Launching during the First Friday Peterborough Art Crawl on March 1, 2024, "Life Studies and Other Works by Ann Cossar" features life drawings and watercolours from the late Peterborough artist and educator, with sale proceeds going to the Peterborough Art School. The exhibit will be available at Studio 12 in the Commerce Building during First Friday and then until March 31 by appointment only. (Photo courtesy of Cydnee Hosker)
Two local artists have teamed up to curate a posthumous exhibit of works by Peterborough artist and educator Ann Cossar, with proceeds of sales going to the Art School of Peterborough’s Sharon Taylor Youth Bursary.
Featuring never-before-exhibited works, “Life Studies and Other Works” by Ann Cossar will be on display at artist Julie Francey’s Studio 12 in the Commerce Building (129 1/2 Hunter St. W., Peterborough) from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. on March 1 during the free monthly First Friday Peterborough art crawl.
After First Friday, the exhibit will be available by appointment only until Sunday, March 31st.
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Before her death in in March 2023 at the age of 89, Cossar was an art teacher at Peterborough’s Thomas A. Stewart Secondary School and a watercolour and drawing instructor at Fleming College.
For many years in the late 1970s and early 1980s, she and her husband Donald owned a fine art supply store and framing centre called Cossar’s Art Centre, where she held classes for young people and exhibited work by local artists.
“Ann was very much a fine artist, very organic with her mark making, and really encouraged us to find our own self-expression,” says Cydnee Hosker, a fellow retired visual arts teacher and former student of Cossar’s in the early 1970s. “Many of us thrived under her tutelage.”
Peterborough artist Ann Cossar was a teacher at Thomas A. Stewart Secondary School and taught watercolour and drawing at Fleming College. She was also the owner of a fine art supply store and framing centre called Cossar’s Art Centre during the 1970s and 80s where she held art classes for young artists. She passed away on March 21, 2023 at the age of 89. (Photo courtesy of Cydnee Hosker)
Hosker is now one of the organizers of the exhibit, alongside one of her own former students, artist Julie Francey. Francey discovered the artworks in her studio, which had previously belonged to Cossar until 2020, after Cossar’s death.
Now, Francey is opening up her studio space for the exhibit which will include the discovered pencil, conté, and charcoal life drawings and some watercolour paintings.
“Every one is a little treasure,” says Hosker, who received permission from Cossar’s daughters to exhibit and sell the works for a good cause. “It’s been really lovely seeing how people have been guardians of these fragile works.”
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All proceeds from the exhibit will be donated to the Sharon Taylor Youth Bursary at the Art School of Peterborough. Founded in memory of the artist who was a member since the school’s founding, the bursary supports youth facing financial barriers to access extracurricular art classes by covering tuition, supply costs, and transportation fare.
“Sharon, also being a teacher and a very enthusiastic dynamo kind of person, was committed to arts education in their own right,” says Hosker. “Both Ann and Sharon definitely in their own way have made vast contributions to people in the community who are interested in art and opening doors for those people who want to try it out and gain from self-expression.”
With Francey having been a student of her own just as she was to Cossar, Hosker says the journey has “come full circle in a very lovely way.”
The late Ann Cossar’s former student Cydnee Hosker (right) and artist Julie Francey installing the “Life Studies and Other Works by Ann Cossar” exhibit at Francey’s Studio 12 in Peterborough’s Commerce Building. The exhibit will launch during the First Friday Peterborough Art Crawl on March 1, 2024 and will then be available by appointment only until March 31. (Photo courtesy of Cydnee Hosker)
Like Cossar, Hosker continues to host workshops at the Art School of Peterborough, while Francey supports local artwork by opening her studio for exhibits, just as Cossar did.
“Like Cossar, Julie is instrumental in providing opportunities for people in her space,” says Hosker. “She’s very generous and this gesture on her part to host the artwork is very, very lovely.”
To view the exhibit, visit Studio 12 during the First Friday Peterborough art crawl, or email juliefrancey@yahoo.ca or clhosker@gmail.com for more information on the exhibit or to book a viewing appointment.
Environment Canada has issued a flash freeze warning for the northern Kawarthas region for Wednesday afternoon (February 28), along with a special weather statement for the southern region.
The flash freeze warning is in effect for northern Peterborough County, northern Kawartha Lakes, Haliburton County, and Hastings Highlands. A special weather statement calling for strong winds and a sudden temperature drop is in effect for southern Peterborough County, southern Kawartha Lakes, and Northumberland County.
A dramatic change in temperatures is expected on Wednesday with the passage of a sharp cold front, which is also expected to bring strong northwesterly winds gusting to 70 or 80 km/h for much of the afternoon and evening.
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Temperatures are expected to go from well above freezing to below freezing within a few hours.
With the passage of the cold front, there is also a risk of thunderstorms in the morning and a risk of freezing in the afternoon for some areas.
Ponding water, slush, and any falling precipitation will freeze as the temperature drops. This will result in sudden icy conditions on roads and walkways. Be prepared to adjust your driving with changing road conditions.
Paramedics at Roger's Cove in Peteborough's East City on February 27, 2024 after responding to a report of a woman who fell into the water after walking along the ice on the shoreline. (Photo: Bruce Head / kawarthaNOW)
Peterborough police and emergency services responded to a woman in distress at Rogers Cove in Peterborough’s East City on Tuesday afternoon (February 27).
At around 1:45 p.m. on Tuesday, a member of the public called 9-1-1 to report a woman who was walking along the remaining ice on the shoreline of Little Lake at Rogers Cove.
According to a witness, the woman was yelling and screaming as she was walking along the ice before she fell in.
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The witness said the woman was able to get out on her own and was sitting on a park bench when emergency services arrived.
The woman was examined at the scene by paramedics, who wouldn’t comment on her condition or the reason why she was walking on the ice.
This story will be updated when more information becomes available.
During a heated enchange with councillor Alex Bierk at the Peterborough city council meeting on February 26, 2024 during which Mayor Jeff Leal's portfolio chair by-law was debated, the mayor held up a list of advisory committees and boards while stating that a perception that existing committees would be dissolved if the by-law was passed was "malarkey" and "misinformation." (kawarthaNOW screenshot of City of Peterborough video)
Peterborough mayor Jeff Leal called concerns about the potential dissolution of advisory committees under his new portfolio chair by-law “malarkey” and “misinformation.”
