May 2012
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Spirit of Newfoundland: I
Spirit of Newfoundland: even seagulls dream
Nunsense OPENS May 17th
Some Habits are Hard to Break!

Nunsense is one of the most successful Off-Broadway shows in the history of musical theatre and is one that Spirit of Newfoundland also toured in Ireland.  

Featuring a remarkable cast of zany nuns, this hysterical musical comedy is an adventure from start to finish. When botulism killed most of the order, there wasn’t enough money to bury them as Reverend Mother Superior (Sheila Williams), spent the money on a VCR and camcorder.  So the sisters have to pull off a burial fundraiser for the dead nuns who are stored in the freezer.  

This riotous revue packed with hilarious, show-stopping song and dance numbers also features Shelley Neville, Dana Parsons, Robyn Sears and Cheri Carroll. 

Opening Night is May 17, 2012.

ABBA: Gotta Get the Scoop!
BACK FOR A LIMITED TIME ONLY!
Our popular 2010 Summer show returns!

Back by popular demand, ABBA: Gotta Get the Scoop! is back for a limited number of performances! 


In true Spirit of Newfoundland style, this offbeat comedic musical review will have you listening to Abba in a whole new way. Behind the melodies that took over the world is the story of genius, heart break and bittersweet stardom. Come see the show, you gotta get the scoop!

Book early to avoid missing this opportunity!

May 23, 25, 30 (Please note: Show scheduled for May 26th has been cancelled)

Feelin' Groovy! A Musical Tribute to Simon & Garfunkel
Finished for 2012


 

Spirit of Newfoundland’s Feelin Groovy: A Musical Tribute to Simon & Garfunkel is co-written by Peter Halley and Deborah Wells-Smith. This musical comedy will also feature famous songs of other famous artists they shared the stage with throughout the ‘70s and ‘80s. It is a true Newfoundland take on the life and music of Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel, the most successful folk-rock duo of all time. Starring Sheila Williams, Dana Parsons, Darrin Martin, and Chris Ledrew and backed by a full house band featuring Boomer Stamp, Frank Fusari, Sandy Morris and Bill Brennan, follow the hilarious antics of Connie and Eileen as they try to find the true meanings behind the beautiful lyrics and melodies of the famous duo.

Big Night Revisited, June 16
Food, food, and more food!

Based on the popular movie Big Night, our event "Big Night Revisited" promises to be a celebration of fabulous food, music, atmosphere, and friends!

Mambo Italiano!!!!.....Soprano Shelley Neville promises to grace us with her presence on the stage to deliver a few songs.  The dinner preparation is being led by Adam Gollop, a seasoned competitive Chef formerly of the Cellar and  Restaurant 21.  

Dinner starts 7:00 PM. Cost is $75
"This is what the good life is about right???"

Limited tickets available, reserve early to avoid disappointment.

A Closer Walk With Patsy Cline - DINNER & SHOW
*****LAST SHOW JUNE 2******

The only show about Patsy Cline sanctioned by her Family!

The show chronicles the life of Patsy Cline, one of the all-time legends of country music in a blend of theatre and music for audiences of all ages to enjoy. Featuring 20 of her best known hits, including, “Just a Closer Walk with Thee,” “Faded Love,” and “Crazy,” A Closer Walk with Patsy Cline is sure to charm country music fans and non country music fans alike. You won’t want to miss this tribute to a dazzling star lost at the peak of her career.

Doors open at 6:30pm

Appetizers are served at 7:00pm

Tickets are $68.50 plus HST and gratuity

Last Show: June 2nd!

 

 

 

Sonny and Cher drop in on Simon and Garfunkel!
Telegram Review by Michael Gregory

Sonny and Cher drop in on Simon and Garfunkel



Dana Parsons and Sheila Williams perform as Sonny and Cher at the Spirit of Newfoundland’s show “Feelin’ Groovy — A Musical Tribute to Simon and Garfunkel.”  — Photo by Michael Gregory/Special to The Telegram

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dana Parsons and Sheila Williams perform as Sonny and Cher at the Spirit of Newfoundland’s show “Feelin’ Groovy — A Musical Tribute to Simon and Garfunkel.” — Photo by Michael Gregory/Special to The Telegram

 

Spirit of Newfoundland's new dinner theatre show a hit

 

Spirit of Newfoundland is serving up a dinner and groovy Simon and Garfunkel tribute not to be missed by fans of the 1960s singing/songwriting duo.

 

Spirit of Newfoundland has performed musical dinner theatre pieces for dignitaries from prime ministers to queens, but, as popular as it may be, its members have no issue playing for a packed house in the cosy Masonic Temple night after night.

 

My date and I attended the Aug. 23 showing of “Feelin’ Groovy — A Musical Tribute to Simon and Garfunkel.” The evening began with a delicious three-course meal prepared in-house, with the menu offering a selection of either oven-roasted chicken with a rosemary, garlic and thyme sherry reduction, or baked Newfoundland salt cod with bechamel sauce.

 

The mixed green salad appetizer was topped with a tangy Iceberg Vodka vinegarette, but both my date and I found there was too much dill garnish.

