The Opeongo Line

Lesley Betts, Jeff Bowman and Lynn Stewart of The Opeongo Readers' Theatre perform selections from Joshua Fraser, George Thompson and Gilbert Parker's books about shanty and river life as it was carried on among lumberjacks in the Upper Ottawa Valley during much of the 19th Century.

In honour of Dougald Finley McIsaac (1917-2008), a Cape Breton fiddler who once lived in Barry's Bay and was beloved for his Scottish airs, The Opeongo Readers' Theatre celebrates with a rousing show of the Ploughman's Poet, Rabbie Burns.

Ann Omanique-Bruder talks with 'The Local's' host, Sean Conway, about her grandfather, John Omanique, one of the great foundational characters who helped develop Barry's Bay, beginning in 1894. Ann also sheds light on her own parents and their own contributions to the Omanique Legacy.

Two more memoirs written and presented by Barry Conway, about the joy of being a young boy growing up in Barry's Bay, thanks to a cast of wonderful characters and interesting places around town.

The Madawaska Valley Public Library presents its 'Old, New, Borrowed, Blue,' Christmas Show. Head Librarian Karen Filipkowski and her very able troupe perform 'Twas the Night Before Christmas,' as well as one of its best comedic parodies, 'A Politically Correct Christmas Poem.' Not to be missed!

The Opeongo Readers' Theatre perform four unique Christmas short stories written by four of the world's best writers, A. A. Milne, Anton Chekhov, Guy du Maupassant and Charles Dickens. Jeff Bowman, Lynn Stewart, Lesley Betts, Rob Filipkowski and Cathy Chapeskie all give one of their best performances of the year -- Merry Christmas! 

The Madawaska Valley Public Library in Barry's Bay presents its fourth show involving some very old local history about the village of Barry's Bay, some new things happening at the library, some of the hottest books borrowed from the library this month, and last but not least, the tale of Rumplestilizkin, taken from Andrew Lang's Blue Fairytale Book.

The Opeongo Readers' Theatre presents this Remembrance Day show based on twelve unique moments, all drawn from the First World War.  From those first two shots fired in Sarajevo to Lawrence of Arabia's ultimate revenge, it's a show meant to look at the stuff that utterly changes a warrior's soul, as much as it's meant it to honour Canada's many war dead.

The Opeongo Readers' Theatre presents its annual Halloween show with Jeff Bowman, Cathy Chapeskie, Brian and Carol Peterson, and Lynn Stewart; all serving up as an appetizer, five horrible bits of poetry, quickly followed by a grotesque main course -- three short stories by H.P. Lovecraft, Ambrose Bierce and Edgar Allan Poe. Enough to make your skin crawl!

The Opeongo Line again present's the third episode of the Madawaska Valley Public Library's new podcast, 'Old, New, Borrowed, Blue.' In this episode, the library staff recounts the fascinating early history of Barry's Bay, brings us all up to date on the many new and borrowed books available at the library and finishes off with a flourish with the original 17th Century fairy tale of  Little Red Riding Hood.