The Wizard is… Odd!? A Hilarious and Odd-ly Relatable Original Musical - theHumm November 2024
The Wizard is… Odd!? A Hilarious and Odd-ly Relatable Original Musical - theHumm November 2024
By Susan Macaulay
Playwright Rob Riendeau might have chosen to set The Wizard is… Odd!? in Almonte, instead of in a nameless small town. Locals would most certainly have recognized aspects of friends, neighbours and/or family members in the characters on stage.
Equally, Rob might have situated the play in Pakenham or Perth, Carleton Place or Clayton, Ashton or Arnprior, or any other small town in Ontario for that matter. Had he done so, theatre-goers might have elbowed a companion and whispered: “Doesn’t Tim the Tinman remind you of John who lives around the corner from me?” Or “Gee, Sue is so much like my sister Sally, it’s uncanny.”
Truth be told, I expect those kinds of reactions to occur anyway, because the characters — and the play’s storyline — are real and relatable, despite it being a play within a play that’s based on a fantasy.
The plot is simple. A dad and his daughter move from the big city to a small town and stumble on a community production of The Wizard of Oz in which they unwittingly become involved. Hijinx and hilarity ensue. And yet, in the midst of the fun and the laughter, the story gets you thinking about the universal themes that run through all of our lives.
For example, you may never have had to leave home, like young Emily does in The Wizard is… Odd!?, but, like me, you may be able to identify with her frustration.
“Don’t you get it?” says Emily (played by Fern Marwood) to her dad Henry (played by Darren Brocklehurst) as they pack up their belongings in the opening scene. Her hands are balled into tight fists by her sides. “I live here! My friends are here. My WHOLE LIFE is here!”
The future is unknown. We must all let go of people or things we love at one time or another, whether it happens because of a move or some other unwanted circumstance. Loss is part of life. So are wanting to fit in and at times feeling as if we don’t belong, judging people unfairly and then regretting it later, doing things we don’t fully agree with to please others, and treating people with less respect than they deserve. We are only human after all.
The play captures the characters’ struggles with empathy and tenderness. Rob has written about the tougher parts of being human with gentle grace, and the funny bits with incisive humour. His wife Kris, who directs the piece, has done a masterful job of helping the actors bring out the best and the worst in their characters in ways that will keep audiences in stitches (punctuated by the occasional tear).
On the unequivocally delightful side of the coin, the ten original songs are fabulous, each in their own special way. Two of the tunes — one a solo and the other a duet — are soulful and full of longing. They may elicit the need for a tissue. Two more are clever and close to the bone. Two are raucous, rowdy, and accompanied by energetic and creative choreography. Another has a distinctly country feel and includes line dancing. And a solo sung by the immensely talented Bonnie Vallentyne (who plays Sue, who in turn plays the Scarecrow) is just plain hilarious. I love them all.
As I have watched the show evolve over the past year, I have been newly impressed each week by the acting, improvisational and comedic skills of the cast. They really are a talented bunch. And they can’t wait to sing, dance and perform for you at the Almonte Old Town Hall in November. I hope you can join us.
The Wizard is… Odd!? is being produced by Humm Team Productions and sponsored by Aussie Tree Care, Fluid Coffee, 750 Southwest Financial, and others who prefer to remain behind the scenes for the moment. Sponsorship money and a portion of ticket sales will go to support Climate Network Lanark.
The show opens on November 8 and runs for two weekends. Get your tickets at Tickets Please (TicketsPlease.ca, 485–6434) — they’re going fast! In the meantime, follow The Wizard is Odd? on Facebook for behind-the scenes fun and frolics.
Shane Belanger — Having a Whale of a Time - theHumm November 2024
By Sally Hansen
Art… and Soul
Pareidolia is the tendency to see faces or other patterns in response to an ambiguous visual stimulus. If you’ve ever spotted a hidden dragon in the clouds, or the man in the moon, you’ve experienced pareidolia.
Blacksmith artist Shane Belanger uses his extraordinary gift for detecting elusive creatures in the random patterns of wood. The Lanark Highlands artist exploits his innate ability to create striking wooden and steel sculptures. He combines incredibly shaped pie......
