SUMMERSIDE – The music of Tchaikovsky echoes throughout Spotlight Theatre’s rehearsal space as Reasha Walsh guides her cast through a difficult scene.
It’s Saturday morning and performers ranging in age from five to 50 are working to perfect lines, songs and choreography that will comprise December’s all-ages stage adaption of the classic Christmas ballet, “The Nutcracker.”
Months have been spent in rehearsals for what will be the theatre company’s first major production and Walsh, the show’s producer, director, choreographer and owner of Spotlight Theatre, is admittedly nervous.
“In live theatre, anything can happen,” she said. “When it gets to the stage I have no control anymore, my control is given to them. It’s a scary feeling giving up that control.”
Spotlight Theatre Company was founded in 2010 by the seven-year veteran of the theatre business who first cut her teeth at Harbourfront Theatre, starting as a stage manager then taking over the theatre’s children’s program. In 2009, Walsh left the theatre and, for a short time, moved to Toronto before deciding she wanted to make her dream of owning and operating a theatre school a reality.
She moved back to Summerside and Spotlight Theatre Company was born. Walsh teaches improv, acting, musical theatre and holds various camps.
“I think Summerside and P.E.I. need more cultural opportunities for everyone,” said Walsh, who teaches classes for all ages. “This is my full-time job. I knew that was what my goal was but sometimes, when you’re making goals, it’s like, am I going to be able to achieve it? I am so happy that I have been able to do it.”
Walsh directed a number of shows in her former role at Harbourfront Theatre, including “Wizard of Oz”, “Peter Pan,” “Jungle Book” and “High School Musical.”
“The Nutcracker” is set on Christmas Eve as Marie is presented with an unusual Nutcracker which magically comes to life. The pair, along with several other characters, makes their way to the Land of Toys to rescue the princess as the story and their journey unfolds on stage.
It’s the first of several big productions planned in the coming year for Spotlight Theatre Company. The cast of “The Nutcracker” includes Walsh’s students and others cast through an open audition call held last summer.
Weekly full company rehearsals have been held since then.
Walsh admitted perfecting the show has been challenging at times.
“We’re doing fight scenes, two of them. It’s been making sure no one pokes an eye out and getting those fight scenes down,” she added. “It’s choreographed, it’s timed. It’s like dancing, but with weapons.”
Co-ordinating rehearsal and cast schedules has also been difficult, something Cory Thorne, who plays the title character, knows all too well.
The 17-year-old is also student council president at Three Oaks Senior High.
“It’s a handful. It’s basically time management, keeping priorities straight,” said Thorne, who added, “but it’s something that I like to do.”
Walsh is overwhelmed by the cast’s enthusiasm and dedication.
“It’s great to see that talent the kids have and to be able to bring that out is the coolest thing ever. It’s so neat.”
And there’s more to the production than acting and singing. Sewing costumes, building sets and enlisting volunteers must be done before opening night.
“You get to a certain point in a production when you start losing sleep and it’s started,” added Walsh. “You’re mind is thinking did I do this or that. It’s crazy.”
But the sleepless nights and hard work will be worth it when the curtain rises.
“I just like to be doing the shows and bringing joy to people, not only to the students but to the people watching.”
Tickets are available at the Harbourfront Theatre’s box office.
nmacphee@journalpioneer.com
