Lifelong MHMT members Evan Tonin and Bill Cocks swap stories and reminisce as they look through Tonin's new book The Way We Were: A History of Medicine Hat Musical Theatre.--NEWS PHOTO KENDALL KING
kking@medicinehatnews.com
Hatter Evan Tonin is bringing to life a legacy she and many other community members have contributed to with her new book The Way We Were: A History of Medicine Hat Musical Theatre.
Born and raised in Medicine Hat, Tonin has been part of MHMT since its establishment in 1960, filling a variety of roles including choir member, actor and board secretary, treasurer and president. While she is no longer active in productions, Tonin remains an honorary life member and supporter of MHMT.
Nearly as much as Tonin loves watching theatre productions, she enjoys recounting memories of her theatre days with friends, many of whom she met at MHMT.
One such conversation led Tonin to reflect on the many changes MHMT has experienced over its 63 years of existence, and inspired her to compile a written history of the company, covering the years between 1960 and 2007.
“This is something that I did on my own as it is a gift to MHMT,” Tonin told the News. “It is not an academic writing but, rather, an elbows on the table storytelling – a down-to-earth, friendly, good-natured and fun telling of history.”
The book, published in late 2021, is written through an array of first-person accounts, including Tonin’s own.
“There are things I remember so well,” said Tonin. “So basically, (my account) is just my memories coming to the front. (But) I could not talk about sets, costumes or makeup and so on. So, I had to go to other people who were experienced and had their own memories and little stories to tell.
“There’s kind of two sets (to each account). The first set is mainly about the person. And then the second set is what it was like to work in that department and their trials and tribulations (or) their personal experiences in the shows.”
Despite having spent the majority of her adult life involved in MHMT, Tonin says she was surprised to learn some of the responsibilities of the backstage crew.
Scattered among the first-person accounts are photos and information about production and company leadership throughout the years, helping to craft the book’s collective story.
Tonin hopes Hatters will enjoy the book, especially those who have been or are directly involved in MHMT.
“What I hope for (past MHMT members) is this story will bring back happy memories,” she said. “And for the current MHMT people, an appreciation of the challenges experienced by the founders and builders of MHMT.”
Anyone interested in purchasing a copy of the book is invited to call Tonin at 403-527-3621 or book contributor Bill Cocks at 403-526-2467.