 

I chose the cod for the main course and found it to be a generous serving, served alongside dutchess potatoes and ginger-spiced carrots. My date had the chicken, which she described as “simple and delicious.” The meal overall was a delight, and was enjoyed by people at surrounding tables, judging by their empty plates.

 

The opening scene of the show began shortly after the meal ended, as actor Sheila Williams emerged onto a balcony to the right of the stage. Her character in the show is working on a PhD about Simon and Garfunkel. I thought her narrative was cheeky, upbeat and a good opening to the show.

 

Along with singer/actor Dana Parsons, Williams introduced each song in the show’s opening set with tidbits of information and the story of how the song came to be.

 

Paul Simon, played by Chris LeDrew, and Art Garfunkel, played by Darrin Martin, provided a packed set of some of the duo’s very best hits over the years.

 

The tunes “Scarborough Fair” and “Mrs. Robinson” were highlights of the night, with both performers in perfect harmony. At times the songs sounded close to the original versions, and Martin’s blond, curly wig added to this authenticity.

 

The crowd roared with laughter at the end of the first set when Williams and Parsons emerged from backstage as Sonny and Cher and performed a number together.

 

During the intermission, Newfoundland Screech cake with chocolate ganache was served with coffee and tea. I found the service throughout the entire evening outstanding, and servers were never too far away if we needed something.

 

My only criticism is that the show’s plot became lost and often confusing in the second set. All four actors emerged as themselves and, one by one, sang their favourite Simon and Garfunkel songs (I did, however, enjoy the atmosphere of this part, which was much more relaxed than a theatre show).

 

Williams then returned to the stage dressed in a convocation gown, said to have finished her dissertation, before returning later on as herself. I saw it as a small distraction from the overall impact of the performance.

 

Overall, the music and laughs were not lost on all of us who came to be entertained. As the night drew to a close, we were all on our feet and dancing between the tables. The talent and spirit of this theatre company should not be missed.

 

Chef Josh presents a new take on the Newfoundland Rum Cake
Yum Yum! Just like Tortuga of the Caribbean but our cake has Screech!

There's a promise of great Newfoundland ingredients in every meal served at our dinner & show...including Cod fish, iceberg gin, beets, carrots, chicken, chocolate and so much more!

Oh Canada! ...More Than Just Beavers
Ended for the season

Oh Canada.... More Than Just Beavers

A musical tribute that explores the music and culture of this great land of ours....pure Canadian! Join vibrant, comedic and big personality hosts Sheila Williams and Dana Parsons as they deliver hits from Shania Twain, Celine Dion, Anne Murray, Joni Mitchell, KD Lang, the Rankins and Great Big Sea, just to name a few. This two-act show that includes a dynamite band captures the music of our country through comedy, character impersonations and audience participation, complete with a three-course all-Canadian meal.

Oh Canada (2010) has ended for our brand new Summer Season 2011. Watch for possible re-showings in the near future!

Port and Wine Tasting
The perfect pre-dinner social!

Peter Halley & Shelley Neville on CBC Morning Show
A Special Musical Theatre Program in Labrador

Check out the interview online at this address:

http://www.cbc.ca/labradormorning/episodes/2011/08/02/summer-music-camp-in-labrador-west/

 

Looking for a Venue?
Bring Your Event to the Most Historic Building In Downtown St. John's.
Masonic Temple
 
The Masonic Temple is a stunning historic building that is available for:
Weddings, Concerts, Private Parties, Visit Art Exhibitions and of course performance of every kind. Now boasting a brand new state of the art kitchen. To find out more about our competitive rates and rental information call General Manager Paul Bugge at 579-3023
We've Moved!
The Masonic Temple - Our New Home

 

 

Masonic Temple - 6 Cathedral Street
SPIRIT OF NEWFOUNDLAND – New Owners of Masonic Temple

(Open for Bookings)

 

Spirit of Newfoundland is more than delighted to announce we are the proud owners of the historic Masonic Temple in downtown St. John’s. We are busy working on a plan that will be announced later but the focus will be to turn it into an elegant and accessible performing arts facility for the whole community. Until the full vision is announced we are taking bookings for all types of events.

  

The Masonic Temple is a historic and cultural treasure majestically positioned on a hill overlooking churches and the Courthouse. Visible from almost anywhere in downtown St. John’s, this 114 year old heritage structure is architecturally impressive with its neo Classical stylings boasting many towers with pediments, beautifully carved bricks, free-standing columns with globes, pilasters and detailed cornices. The interior is equally impressive with exceptional woodwork, ornate ceilings and pillars, an exceptional pipe organ and decorative plaster and archways. As the home of the internationally known fraternal Freemasons from 1896 - 2007, it is recognized as the largest brick fraternal meeting hall in the province.

 

While many people are familiar with the main floor of the Masonic Temple, the upper floor has been closed to regular traffic, being used only by the Masons who have been meeting there since it opened in 1896. That floor will soon be open to the public after some minor renovation.

 

Please call 579-3023 for a viewing or more information.

Available for Private Functions:

 

 

Newfoundland Showcase

 

A colorful vocal and theatrical stage show that features 4 vocalists, an exceptional band, celtic dancers and an irreverent host. We also boast the best Screech-In in the province. A quality night of great performance, fun and laughter.




Also Available:

Stucco in the 80's
Our Celtic Spirit... written in Crayon