Be sure to take in the Stephenville Theatre Festival this summer

by Keith and Heather Nicol

    The Stephenville Theatre Festival is celebrating its 36^th year this summer and its most ambitious performance is “The Nobleman’s Wedding” which is billed as a folk opera. Pamela Morgan, one of Newfoundland’s most well known musicians, has created The Nobleman’s Wedding from a folk song that she happened to learn in Stephenville many years ago from Jack and Ellen Carroll. We thought all of the performers were very impressive with both their acting and their singing. And the band (which includes Pamela Morgan) is first rate. The story line is easy to follow and deals with 2 lovers -Nancy (a nobleman’s daughter) and Thomas (a lowly sailor).  Their union is greatly opposed by Nancy’s parents and they conspire to separate them.  Can they find a way to be together? We loved the costumes and the music and fully recommend this play to anyone. 

Erik Mrakovcic (left) and Erica Anderson star in "A Nobleman's Wedding"  (credit photo Caroline Hunt)

     We have also just seen “Music from Home” which is Stephenville Theatre Festival’s tribute to Newfoundland music. A large cast of musicians and singers cover alot of ground in this performance which includes familiar Newfoundland songs like Sonny’s Dream and Heave Away as well as several short stories.  Since some of the cast has its roots in other countries they have also included some folk songs from Croatia and Israel. The musical director is Newfoundland icon, Pamela Morgan .  Dave Panting  (of Figgy Duff and Rawlings Cross fame) also plays a large role in the performance.  The entire group performs over 20 songs and stories in the cozy second stage which means everyone has a good seat.  This show has something for everyone. 

Matthew Payne (left) and Jonathan Silver perform in "Music from Home"

      The Stephenville Theatre Festival runs from July 11 to August 10, 2104 and overall there are 5 shows being presented this summer. “Jack meets the Cat” is their family show and is performed on Sunday afternoons. They are also doing the comedy “The Birthday Party” and another musical , “The Country Show”.  For more information see http://www.stephenvilletheatrefestival.com/  And for people visiting the Stephenville area, check out the Days Inn (www.daysinn.com) which has special "Stay and Play" packages.