Cabaret Extravaganza! Celebrating 5o Years of The Hub | Rebound - theHumm November 2024
By Paddy Vargas
Join us for a night of unfiltered fun and laughter as we celebrate The Hub’s 50th anniversary! Founded by The Almonte Community Coordinators, A.C.C. (The Hub and Rebound), our organization has spent the last five decades enriching our community through dedicated service, all thanks to the staff and volunteers who have made it possible. To honour their contributions, we’re hosting a special staff and volunteer appreciation night — headlined by the world-traveling, award-winning comedian Rachelle Elie.......
The Beatles Come to St. Andrew’s United - theHumm November 2024
On Saturday, November 23, St. Andrew’s United Church in Pakenham presents a concert commemorating the 60th anniversary of the music, entertainment and cultural phenomenon that was The Beatles. Come out and enjoy this celebration of their timeless music. Hear your favourite Beatles tunes, take a journey through their history, and hear some fun facts about a band that not only revolutionized music but also left an indelible mark on popular culture. From their humble beginnings at The Cavern Club in Liverpool to the heights of the band’s career, The Beatles have left a legacy like no other.
......
The Wizard is… Odd!? A Hilarious and Odd-ly Relatable Original Musical - theHumm November 2024
By Susan Macaulay
Playwright Rob Riendeau might have chosen to set The Wizard is… Odd!? in Almonte, instead of in a nameless small town. Locals would most certainly have recognized aspects of friends, neighbours and/or family members in the characters on stage.
Equally, Rob might have situated the play in Pakenham or Perth, Carleton Place or Clayton, Ashton or Arnprior, or any other small town in Ontario for that matter. Had he done so, theatre-goers might have elbowed a companion and whispered: “Doesn’t Tim the T......
The Sky’s the Limit at MMLT’s Fundraising Gala - theHumm November 2024
By Submitted the Mississippi Madawaska Land Trust
On Friday, November 15, you are invited to the Mississippi Madawaska Land Trust’s (MMLT) social event of the fall — The Sky’s the Limit Gala. This fundraising event will be held at beautiful Temple’s Sugar Bush, and promises to be an unforgettable evening, dedicated to supporting MMLT and its mission to conserve lands and protect nature for future generations.
We are pleased to announce that Jill Heinerth, world-renowned Canadian cave diver, writer, photographer, and filmmaker will be the......
Come to the Merrickville Makers Market! - theHumm November 2024
Believe it or not, the Christmas season in Merrickville begins the first weekend of November. That’s when the Merrickville’s Makers Market hosts its next warm and welcoming event!
The holiday edition of this popular market will return to Merrickville’s Community Centre at 106 Read Street on November 2 and 3 from 10am to 4pm. Admission to the event is free and there is ample parking.
The two-day format allows the Makers Market to showcase their full membership, as each day y......
10th Anniversary Show at Sivarulrasa Gallery! - theHumm November 2024
Sivarulrasa Gallery celebrates 10 wonderful years in Almonte on Saturday, November 16 from 2–5pm with the opening of their 10th Anniversary Show!
The Gallery’s largest exhibition of the year will feature works by 28 artists from across Canada, including artists based locally in Mississippi Mills as well as from coast to coast: Newfoundland, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Quebec, Ontario, Alberta and British Columbia.
The 10th Anniversary Show will cover all exhibi......
Library After Dark A Night of Music with Jeremy Lyall - theHumm November 2024
Library After Dark returns to the Perth & District Library on Saturday, November 9 with a night of music with accomplished local singer-songwriter Jeremy Lyall.
Library After Dark is a special fundraising concert series that offers a chance for people who love music to see top-notch artists in a unique, alternative space.
“After being hidden away for too long, it’s time to let these songs of mine out into the light of day for Library After Dark,” says Jeremy Lyall. ......
Showing the Local Love for the Holidays! - theHumm November 2024
By Kris and Rob Riendeau
Here at theHumm we’re big on local economies. The retail and service businesses in the small towns that we cover play a huge role in the cultural life of those towns. Each store, restaurant, or small enterprise attracts and serves a particular clientele — some inside the community, some from outside. Some businesses host their own special events; others join together with local festivals to make the whole experience more vibrant. Many provide support in cash or in kind to local initiatives. All of them add their own particular flavour to the delicious mix that is small-town Ottawa Valley.......
