The Sault Opera Legacy

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1977

The year 1977 was another good year for Sault Opera in that it was developing as a lively artistic group with growing community support.

Once again, Sault Opera participated in the QUONTA Regional Drama Festival with its production of "Cosi Fan Tutte", held in Elliot Lake in February. Due to problems associated with working out transportation logistics and adjusting the blocking for a smaller stage, the executive of Sault Opera decided not to participate in QUONTA unless there is a travelling adjudicator.

Ernie Peeling (Cap'n Andy), Larry Whalen (Gaylord Ravenol), Jo-Ann Morgan (Magnolia), and Dorice Stephen (Queenie) in "Showboat"

In May, the company staged "Showboat" under the direction of Arno Ambel, assisted with costuming by Vilma Ambel; and choreographed by Helen Syjut. Richard Banigan, whose services were made available through a training grant from Theatre Ontario, designed the set for "Showboat". Leading roles were played by: Dorice Stephen (Queenie), Alan Hughes (Steve), Judy Morgan (Ellie), Ernie Peeling (Cap'n Andy), David Walsh (Frank), Barb McGuire (Julie), Larry Whalen (Ravenol), Jo-Ann Morgan (Magnolia), Darius Dudley (Joe), and many others.

Judy Morgan (Ellie), David Walsh (Frank), Alan Hughes (Steve), and Barbara McGuire (Julie) in "Showboat"

In July, for the third year in a row, Sault Opera entered a float in the Rotary Community Day Parade and carried off top honours in the group entries.

In the fall, "Kismet" went into production once more under the direction and costuming of Arno and Vilma Ambel, along with the choreography of Helen Syjut to be staged in January of the following year.

This year was also a year of growth in broadening the base of Sault Opera's administration and production capability by adding a Board of Directors to its management team as well as organizational and artistic talents. In addition, the company also sought to develop its latent abilities by bringing in professional resource people whose ideas and talents would provide experience to the members. It has already done so with the hiring of Richard Banigan and it seeks to continue to do so with the hiring of a professional stage director and a new music director for its upcoming production of "HMS Pinafore".

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