A Wackadoodle Mashup of Will’s Works Studio Theatre’s The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged) (revised) (again) - theHumm January 2025
A Wackadoodle Mashup of Will’s Works Studio Theatre’s The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged) (revised) (again) - theHumm January 2025
By Jane Stott
Not so much a play as a vaudeville performance, less a play than a wackadoodle mashup, this play within a play (a bit of a Hamlet reference there) is an innuendo-filled romp that gallops through 37 of the Bard’s finest in record time. And speaking of record time and Hamlet, in this production (where the three actors encourage lots of audience participation), once they complete their performance of Hamlet they notice they have a little extra time, so they do it faster, then faster again, and then backwards. This play is the 2nd longest running comedy in West End history for a reason — it is hilarious!
Director Chris Angel is a master of diplomacy. “Okay,” he says to actor Lara Klymko, “you get to take the ladder off stage in this scene, but I still want you sitting on her lap.” When this writer asked why he wanted to do this show, Chris replied “I love the madcap energy of the show, and part of the appeal of directing it was the challenge… seeing if I could channel that energy into something for audiences”.
Words yours truly would use to describe this play abound. Immersive. Physical. Bawdy. Unexpected. Colourful. Immersive in that the fourth wall disappears as the actors get their direction from the audience. Physical in how the actors never seem to stay still for more than a few seconds. Bawdy in the jokes that probably should not be repeated. Unexpected when Titus Andronicus is interpreted as a cooking show. Colourful when different coloured converse sneakers and red and green scarves are used to represent blood and vomit.
The three actors encourage lots of audience participation, including a round that has them shouting “Get thee to a nunnery” and “Maybe. Maybe not!” Kristy Tate Angel says you won’t be able to resist Karen, Lara and herself going full steam as they interact with numerous props — including plastic severed arms and foam swords. There is amazing energy between Kristy, Lara Klymko and Karen Bernique. Lara loves fast-paced physical comedy — “It’s visual, bypasses analysis, and goes straight for the laughter centre of the brain”. Karen wears knee pads because she is often on her knees either dying or crawling.
All three actors don and doff weird and wonderful costume accessories as they portray all the characters in Shakespeare’s canon. The canon — described by Webster as the authentic works of a writer, an authoritative list of books — is a huge tome of a book that is brought on stage with great pomp and circumstance and leafed through for reference with gusto.
The New York Times calls The Complete Works of William Shakespeare: “Pithier-than-Python parodies… Irresistible.” Time Out London says it’s: “Wig-flinging, wisecracking, twinkle-toed mayhem… Tirelessly funny and accessible.” And the Los Angeles Times reports that it is: “Ridiculously nutty. And foolish. And original.”
The Complete Works of William Shakespeare runs for eight performances. Opening night tickets are $19 on Thursday, January 23 with a 7:30pm curtain. Regular tickets are $24 (and only $12 for ages 30 and under!) for evening performances on January 24, 30 and 31, and for 2pm matinées on January 25 and 26, and February 1 and 2. Tickets are available from Tickets Please (TicketsPlease.ca, 485–6434) and at the door one hour before each performance.
Bryant Schwartz — Is It Art? - theHumm January 2025
By Sally Hansen
Art… and Soul
Our editor, Kris Riendeau, read an interesting and beautifully written article by Heather Atkinson in the December 5th edition of The Millstone describing the fate of her son’s metal sculptures. Her son is Bryant Schwartz, an auto mechanic and co-proprietor of Volkhaus Auto, an automotive parts and service business located on the east edge of Almonte.
A few months ago I wrote about pareidolia — the tendency to see faces or other patterns in response to an ambiguous visual stimu......
A Wackadoodle Mashup of Will’s Works Studio Theatre’s The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged) (revised) (again) - theHumm January 2025
By Jane Stott
Not so much a play as a vaudeville performance, less a play than a wackadoodle mashup, this play within a play (a bit of a Hamlet reference there) is an innuendo-filled romp that gallops through 37 of the Bard’s finest in record time. And speaking of record time and Hamlet, in this production (where the three actors encourage lots of audience participation), once they complete their performance of Hamlet they notice they have a little extra time, so they do it faster, then faster again, and the......