The mayor made the comments after a lengthy discussion of the by-law at Monday night’s council meeting (February 26).
Despite six public delegations — including the city’s previous mayor — expressing concerns about the by-law and impassioned pleas from some city councillors, city council voted 7-4 to pass the by-law.
Last Tuesday at council’s general committee meeting, Mayor Leal brought forward the proposed by-law that would reduce the number of portfolios from 17 to six and, instead of assigning two councillors as a chair and vice chair for each portfolio as in the past, would assign two councillors as co-chairs for each portfolio.
According to Leal, the intent of the by-law is to modernize the city’s governance structure by aligning councillor portfolios with the city’s departmental structure.
As part of the change, previous portfolios such as diversity, economic development, environment and climate change, seniors, transportation, waste management, and youth would no longer exist as separate portfolios, but would instead be included under the new portfolios of community services (arts and culture, library services and social services including housing); community services (recreation and parks, fire services and arenas); finance and corporate support services; infrastructure, planning and growth management; legislative services; and municipal operations.
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The apparent disappearance of several high-profile portfolios, along with a section of the by-law that would give portfolio chairs the authority to establish or dissolve advisory committees, prompted six public delegations to appear before council to raise objections about the by-law.
The first delegation was former Peterborough mayor Diane Therrien-Hale, who expressed concerns “about the way this process is unfolding.”
“I agree with Mayor Leal’s assessment that the current system is outdated and perhaps needs revising, though I am concerned by the proposed shift to six portfolios aligning with the five city departments,” she said. “While this makes sense in theory, it seems to be more of a corporate approach to streamlining the work of committees which is problematic in a municipal community context.”
Therrien-Hale said that, while some city departments are “well suited to councillor oversight,” others are are best left without “political influence or potential political interference.” She added that some of the proposed portfolio chairs, while having related professional experience, “also appear likely to have potential conflicts of interest based on past declarations,” although she did not name the councillors.
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Therrien-Hale also expressed a concern about section 9 of the by-law, which states that a portfolio chair may “establish and dissolve advisory committees comprised of such individuals other than city staff as the portfolio chair considers appropriate to advise the portfolio chair respecting matters related to the portfolio.”
“I was on committees over my eight years on council that dealt with appointments or awards relating to community members, and I saw that there can be personal bias that bleeds into that process. It is not democratic or fair to the community to leave this wording which has the potential to be misused.”
Therrien-Hale said that a decision on “this major restructuring” should be deferred until supplementary reports from city staff can be considered in conjunction with the by-law. She also said there are committees that are “too important to leave in the balance,” specifically mentioning the environment and climate change portfolio.
“I understand the rationale for the by-law and I appreciate the work the mayor and clerk’s office have put into it, but I would urge caution at adopting it before council and the community have seen the supplementary reports and there has been clear communication with city residents and the awesome community members who volunteer their time and knowledge for the advisory (committees) about what such changes would mean for their work.”
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Other public delegations included Bill Templeman, Cheryl Lyon, Cameron Douglas, Mark Bullock, and Rob Hailman.
“I strongly support withdrawing this report tonight, and instructing staff to consult more deeply with councillors and to come back with a more fully fleshed out set of recommendations that have examined three things,” Lyon said, one of which is section 9, which “seems to give portfolio chairs undue control over committees, and does this power include citizen members or portfolio or advisory committees.”
Lyon also said it was “astonishing” that environment and climate change is missing from the new portfolios, and recommended that such a portfolio be included.
Douglas — who is the founder and teacher of the Youth Leadership in Sustainability program for senior high school students — also expressed concern about the “dissolution of the environment committee,” adding that he was “gobsmacked” that the issue of climate change would be “buried within a much larger planning and development and infrastructure process.”
“When I tell them the city has an environment committee, their faces light up,” Douglas said, referring to his students. “It’s what gives them hope in this process. Please do not put me in a position to go back into my classroom and somehow have to lead a conversation of why our city leaders decided in 2024, as our planetary stability is unravelling, why they decided it was prudent to dissolve an environment committee … I know there’s nothing in the wording right now that that committee is going to be dissolved, but I have absolutely no confidence that it won’t be either.”
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“There’s all kinds of questions that I have when I’m looking at this,” Douglas added. “For example, how are we going to work this when certain issues like environment and disability will cross cut the new structure? How are we going to integrate the work that current advisory committees are doing into the new structure? I don’t think you have the answers either, and that’s okay … I’m not sure staff does … but it seems to be rather a rushed decision for us to decide with so many of these crucial unknowns in this process and trusting somehow that it’s going to work out. I could be wrong, but I don’t know of any pressing reason why council tonight needs to somehow come to some final decision.”
Bullock, who represents the environmental organization For Our Grandchildren, also expressed concern about the removal of environment and climate change from the portfolios and its impact on the future of the environmental advisory committee
“It seems possible the committee could soon be without a council representative,” Bullock said. “In our view this would be most unfortunate. Having a council representative on the committee underlines the importance of the committee’s work and facilitates communication and mutual understanding between the committee and council.”
While Bullock also expressed concern that section 9 of the by-law would allow portfolio chairs to dissolve advisory committees, he said the group’s “biggest immediate concern” is the by-law puts into doubt the future of the environment and climate change portfolio.
“There’s clearly no provision in the by-law as it stands for preserving the climate change and environment portfolio,” he said.
Hailman expressed concern with the governance model of the by-law.
“It’s a fairly wide-ranging and substantial change and as such I think it needs a substantial case to be made for it and I feel like that case has not been made to the public and I don’t think it was made last week in this chamber,” he said.
Describing it as a “ministerial model,” Hailman note the by-law apparently allows the mayor, under the strong mayor powers of the Municipal Act introduced by the provincial government in 2022, to delegate mayoral authority to councillors acting as portfolio chairs.
“This strengthens the portfolio chairs from what they have now while weakening the role and oversight of council as a whole,” he said, pointing out an implication for future councils. “We need to be mindful of who will be those portfolio chairs in the future and the relationship they’ll have with the community and the committees that they’re responsible for, because it will not always look like it does today.”
