Halloween hunt: Suzart cleans out its theatrical closets with annual costume sale

Wild about Willie Wonka? Care to be a cowboy? Find your perfect costume at Suzart Productions’ 2nd annual costume sale this Saturday!

Dr. Alan Viau (Twitter) has been performing weddings and other life celebrations in Ottawa since 2004. On his own blog, he compiles useful tips on what’s gone well and what to watch for based on the hundreds of weddings he’s conducted in the National Capital Region. He’s also a part-time theatre buff!

Cogsworth the Clock is one of many costumes being sold at the sale, following Suzart’s production of Beauty and the Beast earlier this year.

You know the expression “the early bird gets the worm.”

The same can be said about Halloween costumes each year … though in this case, the early bird 

With Halloween just over a month away,  you can be a blueberry, a tiger or Cogsworth the Clock (from Beauty and the Beast). as Suzart Productions clears its wardrobe with its 2^nd Annual Costume and Jewelery Sale.

Every year, Suzart Productions — a non-profit theatre company specializing in affordable entertainment for the entire family — puts on two full musical theatre productions. Cast members range in age from seven to 70. After each show, most of the costumes go into storage. Suzart’s wardrobe gets filled to the brim with all sorts of costumes, hats, and accessories.

Costumes from at least 5 of Suzart’s recent shows will be for sale.

And tomorrow (Sept. 22), over 400 costumes will be for sale for kids and adults.  The sale takes place at Woodroffe United Church (207 Woodroffe Ave., just off of Richmond) from 10 am until 4 pm. See www.suzart.ca for more details.

Recent Suzart shows were the King & I, Willie Wonka, Beauty and the Beast, Anything Goes, and Oklahoma, so expect to see great costumes from all these productions. But the best ones go quickly, so come early.

A little bit more on Suzart Productions:

Elaine McCausland and Susan Dacey started Suzart Productions with the goal of providing an opportunity for people of all ages to experience the world of theatre in all of its aspects. With its creation, they are filling a need in the Ottawa arts scene by providing a chance for everyone, particularly youth, to enjoy musical theatre at an affordable price.

Suzart Productions is also dedicated to providing people with a variety of opportunities to experience and enjoy live theatre and for many, the chance to perform! It is Suzart’s goal to ensure that a love of theatre, both on and off stage, is instilled in all who become involved. Suzart strives to give opportunities to those who are interested in trying something new and encourages them along the way.

Sounds look an awesome opportunity to wow friends and family with a one-of-a-kind costume this year! Again, check out www.suzart.ca for more info.

Rustic and romantic: Alan shares his favourite lodges that are ideal wedding venues

Dr. Alan Viau has been performing weddings and other life celebrations in Ottawa since 2004. On his own blog, he compiles useful tips on what’s gone well and what to watch for based on the hundreds of weddings he’s conducted in the National Capital Region. He’s also a part-time theatre buff!

Brides and grooms are always seeking out a wedding venue of their dreams.

One dream I see often is to have their wedding at a rustic lodge. Lodges are part of our romantic images of Canada like canoes and roaring fireplaces. They form the fabric of our heritage, just like weddings.

There are several lodge venues in Ottawa. I’ve enjoyed how the exposed wood adds warmth to their decor and consequently the ceremony. Usually, I am standing in front of a fireplace with the couple to perform the wedding ceremony. Occasionally, my buns get toasty by the flames.

Here is my list of lodges that I’ve experienced. They are listed by the number of people they can accommodate.

Econoniche

Econoniche: A rural conference and retreat centre located in the Gatineau Hills a mere 20 minutes from Parliament Hill in Cantley, Québec. It can accommodate about 20 people overnight and host up to 60 guests.

Canada Club

Canada Club: A gorgeous cottage near Perth on Big Rideau Lake, I’ve performed ceremonies on the dock. It is available by invitation only (you need to apply) but is worth it. It can hold 20 overnight guests. It features a huge common area overlooking the lake.

Stonefield's Heritage Farm

Stonefield’s Heritage Farm: Located in Beckwith/Carleton Place just 40 minutes from downtown Ottawa. The unique property features a historical stone farmhouse, picture-perfect log buildings and charming country gardens. Their capacity is 50-225 guests.

Strathmere Inn

Strathmere: Strathmere’s Lodge is a imaginatively-renovated 100-year-old barn, with 3 fieldstone fireplaces, comfortable lounge, open loft, and large dance floor.  Overlooking rolling farm fields is a charming outdoor ceremony site, with arbor, bench seating and signing table. It is one of my popular spots in Ottawa for wedding ceremonies. The maximum capacity for the Lodge is 210 guests for dinner and 250 for a reception. Strathmere is located near North Gower which is within 25 minutes of most Ottawa locations.

