SMILE Theatre warms the soul at Tsiionkwanonhso:te

There is nothing more satisfying than staying in on a cold winter day and keeping warm under a blanket. But, residents of Tsiionkwanonhso:te were treated to something extra special on a wintry Jan. 28 with Fireside Songs brought by SMILE Theatre.

SMILE Theatre is a publicly funded traveling theatre group out of Toronto that specializes in bringing the theatre to people in hospitals and long term care facilities who can not make it out to a show. They put together 4 different shows a year and Tsiionkwanonso:te tries to bring every show each year.

Fireside Songs is a heartwarming, funny show filled with inspirational musicals and fantastic acting. Music is performed by Susan Cuthbert and Scott Pietrangelo. They sang familiar songs like Piano man, Mr. Bojangles and Jailhouse Rock and some originals that got the residents involved.

“It brings out the glamour instead of the everyday that they are used to,” said Teresa David, Activities Coordinator for Tsiionkwanonhso:te .

All the residents really enjoyed the show.

“I like all of it,” said residents Mrs. Chubb and Mrs. Jock. “Their singing was beautiful, they really do a good job in their acting.”

And the actors really enjoy getting to know their audiences.

“SMILE Theatre is so much more personal,” said performer Cuthbert. “I am used to the larger audiences, but here you can see the joy and the bringing back of memories. In a big theater you don’t see the effect you have on people, it is very fulfilling.”

Among the residents and community members were residents from Parisien Mannor located in Cornwall, ON. They are big fans of SMILE Theatre and welcome the invitation to come visit Tsiiokwanonhso:te to see the show.

Photo By Mary La France