Skip to content

Bashaw Community Theatre Group prepares for ‘All Together Now’

By Perry Wilson
27084805_web1_211110-BAS-Theatre_1
Bashaw Community Theatre Group’s energetic cast is drawn from Bashaw, Ponoka, Meeting Creek, Olds, Donalda, and more. (Photo submitted)

By Perry Wilson

Thanks to Alberta Health’s Restrictions Exemption Program for live theatre performances, Central Albertans are now able to safely enjoy highly-talented actors/singers/dancers on stage at Bashaw and Camrose.

Portions of 15 Broadway musical shows will be presented by the Bashaw Community Theatre Group’s energetic cast, drawn from Bashaw, Ponoka, Meeting Creek, Olds, Donalda, and more.

Performances of the musical revue ‘All Together Now’ will run on Nov. 12 and 13 at Bashaw United Church, then Nov. 14 and 15 at Bailey Theatre in Camrose.

The show’s producer, Jackie Northey, is very pleased with how the musical numbers and choreography are coming together so well.

“Normally we work at all the preparations for a Broadway play for six months or more,” said Northey. “With health restrictions still in place for so much of this year, we weren’t able to begin rehearsals that early. Everyone involved in ‘All Together Now’ has been so dedicated and faithful in practising at home, as well as attending more rehearsals per week than usual.

“Our musical director, Rev. Robin King has been tireless in vocal coaching, and our two choreographers have brought our actors to a new level of performance.”

“What I enjoy so much,” said director Lori Miller, “is seeing the participants of all ages becoming a cohesive group, all self-directed at making the best stage show on the Alberta entertainment scene.

“There’s no doubt this is a dedicated theatre family, rather than just some actors thrown together. And best of all, we are all having fun doing it.

“We look forward to encompassing our audiences into the fun.”

This show has been made available to 3,300 local theatre companies all around the world by New York-based Music Theatre International, as a gift to support groups such as ours.

Their goal is to jump-start community theatre groups back into doing regular productions, after the interruptions during the past 2 years.

We are honoured and grateful to be included,” said Miller.

Co-director Coleman Miller’s perspective is unique.

“My involvement in this production is two-fold. I direct several of the segments of ‘All Together Now’ and I also act in several as well,” said Coleman.

“This helps me to appreciate what the performers need from my directing, to succeed in their craft. Besides, I don’t want them to have all the fun.”

The revue includes numbers from Mary Poppins, Hairspray, Fiddler on the Roof, Les Miserables, Sister Act, Matilda, Newsies, Beauty and the Beast, ABBA, and more.

“So there’s lots of great entertainment for everyone,” Coleman said.

Tickets to the program are available at Bashawtheatre.com or by phone at 780-372-4074.