Soo Theatre Performances Bring Community Together

From Sault Sunday, August 14, 2005:

SAULT STE. MARIE—Anticipation was in the air Friday night, August 5, and Sunday afternoon, August 7, as approximately 500 people each day filed through the doors of the historic Soo Theatre. For the first time in years, lines snaked down the block on Ashmun Street as people waited for the doors to open.

On stage, the show opened with the Board of Directors of Soo Theatre Project, Inc. singing " I Fell in Love In Sault Ste. Marie," followed by the Footlight Dancers in a number choreographed to the song "The Curtain Can Go Up Because the Wall Came Down." Lise White and the Ain't Misbehavin' Ensemble accompanied the Board and sang the "curtain" song, also entertaining the audience later with a mini-concert after the play.

The crowd was exuberant as the Lock Cities Chorus of Sweet Adelines and Singers United performed "Songs Through History." Singers United featured one number directed by Mary Wood, whose chorus grace the stage of the Soo Theatre many times in the past.

Time Capsule: Sault Ste. Marie, a play written by Steve Welch to commemorate the 150th Anniversary of the Soo Locks, was performed by a cast from Sault Community Theater and directed by Michelle Breen. A step into the past celebrations of the Soo Locks, it was both entertaining and informative.

On August 7, Time Capsule: Sault Ste. Marie was presented again, much to the delight of the audience. The cast included Frank Breen portraying Peter White, JT Byrd as Dr. Innafix, Colleen Lavey as Mrs.. Innafix, Ed Woodall as Jonathan Smith, Brooke Wagner as Miss Barbara Hank, Oliver Beaudoin and Michelle Willis as Ojibwe Warrior and Princess, and Jason Markstrom portraying a Jesuit Priest. Taylor Brugman was the technician for all performances.

A Musical Variety Show was also presented by Soo Theatre Project that day. The Board of Directors and Footlight Dancers (Elise Beaudoin, Allison Dale, Kelly Kaunisto, and Kara Pingatore) repeated their Friday night appearances. Following that was a stellar line up of local talent including Karen Hughes, Richard Morrison, and Enoch Jacobus performing numbers from the Cedarville production of My Fair Lady.

Theresa Zednicek and James Warner Smith sang a Gilbert and Sullivan song; St. Mary's Schola Cantorum presented their version of Gregorian jazz; Susan Askwith and Dave Stanaway sang original historic songs; George Snyder entertained with two humorous original songs; and Bahweting Middle School Students performed a number from their production of Shake, Ripple and Roll and presented the Soo Theatre Project with a check for the proceeds from that production. Singers United sang songs from Oliver and gave a rousing finale to the program with "It's a Grand Old Flag," with the Footlight Dancers adding the final touch.

The excitement of the audience was palpable for all the performances in the old theatre. This was a nostalgic trip into the past for many in the audience and on stage, when live performances were a regular feature. Others are anticipating the chance to come to future performances, both live and on film. Many parents and grandparents dream of seeing their children performing on stage, or bringing children to events planned especially for families.