2006/2007 Stagelighter Sponsored Shows

Each year The Horizon Stagelighters sponsor 3 shows in Horizon Stage's season.
This year they have decided to sponsor 4!

The Breast Show - October 19 (a fundraiser for the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation)
John Reischman & The Jaybirds - October 21
Gary Fjellgaard & Valdy - November 24 & 25
The Amazing Kreskin - February 11

Thank-you Horizon Stagelighters!

Happy first day of summer everyone!!

2006/2007 Season On Sale

Horizon Stage's 2006/2007 Season goes on sale Tuesday, June 20 at 10 a.m.

The Checkerboard Guy: Sat. Sept. 30 , 2 pm
Sons of Maxwell: Fri. Oct. 6, 7:30 pm
The Breast Show: Thurs. Oct. 19, 7:30 pm
Sursaut - Family Portrait: Sat. Oct. 21, 2 pm
John Reischman & The Jaybirds & Restless Lester: Sat. Oct. 21, 7:30 pm
Lester Quitzau & Mae Moore: Fri. Oct 27, 7:30 pm
Denise Djokic & David Jalbert: Sat. Nov. 4, 7:30 pm
HOJA: Thurs, Nov 23, 7 :30 pm
Gary Fjellgaard & Valdy: Fri. & Sat., Nov. 24 & 25, 7:30 pm
A George Fox Christmas: Fri. & Sat., Dec 15 & 16, 7:30 pm
Ian Tyson: January 10 -13, 7:30 pm & January 14, 2 pm
Daniel Packard: Sat. Jan. 20, 7:30 pm
The Frog Prince: Sat. Feb 10, 2 pm
The Amazing Kreskin: Sun. Feb. 11, 7 :30 pm
Vinok - Romany Blues: Sat. Feb. 17, 7: 30 pm
Montreal Guitar Trio & The Rosette Guitar Duo: Sat. March 3, 7:30 pm
Tomas Kubinek: Sun. March 4, 2 pm

For bios and more informations visit www.horizonstage.com
Call the Horizon Stage Box Office at 962-8995.

Sing, pray and worship together

Join your fellow citizens at an outdoor Ecumenical Church Service on Sunday, July 2 at 11 a.m.
Led by Reverend Cameron Burns, and featuring a community choir conducted by Vern Roth, it will be a service of prayer, hymn and thanksgiving for the country we live in.
Location: Spruce Grove Composite High School Sports Field, 1000 Calahoo Road.

Stay and watch Family Entertainer Norman Foote’s FREE concert at noon & The Street Performers Festival at 1 p.m.

Bring a blanket or lawn chair to sit on.

AUDITIONS!

The Horizon Players announce auditions for The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie and A Few Good Men.

Looking for twelve to fifteen girls ages 12 – 20.

You will be asked to read from a provided script. You may also perform a short monologue if you have one prepared.

Audition Dates: Wednesday, June 7, 4 p.m. – 7 p.m.
& Sunday, June 11, 4 p.m. – 7 p.m.

Audition Location: Horizon Stage

To guarantee an audition please call 962-8995 to register.

The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie will run at Horizon Stage November 16, 17 & 18, 2006.

No experience necessary!


Adults and young men over the age of 16 may also audition for The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie and A Few Good Men.

Adult Audition Dates: Sunday, June 11, 7 p.m. – 9 p.m.
& Monday, June 12, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.

Audition Location: Horizon Stage

To guarantee an audition please call 962-8995 to register.

A Few Good Men will run at Horizon Stage March 22-31, 2007.

If you have any questions please call Horizon Player’s Artistic Director, Richard Winnick at 432-9278.
www.horizonplayers.com

Volunteers Needed July 1 & 2

Are you looking for something interesting to do on the Canada Day long weekend?
Do you want to support your community and have fun at the same time?
Are you an fan of jugglers, clowns, sword swallowers, daredevils, a cappella singers, blues harmonica players, country music star Patricia Conroy or children's entertainer Norman Foote?
If you answered 'yes' to any of these questions then you should volunteer for the 6th annual Spruce Grove Street performers Festival and Canada Day Weekend on July 1 & 2.
The shifts are short (nothing longer than 4 hours), the benefits are good (snacks and beverages, a free gift, and our eternal gratitude) and best of all you will get to be an important part of an extremely fun event.
Currently we are looking to fill positions on our Information Tent, Environmental Crew and Parking Attendant teams.
Call Kerri at 962-7634 ext 170 for more information.