Beantown Ranch

Beantown Ranch: Nestled in the countryside, east of Ottawa, near Wendover it features a natural log hall with a capacity of 150 guests and spectacular lakeside terrace wich can accomodate another 75 guests. Make your wedding spectacular with your first dance on a small island with fireworks going off overhead.

Timber Run Golf Course

Timber Run Golf Course: Sculpted from the rugged Lanark Highlands, along the banks of the Clyde River, Timber Run has been desribed as a true “rustic gem”. Timber Run’s clubhouse is one of the largest, most dramatic log structures found in Ontario and can easily host 230 guests.

Temple's Sugar Camp

Temple’s Sugar Camp: Located west of Ottawa, its two hundred seat timber frame building is surrounded by forests and gardens making it a lovely setting for a country wedding through all four seasons. It can host 240 guests for your reception.

Chateau Montebello

Chateau Montebello: Inspired by the chateaux in the Swiss Alps, it was built in the 1930′s on the grounds of a Seigniorial estate. The stunning red cedar log cabin exudes a rustic elegance and a warm welcome. It can accommodate a variety of venue choices and can house 211 overnight guests.

Thanks Alan!

How about Hairspray? Tech Rehearsal Starts Countdown to Friday’s Opening Night

Cast and crew for Suzart's Hairspray await direction from the stage manager

Dr. Alan Viau has been performing weddings and other life celebrations in Ottawa since 2004. On his own blog, he compiles useful tips on what’s gone well and what to watch for based on the hundreds of weddings he’s conducted in the National Capital Region. He’s also a part-time theatre buff!

The set is placed and 'spiked' for Hairspray

Suzart — a non-profit, charitable and local theatre group — is presenting Hairspray this weekend at St. Paul’s High School. It’s a great way to see a Broadway smash hit done in a family-friendly, affordable way. And all featuring local talent to boot.

Picture this: It’s 1962 and teenagers Tracy Turnblad and her friend Penny Pingleton are watching the Corny Collins show. When the chance to dance on the show arrives, Tracy quickly takes the opportunity. Not only does her dancing skills attract Corny Collins, but also the attention of teenage heart throb, Link Larkin. But not everyone is happy with the decision to have her dance on the show. The shows manager, Velma von Tussle will do anything to get Tracy off the show, even if it has to include Tracy’s parents of new friends Seaweed and Motormouth Maybelle.

Hairspray's director closely examines what the stage will look like

Tuesday was technical rehearsal, which is the only chance that the technical crew has to tweak the lights, sound and ‘spike’ the stage for the show. The transitions from scene to scene are mapped out in all aspects. For the actors, this is a very difficult rehearsal because they are asked to perform their parts in bits. The bits are the transitions from one cue to another that the stage manager calls. The stage manager will call out the cue in the show that they want mapped out and sets are moved, placed and marked on stage based on the directors input.

Meanwhile a flurry of activity is taking place all around the theatre. Sound quality and mics are being checked. The lighting plot is being programmed into the computer. Costumes are checked for a final fitting. And sets are secured or given a final touch up of paint. There is a sense of urgency to get things done. But there is still time for some kidding around.

Check out these behind-the-scenes shots from Tuesday’s tech rehearsal:

Checking the sound, lighting and mics

Final costume fittings before the curtain drops on Hairspray Friday

Final touch-ups to the set ... and the props ... for Hairspray

As the saying goes, the show must go on. And on Friday night, the curtain goes up and all must be ready. It’s gonna be a fabulous show well worth attending. We hope to see you there.

Suzart will be performing Hairspray on:

December 9-10, 2011 7:00 p.m.
December 10-11, 2011 2:00 p.m.

Venue: St Paul High School
Location: 2675 Draper Ave. (near the northwest corner of Baseline and Greenbank)

Thanks, Alan! Sounds like a fun night out and a chance to see some true local stars! If you’re interested in tickets, visit Suzart.ca for more information.

Mosey on down for a musical: Alan invites you to round ‘em up with the Bytown Beat Chorus

The 31-member chorus of Rodeo Queen, playing twice on Saturday

Dr. Alan Viau has been performing weddings and other life celebrations in Ottawa since 2004. On his own blog, he compiles useful tips on what’s gone well and what to watch for based on the hundreds of weddings he’s conducted in the National Capital Region. He’s also a part-time theatre buff!

