I’m always looking forward to Valentine’s Day, but not necessarily for flowers and chocolates. No. Valentine’s Day time, to me, means I get to sit and enjoy SVTC’s entertaining musical extravaganza, and this year was no exception.

Broadway is far, and a trip to Toronto can be pricey, so having local passionate people, producing theatre for all to enjoy, is genuinely always appreciated by a hardcore fan like me. I appreciate it even more so when the play is a Musical.

I love Musicals! As you can see from the picture above, my kiddos love them too.

The combinations of songs, music, dialogue, acting, and dancing, to me, convey best the emotional content of any story. Musicals are like a puzzle that you get to piece together, take the body language, notes, intonations, decors, and costumes, and decode their hidden messages to end up with a masterpiece.

It’s fascinating! That’s why I like to see them twice! Or more!

What never fails to impress me with the Seaway Valley Theatre Company is how professionally done these Amateur Plays are. From the live music to the signing, to what goes on behind the scenes, everything is reminiscent of a big city play.

This time around, Lacie Petrynka–I like to call her our local Diva– does, as usual, a splendid job in the role of Donna Sheridan. Stéphanie Charette, in the role of Sophie, Donna’s daughter, also offers a strong performance. The girlfriends and the boyfriend are endearing, the “dads”–especially Frank Burelle in the role of Sam Carmichael–are funny and sympathetic, and I’d like to offer a special nod to “Pepper and Eddie” who were hysterically funny.

SVTC has done it again! They took me on a wild journey to Greece and back, and I loved every minute of it! I can hardly wait to see what next year will bring!

Don’t miss “Mamma Mia!”. It is staged at the Aultsville Theatre, 2 St. Lawrence Drive, Cornwall, on various dates and times until February 22nd.

Tickets are $25 for adults, $23 for students, and $20 for children under 12. (All acmission prices include a $1.00 Aultsville capital refurbishment fee.) They are available online at svtc.theticketwicket.ca and can also be bought in person or by phone at the office of the Alzheimer Society of Cornwall and District, Time Square, Cornwall, 613-932-4914. Office hours are Monday to Friday from 8:30am to 4:30pm. They will also be available at the door from one hour before each performance. All seats are assigned and the venue is wheelchair accessible.

For more information, visit www.svtc.ca and be sure to follow the hashtag #SVTCMammaMia on social media too!