The 1st annual META’s at the Rialto

This is Kate and Joan.

Photo courtesy of lepartybooth.com

Every month, they venture out to an event to cover and share their experience with y’all. Some call it dyke dates, others call it the chicks chilling. We call it classic mob coverage.

Kate

What an event! It definitely felt like an upscale, Oscar-like awards ceremony last night at the first annual META awards. We were all wowed by the opening musical performance by hosts Holly Gauthier-Frankel and Marcel Jeannin, such an awesome way to kick off the event! They garnered roaring applause for statements like “We’re not going to think about moving to Toronto tonight!” and “We love you Montreal!”. With an unmistakable collective positivity in the room, the “Long live Montreal Theatre!” essence definitely filled the Rialto until it was bursting at the seams!
The impromptu Birthday Song to presenter Micheline Chevrier was particularly amusing. It was sparked by someone shouting out “Happy Birthday” to her from the audience, and it true theatrical fashion, she was serenaded by the entire room! It was a little bit bizarre that there was a 3 way tie for the Outstanding Actor (Professional) and 4 way tie for the Outstanding Actress (Independent). These are categories that should reaaaaallllllyyyyyyy have one winner. You could sort of feel the let down in the room, and the acceptance speeches were awkward (as you can imagine). The Outstanding Community Production Award was awarded to Hudson Music Club for “Oklahoma!” and the acceptance speech by Company President Gail Marchand was emotional and moving, “A dream come true.”

Joan

Yes that’s right Kate, it was a magical night full of surprises and fun. What surprises you ask? Well the two 3 way ties and the 4 way tie was a let down. I can’t imagine being nominated for something and everyone winning. A little disappointed you say? Yes, I would be but I guess that’s just how awesome the talent pool is here in our city.

From the time we got there, pretty gowns and handsome men swarmed the front of the prestigious Rialto Theatre. All dolled up, Kate and I hit  the event, ready to impress. I was pleased and amazed of the turnout and what a great community the English theatre has. The crowd was so warm and supporting, the nominees we’re honoured and everyone nominated and happy to be attending such an event.

Holly Gauthier-Frankel and Marcel Jeannin we’re fantastic hosts with songs, humour and beauty to keep you entertained all night.  As the night when on, I realized that I was attending an award show. A real good one. Lights, cameras and  action was everywhere! It was a busy room full downstairs and a balcony full of people, there to support the cause. Nick Carpenter ( Musical directional Piano), Shawn Campbell on the bass and Brett Watson on the drums, together they played the winners on and off and gave the night that extra feeling of an award show. The band would play the winners off because their speeches we’re too long too!  That was classic! 

I have to say I was well impressed and pleased with the night. It’s nice to get dressed up and go to a distinguished event. For a first time, it was a great success. Congratulations to all who organized the night and support these great actors and actresses that this city holds. I saw History of the Devil this past summer and it totally revived my theatre roots from back in the day. (Yes small fact about Joan: She has been in 3 musical plays such as Grease, Joseph and his Technicolor Dreamcoat and Beauty and the Beast.) It made me want to tap into the scene more. This award show has opened my eyes at the work Mobtreal has to do to give this community the coverage and support it needs.  I look forward to meeting you all!

Until next year y’all,

Kate and Joan