Drama Program Update

Rhyme, Sing, Act & Play and Readin' Ritin' & Rockin' are now sold out.

2006 Summer Drama Programs

The Wizard’s Apprentice Puppet Workshop
Dates: July 4 & 6
Location: Horizon Stage
Ages: 6 - 9
Time: 1 – 4 pm
Cost: $60
Program #: 15015
Put on a puppet play in just two days. Learn about various types of puppets and make some that you can take home too! Children will work together, using puppets to create a variety of characters, make props and costumes and rehearse 'The Wizard's Apprentice'. The show will be presented at 3:30 p.m. on July 6 for parents and friends to see and enjoy!
Instructors: Lynette Maurice & Cindi Zuby

Rhyme, Sing, Act & Play
Dates: July 10-13
Location: Horizon Stage
Time: 1 – 3 pm
Ages: 5 – 8
Cost : $60
Program #: 15021
Learn new rhymes, sing your favourite movement-based songs, play simple drama games, learn the basics of role-playing and have lots of fun!
Instructors: Gaia Willis Owen & Kerri Gibson Loranger

Readin’ Ritin’ & Rockin’
Dates: July 3 - 7 & 10 - 14
Location: Horizon Stage
Time: 9:30 am - 12:30 pm (note: July 14 will be 9:30 am - 3:30 pm)
Ages: 9 - 13
Cost: $185
Program #: 15022
If you love to act, sing and dance in front of an audience then this is the camp for you!
In two weeks students will rehearse the light musical production Readin’ Ritin & Rockin, ending with a presentation for their family and friends in the afternoon of the Friday, July 14.
Instructors: Kelly Hymanyk & Maureen Melnyk

Improv for Teens & Adults
Date: Saturday, July 8
Location: Horizon Stage
Time: 10 am – 1 pm
Ages: 13 & up
Cost: $25
Program #: 15016
This 3 hour intense workshop covers all the basics and some intermediate skills including characters, listening, offers, blocking and choices. Players will play through well-known game exercises with a stop and go format, in a group and/or one-on-one, to present the behind the scenes breakdown of successful Improv performing.
Instructor: Paul Wallace www.paulwallace.com

Registration Starts on Monday, May 15th
Call The Horizon Stage Box Office at 962-8995 or visit us in City Hall.
Horizon Stage is located at 1001 Calahoo Road, attached to Spruce Grove Composite High School.

Spirit of The People: Audience Feedback

Did you attend
Spirit of The People - A Celebration of Aboriginal Talent
on Sunday, April 23?
If you did we would like to know what you though of the displays, the show and the night as a whole. Please leave a comment.

Note: Comments will be moderated, inappropriate language will not be allowed.

2nd Show Added

Allberta Country Music Legends
Sunday, April 30th
- 2pm show SOLD OUT
- 7pm show added GREAT SEATS AVAILABLE!
Call 962-8995

Alberta Country Music Legends

The Association of Canadian Country Music Legends is dedicated to presenting, preserving, promoting and protecting traditional country music. They are excited to be bringing their traditional Alberta Country Music Legends show back to Horizon Stage in Spruce Grove on Sunday, April 30th at 2:00 p.m. This year’s show will feature Bev Munro, Joyce Smith, Randy Hollar, Alfie Myhre, Rodeo Wind and special guest Pete Hicks.

Bev Munro has written and recorded several singles, cassettes, and CD’s. He was a fixture at CFCW radio for 30 years. His knee-slappers have made him a hit everywhere. In 1959 Bev was named Mr. DJ U.S.A. In September 2002 he was inducted into the Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame in the DJ category, at the CCMA Awards, and in 2005, Bev received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Alberta Men of Country Music.

International touring and recording artist Joyce Smith has released 6 albums, several singles, cassettes and CD’s. She has performed at the Grand Old Opry in Nashville, Tenn., throughout Canada, the United States, Germany, Denmark and Austria. She was inducted into the Alberta Country Music Hall of Fame in 1991. In 2000 she won the prestigious ‘Bev Munro Award of Dedication’, and in 2004 was honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award by the Alberta Women of Country Music.

Randy Hollar is a good ol’ country boy and a fan of Wilf Carter, paying a marvellous tribute by singing his songs as Wilf did. Randy owns a pair of Wilf’s chaps, a pair of spurs, and all of Wilf’s records.

