Artsbeat: Shawnigan’s April enchanting
A weekly compilation of facts, figures, and fascinating Cowichan culture:
• Shawnigan Lake School actors were charming in a recent three-night run of Matthew Barber’s romantic comedy Enchanted April. Loaded with dialogue, emotion, expression, and accents, director Gregg Perry’s cast nicely illuminated this subtly muscular script — contrasting dank England’s stiff stuffiness with southern Italy’s sun-tanned allure. Characters carved their own personalities here, revealing the importance of life’s simpler pleasures. The interrupted bath scene, starring Zach Woudstra as shyly wooden Mellersh Wilton, was wonderful. Other actors included Serana Wilson, Semele Jansen, Bernice Addison, Jake Gerrie, Rosa Valan, Mekaila Tyrrell, and Ian Hall. Rom-com rating: 7.5 villas out of 10.
• Great seeing Shawnigan Lake School grad Jeffrey Tittiger return to his alma matter to do costume design for last week’s charming Enchanted April drama. Singer and actor Tittiger starred in SLS’ Kiss Me Kate production in recent years. He’s now studying costume design at UVic.
• Patrons and staff of downtown’s landmark Arbutus Cafe are invited to toast The Arby’s first 30 years of serving fine eats during a Feb. 23 dance, 6:30 p.m. to midnight, at Glenora community hall, featuring the Maxwell Smart band. Bash proceeds will help the food bank. Call Shelley Hayton at 250-746-5443.
Peter W. Rusland has been covering Cowichan’s arts and entertainment community for two decades. If you’d like to add to this column, reach him at arts@cowichannewsleader.com.
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