Actor finds love on stage

Rosebud School of Arts

 

It’s been a busy spring for Bragg Creek actor Kendra Hutchinson.

In addition to wrapping up her final year at Rosebud School of the Arts (RSA), she’s performing in Rosebud Theatre’s hit comedy We Won’t Pay! We Won’t Pay!, and in case that wasn’t enough, she’s also trying her hand at producing.

For her debut in the producer’s seat, Hutchinson is producing Ten Times Two by David Belke.  The story follows Ephraim, a man damned to wander the earth forever, as he attempts to make Constance, a mortal woman, fall in love with him.  “First and foremost it’s a love story,” Hutchinson says.  “It starts in a fairytale-esque fashion but it changes into something real.” Hutchinson is also performing in the play as Constance, and the challenge of playing the same woman through 10 different reincarnations is one she’s looking forward to.

“I’m excited for the challenge of playing so many characters,” she says.  “They are all very different but they all have Constance at their cores. It’s the different circumstances that alter her attitude.”

As for the new adventure of producing, Hutchinson says, “It is a challenging thing for me, as I prefer being told what to do and it’s hard to be the person doing the telling.”

Each student must produce a final project before they graduate from RSA, but the hard work is worth the effort.

As Hutchinson says, “It’s great seeing a show come together.”

Director Mark Lewandowski is enjoying the process of bringing this love story to life as well.

“It’s interesting as I don’t really believe in the soul-mate concept. Certainly there’s attraction, but love is a choice,” he says.  “This play does make some interesting comments about that, and does support that idea that love is more than just sudden thing. It grows and takes work and depending on the baggage we carry, it may not be possible.”

 Ten Times Two by David Belke runs at the Rosebud Studio Stage May 2-3, with performances at 1:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. both days. Tickets are $10 and can be booked through Little Country Blessings or over the phone at (403) 677-2271.

Akokiniskway Art Gallery features Alberta Painter

Shades of the Earth is the featured art show on display at the Akokiniskway Art Gallery until May 15. The 20 oil paintings from countries such as England, Israel, Africa, Egypt, India, Tibet, Indonesia and Peru are the inspiration of Rimbey’s Sandra Peacock, who wanted to create a series of paintings that reflect a variety of the world’s people in their natural environment.

“I have always had a love for art and been fascinated by people and their faces, particularly the eyes,” says Peacock, a mother of four. “This show was a significant challenge considering my first priority is raising our four children. What makes it special for me is that it combines the beauty of everyday people from around the world in their natural surroundings. Most of these people would never consider themselves outstanding, but when I look at them, I see the sweet simplicity of man. I have tried to capture their uniqueness as well as God’s splendour in his exquisite creation with the hopes of stirring the hearts of those who see my work.”