Mahone Bay Old School_A Life and Times_Bob Sayer

In an interview with Lucine Toomey, reported in the March 2 Bridgewater Bulletin,
when asked what they got out of drama, Jo-ann replied, “ A lot of fun. I am not
athletic and this is one way I can participate….It’s like being someone else for a
while….giving up of yourself and being rewarded with the applause.” Joyce Wentzell,
who looked after the props, replied, “I enjoy being part of the group. It is hard work,
but very rewarding.” Jo-ann went off to study Radio and TV Arts at Ryerson. She
later returned to set up a Mahone Bay institution, Jo-ann’s Market, where she also
carves dramatic pumpkins.
I Remember Mama, the modern American classic was the first production and it
hugely impressed the school, the local audience and The High School Drama Festival.
In the photos, left to right, are Susanne Dowse as Katrin, Tracey Sayer as Christine,
Greg Lowe as Nels, and, far right, Jo-ann Ramsey as Mama. The cast was joined by
Mr. Allen from staff, and parent, Jean Ramsey.
The whole cast went to Halifax overnight, got a tour of Dalhousie University and
participated in The High School Drama Festival. This was to be repeated.
1978: February: Scenes from The Importance of Being Ernest, The Glass
Menagerie, The Happy Journey. May: Inside a Kid’s Head
Oscar Wilde, Tennessee Williams and Thornton Wilder all in one year! The idea was
to involve even more students The newspaper called it a pot purri of theatrical events.
Inside a Kid’s Head, written by Ms. Hancock, was a fusion of live theatre and film
shot on local location. The kid imagined he was a knight, a boxing champ, etc etc and
the film played on stage. Ms. Hancock moved on to Parkview and Greg Lowe to a
career at CKBW.
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