Warm Up Your Winter with the Sounds of Chamber Music - theHumm January 2025
By — Maureen Nevins is the Artistic Director of Almonte in Concert
Mark your calendars and be sure to join us for Almonte in Concert’s next two concerts!
On January 26 we welcome distinguished soloists, orchestral and chamber musicians Robert Uchida, Cameron Crozman and Philip Chiu as they come together to explore the rich and diverse repertoire for piano trio.
Robert Uchida, Concertmaster of the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra since 2013, has been praised for his for his “ravishing sound, eloquence and hypnotic intensity” (Strings Magazine......
Four New Books to Keep You Cozy ’til Spring - theHumm January 2025
By John Pigeau
In the fall of 1964, Anne Tyler’s first novel, If Morning Ever Comes, was published by the illustrious New York publishing house Alfred A. Knopf. The chief book critic for the New York Times, Orville Prescott, called the book “a brilliant first novel,” written by a “rarely talented” novelist who seemed to have been “born knowing how” to write. Other glowing reviews followed. Tyler was twenty-two years old. She was, it seemed clear, a literary wunderkind.
And now, she’s a literary legen......
The Mystery of the Human Voice - theHumm January 2025
Learning Again in Almonte presents “The Mystery of the Human Voice” — four classes about the science of the voice and the sublime sounds it can create.
Instructor Dr. Mark Wilkinson is a man well versed in this subject. As a baritone soloist he has performed across North America, and as a scholar he holds a Doctor of Musical Arts degree in Voice Performance and the Singing Health Specialist certificate from The Ohio State University. He is a pure delight as a teacher and in demand......
Road Warrior: Jack de Keyzer at The Cove - theHumm January 2025
By Seamus Cowan
Acclaimed guitarist, singer, songwriter, band leader and producer Jack de Keyzer rarely sits still. With 12 records, 1 DVD, 2 JUNOs and 7 Maple Blues Awards, de Keyzer delivers the goods wherever and whenever he plays. He has performed with the likes of Bob Dylan, Etta James, Otis Rush, John Hammond Jr., Ronnie Hawkins, Duke Robillard, Ronnie Hawkins, Bo Diddley and Blue Rodeo. He usually plays over 100 shows a year, and his music is steeped in Chicago blues, London England blues rock, Detroit ......
Back Forty Winterland - theHumm January 2025
Winterland 2025 invites visitors to experience the season at its finest. Hosted by Back Forty Artisan Cheese, this annual event has become a cherished destination for those who appreciate artisan cheese, exceptional food, and the beauty of the outdoors.
Taking place on Saturday, February 15 from 11am to 5pm at the Back Forty farm in Mississippi Station, the event promises a day filled with winter activities and relaxation. Guests can explore the snowy trails, gather around a roaring fire, ......
Lunar New Year 2025 Celebrate with Food, Fun, and Family Activities - theHumm January 2025
Come on out for a vibrant and unforgettable celebration of Lunar New Year in the heart of Perth. On Saturday, February 1, from 11am to 4pm, Code’s Mill (7 Wilson St. E) will come alive with a fantastic fusion of food, culture, and fun for the whole family.
Delicious international cuisine will be available — savour a blend of Korean, Filipino, Vietnamese and Chinese food, crafted to tantalize all taste buds. Family-friendly activities will engage the little ones with games, crafts, and exciting pr......
There Goes the Bride… Hilarious British Farce Starts the Season at The Station Theatre - theHumm January 2025
There Goes the Bride by Ray Cooney and John Chapman is the first play in the Smiths Falls Community Theatre’s 2025 season. This comedy is set in the London home of the Westerbys on the morning of their daughter’s wedding.
Timothy Westerby is determined to give his daughter Judy a wonderful wedding, even if his business and health worries are more prominently on his mind. He has been more and more absentminded lately, and his wife Ursula is getting quite worried a......
A New Year’s Letter from Mom - theHumm January 2025
By Scott Hortop
In January 1991, at age 71, my stoic Mom died too early of lung cancer. Dad and five kids, spread about the planet, were left wondering.
