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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 1989-12-13, Page 27Tiny musicians THE CITIZEN, WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 13, 1989. PAGE 27. Theatre review Second City leaves ’em laughing Young violin students of all sizes took part in the Christmas concertofTheHuronStringsatMemorial Hall in Blyth Sunday. Using theSuzuki method, ElayneRas instructor had thedozens of youngsters performing for parents and friends. 60 young violinists perform on Blyth stage Last Sunday afternoon in Mem­ orial Hall, 60 violin students from the Huron String School, Goderich, who ranged from three to 15 years of age, gave a 90-minute Christ­ mas concert hosted by the Festival theatre. It is an annual Huron event staged each year in different locations. The talented director was Elayne Ras and accompanist was Jennifer Chan both of Goderich. A Christmas atmosphere pre­ vailed. Large lacy snow flakes on the stage’s back drop which was the work of the enthusiastic sup­ port group of the String School, the bright colours of the girl perform­ ers’ attire, and the program’s generous number of Christmas carols and songs contributed great­ ly to it. It was a wonderful sight to behold 60 young and very, very young people bowing their violins in unison as well as in group numbers with all eyes riveted on their director. The theatre had loaned their risers for this occasion which made possible a clear view for all in the audience. In fact, one of the most fascinating features for people was noticing the slight arch of the wrist and the graceful bow holds of each performer. Perhaps one can attribute this mastered technique to the absence of scrap­ ing sounds, even from the wee ones’ violins. A Cello number was played by Elayne Ras and Martha Jasper and in the effective closing number, a group of Christmas carols, two young gentlemen played the violin, one, the viola, and Elayne, the cello. Instructor Elayne Ras uses the popular Suzuki method which par­ ents affirm brings rapid and lasting results. Elayne has now ample studio facilities in her home for her ever expanding classes. Mr. and Mrs. David Onn of RR 3, Blyth are delighted with the rapid progress made by their three daughters. They were among those receiving at the concert graduating certificates. Zoe and Cap have completed successfully the most advanced Study - Book III. Alma McCallum of Blyth, who attended the concert, was amazed at the mature handling of the violin by her four-year old granddaugh­ ter, Laura Smith, of Goderich. Martha Jasper, a member of the String School’s support group, when she presented gifts to teacher Elayne Ras, gave high praise for her excellent teaching. “Wow, you have done it again!’’ was how she referred to Elayne’s most recent school concert. The support group did it again, too, with serving a delicious, nutritious buffet downstairs to their families and friends. BY BONNIE GROPP Having been a long-time fan of the familiar faces and characteriza­ tions of the popular television program SCTV (Second City Tele­ vision), I was somewhat curious to see if the Second City National Touring Company which performed in Blyth on Saturday, would uphold the reputation of the troupe for imaginative improvisation and wit­ ty satirical comedy. They did not disappoint. For two and a half hours the six actors - Moira Dunphy, Terry Hart, David Healey, Sarah Anne Levy, Steve Morel and Jenny Parsons - had the capacity crowd at Blyth rolling in the aisles. The first part of their program consisted of skits that are some of the more popular ones of The Second City. They spoofed every­ thing from James Bond to current issues like the high cost of real estate, which was set to the score of Les Mis, and to political issues like Bourassa, who could not heed a sign from God because it wasn’t in French and Free Trade, which was explained as a school project. Following these absolutely hilar­ ious sketches, the troupe welcomed audience participation for their improvisational part. They took the Nutcracker Continued from page 26 original with the mechanical Nut­ cracker doll capturing Clara’s af­ fections as he protects her from the horrifying King of the Rats. During the ferocious battle the brave Nutcracker is killed. Drossel- meyer intervenes and saves the day by transforming the Nutcracker into a very much alive prince charming. The prince then escorts little Clara to the Kingdom of the Sugarplum Fairy ... or does he? In Toussaint’s version the story is updated for today’s children and Clara and the prince visit a fantasy futuristic world where everything and everyone is automatized! The celebration comes to an end with everyone participating in a glorious finale watlz. suggestions offered from the floor and transformed them on stage into skits. For the most part these fell a little flat but that is the risk in improvisation. You never know when a scene will work, but when it happens it’s magic and that’s where Second City’s best sketches originated over the years. Second City originated in the late 50’s in Chicago and over the years has produced some of the best comedians today. The alumni in­ cludes: John Candy, Dave Thomas, Catherine O’Hara and Andrea Martin. There are presently com­ panies in 17 cities including dinner theatres in London and Toronto. There may have been some in the audience who were a little offended at the riske, ribald hum­ our, but for the most part I believe that people who went to see the show were familiar with the type of humour Second City is famous for. Usually, sitting in those seats in Blyth Memorial Hall, that length of show would be unbearable but I could have sat through more. I haven’t had that milch fun laugh­ ing at myself, my country, and people in general in a long time. Know What? BIG ERIC’S faW PIZZA PIZZA PIZZA THURS., FRI., SAT. 5P.M.-12A.M. BLYTH INN EAT IN OR TAKE OUT 523-9381 'Wait December 15/89 Eric Caldwell Love Mommy & Daddy [Joan & Stephen]LADY DI Huron County Health Unit offers PRENATALCLASSES contact your nearest office as early as possible in your pregnancy CLINTON EXETER GODERICH WINGHAM SEAFORTH 482-3416 235-1014 524-8301 357-2264 527-1243 JENNIFER PIERCE DEC. 16/89 With love from Mommy & Daddy & Brendan Saturday Matinee December 16 Showtime: 1:30 All Seats $3.00 THE H. FAMILY MOVIE Phone 357-1630 for 24 hour movie information Playing from Friday to Thursday, December 15 to 21 Showtimes: Friday and Saturday at 7 and 9p.m. Sunday to Thursday 8 p.m. each evening YULE CRACK UP! i .> & PARENTAL ORHeI Christmas III GUIDANCE . AOVISIB PWft3 Vacation