This past week Peter Anderson’s nativity opened to very enthusiastic houses in the NAC Theatre. On Saturday afternoon, NAC English Theatre Artistic Director Peter Hinton joined the NAC English Theatre Company on stage in the production, Company member Marcel Jeannin having departed the show for personal reasons.

 

As of Saturday, Mr. Hinton will be playing the roles of Mak, Soldier and Roman Soldier. As Artistic Director, Mr. Hinton has been working with the production since the beginning, but in joining the cast he will be performing in his first on-stage role in 15 years.

 

“It’s fun for me at Christmas to be able to support one of our actors and, at the same time, share with our audience all the excitement and joy that I have for this production. I really look forward to acting again and hope people come out and see nativity,” said Mr. Hinton.

Mr. Hinton’s offer to step in at the last minute was met with an enthusiastic response from the NAC’s English Theatre Company. “Being part of the process, I am familiar with the show. I know what (playwright) Peter Anderson has in mind and what (director) Leah Cherniak sees for the production,” added Mr. Hinton. “On one level it was a real vote of confidence and on another, very practical because I could come in with little disturbance to the show, so the audience can really enjoy all the work these artists have contributed.”

The words the show must go on fit quite nicely -- Mr. Hinton has agreed to continue in this role for the remainder of the run. “With any repertory company, you have actors in town from four to seven months, which is a much longer than a typical engagement. And with the NAC being a national company, our members travel from all over the country -- so it’s not abnormal for this to happen,” said Mr. Hinton. “Unlike other companies, we don’t have understudies. As a part of the Company I am the understudy. We’re a Company. Being part of an ensemble of artists means being there for each other. We all support Marcel, whom we love.”

From shifty coyotes to a villainous King Herod, nativity features the NAC English Theatre Company playing 30 characters, performing nine songs (with original music by Composer Allen Cole). A rousing play for all ages and denominations, nativity explores the origins of the Christmas story with its universal appeal for peace, safety and a little comfort and joy.

There’s no better way to celebrate the season with the family than good cheer, music, dance and laughter - nativity is the holiday show you don’t want to miss!

Peter Hinton joins the NAC English Theatre Company onstage: Michael Blake, Patricia Cano, Réjean Cournoyer, Diane D’Aquila, Todd Duckworth, Randi Helmers, Ron Kennell, Jani Lauzon, Jean Leclerc, Alex McCooeye, Robert Persichini, Karen Robinson, Laara Sadiq, Michael Spencer-Davis, Joey Tremblay and introducing three young actors, Alexander Lamarre and Samantha Lin from Ottawa and Tara Renwick from Toronto.

Working with Director Leah Cherniak on this production are: Associate Director & Choreographer Dayna Tekatch; Musical Director/Composer Allen Cole; Set & Costume Designer Judith Bowden; Lighting Designer Jock Munro; Sound Designer Jesse Ash; Production Dramaturg Paula Danckert; Stage Manager Laurie Champagne; Assistant Stage Manager Rebecca Miller; and Production Stage Manager Michael Hart.

For ticket information, click on the NAC website at http://www.nac-cna.ca/en/theatre.

Embassy Hotel & Suites is proud to be the Official Hotel Partner for the National Arts Centre English Theatre.

-30-

For any information, please call:
Sean Fitzpatrick, Communications Officer,
National Arts Centre English Theatre
613-947-7000 ext. 389; cell: 613-899-9737
 e-mail: sfitzpat@nac-cna.ca
or visit the NAC website at www.nac-cna.ca