Tuesdays with Morrie by Mitch Albom & Jeffery Hatcher (based on the bestselling book by Mitch Albom) rehearsals are underway for its September 7th opening at the Rosebud Theatre Opera House.
    For the first time, both Rosebud Theatre’s artistic director Morris Ertman and veteran performer David Snider (fresh from his heartwarming portrayal of Matthew Cuthbert in Anne of Green Gables), will perform together on stage in a touching and deeply emotional play sprinkled with just the right amount of humour and wit – enroute to revealing the secrets of life and death.
    Rosebud School of the Arts’ Education Director and the play’s director, Paul Muir says there is no better casting of Morrie than Ertman.
     “I’ve known and worked with Morris Ertman for about 25 years. He is the perfect actor to play Morrie Schwartz, a man who spent his whole life inspiring young minds to do and be everything they could be and more! In Tuesdays with Morrie, audiences will experience the incredible heart, wit and humour of Morrie Schwartz through the voice and charm of Morris Ertman who continues to be a consummate teacher, mentor and inspirational leader to me and countless other theatre artists who have benefited from his sage advice and observations about theatre, love and life.”
 Ertman, who is usually in the director’s chair at Rosebud, says, “It’s been awhile since I’ve been on stage as an actor. Morrie holds so many resonances that are touchstones in my own life. He is a mentor. I am a mentor. He has a capacity for love that is extraordinary. I would like to think that I’m on the way towards such a love. Morrie is fiercely loyal, a trait I share. Those are some of the character traits he and I share to greater or lesser degrees. Probably the most exciting thing about playing the role is saying the kinds of things Morrie has to say about living life from the centre of love. I am honoured to be given an opportunity to speak those kinds of words in this beautifully redemptive story for our audience in Rosebud.”
 “Morrie’s optimistic heart for making a difference in the lives of others is the kind of storytelling that draws people to our theatre. We believe in the kind of hope he expresses in this play. We also believe in the kind of love that exists between Morrie and Mitch. It’s what audiences have come to expect in Rosebud. We live ‘heart-forward’, and it translates into our relationship with each other, and with our audiences. In this show, I get to participate in that experience first-hand through a real-life character whose story has inspired millions of people - and that really excites me!”
    About Snider in his role as Mitch, the sports journalist, Muir adds, “This is David’s kind of story. He is an actor of deep conviction who believes that the story can matter in ways that live beyond the stage. So, this coveted role went to David, not just because of his prowess on stage, but because of his strong sense of conviction that shines through in every role he plays. He’s a Rosebud Resident Company actor because he understands the spiritual significance of a story, the notion that it is story and myth that feed us in every circumstance of life.”
    Tuesdays with Morrie, tells the true story of accomplished sports writer, Mitch Albom who reconnects with Morrie, his former college professor after he sees him on TV and discovers that he is dying of Lou Gehrig’s disease (ALS). What starts out as a renewal of their relationship evolves into a weekly Tuesday visit from Detroit to Boston where Mitch learns about the secrets of life and death from Morrie. The play was adapted by Jeffery Hatcher and Mitch Albom from the bestselling book by Mitch Albom. Tuesdays with Morrie runs September 7 to October 20.  Purchase tickets at Rosebud Theatre, by calling 1-800-267-7553, or online www.rosebudtheatre.com

    It was with sadness the Delia Village Council accepted the resignation of one of their own at the most recent council meeting.
    Gord Isaac stepped down from his position due to poor health and a desire to concentrate on his recovery.
    The by-election for the vacant seat will take place on October 19. For those interested in filling the seat, nominations must be handed in to the Village Office on September 21 between 10 a.m. and noon.
    Isaac will sorely be missed on council. Isaac had served on council for nearly five years, which included time as mayor.
    “Whether he was Mayor or on council he provided a lot of leadership. He was able to bring the Village out of a rough state in administration. We had lots of water issues prior to him coming on as well. His focus has always been providing safe, drinkable water and we’ve done a lot of upgrades to get there,” said Delia CAO Caroline Siverson.
    “He was a very good councillor. He didn’t want to step down, but you have to focus on your health.”
    “He has to look after his health first. It’s really too bad, because was excellent on council. His knowledge and experience is something we will miss,” said Mayor John Rogers.
    Any resident who interested in filling the vacant position must have their nomination forms filled out and handed in on September 21 between 10 a.m. and noon.
    “It’s a nice way to try it out. If you win it, it’s just a three year term. It’s a great way to get your feet wet in municipal politics,” said Councillor and Deputy Mayor Jeff Collins.
    “If you have the understanding of what your role is as a councillor, have the goodness of the village at heart, and want to see exciting things happen, come be a decision maker,” said Siverson.
    Mayor Rogers would ask residents considering running, to be reasonably sure they will commit to running again in the fall of 2013 when the municipal election is held.
    “It would be a lot better for council if the person who runs now, will run again in 2013 for another term,” said Mayor Rogers.
    Anyone wishing to learn more can contact the Delia Village Office at 403-364-3787.

The Village of Delia is calling a by-election to fill a councillor seat left vacant by Gord Isaac. Isaac resigned earlier this month to focus on his health. Residents wishing to run for the position must fill out and hand in their nomination forms to the Delia Village Office on September 21 between 10 a.m. and noon. The by-election is scheduled for October 21.