Outerbridge Magic

An evening with my 12 (almost 13) year old is a special event… but what do we do with that time? It’s a challenging task to find a suitable activity with a tween that isn’t too childish but also isn’t too boring.

Enter: Outerbridge Magic - Mysteries of the Keyhole House, a spooky, true-story-based production mixed with magic, illusions, and a little bit of dancing, too.

I wasn’t sure what to expect. M and I arrived in Carleton Place (about a 50 minute drive from our south Ottawa home) at about 7pm, and parked on the street near the Town Hall (parking is free for 2 hours, which is perfect).

The theatre was a striking space that combined old fashioned details with modern elements. Ornate chairs with velvet cushions provided a welcome and comfortable seat for patrons. The smell of wood polish aged floorboards gave some church vibes; the balcony spoke to the present day with an impressive array of lighting and sound boards.

We grabbed seats right at the foot of the large, sloped stage; so close we could see the shuffle of feet beyond the heavy velvet curtains as the crew readied the props. A slide show played as people filed in, showing us pictures and names of the previous owners of The Keyhole House, while boogie-woogie music seemed to crackle out of an invisible phonograph somewhere. The whole scene managed to be cosy and a little eerie.

The show itself was not just magic and illusion, but wove in the plot of Ted and Marion Outerbridge and how they came to live in a haunted house in Smiths Falls: the Keyhole House. As the two worked to restore the house to its original beauty, they had one mysterious encounter after another, and found artefacts like keys, clippings, and hankerchiefs from long ago. 

As the intrigue unfolded, we were treated to a host of experiences that enhanced and enriched the storyline. It was clear from the audience’s reaction that Ted and Marion were no amateurs; they awed us time and again throughout the show. 

There were sleight-of-hand manoeuvres, mentalism and prediction tricks, close-up magic, parlour magic, and some big, impressive, full-stage feats. I looked around during one such act and saw that the entire audience, my daughter included, was staring in open-mouthed anticipation, waiting for the resolution of the scene.

On the drive home I got the review from the tween: overall, a good show, and “not so long that my butt fell asleep,” (which is, of course, an important feature of any evening entertainment). The most impressive tricks bookended the show, in M’s opinion, and the pantomime (done by Marion, a former Hollywood dancer), was “a little cringe” in places, but did not lack for its entertainment value. The creepy dolls found in the house were M’s least favourite part, but she was glad that the show had a lighter tone to it that prevented the spookiness from being outright scary.

Those interested in seeing the show should check it out - this upcoming weekend there are multiple shows on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Tickets available through Eventbrite.

TL/DR

A fun night out for older kids, tweens and teens that’s not dull for parents. Some cheesiness in the storytelling, but your kid will not be able to feign disinterest at the magic and illusions the duo pull off. 

Age range/scary factor: The show writeup says minimum age 5, but my 12 year old was a bit freaked out. Scariest part is talk and pantomime of (friendly) spirits haunting a house. A couple of creepy-ish dolls. Nothing overtly jump-scary, violent, sweary, or inappropriate.

Cost: ~$27 per ‘youth’ ticket (age 25 and under), $50 general admission.

Running time: 2 hours, including a short intermission

Location: Carleton Place Town Hall, 175 Bridge Street

Cool-teen factor: Not bad. Ted is charismatic and has a performer’s sense of reading the crowd well. Some of the pantomime and dancing done by Marion feels a little out of place (my daughter was mildly embarrassed by this but I, the grownup, thought it was awesome).

Good to know: It’s cold in the theatre; bring a sweater or buy some long-sleeved merch! No drinks or snacks available to purchase, so bring your own. Lots of audience participation - expect you might get called on to help with a trick!

Jen is a Mum of 4 and an Ottawa business owner living in the National Capital. She received two complimentary tickets to the show, but all views are her own. 

Summer Scares 2024: Middle Grade Horror

Does your middle grader love scary books, but you have no idea what to recommend? Look no further! The Horror Writers’ Association (HWA) (along with NoveList, ECSCO, Booklist, Book Riot and United for Libraries) has created their Summer Scares 2024 list, and it is amazing! Summer Scares is a reading program intended to encourage readers’ as well as librarians to embrace horror and provides an annual list of recommended horror titles! (HWA, 2024).