Regarding the new portfolios themselves, Hailman expressed the same concerns as other delegations about the absence of some portfolios from the new structure, and that some issues such as housing and transportation cross over several of the new portfolios.
“Don’t pass this by-law today, please,” Hailman said. “I think further consultation is required. I think further consultation is required with city staff. I think further consultation is required amongst council. I think further consultation is required with the citizens of Peterborough. And I think there may be opportunities to consult with experts outside of the city or perhaps peer municipalities.”
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After hearing from public delegations, councillor Keith Riel put forward a motion to defer a vote on the portfolio by-law, also making a statement about his motion.
“I must express my reservations about the process that led to this creation of this by-law, particularly the lack of consultation with city council,” Riel said, emphasizing his concern that portfolio chair positions were assigned to councillors “without proper dialogue” and without considering their “unique strength and expertise.”
“The core of my concern lies in the fact that this by-law sets a precedent for future actions without fully understanding the implications. It solidifies a path forward without guaranteeing us the opportunity to deliberate, ask questions, and provide input. I’m being told to trust the process and await the next stage of accompanying reports.”
During debate on Riel’s motion, councillor Dave Haacke asked city CAO Jasbir Raina to clarify that only the mayor has the authority to assign councillors to portfolios.
Raina said the report for the portfolio by-law was initiated by the mayor, who consulted with the CAO, and that the report and by-law only pertains to portfolios. He also said the by-law has “nothing to do” with advisory committees.
“Those advisory committees were made by the council, so they stay there unless council gives the direction to the staff,” Raina said.
“Where would anybody get the idea that we are dissolving committees from?” Haacke asked. “Because that’s all that I’ve heard. It’s obviously not in this motion.”
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The city’s commissioner of legislative services and city solicitor David Potts responded by stating that section 9 of the by-law, which states that a portfolio chair has the authority to strike or dissolve advisory committees, has “nothing to do with advisory committees established by council.”
“The idea behind that, in consultation with the mayor, is that the proposal in this proposed by-law, to delegate authority to portfolio chairs that doesn’t exist now, portfolio chairs may find it helpful from time to time to establish an ad hoc advisory committee for a limited term or maybe for a longer period term,” Potts said.
“It has nothing to do with what council has decided with respect to its advisory committees. Council may choose, in response to the next report, to do nothing with the existing advisory committees. They may choose to do something. But this (section 9) does not usurp, nor could it usurp, council’s authority with respect to establishing or dissolving the committees that council has established. I just want to be crystal clear on that.”
There were no questions to Potts on why that wording — that section 9 does not include advisory committees established by council — was not included in the by-law.
In response to another question from councillor Haacke as to whether the by-law is giving councillors more power, Potts confirmed that the by-law “is delegating authority that individual members of council presently do not have.”
Councillors Alex Bierk, Joy Lachica, Matt Crowley, and Lesley Parnell — who all originally supported the portfolio by-law the previous week at the general committee meeting — supported Riel’s motion to defer the by-law.
“The by-law is setting a precedent for our future without offering a clear path and vision of what the future is,” Bierk said. “We find ourselves navigating in the dark, especially concerning critical areas such as transit, heritage, DEI (diversity, equity, and inclusion), accessibility, economic development, and the urgent matters of the environment and climate change. The feedback from our constituents through emails, calls, and direct interactions resonates with these apprehensions.”
Bierk also echoed Riel’s concern about the lack of consultation with councillors about the assignment of portfolios.
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“This change is being presented as a procedural formality, but it’s more than that,” Bierk added. “We must be allowed to see the full picture before making a decision. There are many questions that remain unanswered, and passing this by-law tonight is irresponsible.”
“My biggest concern, and part of the reason assumptions have been made about the loss of committees, is because there’s an absence of language in the motion about particular portfolios that have existed,” Lachica said. “A case was not fully made for rescinding the existing portfolio and to not explicitly outline those portfolios within the new structure of umbrella commissions.”
“A lot of work has been done by many of us in these portfolios to keep them alive and advancing, and working with the community on them,” Parnell said. “They’re very important to be in the language (of the by-law) and acknowledged as a chair and not just assumed to fall under one department head or another,” giving the example of diversity which crosses all city departments.
Crowley supported the deferral motion, stating that he did not want to “be in the dark” and would first “really like to see the road map and see the end game and see what the advisory committees are going to look like.”
Councillor Kevin Duguay said he would not support the deferral motion.
“I respect the concerns of the public and I appreciate their passion, but I view that it’s perhaps a misunderstanding of intent,” he said. “The committees as we know them would stay in place — that’s my understanding — and they could only be changed, if ever, as a result of a resolution (and) discussion in these chambers.”
Bierk, speaking on the deferral motion for a second time, addressed several questions to Mayor Leal.
“What is the urgency to do this, and are you taking to heart some of the things we’ve talked about, and would you support a deferral?”
Leal replied by saying the City of Peterborough “has one of the weakest governance structures in Ontario today” and said he believed in delegated authority, “because delegated authority is more democracy,” before saying he was turning over power to councillors, “to you, and you, and you, and you, and you, and you, and you, and you, and you” pointing to each of them in turn.
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“Anybody who tells me that this list is going to be (illegible) tonight is malarkey,” Leal said, holding up a piece of paper with what appeared to be list of committees and boards. “It’s the biggest piece of misinformation I ever heard in the longest time.”
“There will be a climate change group,” Leal said. “There will be other groups — seniors, youth. Give us a opportunity to approve our governance and this corporation I believe will provide more effective government on behalf of the citizens of Peterborough.”
“You’re asking us to jump in and trust the process when in fact this by-law is setting a lane for us whether we like it or not,” Bierk said, as Leal attempted to interrupt him to ask whether he was at the session with senior city staff where governance was discussed. “I would like to see what those steps two and three are going to be before I commit to the first step. That’s it, that’s all.”
“Are you telling me I don’t take this seriously?” Leal replied, pointing at Bierk. “Is that what you’re saying?”
Bierk asked for a point of order indicating he did not say that.
