Razzamataz Kids’ Shows is back in Haliburton for its penultimate performance of the season March 8.
Toronto-based youth troupe Wee Festival is bringing its popular Old Man and the River show to the Northern Lights Performing Arts Pavilion and Razzamataz’s Andrea Lithgow is promising it’ll be quite the spectacle. It starts at 2 p.m.
“The show features beautifully designed puppets without words, performed along an enchanting musical score,” Lithgow said. “It’s really paired back on the dialogue. There’s no speaking involved at all, so is more visual. That makes it a little more accessible to children of all sensibilities.”
She said the 45-minute performance focuses on a grumpy old man who lives in a little house in the woods by a river. Every day is the same, until a magical creature enters his life and changes everything. Lithgow said the show focuses on themes of friendship, communication, play and adjusting to change – making it a perfect learning lesson for young theatre goers.
Celebrating 40 years in the Highlands, Lithgow said Razzamataz shows are a great way to introduce children to live performances.
“This is all about making sure kids have fun and get comfortable going to the theatre,” she said. “They’re a very accessible bitesize experience… exposing them to professional productions that give them a sense of wonder or excitement that can spark their own artistic interests.”
The group operates as a non-profit, aiming to keep ticket prices low so that people can afford to attend. Adult tickets are $10 and children $7. Lithgow said Razzamataz is sponsored by the Haliburton County Development Corporation, Haliburton Highlands Arts Council, Haliburton Rotary, the Kennisis Lake Cottage Association and CanoeFM.
Students at Cardiff and Stuart Baker elementary schools will get to see the show March 9 as part of Razzamataz’s ‘Theatre in Schools’ initiative. Launched last year, Lithgow said the idea is to bring a free performance to a different local elementary school every season.
“We’re aiming to address income and transportation barriers, meeting kids where they are with professional theatre shows,” Lithgow said.
There’s one more performance on the Razzamataz schedule, with Chris McKhool bringing his musical show Earth, Seas and Air to Haliburton April 12.
Also on the agenda
It’s Winter Folk Camp at Camp Wanakita all weekend long. Running March 6-8, the Haliburton County Folk Society is hosting three days of workshops featuring six performers. There will be song circles and jam sessions each night, with two sold-out concerts to wrap things up.
• The Highlands East Skating Club is welcoming people to Keith Tallman Memorial Arena Saturday for its ‘Boot Scootin’ Boogie’ skating carnival. Admission is free with doors opening at 1 p.m.
• The theme continues later in the day with Always in Boots Country Dancing hosting a line dancing class at the Haliburton Legion. Instructor Karley Stevenson will put people through their paces for a one-and-a-half-hour beginner lesson from 7 to 8:30 p.m., followed by an open dance floor.
• On Sunday, local author Gail Stelter is hosting a book launch at 2 p.m. at the Haliburton United Legion for her new published story 21 Smithfield Drive.
