Culture Days 2023 is fast approaching and Mission’s Parks, Recreation, & Culture Department is planning several free events from Sept. 22 to Oct. 15.
One event that is sure to please is the Mighty Mission Melange of Magnificence, a variety show which is coming to the Clarke Foundation Theatre on Saturday, Sept. 23. It will have something for everyone.
Camille Atebe, president of Mission’s Opening Nite Theatre Society (ONTS) will be co-hosting the variety show. Atebe said Mark Haney, Mission’s new manager of arts and culture recruited her to lend a hand.
“When Mark started with the city, he made an effort to come and talk to all the arts groups,” she explained adding he attended many events and even came to watch the theatre troupe’s pantomime.
“He said he wanted to do a variety show, something free for community. I said that sounds fantastic so he invited me to co-host.”
It should be a lot of fun and will include singers, magic, comedy, Opening Nite will perform a 10-minute comedic play called A Well Solved Mystery, a drag act, dancers and author readings.
“We’re thinking like the Muppet Show, that kind of chaotic, over the top silly bits and pieces with hosts that aren’t taking it very seriously or are taking it too seriously and it ends up being funny,” explained Atebe.
The point is to showcase a lot of the talent that’s around and give people a fun night out.
“We are trying to keep it nice and tight so people get a little taste of a whole bunch of stuff.”
Along with the entertainment, a contest will be held in conjunction with the Mission Museum and the Mission Archives.
Atebe said there will be challenges like guessing what an object is or what time period it comes from and prizes will be handed out.
The variety show is not the only event that ONTS has partnered with.
On Sunday, Oct. 15, ONTS and the Clarke Theatre are opening their costume trunks to help the public create Halloween costumes.
It’s a free event and people can take their costumes home with them.
“If a kid comes in and says they want to be a cat, we have fabric and a sewing room they can use. Volunteers will help them make it,” said Atebe.
Culture Days gives the arts community a chance to showcase what it’s all about, which Atebe said is an important for the community.
“Right now, when we have a town with so many new people coming in, it’s good to get people to see what’s out there that isn’t related to school or their jobs,” she said adding that music, theatre visual arts are hard to tap into and Culture Days provides a good introduction for people.
“Ultimately, what we’re here for is to have a good time.”