Thirty-two years later, working through some of my own climate grief, I have imagined a late-stage letter, juxtaposed as if penned not by my Mom in 1991, but instead by Mother Earth, by Mother Nature, writing to her family in 2025.
Kids, Bob,
I know you are all busy with your lives, but I am quite concerned about what is happening to m......
In Praise of Volunteers - theHumm January 2025
By David Hinks
We had the land. We had the equipment. Now we needed the people.
The Lanark County Food Bank was approached in the fall of 2020 by landowners in Blakeney offering to donate two acres for the Food Bank to grow food. After getting approvals all-around, an eight-year lease was signed and we had land and a barn. A neighbouring farmer plowed and tilled the land, but the only tools we had were shovels and rakes. However, the stars lined up and we got $30,000 in federal Covid money th......
A Play with a Difference A Staged Reading for the Friends of the Library - theHumm January 2025
By Glenda Jones
On April 26, the Friends of the Mississippi Mills Public Library will be presenting playwright Jackie Bennett’s original play Get What You Need as a staged reading. There are roles for 6 men and 6 women in this light-hearted look at volunteer fundraisers who hire the Rolling Stones to keep their church afloat.
On January 29 from 2–8pm, Jackie will be at the Almonte library to hold auditions. Whether you’re new to acting or have done it for years, all comers are welcome. To book an audition time, or for more information, please contact Jackie Bennett at 905–751–3251 or email
Two February Shows at Sivarulrasa Gallery - theHumm January 2025
From February 8 to March 14, Sivarulrasa Gallery will present two new exhibitions. To kick things off, they are hosting a combined Vernissage/Artists reception on Saturday, February 8.
Elizabeth Desrosier: Looking In will run in Gallery I. Raised in Almonte, and currently based in Ottawa, Elizabeth earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from the University of Ottawa in 2021. Her practice re-imagines local neighbourhoods and passing moments in day-to-day life to ......
Signs of the Time at the Textile Museum - theHumm January 2025
A new year signals a new exhibit at the Mississippi Valley Textile Museum (MVTM). Signs of the Time by award-winning Latvian artist Egils Rozenbergs will be on display from January 18 to April 5. The vernissage will take place on Saturday, January 18 from 2–4pm. The exhibition is dedicated to the interesting and dynamic times in which we live. Each era has its own signs and symbols, and through these tapestries Rozenbergs tries to find those which are characteristic of our time.
R......
A Community Fund is Coming to Mississippi Mills - theHumm January 2025
By Margaret Miller
Join your friends and neighbours to explore the Mississippi Mills Community Fund, coming our way in 2025!
Community Foundations were initiated 100 years ago in Cleveland Ohio. Since then, they have spread throughout the US, Canada and the world. Their mission is to attract donors and use funds donated to help local charities meet the specific needs of their communities. There are now over 200 Community Foundations in Canada. In 1986, the Community Foundation of Ottawa ocf-fco.ca was founded, and they have been instrumental in the deve......
All You Need is Love A Fundraiser to Support the PDCF Community Granting Fund - theHumm January 2025
This year, the Perth and District Community Foundation (PDCF) is distributing more money than ever before in Community Grants. In January, 29 grants totaling over $300,000 will be distributed.
Historical book preservation, emergency shelter creation, a community dog park, hospice care, services for homeless youth, writing workshops, and free recreation programs for children are just a few of the projects that PDCF grants support. Community Grants touch the lives of many.
To celebrate th......
Women in Music Amazing Concert Coming to Carleton Place - theHumm January 2025
The Town of Carleton Place invites you to celebrate Internation Women’s Day at the Women In Music Concert on Saturday, March 1 at the historic Carleton Place Town Hall Auditorium. This will be an unforgettable evening of music and storytelling featuring JUNO award-winning artist Kellylee Evans with special guests Vicki Brittle and Cait Porteous.
2018 JUNO nominee Kellylee Evans is a high-octane, chameleon-like performer whose natural charm and improvisational vocal ......
