The Northern Lights have seen queer sights, but the queerest they might ever see is Heartwood's spring season opener — "The Cremation of Sam McGee."
On Feb. 15 at 7:30 p.m., Christine Hanson's multimedia production of Robert Service's epic poem will be centre stage at the Nancy Appleby Theatre, featuring artistic backdrops of Ted Harrison's work and the sounds of Hanson's Sam McGee Suite in six movements.
Heartwood Folk Club member and season's pass agent Harvey Scott said this show will make for a great start to the season.
"It should be a marvellous and unique show," Scott said.
Longtime Heartwood supporter and program director Peter Opryshko said he is excited that the club is trying something different.
"Up until now, we've had primarily performers doing much of their own materials," he said. "(This show) is three mediums: the poem itself of Robert Service, the music created to support this and the video. It's a new experiment."
He pointed out that Service's poetry is popular with Canadians, and many people from Athabasca are familiar with his works, as well.
"Robert Service definitely passed through Athabasca," he said. "We have a physical connection to the creator."
According to a Heartwood Folk Club press release, Hanson — whose spring 2018 show was cancelled due to illness — is returning to Athabasca after a fall 2014 performance. The release states she lives in Sherwood Park after having spent time living in Glasgow and the Yukon. She also has classical cello training from the University of Alberta and jazz-focused guitar training.
In a Heartwood press release, Wayne Brehaut pointed out that Service visited Athabasca, and he wrote the poems "The Man from Athabaska" and "Athabaska Dick."
Brehaut states that in addition to his work as a painter, Harrison — who passed away in 2015 — wrote several children’s books and illustrated both “The Cremation of Sam McGee” and “The Shooting of Dan McGrew” by Robert Service. He was also awarded a honourary doctorate from Athabasca University in 1991.
"Our show will feature a six local players of Christine’s usual eight-piece band," Brehaut also wrote. "That includes Allison Granger and Ivonne Hernandez on fiddle, Audrey Ochoa’s trombone, Dana Wylie on keys, bassist Josh McHan, percussionist Daniel Stadnicki, Mo Lefever on acoustic guitar and Jamie Philp on electric guitar and mandolin."
Opryshko pointed out that the Heartwood Folk Club has morphed into a regular event over the years, with regulars and people who look forward to the shows. He said that as per usual, a community group is doing snacks during half-time for donations.
He added he hopes the club is still giving the community what it wants to see and hear.
"I'm kind of excited that we're starting a new season," Opryshko said. "I'm hoping that the experiment works, and I'm hopeful that we'll have the usual good support of the town and the surrounding areas. I hope it works."
Tickets can be purchased at Value Drug Mart or Whispering Hills Fuels in Athabasca for $27 or at the door of the show for $31. Season's passes are also available until Feb. 15 for $99 each.
— With files from Robbie Chernish
