Richard Froese
South Peace News
Suspense and humour were in the air as an annual murder-mystery dinner-theatre in the small community of Jean Cote was another big hit!
Seniors on a Cruise was presented by the Local Actors Having Fun (LAHF) Troupe on March 1 and March 8 a the Jean Cote Community Centre at the 17th production since the first in 2007.
Those in the crowd were on the edge of their seats in a fun-filled event and a three-course meal.
The Captain, played by Paul Benoit, was revealed as the murderer, says Brenda Moore, who played the recreation director on the SS Knotti Senior.
Benoit has performed in every play except the first.
“We had 200 people on the opening night,” Moore says.
“Every comment we received was positive and from the laughter we could hear, it seemed that everyone really enjoyed it.”
The popular event attracts people from the local area, as well as from Peace River, Grimshaw, Valleyview and High Prairie.
The play was set in Jean Cote and included various local references to nearby Lac Magloire and other local places.
Organizers value the opportunity to provide two entertaining evenings that raise funds to benefit the small community.
“The LAHF Troupe greatly appreciates the support of people in the region and support for their productions that makes it possible to operate the community centre and the outdoor skating rink,” Moore says.
Each year, guests are encouraged to dress up for the theme and many played the part very well.
Prizes were given to the best-dressed woman, best-dressed man and best-dressed couple.
Besides the play, people in the audience enjoyed a delicious meal catered by people from the Jean Cote area and served by local students between the four acts.
The play, with a Jean Cote flavour, is written by the LAHF Troupe and customized for the performers.
“We are a very unique theatre group,” Moore says.
“We don’t pick a play and audition for actors. Instead, we pick our actors and write a play for them. We start with a basic script and each actor is free to develop their own character.”
All members of the troupe are involved in creating the final draft of the play, decorating and props, she notes.
“The whole process is so much fun that we have many of the actors coming back year after year,” Moore says.
Over the years, the dinner-theatre has attracted capacity crowds of 230 diners each night.
