Questions about Deerhurst?

[RJ]

What would Shania Twain fans like to know about Deerhurst, before some of us get on the bus to Deerhurst and the STC fan convention in Timmins?

As organizer of the visit, Tracy will be in charge of releasing the schedule and agenda.

Deerhurst has accepted an invitation to provide information beyond that. But they're not sure what added info ST fans want to know.

Please share your questions in this thread, so we can all all benefit from the answers.

I encourage you to explore this new opportunity, in a responsible manner to avoid controversy and respect Shania's privacy.

[SHANIANUTS!]

Do they have available to fans video or audio of Shania performances in addition to what has been made public via various TV shows?

[RJ]

May 4, 2005

I'd been keeping in this spot, a tally of questions asked, answered and posted. As of now, things are basically up to date. Any new questions, answers and other information will just be appended to the most recent page, as the info comes in.

[RJ]

The right atoms together aid electricity. The right chemicals together aid life. The right lives together make magic. Isolate those atoms, chemicals and lives, and there is no spark, no life and only desolation.

The world of Shania Twain fans is electric, full of life and magical, especially for those who meet in person for events like fan conventions at the Shania Twain Centre. They share their stories about overcoming hard times in their past, and the feeling that no one would know and appreciate their experience. They vibrate in amazement that a little girl from Timmins would someday elevate the same kind of experiences to the legend of lore through her rhyme, melody and spirit. And they know that magic happens when fans of Shania Twain get together in person, it's memorable, and they come back in growing numbers.

Most people outside this group do not fully understand. But Tracy Hautanen and the people of the Shania Twain Centre do. And they've become part of the magic. It's proven by the glowing reports from visitors around the globe, posted on the main Shaina Twain messageboards, and also seen in commercial press, on radio and TV.

[RJ]

Tracy and the STC are organizing a new, joint project with Deerhurst this year. They're providing group transportation and a visit to Deerhurst Resort, for Shania Twain fans on their way from Toronto to Timmins for the 2005 Fan Convention at the Shania Twain Centre. Deerhurst and Tracy will have good things lined up for ST fans to see and do at Deerhurst. Tracy will share information about the trip when she sees appropriate as things develop.

Shania Twain fans already know and appreciate the magic that Tracy and the STC contribute. We look forward to the magic that Deerhurst may contribute. Our goal is finding and developing mutual benefit among Shania Twain fans, the Shania Twain Centre and Deerhurst.

Anne Larcade is the General Manager at Deerhurst and Terry Dyni is their Media Relations/PR person. I recently had an interesting round of discussion with them and Tracy, by phone and email, about the development of their joint project.

[RJ]

Q1: How long has Anne Larcade worked at Deerhurst? Was she there when Shania worked there?

A1: Anne was not here when Shania was in the show. But she was around when Shania returned to visit the resort.

(PS from RJ: Deerhurst website indicates that Anne Larcade began at Deerhurst in February 2000. Anne received multiple awards in her career before joining Deerhurst. She has also received special recognition and awards since then. Other sources indicate Shania worked at Deerhurst for 27 months, from June 1988 until September 1990.)

Q2: Can you tell us a bit more about Katie Couric and Shania's visit to Deerhurst?

A2: Anne Larcade was there when Shania returned to the resort to film an interview segment with Katie Couric for NBC. The interview was filmed on the stage she [Shania] performed on.

(PS from RJ: Deerhurst website indicates that other news media have followed Katie Couric and NBC to Deerhurst about the Shania Connection. "This interview was shortly followed by visits from People Magazine and CNN New York."

[RJ]

Q3: Are there still people at Deerhust, who worked there back when Shania did?

A3: Most of the people involved with the show during the Shania days have since moved on.
Two exceptions, Glenn Bladon is still here. He is the guitarist/singer and company manager for the current production of the show. John Nobile, who works the technical production, is also still here.

(PS from RJ: Deerhurst website indicates that the executive chef for Deerhurst is Rory Golden. He joined Deerhurst's culinary team in 1987. That would be about a year before Shania started there. Also, the staff of the current (as of 3 6 05) show VIBE! includes George Guerrette as Arranger. Robin Eggar's book indicates Guerrette was a keyboard player when Shania was there. Glenn Bladon worked with her, Guerrette and 3 other supporting musicians to produce some songs, that "would not have disgraced Eilleen's first Nashville album." I see from not only the Deerhurst website, but also other information, that I unfortunately underestimated Glenn Bladon in my review last year of the show VIBE! Glenn does a lot more than I could see initially. And he's been well regarded by many sources, even all the way up to Shania Twain.)

