Michele LeTourneau
Northern News Services

NNSL (Mar 19/99) - Last year's outdoor winter children's play -- set at the snow castle and called The Rise and Fall of the Snow King -- was a great success. Children loved it.

So much so that local playwright Bruce Valpy has penned a part two to his part one. It's sure to be as great a hit as the first one.

The location of the play is once again the snow castle, located on Yellowknife Bay. And thanks to Toni Foliot, it's bigger and better than ever, with its shimmering ice glazing, sheer white walls, and "indoor skating rink." (Well -- it is INSIDE the snow castle!) And of course, there's the stage, that has already been the site of several events, two mini-outdoor film festivals. Both were popular with those brave enough to attend.

Valpy's latest, The Great Divide, says director Ben Nind, is a fun romp with the Snow King, the Snow Queen, Sister Blizzard, Icicle Elves, Zah the Snow Lion and Ghost Black Eye.

"There are the five main characters," says Nind. "But it's a cast of thousands. And kids that come can join the icicles."

That's reason enough to come on down with the children. Most theatre events mean sitting idly by, while the actors have all the fun. This one will definitely be spectator friendly.

Nind further enthuses:

"The adventure of the Snow King continues...with snow and ice, snow monkeys, snow elephants, a snow throne, and a snow slide.... All of it being part of The Great Divide."

Now where else is this possible but in Yellowknife, I ask you?

The 20-minute children's play will be located at the snow castle but the snow castle is also the fictional setting. The real-life Snow King, Toni Foliot, is playing, you guessed it, the fictional Snow King. Surreal and fun, huh?

But keep in mind that this year, there will be a price for admission. Tickets will cost $5 per person, with proceeds going to the John Howard Society and the Abe Miller Centre. Another good reason to make your way down, supporting these local non-profit efforts.

The production will be filmed by the local CAT channel. Don't wait to watch it on television because you simply won't get the feel of all that marvellous snow and ice.

The cast has been rehearsing for three weeks to present this little ice gem. It promises to be the theatrical event of the season.

Playing times are Saturday and Sunday at 1 and 3 p.m., March 20 and 21, with an evening show Saturday at 8 p.m.

Don't miss it and don't forget to dress warm.