This year’s titles were selected by author Clay McLeod Chapman and a panel of six library workers who selected three titles for adult, teen and middle grade.

The middle grade picks are:

Ophie’s Ghost by Justina Ireland

During a horrible night in 1922, Ophie’s father was murdered by a lynch mob. It was also the first time she saw a ghost. Trying to start anew, Ophie and her mother move from Georgia to Pittsburg, but the ghosts remain. Ophie befriends a ghost names Clara who cannot remember how she died, and she soon becomes entangled in this mystery trying to help Clara find out what happened to her...

The Nest by Kenneth Oppel

Steve’s baby brother is very sick. He is shuffled back and forth from the hospital regularly, worrying him greatly. One night, Steve dreams of a wasp queen, who offers him a chance to fix all that is wrong with his baby brother. All he has to do is agree. Steve is intrigued and concerned at the same time, and has a huge decision to make as both choices will have a consequence.

My Aunt is a Monster- by Reimena Yee

This title is a graphic novel that depicts the adventures of Safia, who is taken in by her reclusive Aunt Whimsy when her parents die in a fire. Safia is blind...and she can’t see that her aunt is a monster- with blue fur, horns, taloned feet and three yellow eyes. Aunt Whimsy used to be an adventurer, and is called out of retirement when word comes out that her former rival has reappeared and is causing trouble... Safia and her aunt take the trip of a lifetime, across the globe in search of her rival... and to stop her evil plans....

The Hazeldean Branch of the Ottawa Public Library will be holding a Summer Scares book club on July 23 @ 2:30 pm featuring The Nest by Kenneth Oppel. One can register online via our the OPL website for this program.

Check out some more of the previous HWA Middle Grade Summer Scares7/2556296939 picks on our Bibliocommons book list:

https://ottawa.bibliocommons.com/list/share/76017677/2556296939

Also, for more information and older Summer Scares selections, check out:

Summer Scares Middle Grade Webinar

Summer Scares 2024 Programming Guide

HWA ANNOUNCES SUMMER SCARES READING PROGRAM 2024 Spokesperson and Timeline

Summer Scares Archive

Cirque Italia - an interview with the ringmaster

Our teen blogger David is back with another interview of someone with a really different and interesting profession! Cirque Italia is coming to Ottawa June 27 to July 7 and David got to interview ringmaster Alex Acero.

From June 27 to July 7, Cirque Italia will be having a circus in Ottawa. I interviewed ringmaster Alex Acero to get an idea of what goes on behind the scenes and what the circus will look like.

How did you become a clown and get into this circus?

Well, I’m a 4th generation performer. My whole family is in the circus, so it’s what I grew up with.

I chose to be a clown specifically because it’s one of the best ways to entertain people and make them laugh. I was initially working at a different company, but then the owner of Cirque Italia hired me, and I’ve been here for 8 years.

Cirque Italia will be having its water circus show in Ottawa from June 27 to July 7.

What is a water circus, and what will the show look like?

It’s definitely a very technically advanced show. We have a stage that costs half a million dollars, and there’s only one of them in Canada. It is 35 feet high and is operated by 27 computers, which coordinate the water behind and around the stage to create different designs that really enhance the show.

What is your role on this tour, what sorts of stuff will you be performing?

My central role is ringmaster, but that entails a wide skill set. I am a clown, host, and stunt performer. I will be moving on and off stage throughout the show, and at one point I will perform a trick involving a diving board and trampoline. It takes hours of preparation, and I believe that will be clear from the quality of our show.

What is your favourite part about being a member of the circus?

Everything about the job is amazing, but I particularly love traveling. I have already been all over the United States, and I’m about to see all regions of Canada. It’s definitely a perk that doesn’t come with many careers.

Aside from the Water Circus, what else does Cirque Italia have to offer?

We also offer Paranormal Cirque, which is geared towards an older 17+ audience and has elements of cabaret and horror all in one great show.

