Nova Scotia pledges funds to help housing insecure in Queens, Lunenburg counties

The South Shore Open Doors Association will receive $25,000 in provincial funding to help those who are housing insecure.

The South Shore Open Doors Association will receive $25,000 from the Nova Scotia government to help people in Queens and Lunenburg counties in precarious housing situations.

It’s part of a total of $500,000 in one-time funding announced this week for community groups across the province.  

“Our government continues to invest in initiatives that support vulnerable Nova Scotians,” Queens MLA Kim Masland said in a news release.

“This funding is another step in assisting our residents who require safe and affordable housing.”

The money will be used to assist with costs such as rental arrears, overdue power bills and other expenses that could affect someone’s ability to get or maintain housing, according to the release. 

People will also be directed to other supports and services to help in the long term.

Cast, crew ramp up rehearsals for Follies debut at Astor Theatre

The cast of Follies rehearses at the Astor Theatre in Liverpool. (Rick Conrad photo)

By Rick Conrad

Liverpool will soon get a chance to see the first adult musical at the Astor Theatre since Rock of Ages in 2018.

The Astor and Winds of Change are co-producing the Stephen Sondheim musical Follies. The Tony-award-winning show features elaborate costumes and big musical and dance numbers. 

Set in 1971, in a decaying and haunted Broadway theatre, Follies tells the story of a reunion of former showgirls through their memories and their enduring friendships.

It features more than two dozen cast members from around Queens and Lunenburg counties, ranging in age from 14 to 77. That’s in addition to the many other people behind the scenes.

Cast and crew have spent hours each week over the past two months in vocal and dance training, as well as regular rehearsals.

Ashley-Rose Goodwin, director of Follies at the Astor Theatre. (Rick Conrad photo)

Director Ashley-Rose Goodwin estimates she’s spent about 50 hours a week with individuals and the full cast in preparing the show. The company has also partnered with Kinship Performing Arts Centre in Bridgewater to include some of their dancers in the show, and to help train cast members.

We talked to some of the people behind the show as they ramp up rehearsals in preparation for opening night on Feb. 22.

Tickets are on sale now through the Astor Theatre box office in person or by calling 902-354-5250 or through Ticketpro at this link.

Email: rickconradqccr@gmail.com

Listen to interviews with cast members and director Ashley-Rose Goodwin below