Valley Youth Singers - theHumm January 2025
By Helen Rutledge
As Dr. Seuss said: “Think left and think right and think low and think high. Oh, the thinks you can think up if only you try!”
We can’t be sure, but maybe Dr. Seuss was thinking about children and the joy of singing when he spoke about thinking low and high. The Valley Youth Singers think of fun, teamwork and music education all rolled into wonderful experiences for kids!
On December 8, 2024, the Valley Youth Singers had their first concert in Perth, and they are now preparing for their next term starting in February. This wonderful children’s choir is led by Alana Cliffen, a musi......
SRO Big Band Tea Dance - theHumm January 2025
On Sunday, January 19, the classic big band Standing Room Only (SRO) with guest vocalist Helen Glover will stage the next in its series of Sunday afternoon “tea dances” for ballroom and swing dancers. The dances are held in the historic Almonte Old Town Hall at 14 Bridge Street.
Tea dances are afternoon dances that were popular in the 20s, 30s, and 40s, when big bands were king. They were held in hotels and, of course, featured a live band. As implied by “tea”, beverages were ......
To All of You: Songs of Remembering A Winter Concert by the River Resonance Choir - theHumm January 2025
River Resonance is quickly becoming a notable Perth choir, known mostly for their singing on the shores of Otty Lake to an audience of neighbours and friends listening from the water on their kayaks, canoes, stand up boards and motorboats! They began singing together in 2019, and just as they began, Covid halted them. They are finally up and running in full force once again.
On Saturday February 1 at 11am, you can hear them in a more conventional setting, at St. Paul’s United Church as they sing Songs of Remembering, including a world premiere of a new piece — To All of You — by Phil ......
Frost & Fire in Perth Winter Festival on Family Day Weekend - theHumm January 2025
Perth Tourism is thrilled to present the Frost & Fire Winter Festival, happening on Saturday, February 15 as part of Family Day Weekend.
This year’s festival promises an unforgettable day packed with activities for all ages. From thrilling outdoor adventures to cozy indoor experiences, Frost & Fire has something for everyone. Events and attractions will take place throughout Perth, both indoors and outdoors.
Dive into the fun with outdoor laser tag and axe throwing,......
2025 Art House Music Series in CP - theHumm January 2025
Hosts Mel and Don Bray are excited to start the 2025 Art House Music Series off with the fabulous folk singer/songwriter Vicki Brittle. On Thursday, January 30, come on out to the Carleton Place Gallery and immerse yourself in a fantastic evening as music and art collide in the first concert of this series featuring top musicians and artists from surrounding areas.
Blessed with a soulful voice that pairs perfectly with her willingness to fully put herself into her songs, Vicki Brittle effort......
The Birth of a Business - theHumm January 2025
By — Yvonne Harrington is the owner and curator of The Gift Boutique, located at 348 Honeyborne Street in Almonte. Open Monday through Wednesday appointment, Thursday and Friday from 10–5 and Saturday fr
Why do businesses begin? What is the impetus behind a start-up? There are many reasons. Mine were simple.
My husband was given an incurable, progressive disease diagnosis with a short-lived prognosis. He delighted those he loved with his desire to live longer than expected. During this very trying time, a friend suggested that I needed something outside of the caring for my husband, something that would bring me joy.
And thus my home-based business, The Gift Boutique, wa......
Get Back in that Box! - theHumm January 2025
By Glenda Jones
Here comes your newest electronic gadget — packed tightly in its box, nestled in Styrofoam, molded cardboard, wrapped in plastic, taped on all four sides. Ah, the excitement of getting it out! Bits and bobs fly everywhere as cords, casings, batteries and assorted parts are strewn on the counter. There’s more wrapping than actual item in that box. It’s very tempting to simply gather it all in a heap and toss it. But wait! If it doesn’t work, did you read that tiny line that says it has to be returned in......
Summer PositionsAt Camp Lau-Ren - theHumm January 2025
By Bruce Patterson
Camp Lau-Ren is a children’s sleep-away camp located just west of Deep River, Ontario. It is a summer camp of the United Church of Canada and is accredited by the Ontario Camps Association. Children and youth from ages 6–16 have been going to Camp Lau-Ren since 1952.