Fiddler supreme Alfie Myhre has won the Grand North American Championship twice, as well as dozens of other championships. He has toured in Europe, Asia and the USA and has several records and cassettes out. No matter what type of fiddle tune you want to hear, or dance to, you will find it in Alfie’s collection.

Alberta’s Encyclopaedia of Country Music Pete Hicks has forgotten more than most of us ever knew about Country Music. Born in the Peace River country Pete is just starting his 25th year at CFCW and heading into the 12 season of his popular ‘Classic Country’ show. He has also put his dulcet tones to work writing and recording songs, recently releasing a brand new CD, titled ‘Stories’. Pete’s ever-ready smile and warm handshake are in evidence wherever he goes. His popularity and ability were honored in 2003, when he won the coveted ‘Bev Munro Award’.

Alberta’s finest traditional country music band, Rodeo Wind, will be the backing everyone up on April 30th. The band’s members are George Myren on bass, Richard Chernesky on lead guitar, Darryl Campbell on Steel Guitar and vocals and Hal Todd on drums and vocals.

See the Alberta Country Music Legends at Horizon Stage in Spruce Grove at 2:00 pm on Sunday, April 30th. Tickets for the show are $25.00 for all ages. Call the Horizon Stage Box Office at 962-8995 for more information or to purchase your tickets soon!

Special Thanks to CFCW for sponsoring this event.

Audience Feedback: Seesaw

Did you see Green Thumb Theatre's play Seesaw at Horizon Stage on March 25? If you did we would really like to know what you thought of it. Leave a comment telling us what you liked or disliked.
Please Note: Comments will be moderated. Inappropriate language will not be tolerated.

The HORIZON PLAYERS Present:

LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS

Book and Lyrics by Howard Ashman
Music by Alan Menken
Based on the film by Roger Corman, Screenplay by Charles Griffith
Originally Produced by the WPA Theatre (Kyle Renick, Producing Director)
Originally Produced at the Orpheum Theatre, New York City by the WPA Theatre, David Geffen, Cameron Macintosh and the Shubert Organization

Directed by Richard Winnick
Musical Direction by Sally Hunt
Musical Staging by Joshua Semchuk

March 30-31 & April 1, 6, 7, 8, 2006
Horizon Stage, Spruce Grove
1001 Calahoo Road

“You’ll shriek with laughter as people get gobbled up!” -The Edmonton Journal

“Little Shop of Horrors is as good as it gets.” -The Edmonton Sun

Spruce Grove- Horizon Players is pleased to present the classical campy Broadway smash, Little Shop of Horrors, from the people that brought you the hit Horizon Players production, Jesus Christ Superstar. This show promises to be a fun, high-energy production accompanied by a live band blasting catchy, recognizable tunes.

Little Shop of Horrors is the lovable loser-who-gets-the-girl-in-the-end story, but with a really, big twist, and a talking, singing plant. That eats people. The musical is famous for its hilarious and catchy tunes supported by a greek-chorus-like trio of street urchins.

Seymour Krelborn has worked all his life at Mushnik’s Flower Shop on Skid Row. He’s a dead-end guy in a dead-end job in the dead-end part of town. (more)

One day he happens along a strange and wonderful plant and everything in his life starts to get better; the shop thrives, the girl he loves starts loving him back and he becomes world-famous! Nothing could ever be bad again! That is, until he learns what it will take to keep the plant alive…

Little Shop of Horrors features an amazing, talented cast and artistic team of dedicated community theatre enthusiasts and volunteers. John Evans (previously seen at Horizon Stage in Jesus Christ Superstar) stars as Seymour along with Carolyn Zahovkis (Jesus Christ Superstar) as his love, Audrey. The cast also features Ross Crocket as Orin Scrivelo, D.D.S.; Andrea Graham as Chiffon; Richard Green as Wino/Snip; Kat Hanington as Audrey II (Body); Kristin Johnston as Crystal; Curtis Knecht as Mushnik; Kara Little as Ronnette; Dean McQuay as Wino/ Luce/Customer; Daren Park as Audrey II (Voice); Evan Westfal as Wino/Bernstein.

Horizon Players Artistic Director and Director of the show, Richard Winnick (Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?) is joined on the artistic team by Musical Director/Conductor/Piano Sally Hunt (Jesus Christ Superstar); Musical Stager Joshua Semchuk (Jesus Christ Superstar); Lighting Designer/Design Consultant Kat Hannington (Jesus Christ Superstar); Costumer Jody Boylan (Horizon Players debut); Assistant Musical Director Curtis Knecht (Jesus Christ Superstar); Stage Manager Megan Lindmark (The Melville Boys).

