A Rossland theatre troupe that took the community by storm with its last production “Ski Bum: The Musical” is carving into its second season with a multi-disciplined arts evening that will help fund their passion to perform in the Golden City.
Iron Mountain Theatre – formed by R.J. Peters, Nadine Tremblay, Jane Gaudet and Mark Pollard – is raising money for it’s second season and newest show “Harms Way: The Untold Story of the Mennonite Mafia,” which hits the stage next year.
“We have had an amazing first season, the response from the communities we visited has been overwhelming. In one short year we have performed 52 shows and performed for more than 5,000 people,” explained Gaudet. “That being said, it’s very difficult for us as an arts’ organization to sustain ourselves on ticket sales alone – in fact it’s impossible. The truth is that we rely heavily on grants, fundraising, individual sponsorship and lots of volunteer hours from everyone involved.”
The theatre enthusiasts, who were looking for a platform to create new and original musical theatre, started up Iron Mountain Theatre to fulfill their goal. Most of its members are graduates of the Canadian College of Performing Arts in Victoria and they all share a passion to perform in their own backyards.
The fundraiser this Saturday leads with “White Star Lady: The Story of Violet Jessop,” the group’s first musical theatre production. The one-woman musical, performed by Gaudet, follows the true story of Violet Jessop, an employee of the White Star Line who survived the sinking of both the Titanic and Britannic.
Following the play on its heels will be a concert by Rossland’s “The Sons,” a three-piece rock/bluegrass ensemble led by Graham Tracey who’s accompanied by Gabe Gaudet and Jonathan Provencal.
The show will also include special performances by the casts of “Company Jump” and “Ski Bum” and will have artist Stephanie Gauvin on hand painting an original piece, which will be raffled off at the end of the night.
Sponsored by the Rossland Council for Arts and Culture, the show held at the Miner’s Hall Saturday will also have a bar and “soul soup” available for purchase.
Tickets for $20 a pop can be purchased at Rossland Pro Hardware or by calling 231-0851.
The doors will open at 7 p.m., with the first performance beginning at 7:30 p.m. For more information, visit www.ironmountaintheatre.ca