The 2024 summer camp season had barely ended when Camp Lau-Ren Executive Director Steve McCulloch’s thoughts turned to planning for 2025. At the conclusion of the 2024 meeting with camp directors, challenges and successes of the summer were reviewed and preparations for the next summer began.
With online registr......
Fiona Stevenson Knitting Community, Creativity, and Connection - theHumm January 2025
By Kim Lulashnyk
For Fiona Stevenson, knitting is much more than a craft — it’s a way to connect with creativity, community, and even to herself. Her journey into fibre arts is one of rediscovery, resilience, and a lifelong love for making and community.
Since moving to Newboro, Fiona has created spaces for knitters to connect. She founded The SheepOver, a weekend Fibre Fest featuring a Fibre Market and classes at Stone Manor Studios. A large group of knitters even took over the historic Poplars Resort, likening the ......
Café 349 Launches Gallery Season - theHumm January 2025
On January 6, Café 349 opened its doors in Shawville with the first of its new series of monthly exhibitions featuring well known textile artists Meredith Filshie, Nancy Garrard, Wendo Van Essen and Karen Samanski.
This first show of the year, Leaving Marks III, is a dynamic collection of fibre art that lights up the room with a wide array of colours, textures and diverse techniques.
Each artist has a unique style. Karen draws inspiration from the results of indigo and walnut dying; Nancy is f......
Beat the Winter Bluesat MERA! - theHumm January 2025
This winter, MERA has plenty of fun activities for all ages. Come out to 974 Dalhousie Conc. 9A in McDonalds Corners to stay connected to your community.
The Saturday Café returns to MERA in the new year! From 9am to 1pm each week, everyone is invited to come for a $2 cup of coffee as well as soup and a bun for $5. Children’s activities will be available.
The Speaker Series also returns, featuring seven local artists and craftspeople who excel in their fields. Talks are scheduled from January 23 to March 6. Cozy up at home, as the Speaker Series will be held via Zoom on Thursday ......
Call to Artists - theHumm January 2025
Arts Carleton Place (ACP) is celebrating its 20th anniversary by hosting a 3-stop art exhibition for its Fine Art Show & Sale, with stops at the Art Hub Gallery, the Carleton Place Canoe Club and the Carleton Place Arena, as well as a Friday night “pARTy” with coffee, tea and cake. ACP is looking for 55-60 talented artists for their Fine Art Show & Sale, which takes place from May 3–5.
This year’s show will again be a juried show. Artists may be assigned a venue based on art form (e.g. abstract art) so that artists producing the same form are not all at the same venue. The jud......
Reconciliation Through Art Now on YouTube - theHumm January 2025
Reconciliation Through Art was a unique and uplifting event that took place at the Mississippi Valley Textile Museum in Almonte this past fall. It united communities through art, performances, di......
Escape Reality at the Library! - theHumm January 2025
The Friends of the Mississippi Mills Public Library have joined forces with The Escape Reality Company to bring you a unique, interactive, upcycled art experience similar to an escape room. There......
Feb 8 Meet the Artists
Feb 15 Back Forty Winterland
Feb 15 Frost & Fire Winter Festival
Feb 15 All You Need is Love Mix and Mingle Dance
Feb 28 Miss Emily Band
Mar 21 JW Jones Band
Apr 5 Maria Doyle Kennedy
Apr 18 Brooks & Bowskill
- Bryant Schwartz — Is It Art?
- A Wackadoodle Mashup of Will’s Works Studio Theatre’s The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged) (revised) (again)
- Warm Up Your Winter with the Sounds of Chamber Music
- Four New Books to Keep You Cozy ’til Spring
- The Mystery of the Human Voice
- Road Warrior: Jack de Keyzer at The Cove
- Back Forty Winterland
- Lunar New Year 2025 Celebrate with Food, Fun, and Family Activities
- There Goes the Bride… Hilarious British Farce Starts the Season at The Station Theatre
- A New Year’s Letter from Mom