The Little Shop Band brings together the talents of Marc Andy (Bass); Dan Clark (Trumpet); Lorne Dmitruk (Trombone); Gary Gilham (Keyboard/Rehearsal Pianist); Tim Maskell (Guitar); Scott McDonald (Drums); Dan McNeill (Trumpet).

Composer Alan Menkin and Librettist Howard Ashman decided to musicalize the film Little Shop of Horrors, starring Jack Nicholson, after their stage adaptation of Kurt Vonnegut’s novel God Bless You. They used the pop-music sound of the early 60’s ‘all-girl groups’ such as the Shirelles as the inspiration for the score, not the Supremes as many people think.

Little Shop of Horrors opened July 27, 1982 at the Off-Off-Broadway WPA Theatre, causing over thirty producers to bid for the rights for an extended Off-Broadway run. The show received seven Drama Desk Awards and ran for 2,209 performances. The show is the fifth-longest run among Off-Broadway musicals.

Little Shop of Horrors runs March 30-31 and again on April 1, 6, 7 and 8, 2006 at the Horizon Stage in Spruce Grove, 1001 Calahoo Road, only 20 minutes from Edmonton. Performances begin at 7:30 p.m. nightly. For tickets please call the Horizon Stage Box Office at 962.8995

Little Shop of Horrors was originally Directed by Howard Ashman with Musical Staging by Edie Cowan. Little Shop of Horrors is presented through special arrangement with and all authorized performance materials are supplied by Music Theatre International, 421 West 54th Street, New York, NY, 10019.

-30-

For more information please contact:

Joshua Semchuk
780.480.6697
Joshua_semchuk@hotmail.com

HORIZON PLAYERS
Box 3345, Stn Main, Spruce Grove. Alberta. T7X 3A6
www.horizonplayers.com

Audience Feedback: Kleztory

Did you see Kleztory at Horizon Stage on Saturday, March 11th?
If you did we would love to receive your feedback.
What did you like, love or hate about their show?
Please Note: All comments will be moderated. Foul language or offensive material will not be tolerated.

Watch the play, stay for the pizza party

Seesaw teaches kids about self-esteem and standing up for themselves.

Meet four ordinary kids coping with the ups and downs of their lives; Paige, a popular yet insecure girl, Adam, the tough bully and budding artist, shy Josh who learns magic tricks in order to become invisible, and Charla, the new girl who wants to be everybody's friend.

The “bonus” production in Horizon Stage’s 2005/2006 Family Matinee Series, Seesaw by Dennis Foon is all about self-esteem, fitting in, and "doing the right thing". Produced and performed by Vancouver’s Green Thumb Theatre the play is aimed primarily at 8-12 year olds.

Seesaw helps young people examine the influences they see in pop culture (violence, body image, materialism) and how those things affect the way they interact with their schoolmates and parents. It also examines the various types of bullying behavior – from the physical to the emotional. Using actors and an array of puppets it is a fast paced play that explores the shifting nature of relationships and the value and importance of friendships. It focuses on the creative mind and imagination as crucial parts of learning and growing.
Founded in 1975, Green Thumb Theatre produces plays of high artistic quality that explore social issues relevant to the lives of children, youth and young adults. They aim to provide theatre that celebrates the language and stories of today’s generation and culture in order to encourage tolerance, debate and critical thinking. In their 30 seasons of touring and main-stage shows, Green Thumb Theatre has performed over 15,000 times to 4,000,000 people in every Canadian province and 2 territories, in 36 American states, Ireland, England, Scotland, the Netherlands, Germany, Sweden, Hong Kong, Singapore, Australia, New Zealand, and Mexico.

See Seesaw Up Close and Personal at Horizon Stage in Spruce Grove at 2:00 pm on Saturday, March 25. Tickets for the play are $8.00 for all ages. And, kids aged 9-12 can also take part in the Seesaw Pizza Party for just $12.00 (price includes their ticket to the play). At the Pizza Party children will see the show, participate in a talkback with the cast, eat pizza, play games and do crafts from 1:30 – 5:00 pm. Call the Horizon Stage Box Office at 962-8995 for more information on Seesaw and the Seesaw Pizza Party. Purchase your tickets soon!

