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July 03, 2009July 3rd – Dinner Theatre – $39 per person
“O Canada! Our home and native land!”
We are proud to be Canadian and we feel extremely fortunate to live on Vancouver Island. However, Canada Day celebrations at merridale ciderworks will be held on July 3rd this year. Why? “So our Cowichan Valley residents and guests may join us on the weekend to see some amazing Vancouver Island talent”, states Janet Docherty, one of the owners at merridale ciderworks. “We want to celebrate the richness of our country and our region by paying tribute to the arts and foods that are in such abundance on our Island. We are offering a line up of entertainment mixed with good food and drink to the merridale back stage Friday, daytime and evening”.
During the day, you can visit for tours and tastings, but at 2:00 Elizabeth Levinson, writer, and foodie will be on site for the book signing of her third edition of “An Edible Journey: Exploring the Islands’ Fine Foods, Farms and Vineyards”. Elizabeth has sought out and accumulated all of the artisan food and beverage producers on Vancouver Island in this entertaining guide. Merridale is thrilled to have such a wonderful local foodie at the ciderhouse. “The wine and culinary scene is exploding on Vancouver Island”, said Rick Pipes, the other owner at merridale. “What better way to bring attention to this new industry than by having Elizabeth here to share in our celebrations”.
The festivities continue into the evening with dinner theatre performances. “Four Stories: Pieces From Our Past” is 4 short plays rich in Vancouver Island history taking place at the turn of the 20th century. The Bamberton Historical Society joined forces with the Seeds and Salt Theatre Company to create this historical theatre production. The stories focus on the men and women who, swept up by their passions, were keys to the history of our region featuring 4 different plays that are not only Canadian, but are rich in Vancouver Island history. The plays include a variety of characters, heroic deeds; intrigue, love, and humor that will make you laugh as well as tug at your heart.
The stories are all based on historical fact but are completely separate from one other. One deals with the culture shock of coming to a raw new land called Shawnigan. Another focuses on a young female teacher sent to teach in a remote logging community. The 1887 mine disaster in Nanaimo and the coal workers strike in 1912 are the theme of the other two.
“It’s amazing how relevant the ups and downs of life 100 years ago are to today. The fundamentals of human nature haven’t changed; just like the pioneers, we must find the courage and perseverance to weather life’s challenges.” comments Michelle Alexander, the artistic director for the plays. “My hope is that audiences will walk away from this production with a knowledge and appreciation of Vancouver Island they didn’t previously have”. Many people appreciate the landscape and peaceful lifestyle that can be found on Vancouver Island but Canada Day is a perfect time to remind ourselves of those people that created all we have to enjoy today, says Rick Pipes. “This is our history, we need to cherish it.”
The dinner begins at 5:30, and will be served on Tuscan platters at long tables in the bistro.
At 7:00, guests will be escorted onto the back deck to watch the plays, and children are welcome. Bring a sweater in case of chill, but overhead heaters and blankets are provided for warmth too. Dinner and theatre is offered at $39 per person, and half price for children under 10.
Vegetable and Herb Linguini Bolognese
Shrimp and Salmon Pasta Shells
with Provencal Tomato and Olive Oil Dressing
Spicy Chorizo and Chicken Macaroni
with Cream Sauce
Organic Greens with House Cider Apple Dressing
Brick Oven Garlic Toast
Dessert
Apple Strudel with Cinnamon Vanilla Cream