[RJ]

Originally Posted by SHANIANUTS!

Do they have available to fans video or audio of Shania performances in addition to what has been made public via various TV shows?

Interesting question, Bob.

There is a video segment of the current show, that you can view from their website. But it it is limited in quality. I don't know why, most of the rest of their website is very good. Also, it does not have Shania in it. This version of the show began new last year.

I will pass your question along to Deerhurst reps. I'd like to know the answer myself. I think I saw someone raise it it the past, and it intrigued me too. It's possible there are some agreements or constraints from Shania's management, or even Deerhurst's own policy.

For perspective, in my discussion about this thread with the administrators here, on the Boards, with the STC and with Deerhurst, the focus of this thread was intended to help first, ST fans riding the STC bus to Deerhurst and Timmins, or those still deciding whether to join that group.

However, questions from other ST fans about Deerhurst, may prove helpful to the convention goers this year. And I'll be glad to add them in, to the extent they can help. Other questions can be forwarded as time permits, and as Deerhurst is able to reply.

^^^^^^^^^^^
Your question has now been answered (05 03 2005). You'll find it on page 4.

[Troll]

Thanks for the info

[Roger]

There is a lounge at Deerhurst. On both occasions that Kay and I went to the variety show, we went to the lounge afterwards for a drink and a dance. Sorry, I can't remember the name of the lounge. Somewhere I read that Shania at one point thought she was being hired to sing in the lounge. Did Shania ever sing in the lounge and, if so, will conventioneers be shown the lounge as well as the hall where the variety show takes place?

[RJ]

Originally Posted by Roger

There is a lounge at Deerhurst. On both occasions that Kay and I went to the variety show, we went to the lounge afterwards for a drink and a dance. Sorry, I can't remember the name of the lounge. Somewhere I read that Shania at one point thought she was being hired to sing in the lounge. Did Shania ever sing in the lounge and, if so, will conventioneers be shown the lounge as well as the hall where the variety show takes place?

Roger,

Thanks for the question.

I need to clarify it before I can get an answer.

btw, you've seen the show twice, I've only seen it once. But my visit was more recent. It would be nice to hear of your experience and compare our impressions some time.

After the show you went to the lounge for a drink and a dance. Where was that? Was it in the same building? Was it on the same floor?

[Roger]

Originally Posted by RJ

Roger,

Thanks for the question.

I need to clarify it before I can get an answer.

btw, you've seen the show twice, I've only seen it once. But my visit was more recent. It would be nice to hear of your experience and compare our impressions some time.

After the show you went to the lounge for a drink and a dance. Where was that? Was it in the same building? Was it on the same floor?

Well, I think it was in the same building. Can't remember if it was on the same floor.

[RJ]

Originally Posted by Roger

..., Somewhere I read that Shania at one point thought she was being hired to sing in the lounge. Did Shania ever sing in the lounge and, if so, will conventioneers be shown the lounge as well as the hall where the variety show takes place?

So Shania thought she was being interviewed to just sing in the lounge, instead of their main show? Where did you find that? It would help to know your source before I can find out which lounge they were referring to.

There have been quite a few spots for musical performers at Deerhurst over the years. I know of almost a half dozen, and I'm still working on sorting them out fully. There were two different places for the main shows. And then about 3-4 smaller places like lounges, bars, and dance spots, all within the resort, where small groups of musicians and singers performed. I think even some of Deerhurst's own staff don't know all the answers to these, at least off the top of their head. I've been able to pull together some interesting things from separate sources and observations of people in the past. But there's more to go before I'm done, with these topics you've raised so far.

The Shania connection to these places makes them more intriguing for Shania fans, particularly to those who can go and see the place in person. It's like a personal peek into the past of fame. This bus ride for a group of Shania fans, and the group visit to Deerhurst will be an opportunity unlike what any individual visitor to Deerhurst could ever get.

Shania fans sometimes know more about some things than anyone else. I'm amazed at how many of these threads show up on Google, Yahoo, and the other main search engines. The Internet may someday make you folks famous. If you don't watch out, you may have to go around in disguise to have any privacy, like Shania.

[Roger]

Sorry Bob. I know I read somewhere that Shania thought at one point that she was being hired to sing in the lounge but I can't remember where. I looked quickly in Eggar's bio but couldn't find it there so it must have been somewhere else.

