An Artistic Partnership That Delights the Senses

“RuBarb partnered with the Festival of Words for the world premier of ‘Sunshine Sketches of a Little Town’. This is the first time this musical is being brought to the stage and we’re happy to bring it during the Festival of Words”, says Evie Koop-Sawatzky. “I think it is very important that registered charities partner together rather than compete.” Sarah Simison, Executive Director of FoW agrees. “A lot of funders are recognizing that there are really interesting ways for organizations to collaborate.” Stephen Leacock’s iconic 1912 novel about the fictional Ontario Town of Mariposa has been transformed into a delightful musical. Creators Craig Cassils and Robin Richardson, both from Manitoba, were excited to be at the world premier of their work. Some things about small towns have stayed the same over the past century. People know each other well (sometimes too well) but they also help one another through times of trauma and disaster. Mariposa suffers a steamer sinking and a church fire all in one night. And, a love story saves the day. The music was most enjoyable, and Josh Carley amazingly provided all the accompaniment. The voices of the cast were well up to the challenge, with special kudos to Geoffrey Tyler, Julia Dunne, Stella Salido Porter, Marianne Woods, Ken Spencer, Preston Vendramin, and Felix LeBlanc. Their harmonies were clean and strong. Their solos were performed with personality and panache. The witty political undercurrent was well worth the price of admission. A perfect Saturday night entertainment for a perfect literary festival.