The Citizen, 1998-06-24, Page 23THE CITIZEN, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 24, 1998. PAGE 23.
E ntertainment Teacher gets recognition
A Central Huron Secondary
School teacher has gained national
recognition.
Stephen Oliver, who has been at
CHSS since 1981, was presented
with the 1997 Prime Minister's
Award for Teaching Excellence by
Huron-Bruce MP Paul Steckle. The
award honours the achievements of
teachers who are leaders in prepar-
ing students for the new knowl-
edge-based society.
In addition to the certificate,
Oliver, who currently teaches Digi-
tal Media Studies, will receive a
pin and a letter signed by Prime
Minister Jean Chretien. The prize
money of $1,000 will go to CHSS.
The family of
Charles and Winnifred
(nee Steiss) Mann
wish to extend an invitation to you
to help celebrate their parents'
50th Wedding
Anniversary
Sunday, June 28, 1998
2 to 4:30 p.m.
Trowbridge United Church
Trowbridge, Ontario
BEST WISHES ONLY
Onward to glory
Jaun Chioran, left as Don Quixote and Bruce Dow as his
faithful sidekick Sancho Panza ride on to glory in this
scene from Stratford Festival's production of The Man of
La Mancha.
50th WEDDING ANNIVERSARY
By Bonnie Gropp
Citizen staff
In the jaded world of the 1990s, a
play about idealism, nobility and
truth may seem an ill fit.
Dale Wasserman, composer
Mitch Leigh and lyricist Joe Dari-
on's Man of La Mancha, now
appearing at Stratford's Festival
Theatre, probably would never
have enjoyed success had the world
had its first peak at their re-working
of El Retrato de Miguel de Cer-
vantes' Don Quixote, today. How-
ever, the 1960s was a perfect time
for its entry.
La Mancha begins with its 16th
century Spanish hero Cervantes
thrust into prison with thieves and
poets for taxing a Roman Catholic
Church. As he awaits justice, he is
put on trial by his fellow 'prisoners.
Declaring himself an idealist, a bad
poet and an honest man, he mounts
his defense in the form of entertain-
ment.
For his audience, Cervantes
transforms himself to elderly coun-
try squire, Alonso Quijana, who in
madness has entered the world of
fantasy. Perceiving himself as
knight errant Don Quixote he dedi-
cates himself to healing the ills of
the world.
At an inn, he spies the serving
wench, Aldonza. In his delusion he
believes her to be Dulcinea the
woman of his heart. Just as his
story. comes to an end, Aldonza's
respect for herself begins.
Cervantes' tale concluded in time
for his captors' arrival, but not
before he has inspired in his fellow
inmates the desire to "dream the
impossible dream."
We have come to expect a good
deal of Stratford's musical produc-
tions and La Mancha doesn't dis-
appoint. Despite its dark theme and
rough edges, the show is flamboy-
ant, its staging and direction flaw-
less, its actors accomplished. But
while its predecessors were primar-
ily demure stories of boy meets
girl, La Mancha could be consid-
ered a 'man's musical', and may not
be for everyone.
Our hero is an aged dreamer, his
lidy a whore. The supporting cast
of villains and lunatics climb the
social ladder only by way of Cer-
vantes' tableau. The songs are jaun-
ty, the humour bawdy, the
choreography raucous.
But Stratford has created a vivid,
though sordid world that captures
our imaginations. Shining sunlight
into the murk are scenes such as
Quixote's and his servant Sancho
Panza's carriage ride pulled by a
sprightly horse and jackass.
Ut tounit f dL (acacia
axe lauded to a
Conic A. cot padv leot
PAULINE DICKSON-KERR
to help her celebrate her
65th birthday.
It will take place at the home of
Joe & Dolores Kerr
between 1-4 p.m.
June 28th, 1998
Best Wishes Only!
Please bring a lawn chair.
The brutal beating and rape of
Aldonza is softened by the surreal
balletic dance, while the Moorish
Dance brings bold colour to the
performance.
While it's a bit of a shame that
Juan Chioran's dark good looks are
lost as Quixote, his adjustment is as
smooth as a Latin lover.
Bruce Dow as the faithful servant
is a worthy sidekick, never over-
shadowed by the frantic antics of
Quixote, nor upstaging them.
Cynthia Dale is a beautiful
Aldonza, almost too much so,
Sunday evening concerts begin
this weekend at Lions Harbour
Park in Goderich. Sponsored by the
Goderich Laketown Band, these
concerts begin each Sunday
evening at 7 p.m. and generally last
for 90 minutes.
June 28 will feature the country
and western sounds of Marie Flynn
and friends from the Clinton area.
This concert will include the Huron
Strings, step dancers and plenty of
toe-tapping fiddle tunes.
The Lions beef barbecue will
also be held on June 28.
The Big-Band sounds of the
Lighthouse Swing Band will fill the
park on July 5. This band draws
musicians from a large area and is
renowned for its renditions of
dance favourites.
On July 12 the Kincardine
Community Band will share its
talents. Conducted by Nancy Ross,
the band has appeared in many
Atwood Lions
Bingo
every Thursday
Doors open 6:30 p.m.
Starts at 7:00 p.m.
Looney bin' 5619. plus
Jackpot $1,000.
on 54 calls
Pot of Gold $1,000.
on 56 calls
given the heroine's harsh life.
Musically, the cast is superb,
with particular mention going to
Dale and Adam Brazier, who plays
the padre. His marvelous tenor
brings inspiration to The Psalm.
The cast's finale is the stuff of
goosebumps.
Directed by Susan H. Shulman
La Mancha is fast-paced and well-
staged. Bawdy and bold, it may
prove too lusty for some, but it is a
different look than Stratford's pre-
vious musicals, yet still quality
entertainment.
Goderich parades and hosts
Wednesday evening concerts in
Kincardine throughout the summer.
The Goderich Laketown Band
will provide Sunday entertainment
on July 19. Listen for marches,
movie themes, a medley of Glenn
Miller tunes and a mixture of other
pieces. Elayne Ras conducts the
Laketown Band.
On July 26 the Festival City Jazz
Ensemble will return to Harbour
Park. This ensemble is composed
of members of the Stratford
- Concert Band who enjoy the jazz
style.
Concerts will continue through
the month of August. All concerts
begin at 7 p.m. Donations are
gratefully received to offset the
cost of bringing this variety of
bands to Goderich.
Contact Murray Keith (524-
5251) for more information.
SURROUND SOUND STEREO
LISTOWEL 291-3070
STARTS FRIDAY
CINEMA 1 7 & 9:15 AA
HELD OVER
X -FILES
CINEMA 2 7 & 9:00 PG
THE TRUMAN
SHOW
JIM CARREY
The family of
Len & Betty Archambault
invite you to their parents'
50th Wedding Anniversary
Celebration
on
Saturday, June 27, 1998
at Blyth Community Centre
at 8 p.m. - Dancing 9-1
We kindly request
your presence only.
Please no gifts!
A donation box for the
Cancer Society will be available.
Happy 30th
Anniversary
Bill & Linda
They're making music at Harbour Park
7 & 9 P.M.
8 P.M.
LONG DISTANCE? CALL 1-1100-255434311 FOR TOLL FREE MOVIE INFO
Love Tammy, Gerry,
Jason, Sean, Tabatha,
Brady & Bryce.