In a town where the term "first reading" usually refers to yet another development permit before village council, I must say that it was refreshing to have those words take on a whole different meaning when members of Showcase Theatre presented the first public reading of their long awaited new musical, Dancing In The Coal Dust.

Billed as a "miner's musical" based on the life and times of Cumberland's famous labor martyr Ginger Goodwin, "Dancing In the Coal Dust" couldn't be more "Cumberland." I count myself fortunate to have been a part of the audience for this historic presentation at Cumberland United Church where even the church bell rang as part of the presentation!

Well done Showcase and welcome to our town. You have gifted Cumberland with a great start to Heritage Week 2008, underway now until Saturday, culminating in our annual Heritage Faire at the CRI. And for those of you who don't already know, a wee preview of "Dancing" will be presented at the closing of the Faire. Be there or be square!


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Dancing in the Coal Dust: A World Premier Performance

This new Musical celebrates the rich, multi-cultural history of Cumberland, BC, and the life and times of Albert “Ginger” Goodwin. Written and composed by David Warrack, this new work promises to bring Cumberland’s colourful history to life.

BC’s mining industry was born in the coalfields of Vancouver Island. The coal mines of Cumberland were among the most dangerous in Canada. The appalling conditions in the mines impelled the miners to organize and involve various unions. “Ginger” Goodwin was a coal miner and union activist who lost his life under suspicious circumstances in July, 1918. These were times of hardship and extreme poverty as a country prepared for war. A weekly soccer game, a Saturday night dance, and a naïve romance were life’s only relief and yet, the strengths of the human spirit prevailed.

Written and composed by David Warrack
Directed and choreograqphed by Jeff Hyslop

Tickets HERE.