Prairie Post (West Edition)

Titanic: The Musical Story setting sail in southwest Alberta

- BY HEATHER CAMERON

Titanic: The Musical will set sail at the Yates Theater in Lethbridge from October 18-21.

Directed by southwest Alberta resident, Fran Rude, the musical is based on true stories of real people from the T itanic, while the movie was based on true events but fictionali­zed characters.

“You won't see Jack and Rose in this show, but the real stories are even more compelling and equally inspiring and heartbreak­ing,” Chelsea Sherbut from Lethbridge Seniors Centre Organizati­on (LSCO) said.

There are 42 cast members in the production who come in from across southwest Alberta, over 40 chorus members and an orchestra, with many cast members playing multiple parts.

Sherbut says that the cast and crew are pouring

hundreds, perhaps thousands, of volunteer hours into making this happen, and it is going to be spectacula­r. Titanic: The Musical is LSCO’s second production,

with the first being Jesus Christ Superstar in 2016, and Sherbut says that the organizati­on is absolutely thrilled to again participat­e in such an opportunit­y.

Rehearsals began in August and LSCO, Sherbut says, is responsibl­e for the business side of the show, which is sponsorshi­p, marketing, ticket sales, and front of house. The company, under the direction of Rude, is responsibl­e for all of the elements of the artistic side.

“This story still fascinates all of us to this day, and so many of the themes like class disparity, immigratio­n, and human innovation are still very contempora­ry,” Sherbut said.

Proceeds from the production, Sherbut said, will support the programs and services at LSCO, which includes Meals on Wheels, the Lethbridge Elder Abuse Response network, fitness and recreation programmin­g, community events and more.

“Keep an eye out; we have some exciting plans up our sleeve for getting the whole community to really have a feeling for what life was like in 1912,” Sherbut said. “I am in awe of what goes into putting on something like this.”

Tickets went on sale August 17 for $54 each. There will also be a $20 Student Educationa­l Preview at the dress rehearsal which takes place on Oct. 17 for students in grades 7-12. Parents are not permitted for that event but, teacher chaperones will be required.

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