Music, history from the early 20th century

By Kate Watson - The Weekly News
The doors of the private and venerable Halifax Club are usually closed to all but its members and their guests. But thanks to the collaboration of Jodi Bartlett, the club's general manager, and Dartmouth actor Danny Robichaud, the general public is able to step inside the historic building and enjoy a delicious meal and a theatrical journey into Halifax's past.
The club, which is located on Hollis Street, was opened in 1862 as a gentlemen-only retreat for the who's-who of Halifax of the day. It has since evolved into a meeting place for business people of both sexes.
Since last summer, the club has been open for luncheon and dinner theatre, and from now until September, patrons are being offered A Sentimental Journey - a show that combines music and history from the early 20th century.
"It's really exciting for people to visit the club," say Robichaud, who earned his theatre studies degree at Dalhousie University. He plays the fictional character Captain Johnny Hart in the show. "We've had such positive comments. Things like, 'I've lived in Halifax for 50 years and I've always wondered what's inside the Halifax Club.'
"And the theatre experience has got great feedback, too. After our Christmas dinner theatre someone wrote, 'That was the most romantic evening I've ever spent with my husband.'"
A Sentimental Journey begins in the beautifully appointed Uniacke room where patrons join the show's three actors in singing songs like Pack Up You Troubles around the piano. It then moves into the club's Almon room where round tables are set beneath gorgeous paintings of the Halifax area.
After salad and finger sandwiches are served, the actors - who assume the roles of a surgeon, a captain and an anesthesiologist - begin telling stories of their time serving together during the Great War.
The stories, which include local history like the Halifax Explosion and the Halifax connection to the sinking of the Titanic, are interwoven with songs and a musical rendition of In Flanders Fields.
"We really want to get the word out that this a great show," says Dartmouth actor Adam Lardner who plays the fictional surgeon, Max MacFarlane. "I mean, where else can you pay only $20 and get a meal prepared by a terrific chef, learn some history, have some fun and get a tour of the Halifax Club?"
k-watson@ns.sympatico.ca
For information, contact the Halifax Club, 1682 Hollis St., at 423-8460, ext. 3. Visit www.halifax club.ns.ca. Tickets are $19.95.