The best-laid plans of mice and men go awry more oft than not these days, and so as a measure of precaution Neptune Theatre saved the announcement of the second half of their 2021-2022 season until they felt confident they could navigate the ongoing pandemic situation. Today Neptune Theatre announced their plans for Act Two, with works from local and Canadian writers, a tribute concert and a much anticipated season-closing musical.
Artistic Director Jeremy Webb took to Facebook to live-stream the news today, with a heartfelt message about the continuing work at Neptune Theatre. The announcement includes upcoming performances of both modern classics like Rocky Horror Picture Show and Billy Elliot: The Musical, as well as some more contemporary performances like Kelly Holiff running through the greatest hits of Adele with Rumor Has It: The Songbook of Adele.
shalan joudry, will also be performing Koqm, which they have created in honour of the forgotten voices of L’nu (Mi’kmaw) women which have largely been left out of historical colonial accounts.
“Elders have taught us that the roles of L’nu women have always been integral in our communities,” says joundry. “We need to hear more about the strength of our female ancestors, particularly as they responded to the impacts of colonialism.”
Neptune Theatre’s Act Two Playbill includes:
Beneath Springhill: The Maurice Ruddick Story
January 25 – February 13, 2022
Created by Beau Dixon (The Color Purple) and starring Nova Scotia’s Jeremiah Sparks (The Color Purple, Controlled Damage), Beneath Springhill is the incredible story of Maurice Ruddick, the singing miner; an African-Canadian who survived nine days underground during the historic Springhill mining disaster of 1958. This multi-award-winning one-man show recalls the events during the disaster, the effect it had on the rural Canadian community, and the racial tension that grew from it.
Rumour Has It: The Songbook of Adele
February 17 – February 19, 2022
Renowned actor and singer, Kelly Holiff performs Adele’s most iconic songs. With her powerful voice, huge heart and hilarious stories, and backed by a world-class band, Kelly brings her own interpretation of Adele’s music. Kelly Holiff is one of Canada’s most dynamic performers. Local audiences will remember her outstanding and uproarious performance as Captain Hook in Neptune’s Peter Pan.
KOQM
March 8 – March 20, 2022
Presented by Nestuita’si Storytelling, and written and performed by shalan joudry, Koqm is a journey through time and land to experience the voices of fictional L’nu (Mi’kmaw) women. Throughout the course of the show we hear and meet the women who might have spoken and walked through one area of forest over centuries. Guided by the strength of an ancient tree (“koqm”), the women’s voices share with us their personal stories of grief, humour and resiliency.
Samqwan
May 12 – May 15, 2022
Samqwan is the Mi’kmaq word for water. This new multi-disciplinary show will inspire and welcome you to experience the value of water from an indigenous perspective; its sacredness, purposes, and to show the gift of walking in two worlds but also the responsibilities. Samqwan was created and choreographed by Sarah Prosper and originally commissioned and produced by Highland Arts Theatre
The Rocky Horror Show
April 5 – May 29, 2022
The lives of wholesome sweethearts Brad and Janet are changed forever when their car breaks down in front of the sinister mansion of Dr. Frank-N-Furter. The lovers quickly lose their innocence as they are greeted by a crew of wacky characters. This cult classic, sci-fi/gothic rock n’ roll musical will have you dancing in the aisles and shivering with antici…pation.
A crucial component to the Neptune Theatre’s ongoing work is its dedication to following public health guidance to ensure the wellbeing of patrons, artists and employees. Everyone working and attending performances at Neptune must provide proof of vaccination.
Tickets for all productions are now sale by visiting www.neptunetheatre.com or calling Neptune Theatre’s box office at (902) 429-7070.