[Big Swede]

Originally Posted by Roger

Sorry Bob. I know I read somewhere that Shania thought at one point that she was being hired to sing in the lounge but I can't remember where. I looked quickly in Eggar's bio but couldn't find it there so it must have been somewhere else.

I´ve also heard or read about it somewhere, but can´t remember where either.

[Roger]

Originally Posted by Roger

Well, I think it was in the same building. Can't remember if it was on the same floor.

I asked Kay is if she could remember. At first she couldn't even remember going to the lounge! Then it came back to her but she thought it was in a separate building but later said no she thinks it was upstairs in the same building. So we are both confused! You have to remember we have stayed in so many places over the years and when we were at Deerhurst, we weren't there particularly as Shania fans. We were there as part of our holiday and were not observing and memorizing. We both remember that there were some confusing routes inside the variety show building and we had to go upstairs and downstairs to find the place.

[RJ]

Originally Posted by Roger

I asked Kay is if she could remember. At first she couldn't even remember going to the lounge! Then it came back to her but she thought it was in a separate building but later said no she thinks it was upstairs in the same building. So we are both confused! You have to remember we have stayed in so many places over the years and when we were at Deerhurst, we weren't there particularly as Shania fans. We were there as part of our holiday and were not observing and memorizing. We both remember that there were some confusing routes inside the variety show building and we had to go upstairs and downstairs to find the place.

When you went upstairs and downstairs, do you remember the open stairway that led up to the Great Room? The ballroom/show was off the side of the Great Room. I remember the building fairly well in some parts from my visit last year and my review of the show. Can still see much of it in my mind's eye.

I'm pretty sure I know where you and Kay danced, Roger. But I'm not yet sure of the various names for that place, including the current one, nor even when it's open. I want to have my references handy and my facts reasonably accurate before I start giving answers out. I recently asked Deerhurst for a floor plan of the Pavillion and also the Lodge. They've not yet responded to that. I can probably get the information from other places. But I try to work with a consistent approach and set of contacts if feasible. They're a big place and can't always get all the things done that everyone wants. Sometimes that slows things down.

Guest reviews and reports about Deerhurst in various websites out on the Internet make interesting reading. My own reviews about Deerhurst so far have focused on the positive, while still trying to be realistic and practical. Tom's opinion was pretty close to mine. But not everyone has had the same experience, or given the same rating in their descriptions.

But back to the Shania connection. Tracy and Deerhurst will have some good stuff about that for the group on the bus, most of whom are members of these ST messageboards. Some of what she tells you in her updates on these messageboards will answer some of your questions.

[Roger]

Originally Posted by RJ

When you went upstairs and downstairs, do you remember the open stairway that led up to the Great Room? The ballroom/show was off the side of the Great Room. I remember the building fairly well in some parts from my visit last year and my review of the show. Can still see much of it in my mind's eye.

Yes I seem to remember the stairs. I remember the wall that separated what you are calling the Great Room from the room where the show took place, had photos and bios of the performers. But there was nothing there in our 1996 or 2000 visits about Shania. I felt they were missing a chance to glamorize their show by this omission. There was nothing in the Deerhurst literature about Shania either.

I spoke with one of the servers after the show and asked about Shania. This was in Sept. 2000. She told me that Shania had dropped in to see the show the previous spring. In that year's show there was one performer who did a Shania impression. It was pretty good. The poor girl probably never figured she would have to do it in front of Shania herself! Shania was nice about it. She met with the cast after the show.

[RJ]

Originally Posted by Roger

Yes I seem to remember the stairs. I remember the wall that separated what you are calling the Great Room from the room where the show took place,...

Yes, that's exactly right. The main floor on the 2nd level runs north and south. (Correction: the Lodge and main floors run east and west. See maps below for reference. rj 05 04 2005) That main floor is divided in half, with the Great Room toward the lake, and the show room toward the uphill side and the Pavillion.

I call that a Great Room on my own initiative. Deerhurst probably never called it that. It reminds me of some of the elegant entertainment rooms in the summer home mansions of business tycoons that are historically preserved for visits by tourists. Interior decor was quite impressive and must have been quite something in earlier times. Did you say you have a photo of that room?



Above is a map of Huntsville area, including Peninsula Lake. Deerhurst was established on the north side of the lake.

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Below is a closer view of Peninsula Lake.



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Finally, below is a corresponding view, still closer, of the east-west orientation of the Lodge at Deerhurst, on the north shore of Peninsula Lake.