“Why did we go to a session about two weeks ago where all the commissioners went through this on a step-by-step basis?” Leal said. “You were there, were you not? Yes or no.”
Bierk literally threw up his hands and did not continue.
Councillors Andrew Beamer, Gary Baldwin, and Don Vassiliadis indicated they would not support the deferral motion, all stating the need to move forward.
After further discussion, a vote to defer the portfolio chairs report and by-law lost 5-6, with councillors Lachica, Bierk, Riel, Crowley, and Parnell voting in favour and Mayor Leal and councillors Baldwin, Haacke, Beamer, Vassiliadis, and Duguay voting against.
A subsequent vote to pass the by-law succeeded 7-4, with Mayor Leal and councillors Baldwin, Haacke, Beamer, Crowley, Vassiliadis, and Duguay voting in favour and councillors Lachica, Bierk, Riel, and Parnell voting against.
Clients of Five Counties Children's Centre who took take part in the Next Gen Game with the Peterborough Petes got a rink-side seat for the pre-game warmup as the Petes readied to play the Kitchener Rangers on February 19, 2024. In total, more than $21,300 was raised at the game to support treatment service at Five Counties. (Photo courtesy of Five Counties Children's Centre)
Five Counties Children’s Centre is celebrating a big win after the Peterborough Petes and its fans scored a record-breaking amount for kids’ treatment services through a recent hockey fundraiser.
The “Next Gen Game with Petes” last Monday (February 19) at the Peterborough Memorial Centre raised $21,341 for Five Counties Children’s Centre. The total is the largest amount ever fundraised since the Ontario Hockey League team and Five Counties teamed up for the annual Family Day hockey game several years ago.
This year’s game was another sellout, and saw money come in for Five Counties through donations, corporate sponsorships, sales, and proceeds from a silent auction.
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Bill Eekhof, spokesperson for Five Counties Children’s Centre, told kawarthaNOW “a number of factors” contributed to the impressive amount generated through the 2024 instalment of the fundraiser.
“Petes fans were very generous, both in making donations at the game and bidding on items in our silent auction,” Eekhof said.
“Five Counties is also grateful for enhanced corporate sponsorships for the event. In the end, it all adds up to more funds to help support more treatment for kids and reduce wait times for services.”
As part of the Next Gen Game experience on February 19, 2024, Five Counties kids like Autumn got to sign a one-day contract with the Peterborough Petes. (Photo courtesy of Five Counties Children’s Centre)
The money raised will go directly towards the centre’s “Building Abilities For Life” campaign that supports high-demand treatment services at Five Counties.
“Through these funds, we can help to reduce wait times and ensure more children and families get access to the care they need when they need it,” said Scott Pepin, CEO of Five Counties Children’s Centre, in a media release.
“We are so grateful to the Petes, their fans and our other supporters for again showing their support for Five Counties kids.”
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In addition to raising money, Pepin said the Next Gen Game with the Petes also lifted the spirits of eight Five Counties kids who enjoyed a behind-the-scenes experience at the game. The children who took part “signed’ a one one-day contract with the Petes, and then took on roles as general manager coach, scout, PA announcer and more.
“The smiles on our kids’ faces lit up the Memorial Centre,” Pepin said. “The Petes were first-rate in creating the Next Gen opportunity, and we heard many good comments and compliments from the kids and their families about their experiences behind the scenes.”
The event also included a pre-game family skate. Many Five Counties kids and families were in attendance as well to cheer on the Petes, while centre staff and volunteers helped organize fundraising events before, during and after the game, Five Counties noted.
It wasn’t a bear hug, but maybe a ‘ruff-ing’ the player penalty. Whatever it was, Peterborough Petes mascot Roger gives a friendly welcome to Five Counties kid Deacon, whose family did the ceremonial pre-game puck drop prior to the Petes Family Day home game on February 19, 2024. (Photo courtesy of Five Counties Children’s Centre)
“Every year this event continues to grow,” said Eric Ebenbauer, director of sales for the Petes, in the release.
“It’s a great opportunity for families to come out and enjoy their Family Day while supporting other kids in our community. We look forward to continuing this tradition and engaging with Five Counties clients for future Next Gen programs, which was presented by Tim Hortons this year.”
Eekhof said corporate support was integral to the fundraiser’s success, and included the backing from Waste Connections of Canada, which was Five Counties’ lead sponsor for the event overall.
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Five Counties Children’s Centre provides speech, physio, and occupational therapies, as well as other treatment services for kids and youth from birth to age 19 years in the counties of Haliburton, Northumberland, Peterborough, and the City of Kawartha Lakes.
This past year, Five Counties served more than 6,200 children and youth in its region — the highest number of clients in its nearly 50-year history.
For more information about Five Counties Children’s Centre, visit fivecounties.on.ca.
The Peterborough Theatre Guild is presenting "Willow Quartet" by Joan Burrows for nine performances from March 8 to 23, 2024. The drama tells the story of a woman who, after a tragedy ends her marriage, moves back to her childhood home where she invites a charming visiting musician to stay, much to the chagrin of her mother and her estranged husband. (Original artwork: Colton DeKnock)
Having completed a very successful run of the musical Fiddler on the Roof at Showplace Performance Centre, the Peterborough Theatre Guild is returning to its own stage in March with a production of the dramatic four-hander Willow Quartet, a play about grief, healing, and forgiveness by Canadian playwright Joan Burrows.
The play tells the story of Kim, estranged from her husband Ben after a family tragedy three years earlier, who seeks solace by moving back to her childhood home, a rural farm owned by her mother Marjorie. She invites Jim, a visiting violinist in town for an arts festival, to stay at the farmhouse in a bed-and-breakfast arrangement.
Much to the chagrin of her mother and her estranged husband, Kim becomes infatuated with the sophisticated and charming musician, who helps her temporarily forget the tragedy that ended her marriage, until her grief inevitably boils to the surface. With Jim at her side and under the watchful eye of Marjorie and Ben, Kim — who is continually haunted by the voice that comes from her favourite willow tree — struggles through her unresolved grief and eventually begins to explore her buried feelings.
