently created, Viewer Discretion Productions, a new multimedia and theatre company based in Cape Breton. Its first major production – the original two-act play, Tough Call aired in June 2018.
When you combine these two comedians and great friends, something crazy and amazing happens on stage. This script is about four young people who decide to rent a cabin in an isolated area in the woods for a weekend. They are there to enjoy camping, play some music and all of a sudden Simon arrives, scared out of his wits and saying that he is being chased by a gang of bikers. They soon realize that these bikers are Cabaret-style musicians and they all gather together and celebrate. Simon on the other hand is there for other serious reasons; to discover clues of the legend of Sylive Soucille. The caretaker of the cabin reassures Simon that the cabin is not haunted but he has his doubts.
There is quite a line up of cast members featuring: Karl, Alphonse, and Simon (roles played by Ryan Doucette), Caretaker (Alexandre Porier), Réanne (Makenzie Dunn), Aimé (Louise Aucoin), Pierre Luc (Stéphane LeBlanc), Dylan (Théo Delaney), Hannah (Lilianne Cormier), Reginal (Colin Grant), Manfred (Brian Doyle), Todd (Jason Roach), Jr. Park Rangers: Lauren Bessey, Jaycee LeBlanc, Chloé Timmons and Dayna Larade. Paul D. Gallant is the Artistic Director and Technician. Stage décor by Stefan Sogne and Joseph Larade, costumes and accessories by Muriel Chiasson.
During this production, you will surely feel the magic of laughter. Full of non-stop comical action, vibrant colour scenes, awesome costumes and fun, lively music, dancing and the list goes on. The calibre of these actors and musicians is incredible. For those who missed out on the first week of production, you are in luck, this show will be on again July 19th – 22nd and July 26th – 29th at 7:30 p.m. at La Place des arts Père Anselme Chiasson at École NDA School in Chéticamp. This is a not to miss show!!
“These summer programs are an amazing experience for the students and everyone else involved, including the audiences. It promotes local performers and provides venues that can open doors for them in the future and memories to last a life time, says Executive Director Joeleen Larade. She added, “On behalf of Le Conseil, special thanks to all who continually assist us and to everyone who support our events. As well, much appreciation to our sponsors: The Province of Nova Scotia, The Royal Bank of Canada, and Le CSAP.”
For more information or to book tickets to Le Conseil productions, you may call the ticket booth at 902-224-1876.
