VINTAgE NEWS P.8 - The Grapevine

WHO’S WHOTRACY CHURCHILL:10 The GrapevineJune 27 - July 11, 2013One evening, I met a wonderful lady. Shewas rehearsing for the play Steel Magnolias,and I had been called in to help prompt thecast. She walked into the rehearsal roomand was bubbling over with happiness abouta pair of shoes she’d found to wear in theplay. I’ve never seen someone that excitedabout shoes, and it was infectious. Everyonein the room started laughing and hugging,our eyes were dancing and our hands wereshaking, and this wonderful woman was toblame. And dear me, I’ve lost count of howmany times she’s done this and I’ve beenthere to witness it.Her name is Tracy Churchill. That’s hermarried name; her legal name is way toolong to print. She is from the Apple Capitaltown of Berwick (pronounced Ber’k). She currently lives in Kentville with her super-awesomeand handsome husband and adorable daughters. Tracy graduated from the University ofAlberta with a BA in English Literature, and will someday return to get her BEd. But fornow, Tracy works part time for Purolator Delivery Service. She started with them because itoffered her enough work and enough time with her family. She loves serving her customersbut most of all she loves being involved with Purolator’s Tackle Hunger Program, aimed atstocking the shelves of local food banks. You can drop off donations to the depot in Kentville,if you’re interested…it’ll take just five minutes of your time.Tracy is very active in community theatre. She is a theatre junkie and loves every minute ofputting a show together. Tracy has worked with Quick as a Wink Theatre, Valley Ghost Walksand Stage Prophets, but she primarily does shows with CentreStage, in Kentville. After rolesin Marion Bridge, Chapter Two, Pride and Prejudice, Steel Magnolias, and Little Women, Tracydecided to step into a different role, that of director for the Stewart Lemoine mystery EvelynStrange.After I had done many comedic roles, Tracy approached me about taking on my firstdramatic role in Evelyn Strange. I was petrified. There was never a moment when she didn’tbelieve I could do it, and her enthusiasm for the production was unbelievable. Evelyn was adream come true for Tracy; watching the show come together from script to stage with herincredible cast and crew and her know-how as a theatre-lover really helped. I will never forgether reaction the first time I stepped out onto the very dark stage, in character, with the fewstrategically placed red accent pieces she had created as the motif: her squeal of delight couldbe heard for miles.Tracy is back in the director’s chair for the comedy Nana's Naughty Knickers, now playing atCentreStage. Don’t miss this roll-in-the-aisle laughfest of naughty pleasure! Check out thewww.centrestage.com website for show times and prices.Tracy says of living in the valley, “In the past year I have seen Peter Pan fly and a blind womanoutsmart a group of thugs. I have been transported to New York City and England. I have hadthe privilege of directing my dream play, working with Mike Butler, and being transformedinto the ghost of Gladys Porter, the first female mayor in the Maritimes. I have done allof this without ever leaving our wonderful Valley. Who wouldn't love it here?” Up next forTracy is more family time, more theatre and more of enjoying what life has to offer. I’mhoping another show together is on the horizon—more laughter,those bouncy hugs, those drives home with the over-the-top LorrieMorgan karaoke…. Call me!!!~Mike ButlerWho's Who-Brought to you byT.A.N. COFFEEwww.tancoffee.ca