Friday 30 March 2012

Bialik's production of Moulin Rouge Delights

Director Anisa Cameron and Musical Director Nick Burgess outdid themselves once again, this time with the production of Moulin Rouge.  Presented at Bialik High School from March 27th to the 29th, audiences were entertained by a cast of 67 outstanding dancers, singers and actors.  Lia Elbas as Satine and Brandon Schwartz as Sebastian were the perfect lovers.  Elbas is a very talented actress and dancer whose voice fit perfectly with Schwartz's powerful and uplifting renditions  of the beautiful love songs he sang throughout the show.  Other honorable mentions must go to Jacob Shapiro as the evil Duke, playing his part to the extreme, and to Matan Kushner as the narcoleptic Argentinian Marco.  For a few highlights of the show watch these excerpts from the video I took on opening night.

CSL Dramatic Society to put on new show, youth classes, summer camp

CSL Dramatic Society to put on new show, youth classes, summer camp
Isaac Olson, The Free Press
March 27, 2012

Those lucky enough to get tickets to the Côte St. Luc Dramatic Society’s sold-out production of Grease know it was an exceptionally professional compilation of local, all-age actors singing and dancing across the stage with a undeniable passion for the performance arts. “The response for Grease was overwhelming and it kind of proves that people really want theatre in their community,” said director Anisa Cameron, noting the city’s help and continued support have allowed the group to flourish. “Actually, it was a bit of a surprise. I didn’t anticipate that much of response as it was our first production.”



Now, with one major production under its belt, plans are now in the making for another play and Councillor Mitchell Brownstein reported theatre classes for youth are planned for this coming spring. There will even, he said, be a two-week drama summer camp trial this coming July that, if popular, could expand with time.

The upcoming play will, in an effort to produce one drama and one musical a year, be Norm Foster’s Office Hours. The cast is still being chosen for the Canadian-penned comedy that is, the director admits, more mature in nature than Grease. The play will be performed on May 24 through the 26, again in city hall’s Harold Greenspon Auditorium. The classes, said Cameron, will be hosted by her and her colleagues within the performance art field, giving kids, ages 7 to 16, a chance to learn more about theatre productions from stage design and costumes to acting and directing. While these classes are slated to start in mid-April and run through June at the Aquatic and Community Centre, the summer camp would likely be for youth ages 10 to 16, giving kids a chance to learn even more about production. From there, she said the hope is that these kids will be interested in joining the CSL Dramatic Society.

“There really is a strong demand for this, not just among the actors who want a chance to express themselves, but also among the public that wants to come out and enjoy a professional show,” said Brownstein. “I’m very happy to be part of an organization that is helping young people excel in life. Maybe they won’t become Hollywood actors, but that’s not necessarily the goal. The objective here is that, while having a good time, they learn certain skills that help them become the best they can be at no matter what they do in life.” For more information about the CSL Dramatic Society, email: csldramaticsociety@ gmail.com To show support for the summer camp idea or inquire about any other activities, call the Parks and Recreation department at 514.485.6806.

Côte Saint-Luc continues to grow

Competition Pool
The City of Côte Saint Luc is undergoing rejuvenation in construction, programming and population growth. As our community grows and young families continue to choose Côte Saint Luc, our city will continue to respond to meet the needs of our residents.  
Many new townhouses are being built on Marc Chagall Ave. and the Cavendish Mall re-development site. The Côte Saint-Luc Aquatic and Community Centre (5794 Parkhaven Ave.) is full of new and exciting programs. The pools are being used for leisure, competitive and fitness purposes from infant to senior to the physically challenged, who are all taking advantage of a facility that was built to provide service to all. Programs offered include swim team, master’s swim team for adults, synchronized swimming, aqua fitness, water polo, Red Cross swimming lessons, scuba and more. Our fitness room is a great place to keep in shape. The satellite library is being used by children participating in other programs in the building and by their parents as well. The dance studio, activity rooms, seniors centre, and gymnasium are all bustling with activity.
On the cultural/artistic side, the Côte Saint Luc Dramatic Society production of the musical Grease in late January was an outstanding success with seven sold-out shows.  There was such an overwhelming demand for tickets that we may remount the show in the fall. We would not have been able to produce such a professional production without our talented director Anisa Cameron, and musical director Nick Burgess. Our next production to be presented in May will be Norm Foster’s comedy Office Hours.
The Dramatic Society will also be offering a two-week theatre intensive day camp in July to be run by Anisa Cameron for children ages 10 to 15. The goal will be a theatrical presentation on the last day of camp. This initiative will be for youth who are not only interested in acting, but in all aspects of the production of a play.
To register for the programs mentioned herein please contact Ryan Nemeroff at 514-485-6806 ext. 2024 or rnemeroff@cotesaintluc.org.
Please do not hesitate to contact me at any time with your ideas and get involved in all Côte Saint Luc has to offer.
Mitchell Brownstein can be reached by e-mail at brownstein@videotron.ca or 514-826-6801. He is the councillor responsible for Parks and Recreation. He also represents Côte Saint-Luc district 7.