Three wonderful live theatre performances highlighted an afternoon event hosted by the talented members of the CRCA Musical Theatre Group on Sunday December, 8 at the Chestermere Rec Centre. This dynamic group of local youth aged three to 16, under the direction of the musically gifted Candie Schmidt; put on a trio of riveting and delightful plays filled with music, singing and dancing.
The productions began with auditions in September and the group has been working hard memorizing the lines and getting their voice in tune since then, although many of the students have been working with Candie for a number of years.
This year, the production included three tales, the first of which was called The August Amaranth; a story set in medieval times examines the timeless and complex relationship between mothers and daughters.
The second production was Merry Afro Christmas Circus! About an unlikely circus troupe that has come to Chestermere this holiday season. After the Mayor (played by Mayor Mathews) throws them a festive curve, they had to pull together a show last minute that ended up being even better.
Lastly, Happy Holi-Days took the audience back to visit the 1950’s. The music had everyone rockin’ & rollin’ all night long.
The dedication of the cast and volunteers was evident during the entire event. “Music and Theatre nurture a special place in a person’s heart” shares Schmidt, who has been helping young performers in our community realize their own beauty and potential for many years.
Schmidt herself is a talented performer and member of a musical group “Gyspy and the Rose”, with her husband Rene. Their music careers have taken them around the world and back again, eventually landing in Chestermere where they now reside and teach music from their home, as well they continue to perform at various venues throughout Alberta.
Another CRCA Musical Theatre Production is planned for the New Year, watch for information online at www.chestermerecrca.com.
