The Mimosa 4-H drama club is just one more of the town’s well-kept secrets.
But for nearly 15 years, the local 4-H youth interested in something other than livestock or homemaking skills have been meeting at Mimosa United Church to practice and perform material ranging from short plays to full length musicals.
Almost every summer, the group has transformed the old horse shed behind the stone church on County Road 26 into a rustic theatre venue. Last August, the group put on a full length musical of Oz. The two years when there were no summer shows, the group performed Christmas shows in December in the church sanctuary.
In addition to those shows in 2001, the group was chosen by the Canadian 4-H Council (since it was the largest 4-H drama group in Canada), to produce and be filmed professionally for The Barn Dance public service announcement that aired throughout Canada.
Unfortunately it wasn’t seen as often in Ontario as it was in British Columbia and Alberta, but it was a great experience for the nearly 45 members that participated.
Again in 2010 the members are presenting a Christmas black light show. In producing a black light show it is necessary to have a professional type theatre because the production requires complete blackouts. Any phantom light destroys the magical effect of the black light and fluorescent costuming and props.
So, the troupe has chosen to perform in Century Church theatre in Hillsburgh.
Currently, there are about 36 drama club members ranging in age from 9 to 22. There have been a few additions in the form of younger brothers and sisters who were recruited to fit certain costume assignments.
This 4-H Black light program is the first of its kind in Canada. Inspiration came from the Famous People Players troupe in Toronto. Those players dress in black wearing hoods. All numbers are performed in the dark and the only illumination is through black fluorescent tubes. The Black light illuminates the costumes and props that have been painted with fluorescent materials. During any number there may be from 5 to 25 actors on the stage, manipulating the props. It is a musical combination of dance, movement, light, art, story telling, drama and magic.
The Christmas program, Playing In The Dark 2, has 18 magical vignettes for all ages, including a few Christmas numbers. Tickets are $5.
The shows are Dec. 18 at 2 and 7pm, and only 130 tickets are available per show. To reserve a ticket call 519-855-4201 .
