PET project draws raves
Trudeaumania swept through the Museum of Civilization in Ottawa Thursday night as close to 200 people gathered for a special screening of the CBC four-hour mini-series Trudeau.
“I think it’s fantastic that the CBC has brought this story to life,” remarked Heritage Minister Shiela Copps while chatting with Sen. Ross Fitzpatrick and actor Colm Feore, who plays Trudeau in the series.
Feore says he spent a lot of time doing research for the role, going over hours and hours of radio transcripts, legal notes and newspaper articles to get more of a perspective on the man Trudeau was and the legacy he left behind.
“It was really a remarkable role to play,” he commented, while adjusting the red rose on his lapel.
“Trudeau was such an interesting character.”
One man who has a particular insight into the Trudeau years, former External Affairs Minister Mitchell Sharp, also attended the event, and was able to swap stories with R.H. Thomson, the actor playing him in the series.
“I was thrilled to get this part. The man that I portray has had a long career built on honesty and integrity, and that’s something that doesn’t appear too often anymore,” said Thomson, further stating that doing the series allowed him to see something many Canadians never get the chance to witness — the dynamic both inside the cabinet, and that which existed between Sharp and Trudeau.
Also attending the pre-screening reception were Herb Gray and actors Patrick McKenna and Don McKeller, who play a fictonalized executive assistant and communications consultant.
Noticeably absent from the screening was Trudeau’s ex-wife Margaret and their sons Justin and Sasha.
Trudeau airs on the CBC March 31 and April 1 at 8 p.m.