Our Lady Seat of Wisdom College is presenting the play the Song of Bernadette.
The play will take place February 7th, 8th and 9th at the Madawaksa Valley District High School. Friday and Saturday performances start at 7 PM while the Sunday matinee starts at 2 PM.
The play follows the story of St. Bernadette of Lourdes, who in the mid 19th century saw apparitions of the Virgin Mary. The Marian Shrine at Lourdes has become a destination for pilgrims since her death in 1879. The story was picked by directors Maria and Marissa Henry. Stage Manager Brenna Wehrle says it is a similar script to the 1943 Oscar winning film of the same name. Wehrle said there was a desire in the college to put on a play with religious themes and the directors and producer found the story very compelling. The College has done plays like this since the mid 2000’s.
The two leads are Gabriela Jazierska who plays the role of Bernadette and Daniel Everett who plays the roll of Dean Peyramale. While Jazierska says she takes inspiration for the role from her sister, Everett says he is drawing on qualities Peyramale displays, a man who Everett says cares about preserving the Catholic faith in the area and helping his people.
Stage Manager Brenna Wehrle says that 22 cast members and up to 15 crew have been working on a busy schedule, with the production having taken as long as three months. Wehrle says that sometimes it is a challenge to manage that many people, but also says that most times the cast are great to work with, and are accommodating and not disruptive. She says that there is a lot of energy as well. Everett says that while the first few weeks were rocky, the last few weeks leading up to the play have been much more enjoyable as people fit into their rolls. Both Wehrle and Jazierska says the historical aspect is an interesting and powerful aspect of the play. Wehrle says that doing a play like this helps her reflect on the story of the saint, the mystery of what happened and the faith of the people involved. Everett says it’s interesting to see the doubts his character has about Bernadette, and how he relates those to the doubts people have with their own faith. Jazierska says it reminds her to hold on to the truth and have faith in God.
Tickets are $12 in advance or $15 at the door, with student/senior rate of $10 and a family rather of $45. Tickets can be picked up at the College or at Lorraine’s Pharmasave. Standing Room tickets will be provided if the show sells out. You can call the college for tickets at 613-756-3082