I’m Not Imelda Marcos - theHumm November 2024
By Glenda Jones
I don’t have shoes for every occasion. If I smile a lot or wear a colourful jacket, no one will look down and see what’s on my feet. There are two pairs of Birkenstocks in the closet, the requisite rubber boots, two pairs of winter boots, and one pair of “all-season” loafers to go with everything. I don’t wear high heels anymore for fear of breaking my neck falling off them. I don’t want fancy sandals because I step right out of them. So as you can see, I try to buy only those shoes that fit my l......
Nick of Time Christmas Craft Show - theHumm November 2024
Perth’s Nick of Time Christmas Craft Show is back for 2024, and this year it’s their 31st anniversary! Come celebrate and find the perfect Christmas gift for all your special people on Saturday, December 7 from 10am to 3:30pm in Perth’s Crystal Palace, located downtown right beside the Tay Basin.
This year’s show features a great lineup of new artists and artisans as well as many returning favourites. Expect to find gourmet chocolate, fashion accessories, fine woodworking, unique ......
Ringing in the Season - theHumm November 2024
Come out and enjoy an afternoon of traditional holiday music presented by the Carleton Place & District Community Band in support of the Lanark County Food Bank — The Hunger Stop. In addition to the 40 musicians in the band, this concert will also feature choirs from the Zion-Memorial United Church and St. James Anglican Church. Audience members will be able to participate in the singing of traditional holiday music.
The concert starts at 2pm on Sunday, December 1 at Zio......
Carleton Place Winterfest - theHumm November 2024
Winterfest is a free, family-friendly event for all ages to kick off the holiday season. Get together and mingle in the beautiful downtown Carleton Place dining and shopping district and embrace the wintry weather and holiday spirit. Enjoy roaming carolers and entertainers, free horse-drawn wagon rides, and a Night Market with sidewalk sales and a local vendor market.
An assortment of activities will be taking place in Carleton Place on November 23, making it the perfect time to plan a trip to spend the day. These include the Children’s Shopping Event (Zion Memorial Church), Photos wi......
The Wonderettes Return to Perth - theHumm November 2024
By Ben Bennett
When four talented young women impressed director C. Lee (“CLee”) Bates with their performances in the Studio Theatre Perth’s production of 9 to 5: the Musical back in 2016, they were invited to have a chat about another project she had in mind.
Little did they know that would bring them back to the same Perth stage the following year, and then again the year after that. And now they are coming back again — seven years later! And again, CLee is the director.
The Winter Wonderettes, ......
SRO Fall Tea Dance - theHumm November 2024
The classic big band Standing Room Only (SRO) is staging a dance for ballroom and swing dancers on Sunday afternoon, November 24. The dance will be held in the auditorium on the third floor of the historic Almonte Old Town Hall, located at 14 Bridge Street. Doors will open at 1pm and dancing is from 1:30–4pm. Admission is $16 at the door or $30 per couple (cash only). Reservations are not required.
Light refreshments including delicious treats and a range of non-alcoholic beverages will be ......
Strumming, Singingand Fluting! A Concert for the Young and Young at Heart - theHumm November 2024
Join the Friends of the Mississippi Mills Public Library on Sunday, December 1 for another Live @ the Library concert. This performance is designed for the young and the young at heart — the perfect way to introduce classical music to the entire family.
Gertrude Létourneau, a multi-talented flutist and singer with a background in therapeutic music and education, invites young listeners to let their imaginations run free as she weaves the sounds of four different flutes into a musical adventure. Gertrude will be joined by Garry Elliott, Ottawa-based guitarist and teacher of class......
Perth WriterFest — Read All About It! - theHumm November 2024
By John Pigeau
When you think about it — and frankly, you don’t have to think too hard — Perth is a perfect place for a writer’s festival. And this November, it’s finally happening.
Peter Dixon and Heidi Stepanek, proprietors of Spark Books & Curios, are organizing the inaugural Perth WriterFest, which will take place Saturday, November 9 at McMartin House.
“This area is a hotbed for the arts in general and celebrates many artistic forms, and now, we believe, it’s time for Perth to......