Water Circus Gold will be in Ottawa from June 27 to July 7 at the St. Laurent Shopping Centre. Tickets cost between $35 to $80 depending on seat placement. For more information about Water Circus Gold, click here, and for tickets, click here.

David is a fifteen-year-old aspiring adventure and travel writer living in Ottawa.  Skydiving is on his bucket list.

Soaring over Ottawa

While you are probably familiar with the letters YOW, the capital has a second somewhat secret airport. We are lucky enough to have an aviation museum which, on top of displaying planes across many eras, also offers opportunities for you to ride them. The fleet of small aircraft offers scenic views of Ottawa and, while intimidating to many, a more engaging flying experience. I have already flown in the biplane and helicopter, so this weekend, I decided to finish the triad trial by flier and went on the museum's Cessna Parliament Tour.

I arrived on a sunny Saturday at the Museum of Aviation with a friend of mine. It was perfect weather for a flight. We walked through the museum, seeing the plethora of vintage aircraft and a cadets graduation ceremony along the way, before arriving at the tarmac. There, we met our pilot and boarded the back of the small airplane. Within 30 seconds, we were rolling on the runway and taking off.

Immediately, we were fully turned towards our windows. On my side, I could see abandoned islands on the Gatineau side of the river, while my friend pointed out horses from the RCMP stables. As we ascended, we looked over Rockcliffe Park and pointed out places like the yacht club, 24 Sussex and Rideau hall, all visible at the same time. I also enjoyed the colorful houses in Gatineau. After a few minutes, we were flying over downtown.

The altitude of the flight is perfect, since you can see many landmarks simultaneously while still seeing individual details. I could see Parliament Hill, the University and even Lansdowne Park at the same time! Our pilot circled around downtown, giving us time to fully savor the experience. I loved whenever the plane would tilt during the turns and I could see what was directly below me.

As we headed back, I saw my school and house, something that most people who live in Ottawa should be able to see on the extensive route of the flight. Seeing a place so familiar from a totally different angle was definitely a highlight. Finally, we had a smooth landing back at the museum, now having completed this tour on all aircraft available.

If you too want to see Ottawa and Gatineau from the best view possible, check out the Museum of Aviation. The Cessna tour costs $45 or $55 per person, depending on if it's 2 or 3 passengers. On top of the year-round Cessna tour, you can also ride in a helicopter or vintage biplane from May through October. For more information, click here.

David (15) and his friend received a free flight but all views are his own.

New England Roadtrip: Salem

As a kid, most of our vacations were road trips, many into New England guided by CAA travel books and maps with highlighted routes. I have a lot of fond memories of those vacations, and one that always stood out to me was Salem, Massachusetts. I wanted to visit again, and I wanted to take my kids! We spent a whirlwind 5 days travelling around New England and overall I would rate our day in Salem a big success!

Salem Witch Museum

One of the biggest attractions in Salem is the Salem Witch Museum. I’m pretty sure very little has changed since I visited this same museum in the 80s, but there was a certain charm to that :)

The experience is popular enough that you need to book a time slot ahead of time, and there are long lineups outside as you wait to go in, but their system is well-practiced and efficient.

This is a kitchy old school experience so I think it’s important to remember that going in. You have two presentations - one in a big round room where you sit and watch scenes light up while a narrator that sounds like he’s from the 80s tells you the story of the Salem Witch trials. The second section you walk around to different scenes (I found this one a bit less interesting than the big room.) I think it would be boring for young children but I found learning the history of the Salem witch trials fascinating (and very different than I thought!) Between the presentations they leave you in the gift shop, which clearly works well based on the purchases I made :)

House of the Seven Gables

After the Witch Museum, we spent some time walking around in the rain, and we jumped on a trolley tour.

It was fun to hear about all the different parts of Salem and get a sense for the town. We then decided we wanted to visit the House of the Seven Gables (on the request of my teens!) and heard about the history of the house and its ties to Nathaniel Hawthorne’s book of the same name.

The house boasted beautiful gardens, secret passageways, and loud and bold wallpaper I really liked!

All in all, Salem was deemed a fun day and worth exploring!

*Disclaimer, we received free tickets from the Salem Witch Museum but all opinions on the experience are our own.