Marco Polo Project

Barry Ogden with the replica of the Marco Polo, which is one-third the size of the famous 19th century sailing ship.

Marco Polo replica heads to Harbour Station soon

KARISSA DONKIN
TELEGRAPH-JOURNAL
JULY 15/10

    SAINT JOHN - The Marco Polo replica will soon be en route to a new destination.
   The replica, which is one-third of the size of the original clipper ship, standing 65 feet high and measuring 90 feet long, will soon be transported across the harbour to Harbour Station, said Barry Ogden, president of the Marco Polo Project.
   The replica does not have a permanent home in the city yet, and is in storage on the west side.
   It's being moved to Harbour Station to be used in Marco Polo: The Musical, which hits the stage at Harbour Station on Oct. 23.
   The show is a partnership between the Saint John Theatre Company, the New Brunswick Youth Orchestra and the Saint John High School concert choir.
   "Saint John Theatre Company would like to use the ship as part of the set and we're in agreement of that;' Ogden said.
   Before confirming the ship's appearance in the musical, Ogden first had to figure out if it was possible.
   He had to determine whether it could be carried by barge across the harbour, and whether they could get the ship inside Harbour Station. It turned out both of the tasks can be accomplished.
   "We should be ready to move it soon."
    Ogden has devoted 24 years to building the Marco Polo replica, an icon in the golden age of sail in the 19th century that was launched in Saint John in 1851.
   He envisions a waterfront festival dedicated to the replica when it's moved from the storage facility, saying such a festival could be "one of the biggest events in recent history in Saint John."
   "Everywhere I go, people ask me when they can see it. This would be a great opportunity for the community. I think there'd be international and national press and I think it'd be great for community spirit,' Ogden said.
   "The day that we bring it over, I think what will happen is we'll look back 10 or 20 years and everybody will remember where they were that day."
   Ogden sees the replica as something that unites the community, with a story that appeals to everyone.
   "It's a fabulous story, it's been told many ways. The good thing about it is it's our story."
   Mike Caddell, general manager of Harbour Station, said excitement is building for the ship's stage debut.
   "Everyone's extremely excited about the ability to showcase the ship in the building."

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