Welcome to NMC

Jill Bowen

I’m not telling!   I can tell you, however, that Cardiac Capers 2012 promises to be an amazing musical variety show that is simply not to be missed.  Rehearsals are so much fun and it’s clear that there are some numbers in this year’s show which will be talked about for years to come! While some of us are clearly in it simply for the fun and to support the wonderful work of the NMC Auxiliary, we are fortunate to have some incredible local talent in the cast whose singing, dancing, and comedy skills are absolutely worth an evening out.  I really encourage you to get tickets and enjoy the show.

Cardiac Capers is a community tradition which dates back to 1980.  Every two years, more than a hundred cast members and behind-the-scenes volunteers come together to put on the NMC Auxiliary’s largest fundraiser.  The 2010 show earned $16,500!   The NMC Auxiliary uses their funds to help further NMC’s mission of providing exceptional healthcare for our community.  Their generosity helps enhance our healing environment, assists in acquiring new technology, and helps with those special touches that make NMC a wonderful place to receive and provide personalized care.  Currently, we are renovating a space on NMC’s Family Birth Center with assistance from the NMC Auxiliary to accommodate a new approach prenatal care.  Known as “Centering Pregnancy,” this approach has been proven to improve health outcomes and satisfaction for expectant moms and their new babies.  That’s the kind of impact Cardiac Capers has had for more than 30 years here in our community.

The show is chaired by Helen Biggie (Director) and Michele Ovitt (Talent).  These two ladies put in countless hours every month of the year between shows coordinating the committee and developing the show.  Then, once Capers kicks into gear, they are tireless in their devotion.  We are so fortunate to have their talents and energy.  Their efforts are truly appreciated.  Helen and Michele are quick to point out that they cannot do it alone.  The list of committees shows what a massive undertaking a performance of this nature is.  They include: Finance, Choreography, Publicity, Tickets, Music, Ad Sales, Kick-Off, Raffle, Program Design/Photography, Sets/Props/Stage, Patrons, Hospitality, Costumes, Sound/Lighting, Ushers, and Intermission Refreshments.  I am so impressed by the time so many people give to making Capers a success!

This year will be the first Cardiac Capers to be held in the new Performing Arts Center at BFA in St. Albans.  This is a wonderful setting for the performers, for the technical crew, and for the audience.  Perhaps best of all are the new comfortable seats!  I think I can guarantee you that you’ll be more comfortable at this year’s show than any Capers audience in history!  In anticipation of this enhancement, Cardiac Capers made a donation towards the renovations of the new Performing Arts Center.  We are pleased to have helped make that great school and community resource possible! 

Cardiac Capers opens on Wednesday, October 24 at 7:30pm, with the doors opening at 6:30pm.  The show runs four nights – Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday at the same time each night.  Tickets are $8 for opening night and $10 for each of the other three shows.  Advance tickets are recommended as there is always a chance that a particular show will sell out.  Tickets are available in advance (up until about 4pm on the day of the performance as they last at each location) at: Swanton Rexall, St. Albans’ Hannaford, Food City, Northwestern Medical Center, and the St. Albans Free Library.  Tickets are also likely available at the door, so if the spirit moves you at the last minute, come on down and see if we can get you a seat for this fabulous show.  A limited amount of “Patron” tickets may also still be available.  These special $20 tickets ensure great seating up front – for more information on Patron tickets, please call Debbie Blouin, Patron Ticket Chairperson, at 524-3110 or inquire about their availability at the door. I hope to see you there! 

 - Jill Berry Bowen, NMC CEO