Amy Clark, a young pupil at MacKenzie School of Dance in Port Alberni, is happily anticipating her first dance performance this Sunday, June 10 at the Alberni District Secondary School (ADSS) Auditorium.
It is ironic, then, that her first dance in Ceilidh 2012 “Steps in Time” will be the last public performance to take place in the old theatre.
The ADSS Auditorium has been the mainstay of the performing arts in the Alberni Valley for decades. It has seen countless dance recitals, choir festivals, musical theatre productions, community celebrations and more, so it will be a little sad to say good-bye after Sunday’s 2 p.m. show.
Professional lighting technician Kelly Maloney of Vancouver grew up and made his start in the theatre business right here in the Valley. As a young teen, he was handling all the sound for MacKenzie School of Dance productions, and not much later, the lighting and special effects.
After graduating from Vancouver Island University’s theatre program, Maloney was off to Vancouver where he worked at the Vancouver Playhouse, Firehall Theatre and eventually in the film industry.
For this last hurrah for the theatre, Maloney is coming back to his roots to light one more recital.
In a whimsical exploration, from prehistoric, through the baroque period, the roaring ’20s right up to Michael Jackson’s Moonwalk, there’s something for every taste.
Join the dancers in giving the old ADSS Auditorium a royal send-off.
◆ STEPS IN TIME performs at the ADSS Auditorium Sunday, June 10, 2 p.m. Tickets: $10 ($8) at Rollin Arts, Echo Centre, Somass Drugs.