Village News

Musicals have become a respected part of the theatre industry – giving equal importance to song and sound as they do to dialogue and movement. Advancing beyond the lighthearted song-and-dances and sentimental operettas of the early 20th century, today’s Musical Theatre iterations represent a more wholesome integration of book and score, with many productions launched off-Broadway or in small independent venues before becoming smash hits. ~ City Academy

On March 18 and 19 Mennonite Heritage Village (MHV) will be hosting Pier 21 the Musical. This is your opportunity to connect with Canada’s immigration history in the very gateway that inspired the production: Pier 21. Refugees arrive, Canadian soldiers, depart, and war brides return in a new Celtic and Swing Musical that is engaging and entertaining.

Musicals have a way of engaging our mind and heart like no other form of theatre or story-telling does. I hope you can make it out and bring your children or friends with you. Halifax’s Pier 21 was one of Canada’s primary immigration centres from 1928 to 1971. Their registry includes many Mennonite names.

The old building has now been transformed into the Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21 and is Canada’s sixth national museum. It is one of my favourite museums in the world as it dramatically showcases the ongoing story of immigration to Canada – past to present and coast to coast to coast. It also has an amazing view of the Halifax harbour.

This past weekend we hosted a three day event to celebrate winter and the Louis Riel weekend. Everyday hundreds of people came out to enjoy the rink, bonfire, lights, and indoor programming. If you missed it, you can still enjoy our Winter in the Village this Friday and Saturday!