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Willow Quartet was written by Joan Burrows, a playwright based in Richmond Hill who was a teacher of English and dramatic arts for the York Region District School board for almost 29 years. After the success of her first play Staff Room in 2004, which won both the Association of Community Theatres Central Ontario award for best production and the Best Provincial Award, Burrows retired and began her second career as a playwright.
As for Willow Quartet, it won The Playwrights of Spring award in 2009 and was workshopped at Theatre Aurora become premiering as a full production in 2011 at Papermill Theatre in Todmorden Mills in Toronto. Despite dealing with themes of loss and grief, the play also has plenty of lighter moments. In 2018, the play was transformed into a musical version that was nominated for the Tom Hendry Award.
A member of the Playwrights Guild of Canada, Burrows’ other plays include The Photograph, Four Hours, and Gloria’s Guy.
“Willow Quartet” was written by Canadian playwright Joan Burrows, a retired teacher of English and dramatic arts. (Photo courtesy of Joan Burrows)
Directed by Tami Whitley with Marilyn Robinson as production manager, the Peterborough Theatre Guild’s production of Willow Quartet stars Tristina Haines as Kim, Laine Williams as Marjorie, David Adams as Ben, and Peter Cain as Jim.
Willow Quartet runs at the Guild Hall at 364 Rogers Street in Peterborough’s East City for nine performances from March 8 to 23, with 7:30 p.m. evening performances on March 8 and 9, 14 to 16, and 22 and 23 and 2 p.m. matinee performances on March 10 and 17.
Tickets are $30 for adults, $27 for seniors, and $20 for students and are available by calling 705-745-4211 or online at www.peterboroughtheatreguild.com. The Peterborough Theatre Guild is offering a two-for-one ticket special for opening weekend (March 8 to 10) by using the promo code “Willow” online during checkout.
kawarthaNOW is proud to be a media sponsor of the Peterborough Theatre Guild’s 2023-24 season.
Lindsay's Amy Terrill in 2018 when she was executive vice president of Toronto's Music Canada, following a career path that took her from broadcasting to economic development. Now executive director of BGC Kawarthas, Terrill has as learned a thing or two about finding success wherever she goes. (Photo courtesy of Amy Terrill)
If there’s anyone you should be getting career — and life — advice from, it’s someone who has found success no matter what her position. With a diverse career where she has climbed into leadership roles seemingly without the traditionally required background or experience, BGC Kawarthas executive director Amy Terrill fits the bill.
A self-declared “hometown girl,” Terrill has spent her life in the Kawartha Lakes, even when she was making the commute to Toronto every day. Terrill began her vast career at Peterborough’s CHEX Television, spending nine years as a reporter, producer, and anchor.
She then made her first career pivot to focus on business support at the Lindsay and District Chamber of Commerce and the Ontario Chamber of Commerce. Another bend in the road came when she turned her long-time passion in the arts to a position with Music Canada, before she ultimately decided to channel her strengths locally, leading future leaders at the non-profit charitable organization BGC Kawarthas (Boys & Girls Clubs of Kawartha Lakes).
With such a wide range of experience, you can be certain Terrill has learned a thing or two along the way. Here are just a few lessons she shares from her own success story.
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Don’t wait: Make the call.
Amy Terrill (back right) with CHEX Television 1990s on-air talent (front left to right) Linda Farr, Rob Wozney, (back left to right), Gary Dalliday, and Peter Fialkowski. Alhough she had no experience or education in broadcasting, Terrill took on an internship ath the station, leading her to nine years spent as a reporter, anchor, and producer, where she developed many of the transferable skills she would later use throughout her diverse career. (Photo: CHEX Television)
Though her career began on television in the early 1990s, Terrill has never pursued an education in journalism or broadcasting. Always harbouring an interest in public affairs, she originally planned to pursue law while studying political science at Queen’s University.
It was while in school that Terrill became interested in journalism and, in the fall of her fourth year, she met broadcaster Wally Macht. She asked for advice on courses to study the craft, and when they parted ways, he told her to call her when she was done her degree. Instead, she took a chance and called him immediately.
“His instructions were that I was supposed to call after fourth year, but I was afraid he might have forgotten who I was by then,” she says. “I went to CHEX for an internship with no background in journalism. It became very clear on day one that they thought I was coming from journalism school.”
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Though that first day of the internship would have been intimidating for anybody without journalism education, Terrill remembers being unfazed, adding that she was a “quick study” and able to pick up the job quickly.
“I don’t remember being terribly nervous,” she says. “I just remember having to be completely upfront. Everybody was very welcoming and very encouraging so maybe that’s what got me over those nerves.”
Choosing to make that phone call before finishing her schooling — she graduated from Queen’s with a BA in political science — or having any prior experience led to Terrill spending the next nine years at the station, working her way up from intern to reporter, anchor, and producer.
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Identify your transferable skills.
Amy Terrill speaking at Music Canada’s inaugural Music Cities Summit in 2016. Before working for Music Canada, Terrill went from a broadcasting career in Peterborough to leadership jobs at the Lindsay and Ontario Chambers of Commerce. She returned to Lindsay in 2019 to become executive director of BGC Kawarthas. (Photo: Music Canada)
When she left CHEX, Terrill says she “couldn’t see what was next” for her professionally. Only after connecting with a friend did she begin to outline for herself some of the transferable skills she was able to carry on throughout her career and the positions it took her.
“I was thinking ‘What do I do? I go out, I interview people, write stories, edit stories for television, deliver news from the anchor desk — but how are any of those things possibly relevant in another career?'” she says. “But you keep breaking it down further and further until you get to the basic tasks or basic skills that you are utilizing in order to be successful in that role.”
After leaving CHEX, Terrill worked for four years as general manager of the Lindsay and District Chamber of Commerce followed by another four years at the Ontario Chamber of Commerce as communications and media relations director and then vice president of communications and marketing.
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She fought imposter syndrome when she began a new job at Music Canada in 2010, noting that “most people had been in the business their entire lives.” But, instead of focusing on the experience she didn’t have, Terrill reminded herself of what she did bring to the table.
“I was bringing valuable skills and experience — just from different industries — that I learned I could transfer into music to be very successful and bring a lot of value to the industry,” she says. “You just have to go back to those transferable skills.”
