Christmas Greetings!

First of all, congratulations to the cast and crew of Ethan Claymore by Norm Foster.  The play was very successful and people have stopped me in the streets and stores to comment on what a wonderful story this was, especially at this time of the year.  Ethan Claymore isn't a Christmas play, but it is set at Christmastime.  As is with most Norm Foster's scripts, there is laughter, warmth and always a life lesson.  Ethan's brother, Martin, was able to love and apologize his little brother Ethan for wrongs when they were young siblings and Ethan was able to return the love and forgive his brother, Martin for the way he treated him...throughout their lives.  As a "shadow being", Martin came back from the dead and was able to "heal" the many years of hate before "crossing over".  My wish for everyone who finds themself in a similar situation, is to pick up the phone...write an e-mail...send a letter and start reaching out and forgiving and getting back to loving while still living!

We have had an incredible season so far!  The rest of the season promises to continue in that same manner!  We have no intention of slowing down!  If We Are Women by Joanna Glass is in rehearsal and moving along beautifully.  The four actresses cast are fantastic and already, after three rehearsals, the bonding has begun.  But...be forewarned...this is "out of the box" for Sidekick, but we know our audiences are sophisticated enough to "handle" the content and especially the language.  This play also tells a story...an 18 year old daughter/granddaughter, her mother and her two grandmothers all come together to support the mother as she mourns the death of her partner.  We eavesdrop into the conversations in the present and into their insight for the future and their reflections of their pasts. 

The cast is:  Bernice Fehr is "Ruth"; Ellen Beck is "Rachel"; Emile Greene is "Jessica" and Monica Maito is "Polly".   We welcome Emile back to the stage.  She was "Sister Aloyisius" in Sidekick's "Doubt" and Bernice to the stage, finally after working backstage with me on several productions.  Newcomers to Sidekick are Ellen and Monica.  Also, I am working with a new Assistant Director, Darsey Meredith.  One always learns something new with every project...this time it's like a brand new start altogether!  I am very excited about this play and hope that you'll enjoy it and more importantly, accept the differences. 

We are 9 days away from Christmas Day.  A very exciting time of the year for millions of children of all ages!  I haven't spent Christmas in my home for 9 years and I am happy to report that I have a brand new tree, new ornaments, new decorations, a new beginning and it's the whole "Canadian" family here from Christmas Eve until Boxing Day!  We are all happy that our family Christmas gathering is back on track!

Sidekick had a Christmas gathering last night for members and it was well attended and everyone had a great time.   Lots of food, drink and laughter!  Even Santa paid us a visit bringing Kinder Eggs to all the children that were there.  Personally, I think we should have  "Christmas" get-together every month!!!  It was wonderful seeing some old faces along with the brand new ones. 

We all look forward to 2013 and what that will bring for Sidekick.  Since moving into the Tsawwassen Arts Centre, we have grown immensely and have no intentions of slowing that down!  We have three more productions scheduled for our 16th Season and look foward to seeing as many of you as possible at the shows.  You won't be disappointed!

From all of us to all of you, we wish you a Merry Christmas and A Very Happy, Healthy and Prosperous New Year.  To all of you that celebrate in other ways, all the very best!

My wish is that peace will prevail.  I, for one, am so very tired of the violence, the blood shed and the continuous wars that just go on and on and on.  If "man" can lay down his weapons for one day to respect and celebrate Christmas and the birth of Christ...why can't they just stay "down"?  Why do they have to be picked up again?  Can't we just please stop all this insanity in this world?  Children and teachers should not be gunned down in a civilized culture...in any culture!  Enough is enough.  Our prayers and our love are with all those victims.

Let's try to make the future a much better world to live in for our children...

Carroll