Our Town - theHumm November 2024
By — Darrell Nunn is the Director of NGCT’s production of Our Town
North Grenville Community Theatre (previously known as Kemptville Players) has been entertaining the community for over fifty years. This year we have chosen to present Thornton Wilder’s Our Town at the North Grenville Municipal Centre in Kemptville from Thursday, November 21 to Sunday, November 24.
We have been working hard on this production for months. With a cast of about 25 and an additional 20 supporting volunteers, this is one of our larger productions. We are ......
Makers, Music, and Memories in Perth - theHumm November 2024
Get ready for a magical holiday season this year! Perth Tourism invites you to enjoy its many fun-filled holiday experiences — whether you’re searching for the perfect gift, capturing memories with Santa, or immersing yourself in the music of the season, Perth has it all!
The Perth Tourism team has curated the copious events of the holiday season into three distinct themes: Makers, Music, and Memories, making it easier for you to find what resonates best with what you’re looking f......
Tea for Three Toronto Jazz Trio Coming to Perth - theHumm November 2024
Tea For Three is a dynamic jazz trio fronted by vocalist Annie Elgie, featuring pianist Steven Noronha and bassist Paul Trevor Sandberg. Emerging stars in Toronto’s vibrant music scene, each member brings a diverse background in genres spanning RnB, jazz, folk, and experimental sound. Together, they explore classic standards and original compositions influenced by the rich tapestry of American songbook traditions and the profound legacy of Black American music.
Annie Elgi......
“Art is Magic” Show & Sale in Merrickville - theHumm November 2024
Step into a world where Art is Magic at the Merrickville Arts Guild’s renowned art show, taking place on Saturday and Sunday, November 9 and 10, from 10am to 4pm at the Community Centre (106 Read Street).
MAG is excited to welcome a wonderful mix of fresh talent and familiar faces this year! With many new artists joining the Guild, visitors can look forward to an even broader array of creative styles and media, alongside the impressive works of long-standing members......
Guatemala Stove Project Events - theHumm November 2024
A group of volunteers will be heading to the highlands of western Guatemala from February 1–10, 2025, and while working with local masons to build cookstoves, will experience the resiliency and joy of the Maya people and witness their great need. When those volunteers return, they will continue the 25-year mission of the Guatemala Stove Project (GSP) — raising funds to help Maya families.
You too can assist the GSP in helping Maya families and fighting climate change this month, right......
“Real Love” in Perth Tribute to Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton - theHumm November 2024
Get ready for an unforgettable evening of country music magic on Saturday, November 23, at 7:30pm, as St. Paul’s United Church in Perth welcomes the “Real Love” Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton Tribute Show. Performed by award-winning country artists Alan Turner and Laurie Lynn, this concert promises to be a night filled with classic hits and the timeless charm of two country music legends.
Alan and Laurie bring Kenny and Dolly’s legacy to life, taking audiences on a journey through six decades of unforgettable songs. Fans of all ages are invited to sing along, tap their feet, and remin......
Putting the Garden to Bed - theHumm November 2024
By David Hinks
Getting out in the garden last month needed no encouragement as we were treated to spectacular October weather. I am always in favour of doing as much clean-up as possible in the fall; our spring can be incredibly short.
November brings lots of leaves to rake, and I like to keep a few trash cans of dry leaves next to my composter. When I throw a bucket of kitchen scraps in the composter in the winter I will add some leaves. Remember that successful composting requires two parts of “dry” (high carbon) materials to one part of “wet” (high nitrogen) materials.
Check Out The King’s New Clothes! - theHumm November 2024
By Heddy Sorour
A thoughtful and quiet man of many talents, Keith Stanton has played a number of choice roles with Theatre Night in Merrickville. But this fall he’ll be treading the boards as Baron Grumbleguts in the pantomime The King’s New Clothes, written by Peter Bond and Bob Heather. As the name suggests, the Baron is not the nicest of characters.
“He’s deliciously evil. In this role I want to be king, and the only way I can do that is to steal the kingdom from my brother,” says Stanton with a......