For anyone having difficulty finding those transferable skills, Terrill has one piece of advice: ask a friend like she did.
“Use your network. Be open-minded and don’t be afraid to ask people who know you well if they have ideas about other things that you could do.”
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There’s more to the performing arts than performing.
Amy Terrill speaking at Music Canada’s 2018 Music Cities Summit during Canadian Music Week. One of the major transferable skills she has learned throughout her career which recommends to all leader it knowing your audience, whether you’re conversing one-on-one, in a job interview, or speaking to a crowd. (Photo: Music Canada)
As vice president of public affairs and then executive vice president of Toronto’s Music Canada, Terrill was instrumental in the non-profit’s marketing and communications while leading government relations at all levels, spearheading globally recognized research and strategies for music cities — which Music Canada describes as “a community of any size with a vibrant music economy” — and offering advice to communities internationally.
While her newfound success in the music trade industry might have seemed arbitrary given her professional background, it does line up with her personal interests. A singer from a young age, as a student at Lindsay Collegiate and Vocational Institute Terrill performed in many musicals and plays and was even an oboist in the Peterborough Symphony Orchestra.
Though she was discouraged from pursuing a career in music, she explains that her role at Music Canada showed her how much opportunity there is in the performing arts.
“So often as a young person, if you want to pursue performing arts, you’re identifying with the person on the stage or behind the microphone or the anchor on television,” she says. “Not everyone is going to necessarily become that front person, but there are so many different ways to contribute and be involved in careers in the performing arts.”
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She lists the accountants, lawyers of copyright law, managers, agents, and publicists as some of the few who are all essential to the music industry.
Terrill recalls a time during one of those school productions when she was didn’t get the part she had hoped for. Instead, she begrudgingly took on the role of stage manager.
“It was one of my best experiences in theatre,” she says. “There are so many other roles — we all just fixate on the frontline performers.”
Now, this advice is something she is eager to share with the young people who access programming at BGC Kawarthas. When she first began as the organization’s executive director in 2019 after more than eight years with Music Canada, it was important to her to introduce more music programming.
“One of the objectives is to show teens in this area that there’s a lot more to music than what they may think,” she says. “Here, we can introduce them to sound engineering, song writing and instrumental, but we can also show them sound techs and what that might involve.”
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Communication is key.
As executive director of the BGC Kawarthas in Lindsay since 2019, Amy Terrill uses the tools she developed from her diverse professional background, including communications and music education, to develop future generations of leaders. (Photo: BGC Kawarthas)
Of Terrill’s transferable skills, she acknowledges that communication is one of the “threads” that has weaved its way throughout her career from her early days at CHEX.
“It doesn’t matter whether you’re talking about professional relationships or leading a team or personal relationships, we all know how incredibly important communication is,” she says.
“You can have a great vision as the executive director or a leader in an organization, but if you can’t communicate that vision to the rest of your colleagues and your team, then you’re going to have trouble executing.”
Always understand your audience.
BGC Kawarthas executive director Amy Terrill speaking at the 29th annual Dream Ball in Lindsay on November 18, 2023, which raised funds for the summer camp program at the BGC Kawarthas Foundation as well as the Kawartha Haliburton Children’s Foundation. While she continues to lead the non-profit organization, Terrill is also planning to publish her debut novel of historical fiction. (Photo: BGC Kawarthas)
A key part to developing communication skills, adds Terrill, is understanding who it is you’re communicating with.
“No matter whether you’re in a job interview, speaking at an event, or in a one-on-one conversation, you have to understand your audience because if you don’t, your objective is likely going to misfire,” she says.
“I feel very fortunate to have had those experiences early on in my career (at CHEX) and then to be able to translate that into something valuable later no matter what role I was in.”
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As with everything she has learned in her career, Terrill uses this advice in her work at BGC Kawarthas.
“A child and youth worker understanding what they might say in a topic to teens in our youth warehouse is entirely different from how they might address the same thing with our after-school kids,” she says as an example.
Terrill has a whole different audience in mind for her next professional pivot: publishing her debut novel.
The story of historical fiction is inspired by her great aunt’s experience working in a munitions factory in Toronto during World War I — right next to the building Terrill worked in at Music Canada.
As with many of her skills, writing is another of the transferable skills that have threaded their way throughout Terrill’s untraditional, though undoubtedly successful, career path.
EarlyON Northumberland presents a "Family Fun Bingo" competition to promote families spending time together and completing activities in Northumberland County, including by attending the organization's March Break program at Hastings Field House. (Photo: Northumberland County)
Families across Northumberland County can spend quality time together and take part in a free, county-wide challenge at the same time.
For a second year in a row, EarlyON Northumberland has brought back its “Family Fun Bingo” competition. Through the rest of February and March, families with young children can participate by completing activities together — at home, online, and in person — and visiting free EarlyON family programming.
“Our EarlyON Northumberland Family Fun Bingo competition is back by popular demand,” said Lesley Patterson, Northumberland County’s early years services manager.
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“This friendly competition encourages families to make lasting memories by learning, playing and exploring together,” Patterson told kawarthaNOW.
“With a variety of activities you can complete at home, online or in person at an EarlyON program, the Family Fun Bingo aims to inspire creative ideas for family-friendly activities.”
Last year, around 100 families from across Northumberland took part in the competition. This year, Patterson hopes to see even more families participate.
“We look forward to welcoming them to our March Break programs and EarlyON Child and Family Centres as they work towards getting their bingo,” Patterson said.
All participants will receive a small prize for taking part and will be entered into a draw for the chance to win a “family fun pack,” which includes a 2024 Ontario Parks pass and a $100 Indigo gift card.
This year’s “Family Fun Bingo” competition from EarlyON Northumberland is on until March 28, 2024. (Graphic: Northumberland County)
Northumberland County’s EarlyON child and family centres offer free, drop-in programming for families with children ages six and under, at eight locations throughout Northumberland and various additional partner locations, including community centres, libraries, and parks.
The programs encourage families to play, learn and be curious together, and meet other local families with children around the same age.
