Opeongo Opera

The Opeongo Opera. The what? It’s a musical and stage celebration of Ottawa Valley stories and storytelling by the good and very talented people who live in the Valley, and all who care to visit, like me.

Graphic from Stone Fence Theatre

Opera is a new tradition going back a few years ago to the founding of Stone Fence Theatre. But the tradition of music making and kitchen parties goes back over a 150 years of settlement.

Eleven performers graced the stage including well known singer-songwriters Ken Ramsden (aka Rev. Ken) and Terry McLeish, and newcomer, 13 year old Emma March, Ontario fiddle champion (18 and under). The cast backed up by three musicians including Opera director, co-writer and theatre founder Ish Theilheimer.

And kitchen party probably best describes this production as everyone first has a healthy church-style dinner of local roast beef and fresh veggies served by up volunteers, and a long intermission to give the audience time for a fresh pie dessert and coffee. There is a bar.

The night I attended stories, songs, skits and (some) silliness were presented with skill to a near capacity audience at the Eganville Community Centre. (The location varies over the season). The hall is laid out with the stage along the long wall so everyone has a good view. Basic lighting and sound system enhance the experience.

For storytellers and lovers of the music and lore of the Ottawa Valley, there are still performances of the Opeongo Opera to come, well into October. Check out the Theatre website.

The name Opeongo comes from the Algonquian word opeauwingauk meaning “sandy narrows”. The Opeongo Line was the original settlement road started in 1954, into the Ottawa Valley area south of present day Algonguin Park.

p.s. This post is not meant to be a comprehensive review. But having seen the show last weekend I did enjoy it. And on the drive up (from Ottawa), the fall leaves will be spectacular over the next few weeks —  guaranteed.