MERA Christmas Fair - theHumm November 2024
The Annual MERA Christmas Fair returns this year! Come on out to the MERA Schoolhouse (974 Dalhousie Concession 9A) in McDonalds Corners on Saturday, November 16 from 9am to 3pm. Since 2005, MERA (McDonalds Corners & Elphin Recreation & Arts) has hosted this Christmas Fair where local artisans offer wonderful and unique items for sale. A nutritious light lunch will be provided by the MERA café. There will also be a bake sale and a draw featuring donated items from vendors.
Th......
Itty Bitty Art Show in Carleton Place - theHumm November 2024
Perhaps the magic of winter’s first snow hasn’t arrived, but whatever the weather is outside, entering the Itty Bitty Artisan & Art Show is like stepping into a magical place. The warmth of the people and the brilliance of all the colourful art will immediately lift your spirits. The show runs Saturday and Sunday, November 16 and 17, from 10am to 4:30pm each day.
Located at the Carleton Place Arena (75 Neelin Street), there is lots of free parking and admission is also......
Civitan Clubs Make a Real Difference - theHumm November 2024
By Amy Booth
The Connectwell Therapeutic Riding Program is celebrating 39 years of providing therapeutic riding lessons in Lanark County. This program has grown to include more than 128 riders — 70% of whom have physical disabilities; 99% of whom have developmental disabilities or mental illness.
With no ongoing government funding, all funds are raised through grants, donations, and fundraising activities, so community support is vital to success. Enter the Civitan Clubs…
In early 2020, the Civit......
The 2025 Folkus Line-Up - theHumm November 2024
By — Steve Wildesmith is the Artistic Director of the Folkus Concert Series
Taking place at the most beautiful venue in Almonte, our very own Old Town Hall, we kick off the 2025 Folkus season on January 25 with Whitehorse, an incredible Canadian husband-and-wife duo that have a pedigree that puts them in the company of Canadian music hall of famers. Luke Doucet and Melissa McClelland are Whitehorse, and together they make incredible music. If you have not heard of their band you have likely heard them individually, as both Luke and Melissa are sought-after studio player......
Experience Snowfall with The Valley Voices - theHumm November 2024
By Becky Schweitzer
The holidays are on their way, and The Valley Voices invite you to reserve a night to breathe with music and stories before the final push sets in. Our Snowfall concert will take place on Sunday, December 15 at the Almonte United Church. Music of the season will be sung by our small but mighty choir. Unlike the music in the mall, you will not know all the tunes ahead of time! However, we might tempt you to look it up afterwards to add to your holiday playlist.
This year we are also bringing ......
Spend an Upbeat Night with Mudmen! - theHumm November 2024
Canada’s Celtic rock heroes are bringing their high-energy performance to Studio Theatre Perth on Saturday, December 28. Known for their fun, powerful shows, Mudmen have been entertaining fans across the country with their unique blend of Celtic rock for over 25 years.
Originally called “The Campbell Brothers,” they have come a long way since they first caught the attention of EMI Records in 1993. Now made up of Robby and Sandy Campbell, Colin Amey, Andy Gingerich, Alex Showdra and Emmett Glancie, ......
PCC PresentsA Christmas Carol - theHumm November 2024
Get ready for a magical fall outing with Perth Community Choir’s presentation of A Christmas Carol, The Musical. This enchanting performance features beautiful music and melodies composed by Alan Menken, with lyrics by Lynn Ahrens. The production showcases a brilliant ensemble with a multi-age cast ranging from 8 to 76 years old, for which Perth Community Choir (PCC) has become well-known.
In her directing début for PCC, Director/Choreographer Kristen Widenmaier has eagerly awaited th......
Holly Jolly Art Show Coming to Perth - theHumm November 2024
Just in time for Christmas! For one weekend only — December 7 and 8 from 10am to 4pm — the Rideau Lakes Artists Association (RLAA) is presenting its holiday-themed Holly Jolly art show and sale. The show will feature a wide variety of original and affordable fine art, presented by more than 35 talented and accomplished artists.
Come immerse yourself in this beautifully curated display of fine art including original paintings, limited-edition prints and cards, handmade jewelle......
Kintail Country Christmas - theHumm November 2024
Save the date for this year’s fabulous holiday festivities at the Mill of Kintail Conservation Area, hosted by the Mississippi Valley Conservation Authority. Taking place on Saturday, December 14 from noon–6pm, Kintail Country Christmas will feature activities for endless family fun — horse-drawn carriage rides, photos with Santa, a woodland scavenger hunt, crafts, hot chocolate and much more!