EarlyON Northumberland offers a range of programs on weekdays, evenings and weekends. Activities include family hikes, indoor or outdoor exploration programs, story time, gym time, visits to local attractions, Indigenous teachings, and informative programming for new and expecting parents.
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To participate, families can grab a copy of the bingo card at their local EarlyON centre or can print one off at home by visiting the EarlyON Northumberland website. Participants can mark off spaces on the card by completing the activity written in the space.
Families who get a “bingo” by completing a line on the card either vertically, horizontally, or diagonally, can submit their completed card to their local EarlyON educator until Thurday, March 28 to get the small prize and be entered into the draw.
For more information and to print a bingo card, visit northumberland.ca/EarlyON. Printed copies of the bingo card are also available for pick up at local EarlyON child and family centres.
Pictured at a media event on February 22, 2024, Peterborough musician Dan Hick will take the stage at Peterborough Performs for the first time on Thursday, March 7th. The fourth annual fundraiser for the United Way of Peterborough & District features 16 local acts on two stages, with performers donating their time and talents in support of people experiencing homelessness in Peterborough. (Photo: Paul Rellinger / Peterborough Performs)
While multiple live music performances are at the centre of a March 7th benefit concert at Showplace Performance Centre, organizers urge that the purpose of the event — easing the plight of those on the streets — be kept front of mind.
At a media gathering announcing details of Peterborough Performs IV held Thursday (February 22) at the downtown venue, United Way of Peterborough & District representatives spoke to the need to keep campaign momentum going as the organization’s annual appeal enters the home stretch.
“With five weeks left in the 2023-24 campaign, we are in the extended home stretch,” said United Way campaign cabinet chair Jim Hendry. “The finish line is in sight, but there is still work to do to reach the $1.45 million campaign goal.”
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“Peterborough Performs is the final event of this year’s campaign,” Hendry added. “Funds raised through sponsorships, ticket sales, and the virtual auction will help us reach that goal, and give our partner agencies the money they need to deliver much needed social programs.”
United Way director of philanthropy Anne Ondercin reinforced that message.
“As we continue to navigate the aftermath of the pandemic, many of our friends, family, and neighbours continue to experience ongoing hardship, struggling to make ends meet,” she said. “Donations from the community are invested locally, and fund trusted programs and initiatives helping those who are homeless or under-housed access the resources they need when they need them most.”
Rick and Gailie Young’s Peterborough All-Star Band at Peterborough Performs III in March 2023. The band will be returning to play at Peterborough Performs IV in the Erica Cherney Theatre at Showplace Performance Centre on March 7, 2024, one of 16 acts donating their time and talents to help raise funds for local programs and initiatives that support people experiencing housing instability, food insecurity, and underemployment. (Photo courtesy United Way Peterborough & District)
Set for Thursday, March 7th from 7 to 11 p.m. at Showplace Performance Centre, Peterborough Performs IV will see 16 acts perform on two stages — the David Goyette Stage in the main theatre and in the more intimate lower level Nexicom Studio.
As the fundraiser’s name indicates, this is the fourth Peterborough Performs event. The first was staged in March 2020 just before the COVID pandemic shut things down. Subsequent events were staged in March of 2022 and 2023, raising more than $84,000 for United Way partner agencies that provide temporary shelter and housing solutions.
Former United Way campaign chair David Goyette, who founded the event, has jumped fully on board as an event patron and sponsor. He said the event continues to foster “a great and noble tradition.”
“I’m delighted to sponsor the United Way in its ongoing efforts to provide improved support for the homeless and under-housed in our community,” he said.
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Meanwhile, United Way campaign cabinet member and kawarthaNOW writer Paul Rellinger, who Goyette brought on to organize the first Peterborough Performs, remains very much in the mix. He outlined the logistics of the event, taking time to thank financial and in-kind donation supporters.
“Without the caring and so very talented music community we’re blessed to have in this city, Peterborough Performs simply wouldn’t be possible to stage,” said Rellinger, thanking musician Dan Hick who performed a few songs at the event.
“Dan is a shining example of the creativity and superb musicianship that will grace two stage over four hours — a total of 16 acts. My debt of gratitude to those musicians and sponsors who willingly step up for this event can never be repaid.”
“This, in every way, is Local Love in its purest form,” Rellinger added, referring to the United Way’s campaign slogan.
VIDEO: “Wild as the Wild Dogs” – The Weber Brothers at Peterborough Performs III
Taking to the main stage, in order, will be Rick and Gailie’s Peterborough All-Star Band, the Cheryl Casselman Trio, Sarah-Jayne Riley, the Austin Carson Band, Emily Burgess, and the Weber Brothers Band.
During breaks between sets, a Peterborough Performs first will see stand-up comedy featured, with Tim Burnie making with the funny. Serving as emcee is social media influencer and podcaster Tiffany Arcari.
Meanwhile, in the downstairs lounge, nine acts will keep the party rolling, starting with Dan Hick and continuing with Michaela Hetherington, Jacques Graveline, Bread & Soul (Ester Mayer and Shelby Crego), Phil Stephenson and Glen Caradus joined by Ron Kervin, Irish Mille, The Hippie Chicks (Tami. J. Wilde and Joslyn Burford), Chris Collins, and Tom Eastland.
Of all the acts, four — Tim Burnie, Dan Hick, Bread & Soul, and the Cheryl Casselman Trio — are making their Peterborough Performs debut. While Emily Burgess has performed at all three events with the Weber Brothers Band, this time around she’ll do double duty, also performing her own music as well backed by Dawson McManus and Marcus Browne.
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The February 22nd media event also promoted the Peterborough Performs IV virtual auction, again sponsored by LLF Lawyers, represented by Joe Grant at the gathering.
Grant said the local firm is delighted to be part of an event “that harnesses the power of music to bring our community together, to entertain, to educate, and to raise funds to help address the root causes of homelessness in our community.”
The virtual auction features 52 items with a combined value of more than $15,000, ranging from art and collectibles, to clothing and apparel, to tickets to local events and experiences. Bids can be placed up to and on the night of the event, where the auction items will be displayed. You can view the items up for auction and make bids at events.readysetauction.com/unitedwaypeterboroughdistrict/ppiv/.
