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PRINCESS IDA - Buxton, Derbyshire, UK, International Gilbert & Sullivan Festival, Aug 15, 2006
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PRINCESS IDA - August 15 in Buxton, Derbyshire, UK at the International Gilbert & Sullivan Festival
For Immediate Release
September 11, 2006
BACK FROM BUXTON – THREE AWARDS IN HAND
ABBOTSFORD, BC
Not only has Fraser Valley Stage remained the first and only Canadian group to participate in the International Gilbert and Sullivan Festival in Buxton England, but the second time around proved to be lucky as they recently arrived home with numerous nominations and three prestigious awards.
After spending months refining their performance of Princess Ida which was performed
by the society in the spring of 2005 in Abbotsford, approximately 70 cast and crew
traveled to Buxton, England in mid-August to perform Princess Ida in this world
renowned competitive festival. The infamous Buxton Opera House set the stage and the
storyline of Princess Ida took the audience members back in time to the medieval days
of kings and queens – all with a twist of women’s lib.
The society received nominations in five categories - Best Chorus, Best Concerted Item,
Best Character Actor, Best Animated Chorus and Most Traditional Opera and won in
three categories – Best Supporting Actor, Best Female Voice and also the Adjudicator
award for Best Costumes.
Realtor by day, actor and singer by night, Abbotsford realtor Charles Wiebe brought
home the top award for Best Supporting Actor in his role of Florian. “What an honour it is
to receive this award,” says Charles Wiebe. “It was a great experience performing in
Buxton at the phenomenal opera house in front of such a wonderful audience; winning
this award, really just tops it off.”
Gwen Boylan, soprano won for Best Female Voice in her role of Princess Ida and is
currently living in Germany with upcoming auditions in Paris, Brussels, and Munich. “Working with the society and performing at the festival was a true delight,” says Gwen
Boylan. “I am truly honoured to win this award – what a great surprise.”
Congratulations are also in order for Joan Byrne, Linda Saunders and the entire society
who won for Best Costumes. Many hours of designing, sewing and stitching went into
the costumes as they were all designed and made by members of Fraser Valley Stage.
The beautiful details and brilliant colours lit up the stage in Buxton.
Back in Abbotsford, Fraser Valley Stage is preparing for another busy theatre season and will be bringing a variety of performances to the stage this year.