For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit the MVCA website at ...more
The Human Rights - theHumm November 2024
If you’re looking for a musical experience that’ll make you feel like every little thing’s gonna be alright, come out and dig the roots-reggae vibes of The Human Rights on Friday, November 15 at The Cove Inn in Westport.
The Human Rights first came together in 2007, around the talents and vision of lead singer and Toronto reggae lion Friendlyness (Big Sugar, Culture Shock, Truth And Rights), drummer Eric Woolston (Maylee Todd, The Hooded Fang), versatile bassman Tyler Wagler, and the ba......
Winter Night Market Almonte is the Destination on November 28 - theHumm November 2024
Destination Almonte cordially invites everyone to come out to the Winter Night Market, taking place on Thursday, November 28 from 5–8pm. Shops in downtown Almonte will be open late, with live musical performances on Mill Street. You’ll also find sidewalk sales, vendor popups, street treats, a holiday photo-op, and lots of small-town fun. This is a wonderful way to visit all your favourite shopping and dining destinations in the friendly town.
New for 2024 — Mill Street sho......
Living Below the Line A Powerful Story of Poverty and Resilience - theHumm November 2024
On Friday, November 15 at 7pm, the Lanark Basic Income Network (LBIN) will host a special screening of Living Below the Line at the Studio Theatre in Perth. This powerful and moving filmed production is based on the lives and stories of individuals living in poverty in the Waterloo region. The play was co-created by Watercourse Theatre and fourteen individuals who shared their personal experiences with systemic poverty — tackling issues like stigma, resilience, and hope. The production originally débuted live in June 2022, with enthusiastic reception and nearly a thousand attendees in the......
GMC Gears up for Christmas - theHumm November 2024
The Christmas season just wouldn’t be the same without a choral concert or two, and the Goulbourn Male Chorus (GMC) is once more stepping up to the plate to offer their unique style and rich tones in a celebration of Christmas.
If you were among the 100 or so folks who attended their Mother’s Day/Spring concert performance a few months ago, you will know that a GMC concert isn’t just about men singing, but includes guest musicians and singers, audience participation, and of course o......
A Time for New Romance - theHumm November 2024
By Jessie Carson and Jenn Snider Cruise
Ah the classic romance novel… filled with drama, excitement, obsession, elation, heartbreak… the highs and lows of relationships. Who doesn’t love a good love story? Even though you may not consider yourself a reader of romance, romantic relationships have endured as a popular narrative force of fiction for generations. Lately, however, the romance genre has been undergoing a popular renaissance, and more and more writers are exploring genre-be......
Calling All Christmas Stocking Stuffers! - theHumm November 2024
It’s that time of year! The Lanark County Food Bank — The Hunger Stop is already preparing to put a little Christmas cheer in client’s homes with its 16th annual Sandy Cl......
Oct 19 - Nov 30 The Second Wife's Story -- Matheson Housewarming Party
Nov 5 - 8 Sex Please, We're Sixty
Nov 7 Paint Party: Adult Paint Nite
Nov 9 Perth WriterFest plus workshop on Short-Story Writing
Nov 9 - 10 MAG Art is Magic Show
Nov 9 - 10 Sex Please, We're Sixty
Nov 9 Snowflake Bazaar & Cookie Table
Nov 13 Christmas Urn Workshop
Nov 15 "The Sky's the Limit" MMLT Gala
Nov 16 - 17 Itty Bitty Art & Artisan Show
- Shane Belanger — Having a Whale of a Time
- Cabaret Extravaganza! Celebrating 5o Years of The Hub | Rebound
- The Beatles Come to St. Andrew’s United
- The Wizard is… Odd!? A Hilarious and Odd-ly Relatable Original Musical
- The Sky’s the Limit at MMLT’s Fundraising Gala
- Come to the Merrickville Makers Market!
- 10th Anniversary Show at Sivarulrasa Gallery!
- Library After Dark A Night of Music with Jeremy Lyall
- Showing the Local Love for the Holidays!
- I’m Not Imelda Marcos