A few of the 52 items available in the Peterborough Performs IV virtual auction. Bids can be placed up to and on the night of the March 7, 2024 event, where the auction items will be displayed. (kawarthaNOW screenshot)
Rellinger also thanked artist sponsors Miskin Law and Dr. Stephan Ragaz (a United Way campaign cabinet member) and Local Love sponsors Ashburnham Realty, Sullivan Law, Brian Mulligan Desjardin Insurance, Lancer Electric, McDougall Insurance, and Swish.
Meanwhile, in thanking in-kind donation sponsors Andy Tough of RMS Events, Porter Sound, Long and McQuade, Showplace, and kawarthaNOW (the exclusive digital media sponsor), Rellinger said their contributions “allow us to maximize the event’s return.”
In closing, Rellinger also spoke to event’s overriding aim.
“According to United Way research, an average of 306 people experienced homelessness monthly in 2022 — that’s 306 too many,” he said. “The good news is 37 per cent of campaign funds were invested in shelters and homelessness initiatives that same year, enabling, among other things, 7,142 nights of safe shelter for families, adults, and young people.”
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“Peterborough Performs allow us, as individuals, to say homelessness is unacceptable in our city,” Rellinger added. “Yes, Peterborough Performs offers a great night out featuring the best live music anywhere, but each ticket bought is a definitive response to a huge challenge.”
“This is not a time to point fingers, making assumptions as to why people are homeless. This is a time to say enough and play a part in not only the easing of conditions experienced by far too many, but also play a part in what will ultimately be long-term responses and solutions.”
Noting this year’s event will push the total raised to date well past $100,000, Rellinger thanked Goyette for bringing him into the mix, and the United Way for staying the course in bringing it back.
“David taught me one thing that has stayed with me — go big or go home,” he said. “Peterborough Performs is big in every way. I can’t wait. Let’s go.”
Bread & Soul, Sarah-Jayne Riley, and Irish Millie are three of the 16 local acts performing on two stages during the Peterborough Performs IV benefit concert for the United Way of Peterborough & District at Showplace Performance Centre on March 7, 2024. (kawarthaNOW collage of supplied photos)
Tickets are $50 and available at the Showplace box office and online at www.showplace.org.
Until February 29, a special offer of two tickets for $80 is in effect. To get the $20 discount on two tickets when ordering online, use the promo code LoveLocal.
For more information about Peterborough Performs IV and details of other United Way initiatives, visit www.uwpeterborough.ca.
Emily Burgess (left), the Austin Carson Band (top right), the Cheryl Casselman Trio, and Phil Stephenson and Glen Caradus joined by Ron Kervin are three of the 16 local acts performing on two stages during the Peterborough Performs IV benefit concert for the United Way of Peterborough & District at Showplace Performance Centre on March 7, 2024. (kawarthaNOW collage of supplied photos)
kawarthaNOW is proud to be the exclusive digital media sponsor for Peterborough Performs IV.
Holy Cross Catholic Secondary School students Jonah Heuchert and Ella Doris play the lead roles in the Peterborough high school's production of the play "Shakespeare in Love", based on the award-winning film of the same name starring Joseph Fiennes and Gwyneth Paltrow that was released in 1993, when Holy Cross Catholic Secondary School was founded. (Photo courtesy of Holy Cross Catholic Secondary School)
A group of Peterborough high school students are mounting the stage version of an award-winning film that was released before any of them were born and in the very same year their school was founded.
Students from grades 9 to 12 at Holy Cross Catholic Secondary School will present Shakespeare in Love for three public performances from February 28 to March 1 at the school, located at 1355 Lansdowne Street West in Peterborough.
Shakespeare in Love is a play by Lee Hall adapted from the 1998 film of the same name by Marc Norman and Tom Stoppard. Starring Joseph Fiennes, Gwyneth Paltrow, Geoffrey Rush, Colin Firth, Ben Affleck, Rupert Everett, and Judi Dench, the romantic comedy was a box office hit and garnered numerous awards, including the Academy Award for best picture along with six more Oscars.
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As in the film, the play depicts a fictional love affair in 1593 London involving playwright William Shakespeare and Viola de Lesseps while Shakespeare was writing Romeo and Juliet. It premiered at the Noël Coward Theatre in London’s West End in 2014 and went on to play to sold-out audiences during the 2016 Stratford Festival season.
Taking on the lead roles in the Holy Cross production of Shakespeare in Love are Jonah Heuchert as William Shakespeare (played by Joseph Fiennes in the film) and Ella Doris as Viola de Lesseps (played by Gwyneth Paltrow in the film).
“Having been involved in the previous productions at Holy Cross, I am very excited to see how this show is evolving and being involved in a performance of this size is an overwhelmingly tremendous experience,” says Grade 12 student Doris in a media release. “I am looking forward to opening night and feel proud and grateful of the work that has been put in by the cast and crew. This has been a great experience to have in my senior year.”
Starring students from grades 9 to 12, the Holy Cross Catholic Secondary School production of the play “Shakespeare in Love” runs for three public performances at the school from February 28 to March 1, 2024. (Photo courtesy of Holy Cross Catholic Secondary School)
The Holy Cross production also features Gracie-Lynn Hughes as Christoper Marlowe, Alara Rourke as Richard Burbage, Reuben De Leon as Philip Henslowe, Chloe McDermott as Ned Alleyn, and Holly Heurchert as Queen Elizabeth the First (played by Judi Dench in the film version).
Making her theatrical debut in Shakespeare in Love is Grade 9 student Xy Pascual.
“Being the only grade 9 (student) in this play is a bit stressful, but thankfully I have formed a new relationship with my castmates and I have been made more comfortable in stepping out of my comfort zone,” Pascual says. “I am already excited to be involved in the next Holy Cross production.”
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The play is teacher Serena McKenna’s 24th production, and she is quick to acknowledge the work of staff members and students who are involved behind the scenes.
“Shakespeare said a good heart never changes, and I see this in the staff and students here,” she says. “We can always count on each other.”
Shakespeare in Love will be performed at Holy Cross Catholic Secondary School at 6:30 p.m. from Wednesday to Friday, February 29th to March 1st. Tickets are $25 for adults and $15 for students and are available at the door.
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