“We really liked (Seesaw). We all had a good time. Many parts were funny.”Mrs. Gironda’s Class, St. Gabriel The Archangel School

“My favorite part was when Paige's little brother turned into a devil.”
Tianna, Grade 3, Ridgeway Elementary School

Be sure to visit www.horizonstage.com & www.greenthumb.bc.ca

Special Thanks to the sponsors for this event: The Alberta Foundation For The Arts, Canadian Heritage, Royal Inn Express, Home Town Living & Grove Pontiac

Audience Feedback: Fubuki Daiko

Did you see Japanese drummers Fubuki Daiko at Horizon Stage on Saturday, March 4 or at one of their school shows the week before? If you did we'd love to receive your feedback!
Enter a comment about what you liked, loved, or hated about their concert.
Note: Comments will be moderated, please refrain from using inappropriate language.

Montreal Klezmer Ensemble Plays Up-Beat Jewish Music
Kleztory performs at Horizon Stage on March 11

Similar to the music they perform, Montreal klezmer ensemble Kleztory is a rich mosaic of cultures (Russian, Canadian, Quebecois and French), musical training (academic and self taught) and musical tastes (classical, contemporary, jazz, blues, country and folk). With roots that go back to 1997, the band has performed in a wide variety of venues in Quebec but credit their cohesion, spirit and signature sound to their street busking experiences. Now in tour across the country, Kleztory will visit Horizon Stage in Spruce Grove on Saturday, March 11.

The traditional music of nomadic Jewish musicians who traveled throughout Eastern Europe in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, klezmer takes its inspiration from the music of the time and a rich, but too often tragic history. Some of its style has come from surrounding cultures, including Russian, Ukrainian, Bessarabaian, Romanian, German and Western. All of these influences are then pooled with a Middle-Eastern sensibility, derived partially from the Ottoman Empire, and an unbroken stream of liturgical music stretching back to biblical times in the land of Israel.

Kleztory founders Alain Legault (guitar) and Mark Peetsma (base) performed more than two hundred concerts together before being joined by the classically-trained Airat Ichmouratov (clarinet). In early 2002 the group added Elvira Misbakhova (violin) and Henri Oppenheim (accordian), and Kleztory was born. Combining their talents, these five musicians play with an emotion and a virtuosity that is the true spirit of klezmer. Their use of innovative arrangements respects the original traditional compositions, but their sound is fresh and unique.

Quickly becoming one of Canada’s most dynamic klezmer ensembles, Kleztory will be Up Close and Personal at Horizon Stage on Saturday, March 11 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are just $20 for adults and $15 for students and seniors. Call the Horizon Stage Box Office at 962-8995 for more information or to purchase your tickets today!

“ … Sweet nostalgia mixed with wild harmonies … The sound of Kleztory expresses their unique sensitivity combined with a true authenticity of interpretation …”

Marie-Hélène Proulx, Voo.ca, le média de la relève culturelle, Montreal

The band plays in a tight, charismatic manner that makes their professionalism shine … A mix of upbeat, fast-paced music that you couldn’t help but dance to, and a tragic, chamberesque sounding drone that makes you feel as if you were a peasant on the streets of Russia at the turn of the 1900’s”

Sydney Smith, The Link, Concordia University, Montreal.


Be sure to visit http://www.horizonstage.com/ & http://www.kleztory.com/

Special Thanks to the sponsors for this event: The Alberta Foundation For The Arts, Canadian Heritage, Royal Inn Express, CBC Radio, CBC Television, The Edmonton Journal and Birdsell, Grant, Gardner, Morck Barristers and Solicitors

Audience Feedback: Mike McDonald

Did you see comedian Mike McDonald on Sunday, February 12? If you did we'd love to receive your feedback!
Enter a comment about what you liked, loved, or hated about his show.
Note: Comments will be moderated, please refrain from using inappropriate language.

Audience Feedback: The Plaid Tongued Devils

Did you see The Plaid Tongued Devils
on Saturday, February 11th?
If you did we'd love to receive your feedback!
Enter a comment about what you liked, loved, or hated about their show.

Note: Comments will be moderated, please refrain from using inappropriate language.

Food & Craft Vendors Wanted!

The Spruce Grove Street Performers & Canada Festival on July 1 & 2 is seeking food & craft vendors. Vendors must own or be willing to purchase a Spruce Grove hawker/peddler license.
The festival does not require a registration fee up-front but does ask for 15% of sales made on site.
Contact Kerri at 962-7634 ext 170 for more information or to submit your name/business for consideration.