It will be an evening of hooting and hollering this Saturday as the Bytown Beat Chorus presents their newest musical “Rodeo Queen.” As we speak, the 31-member chorus, led by Pam Warkentin, is getting ready to entertain you with a western-themed story and lots of great tunes. Tickets are going quickly for two shows at the Shenkman Arts Centre this Saturday, Nov. 5. Ya better giddy up there to get’em while there’s still some left.

The Bytown Beat Chorus performs barbershop-style acappella singing. However, these ladies do more than sing the songs. As director, Warkentin writes the musicals for them. The result is a staged concert with a story linking the lively tunes with acting and dancing. For this musical, there will also be special guest appearances, as fiddler Wade Foster and the award-winning male quartet Fusion grace the stage for added variety.

A behind-the-scenes look at the cast

Rodeo Queen follows the story of Lawanda Darlene and her friends around the rodeo circuit, with Lawanda finding that there are other interests besides horses. With stories of found and lost love, we finish with a happy ending. The show is interspersed with familiar songs like One Fine Day, Any Man of Mine, Hey Good Lookin, Mood Indigo and Time After Time.

All in all, it all promises to be a good time. Saturday’s shows take place at 2pm and 8pm, and tickets are available through the Shenkman Arts Centre box office.

Thanks Alan! Sounds like it’s shaping up to be a busy weekend for Ottawa already!

A four diamond green oasis for your wedding – The Brookstreet Hotel

Brookstreet Hotel

LTO’s resident wedding expert, Dr. Alan Viau has been performing weddings and other life celebrations in Ottawa since 2004. On his own blog, he compiles useful tips on what’s gone well and what to watch for based on the hundreds of weddings he’s conducted in the National Capital Region.

Brides and grooms want to have a luxurious wedding and many are wanting to balance luxury with being environmentally responsible or “green”.  Normally you associate a four diamond hotel with luxury and excess. The Brookstreet in Kanata is distinguishing itself by being luxurious and green as well. The Brookstreet provides a superior upscale hotel resort experience while reducing its carbon footprint and impact on the environment. In a sense, the bride and groom can have their cake and eat it while the left overs of the meal are sent to the compost and recycling bins.

I met Caroline Savignac, Communications Manager for the Brookstreet, at the Starbucks outlet in the hotel. While basking in sunlight near a large window, I sipped on my café mocha and I told her of the locations at the hotel where I’ve performed weddings. 

Caroline Savignac and Alan Viau

I’ve conducted ceremonies in their large pavilion, which has a capacity of 300 people, and on the beautifully landscaped grounds. The Brookstreet has several ballrooms and smaller rooms as indoor venues. I had one bride who went the extra distance on ensuring that the room looked like a church. The room included an alter, the slight smell of incense and of course organ music. My favorite is the penthouse lounge that has a great vista of the rural setting surrounding the hotel.

The list of environmental initiatives at the Brookstreet is impressive. In 2007 Brookstreet conducted a waste audit and as a result initiated a comprehensive waste reduction program. For example, they implemented organic waste collection, an extended recycling program, automated climate control systems, a paperless night audit and email receipt of all incoming faxes, and the removal of all high energy use accent lighting. When in October 2010 a second waste audit was conducted, it showed that their monthly diversion rate to landfill was two tones. In addition, all of their power to meeting rooms, ballroom and lobby is supplied by green energy provider, Bullfrog Power, who derives its power from solar and wind sources.  

It certainly proves that the hotel is eco-minded.

Photo credit: http://www.couvrette-photography.on.ca

This attention to the environment goes hand in hand with its reputation as a sensational hotel. Its 276 rooms are well outfitted. The bedding is hypo-allergenic and many rooms are accessible. The hotel displays 1,300 pieces of original art from Ottawa’s Canterbury High School Art Program. They cater to all cultures and ethnic backgrounds. They will work with a couple if special diets are required such as halal or kosher.  The Brookstreet offers a superb spa and golf course for the bride and groom to enjoy.  

As Caroline put it, the Brookstreet is an oasis where the bride and groom can come and feel that their stay was extraordinary and memorable.

Thanks Alan!

Secret gardens: Alan Viau lets us in on 2 picture perfect spots for weddings photos

Dr. Alan Viau has been performing weddings and other life celebrations in Ottawa since 2004. On his own blog, he compiles useful tips on what’s gone well and what to watch for based on the hundreds of weddings he’s conducted in the National Capital Region.

