GLACE BAY, N.S. — The curtain has come down on the last of the Savoy Theatre’s 2020 performances.
Earlier this week, the Glace Bay entertainment venue was forced to cancel this year’s edition of Cape Breton Summertime Revue. For Savoy executive director Pam Leader, it was just the latest performance to be postponed in what has been a disastrous year for the 93-year-old theatre.
“This is another hard one to have to postpone because it is such a staple and it is something that all of us look forward to every year,” said Leader, who last month expressed her sadness at having to cancel “Dear Rita,” a tribute to the late Rita MacNeil.
“I didn’t want to have to announce this postponement either, but I guess I was being unrealistic thinking that it was going to happen even though I knew in the back of my mind that it wasn’t, so, yes, we knew we had to make the call.”
Leader also confirmed that the Legends of the Grand Ole Opry show, which had already been postponed from May until September, is now off the Savoy’s 2020 performance list. But, ever the optimist, she is hoping for a Christmas miracle.
“Now we won’t have anything on sale for 2020, but we’re still holding out some hope that we might be able to have some Christmas shows although it looks like we won’t know for sure until August or so,” said Leader.
“I still love my job, although I do not love cancelling shows — but my thing is never to back down and my biggest thing right now is that when we do come back, we come back big.”
Her optimism is shared by Cape Breton Summertime Revue cast members who contributed to an online video message to theatre patrons that can be accessed on the Savoy’s Facebook page.
Among those appearing on the video is well-known local performer and Revue cast member Bette MacDonald.
“Well, here we are staying at home and I’ve eaten everything in the fridge but the baking soda,” said the popular comedienne.
“The bad news is we can’t do the Revue this year, but the good news is we get to come back and do it next year, so with all that time to prepare it better be good.”
Other contributors to the show appearing on the video include Rachel Davis, Darren McMullen, Allie Bennett, Peter MacInnis, Margaret MacPherson, the MacArthur Dancers, Jenn Sheppard, Stephen Muise, Fred Lavery and Jordan Musycsyn
Cast member MacPherson, who is a registered nurse, articulated the collective feelings of her fellow performers.
“I really, really wish I was rehearsing with the Revue crew right now to bring you an amazingly funny, musical show this summer, but I am headed out to the front lines,” said MacPherson, who filmed her segment from home in her nurse’s uniform before running out the door to work.
“So, stay safe, stay happy, stay healthy, check in on one another and remember that the Summertime Revue crew misses you.”
Show director Maynard Morrison also appeared on the video. A longtime staple of Cape Breton comedy, the former Sydney Academy fine arts teacher is a founding member of both the Revue and its predecessor, The Rise and Follies of Cape Breton Island, which first hit the stage in 1977. The original show’s legacy continues. Its popular songs, including Kenzie McNeil’s "The Island" and Ronnie MacEachern’s "Go Off On Your Way" along with skits are now part of Cape Breton culture.
Like his colleagues, Morrison expressed his disappointment with the event’s cancellation and his understanding of the reasons behind the decision. And, like wife Bette MacDonald, he’s excited about what ideas will come out of the extra time the cast now has to prepare for next year’s show, which he predicts may just touch on the COVID-19 lockdown.
“All of that stuff will certainly have an impact, but we all know there’s certainly nothing funny about the pandemic — however, there are some things that spring from that that will have to addressed,” said Morrison, who acknowledged that past Follies and Revue shows managed to put a comedic, but respectful, spin on the not always positive plight of Cape Breton residents struggling with issues such as widespread unemployment and the need to travel "out west" to find work.
“We’re going to be back in 2021 with the best show we can dream up while in isolation.”
In the meantime, Pam Leader is hinting that the Savoy will be making a positive announcement on its Facebook page on Mother’s Day (Sunday) in regard to a new 2021 performance.
“We will make it through this year and we will be around when this theatre has its 100th birthday,” vowed Leader.
The Savoy Theatre was founded in 1927.