[RJ]

Originally Posted by RJ

...,The main floor on the 2nd level runs north and south. east and west. That is divided in half, with the Great Room toward the lake, and the show room toward the uphill side and the Pavillion.

I call that a Great Room on my own initiative. Deerhurst probably never called it that. It reminds me of some of the elegant entertainment rooms in the summer home mansions of business tycoons that are historically preserved for visits by tourists. Interior decor was quite impressive and must have been quite something in earlier times. Did you say you have a photo of that room?

Originally Posted by Roger

..., I remember the wall that separated what you are calling the Great Room from the room where the show took place, had photos and bios of the performers...,

Ooops! Sorry. You said Deerhurst had photos and bios of the performers on the wall, not that you had photos of the wall or room.

Oh, well. In that case, here's a start on the answer to your questions. Deerhurst has okayed my request to post some of their pictures for ST fans within guidelines I discussed with them. Most of these pictures are available at their website, http://www.deerhurstresort.com. However I'll try to make it easier for you by posting these specific pictures in direct response to your questions. Please note these images are the property of Deerhurst, who has copyright. Copying or use of these images outside of their website, requires prior approval from Deerhurst.


Roger, your memory is accurate in multiple ways. There are pictures of the cast on the walls, both at right and at left, with notes below, probably brief bios. The right wall is between the Lodge Ballroom where the show is performed. The left wall is the outside of the building, overlooking the pool and Peninsula Lake. The door in the middle of the wall at right, is one entrance to the ballroom near the front. It's usually closed for the show. The staff take tickets at the door nearer the back of the ballroom. That door is farther to the right, out of view.

Maybe you can see why I called this the Great Room. The decor is impressive. Oak or maple beams, a huge brick fireplace, luxurious furniture, simulated gas lights on the walls and from the ceiling. Is that a crystal chandelier at left? A polished piano in the distance. I think I've seen this room named in different spots on Deerhurst's website at the Ballroom Lobby and Ballroom Foyer (and also the 'crush lounge'). Either way, they're on the 2nd level in the Lodge.

I thought the main, open stairway came up in the far end of the room, beyond the piano. However other information suggests another stairway is behind the camera a ways.

Deerhurst's caption for the picture:
"The ballroom lobby is ideal for receptions or coffe breaks for the Lodge Ballroom, which can be entered throught he door at the right side of your screen. The Lodge Ballroom is where the musical stage show performs."

[RJ]

Originally Posted by Roger

..., I remember the wall that separated what you are calling the Great Room from the room where the show took place, had photos and bios of the performers. But there was nothing there in our 1996 or 2000 visits about Shania. I felt they were missing a chance to glamorize their show by this omission. There was nothing in the Deerhurst literature about Shania either.

That seems to have changed. Maybe it was due in some way, to Shania's invitation to Katie Couric to visit Deerhurst together a couple years ago. In May 2005, we found a hallway in the lower part of the Lodge with historic memorabilia about the place. It included several pictures or framed posters about Shania. I think Tom posted that somewhere. Let's see if I can find that. Yep, here it is in the 7th post in this thread.
http://www.shaniaforums.com/showthread.php?t=30821

[RJ]

Originally Posted by Roger

...,I spoke with one of the servers after the show and asked about Shania. This was in Sept. 2000. She told me that Shania had dropped in to see the show the previous spring. In that year's show there was one performer who did a Shania impression. It was pretty good. The poor girl probably never figured she would have to do it in front of Shania herself! Shania was nice about it. She met with the cast after the show.

Nice story there. Yes, I'll bet the performer was a bit apprehensive about singing one of Shania's songs in front of an audience that included Shania.

The cast does meet with the audience after the show. A nice touch, in my opinion. It continues the tradition started by the Waterhouse family over a hundred years ago. I'll bet the cast was more alert than usual, while mingling after this show, with Shania there.

[RJ]

I'm still working on answers to your other questions. Some are still pending for Roger and for Shanianuts.

I also have more pictures and info that will sooner or later, be of considerable interest, including to those going on the group bus to Deerhurst. But I have much preparation needed first. And I have other things that need my attention also. So please be patient. I provide depth and some quality, but not necessarily speed.

[Troll]

Thanks for the pic Bob

[Roger]

Thanx for the photo, Bob. My memory is not the best. I remembered the layout of the room but I had forgotten how nice it is. The photo brings it all back. I had also forgotten they have photos and bios on the opposite wall.