Ottawa has so many wonderful places for outdoor wedding venues — but also for pictures. Over the years, I’ve discovered a couple of places that are really special. Specifically, there are two secret gardens that offer a unique setting for a wedding or photos.

Ottawa is closing in on over a million people. And while there are many really wonderful spots available for outdoor weddings and special photo shoots — the museums and parks are just awesome — a couple may like a more intimate wedding with a smaller group of friends and family. They may also want a unique locale in a garden for a photo shoot. I’ve found these two locations to be ideal for either of these.

Maplelawn Garden 

Maplelawn Gardens (529 Richmond Road)

The NCC’s Maplelawn Historic Garden stands enclosed within a low stone wall next to the Georgian Manor (now a Keg restaurant) that served as a home for its previous owners. Maplelawn is as one of the few walled gardens in Canada still kept in its original state. The pedestrian entrance is located at 529 Richmond Road.

You walk into the garden through a gap in the hedge wall that serves as an entrance. Inside, you walk along a gravel path way that leads through a bed of flowers to a central circular flower bed and bird bath — with three other paths radiating outwards at right angles. This central bed is the only flower bed planted with annuals, while the rest of Maplelawn is comprised of perennials. There is a special spot on the far edge of the garden. There under the trees is a bench and maybe a unique location for a wedding ceremony.

Maplelawn Gardens

Algonquin College: School of Horticulture 

Algonquin College's School of Horticulture

Tucked away behind M Building at Algonquin College is where the students of the horticulture program practice their art. It is a splendid array of landscaping and plants. I’ve performed a few wedding ceremonies there and am always stunned by its beauty. This is where students propagate and grow their own crops, build garden features, plant and maintain outdoor gardens and design landscapes. This is truly a secret garden in Ottawa. It has so many spaces where you can have a ceremony or a photo shoot.

Algonquin College's School of Horticulture

If you are looking for a natural garden landscape for an intimate wedding or photo shoot, these two locations are really special. I enjoy them because they are islands of beauty within our city.

These spots are beautiful enough for an afternoon summer stroll, let alone a wedding. Thanks for letting us in on them, Alan!

Saying ‘I do’ to the perfect venue: Alan Viau offers his take on the best outdoor bets

Dr. Alan Viau has been performing weddings and other life celebrations in Ottawa since 2004. On his own blog, he compiles useful tips on what’s gone well and what to watch for based on the hundreds of weddings he’s conducted in the National Capital Region.

Every summer, I zip around Ottawa performing lots of weddings during this busy season. I perform on-location ceremonies in people’s backyard, in restaurants and in hotels. (Talk about a way to see the city.)

But there are four outstanding locations that come to mind when looking for an outdoor venue.

Rockcliffe Pavilion 

Rockcliffe Pavilion

This is probably the most popular location for outdoor wedding ceremonies. The Pavilion was built in 1918 and is operated by the National Capital Commission. It has a stunning view of the Ottawa River and has a capacity of 100 people seated. During the summer, there is quite a bit of background noise from tour buses and boats on the river. There is one electrical outlet on the outside of the Pavilion. Access to Rockcliffe Park and parking can be difficult so it is advised that guests arrive early.

Billings Estate 

Billings Estate

This is a wonderful site located in south end of Ottawa and operated by the City. (As are the other two locations that follow.) It features Ottawa’s oldest wood-frame house that was owned by one of Ottawa’s founding families. There are several areas under large mature trees where ceremonies can be conducted. The bride can have a final prep time for herself inside the manor while everyone gets ready outdoors.

Cumberland Heritage Village Museum

Knox Church at Cumberland Village Museum

I love this location on the east end of Ottawa. It has seven houses and six buildings depicting residential and agricultural architecture and public buildings such as a one-room schoolhouse, fire hall, church and community hall. You can also visit a Canadian National railway station and caboose, a working sawmill and an Imperial garage. Weddings can be performed in the small church or outdoors.

Pinhey’s Point Historic Site

Pinhey's Point

This scenic site is located on Ottawa’s west side. It is on the shores of the Ottawa River overlooking the Gatineau Hills in the background. There are many areas for holding the wedding ceremony and it is growing in popularity.

All of these four locations offer outstanding views for any wedding and are located across Ottawa. Simply put, if your dream wedding vision is to have an outdoor ceremony, these are the top venues to consider.

Thanks for sharing, Alan! Check out www.weddingchaplain.ca for more tricks and tips from Ottawa’s wedding scene.