Stepping away from the political arena, Barrie Mayor Alex Nuttall is embracing a new challenge: the world of theatre. In a surprising twist, Nuttall will be making his acting debut in Theatre by the Bay's upcoming production of 'Murder by the Bay', marking a departure from his usual podium and microphone duties.
In an exclusive interview, Nuttall revealed his excitement about the upcoming performance, stating, 'I would consider it my professional acting debut. Not since musical theatre at St. Peter's Secondary School can I say that I've acted.' This unexpected venture into the performing arts is a refreshing change for the mayor, who has been in politics for many years.
The production, set to launch Theatre by the Bay's 25th-anniversary season, promises an immersive experience. Described as a 'high-energy, fully immersive experience', the play invites theatre-goers to step aboard the Duchess Serenity for an evening of intrigue and mystery. Every guest becomes an integral part of the story, navigating a dinner that is also a crucial part of the whodunit mystery.
Nuttall's involvement in the production is a testament to the theatre's impact on the community. He believes that Theatre by the Bay has long been an anchor arts organization, offering quality performances and providing a much-needed cultural outlet for residents. 'It's always had a meaningful impact on the arts community here. They're looking to raise some money as well as raise their profile, and I thought that, assuming it made sense in the play, that I would help and support that,' he said.
The mayor's nerves are understandable, as performing under theatre lights is a far cry from his usual public speaking engagements. 'I think the stage jitters will come no matter what, because it'll be very different than just talking about all of the work that we do in the city. So I definitely will be nervous, but that's OK,' he shared.
To combat his nerves, Nuttall has been focusing on memorizing his lines and visualizing himself on stage. 'I've been trying to memorize my lines and picture myself onstage on opening night, hoping that a little visualization will help quiet the jitters and let me support the rest of the cast,' he explained.
Despite his nerves, Nuttall is eager to support his fellow cast members, many of whom are seasoned actors. 'There's going to be some very good actors in there, and I want to make sure I am supporting all the hard work that they do,' he said.
The mayor's cameo in the play is a pivotal moment, as he steps in to help unravel the mystery aboard the Duchess Serenity. 'They probably make me look better at solving crime than I am,' he joked, hinting at his unexpected role in the story.
As Nuttall prepares for his theatrical debut, the community eagerly awaits his performance. This unique collaboration between politics and the arts showcases the versatility of local talent and the power of theatre to bring people together.
In my opinion, this is a brilliant move by the mayor, showcasing his willingness to step out of his comfort zone and engage with the community in a new and exciting way. It's a refreshing change of pace and a great opportunity for the theatre to showcase its talent.
