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Wednesday, May 23, 2001 THE OAKVILLE BEAVER C1 3 SU 3 SE3J j O Llf UZtZ V /liis i o u j j ij a . Li'J -tshxssi b y : i i a K i/v f ^ n r v f f t m T i i f f i i i i fifo y i!u jju a iiu i3 a a .i O A K '/II I ? , - Oakville BeaverArts Scene Editor: Carol Baldwin 845-3824 (Ext. 254); Fax: 337-5567: E-mail: baldwin@haltonsearch.com Arts Scene Comedy and mystery blend in `Shear Madness' By Carol Baldwin ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR I t's S h ea r M a d n ess - a "hilarious who dunit" that keeps audience members amused, intrigued and involved for two hours, according to form er Oakville resi dent, Allison Hicks. Reluctant to call it interactive theatre, Hicks says the audience members voluntarily point out any inconsistencies in the plot and ultimate ly determine the who is the murderer. Although the Oakville Trafalgar High School grad says the script is brilliant, with its 350 clues to raise the audience's suspicions, the ad libbing is equally brilliant. "It's tons o f fun. It's campy. It's lightheart ed," she says. "And it's topical, because it hap pens that day. So, the actors are always chal lenged to look in the newspaper and find out what new controversy is happening...T he actors always keep it current." The play, originally a psychological thriller, was transformed into a humorous whodunit, which opened in Boston 21 years ago. It is now being touted as "the longest running, non-m usi cal play" in US theatre history. Four years ago, an Ontario production took to the stage, and it has enjoyed successful runs in small town Ontario - St. Jacobs, Penetanguishene and even M ississauga's Stage West. However, its projected run in the big city has been thwarted, says Hicks, facilities manager for Sh ear M a d n e ss , because "it is one heck of a ride advertising in Toronto - very expensive. It's a different market in Toronto...(and) Ontario Place is tough venue to put on a show ...T he show will be back, for sure, because the product is so solid, and fun. W e're just not sure where." However, until June 3, it will continue its run at the 450-seat Atlantis Theatre in Ontario Place, 955 Lakeshore Blvd. Performances begin at 8 p.m., Wednesdays to Saturdays, with matinees on W ednesdays and Thursdays at 2 p.m., Saturdays at 4 p.m. and Sun days at 2:30 p.m. Tickets range in price from $40.50 to $48 with special dinner/theatre packages priced at $49.50 for the show with lunch and $59 for show and supper. Hicks plans to stay on with Drayton Entertainment, producers of S h ea r M a d n ess. "It has been a great opportunity for me," says the young woman who gained experience on the stage at Sheridan Col lege's Musical Theatre pro gram and recognition on television as the Ivory Girl. But as a theatre manger, she says, "I haven't had a chance to be that focused in such an immedi ate way." To order tick ets for S h ea r M a d n e ss , call Photo by Barrie Erskine the box office at 1888 - 4494463. Allison Hicks, above, is facilities manager for Shear M adness , which continues at Ontario Place until June 3. The cast, left, consists of, clockwise from left, Duane W oods, Wade Lynch, Kevin Sepaul (seated), Rob McDowell, Liz Gordon and Andrea Risk. Prime Minister honours local chaplain for his charitable works Father Mark Curtis, chaplain at O akville's St. M ildred'sLightboum School, was honoured by Prime M inister Jean Chretien in Ottawa last week. . Known as Canada's Singing Priest, Curtis was honoured for his 25 years of recording and performing for charity. During their meeting, the prime minister commended Curtis for his generous and tireless contributions to many charitable organi zations in the country. "Your music has given pleasure to many throughout the country and, in the process, has assisted many Canadians," Chretien said. Curtis gave the prime minister a St. M ildred's school pin, which Chretien wore during their encounter. "The time I spent in his office was a real treat and honour," said Curtis. "I sang M y C a n a d a , a song I wrote myself. He said I have a beautiful voice. He's appreciative of Canadian Christian artists." Curtis also presented Chretien with his latest CD The B ridge To U s A ll, which features the St. M ildred's junior choir. (A por tion o f the proceeds from the CD are being donated to the Rose Cherry Home. Ontario's first hospice and respite facility for terminally and chronically ill children.) Prime Minister Jean Chretien honoured Oakville chaplain M ark Curtis in Ottawa last week. The chaplain at St. Mildred's-Lightbourn school was honoured for his music, which he performs to benefit a number of charities. · CERAM RIENTAL RUGS · VINYL · HARD WORLD'S LARGEST TRANSMIS SION SPECIALISTS Persian rugs from Iran, Tabriz, Kashan, Bidjar, 100' s to choose from. Discontinued Patterns, Designer rugs, Egyptian T/washes, Indian and Chinese rugs. TAKE IT WITH YOU!" 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