What would it be like to step through a turn of the 20th century heavy wood, glass and brass door into one of New York’s or London’s Broadway theatres?
Around 2,000 prairie dwellers experienced something akin to big city Broadway this past week, attending Virden and District Chorale’s Legally Blonde the Musical.
Yes, it was that good; too bad the show can’t be seen by many more people, toured perhaps.
Director/Producer Michelle Chyzyk described the crowds on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday nights as respectable, but far from sell-outs, with smaller crowds Saturday. “Most of our ticket sales were from out-of-town.”
I sat beside people from Moosomin. Loyal Empire-Advance readers, as I understand.
Very often I have sat in this wonderful theatre surrounded by an extravaganza of sights and sounds and I have wondered why the Aud wasn’t packed.
Taking in the ambience of the 100-year-old theatre, the gentleman beside me Thursday night remarked that although the seats were too narrow (have you heard that remark?) the style is in keeping with the Aud.
What has been created in Virden, through the restoration of the Aud and updated stage and technology (lights and sound thanks to Thomas Humphries’ talent), is the ideal place for incredible shows.
Much of the human development has come over the years from Chyzyk, who in turn tipped her hat to the “many individuals that have built our tradition of excellence in the arts over many years for our small community - the volunteers of the Aud Theatre Board and the Costume Closet, our thriving Music and Arts festival - flourishing while many small town festivals have struggled, solid elementary music programs, administrators that support and value the arts, parents who support their children in artistic experiences through registration and attendance, and outstanding local musicians/educators teaching music both privately and in our schools.”
I was, however, saddened to hear that Mark Humphries has resigned from the Aud Theatre Board. No one individual is responsible for all the success of Virden’s theatre, but in the Aud’s journey, Humphries has recently played a strong role. He has an eye for economic innovation; a new era of economic development needs the participation of the arts community.
“The volunteers of the Virden and District Chorale have poured their heart and soul into every aspect of this production,” stated Chyzyk. “They believe in developing people, creating community, taking on a task and doing it well. They are local heroes - what a fabulous team!”
Now, fix those seats! And maybe sell popcorn and drinks at intermission.
