The much-anticipated LAHF (Local Actors Having Fun) Troupe will be back to entertain with an out-of-this-world play on March 7 and 14.
The two evenings are sure to provide attendees with an opportunity to make bellies hurt from laughing, with a space parody Star Track theme.
The 18th year of production will be a tribute to long-time LAHF member and this year’s playwright Brenda Moore, who lost her battle this year to cancer.
“The theme is anything to do with galaxy, aliens and outer space,” says LAHF Troupe’s Lise Garant.
“We’re hoping people will dress up as their favourite character from a variety of shows that we used to watch: Star Troopers, Star Wars, and all the other outer space shows.”
Garant explains part of the fun is people dressing up to the theme of the play. She says any type of extraterrestrial costume, solar system or any other quirky outer space costume would be great to see, but she does add if people do not want to dress up that they don’t have to.
“This year is a special tribute as we lost Brenda to cancer,” Garant says.
“It’s special because she wrote it and she’s always been the hugest advocate for this dinner theatre. Losing her in January was difficult and we really want to honour all the effort that she’s put into this and make it a good one.”
Garant says the play is sure to be very funny and she says anyone who remembers some of the old extraterrestrial shows will remember some of the lines in the play. She adds local humour, locations and information is always added to the play to make the connection to the community.
“Because this is all local actors we try to put in some local content,” Garant explains.
“We change up the script and the names of towns to make it personal. It’s really unique to other plays because it has a lot of content.”
Garant says the whole production is put on by local volunteers and notes it takes a lot of people to make the event successful.
“We have eight actors and one person responsible for sound,” she says.
“Plus, we have all the kitchen staff making the food and local high school students that are the servers. We also have volunteer shooter bar and regular bartenders.”
The play will be presented in four acts, with a catered meal served to each table between acts. The evening features a multi-course meal of broccoli salad, roast turkey, mashed potatoes with gravy, peas and carrots in dill sauce, and a jelly roll with whipped cream.
Garant reminds attendees there is both a regular bar, a shooter bar and a silent auction. There is no ATM on site, so she urges people to come prepared with cash.
“It’s a great chance to see people you haven’t seen all winter and takes the dull out of the long winter months,” says Garant.
“It’s also a great chance to get together as a community and help raise funds for the various Jean Cote community initiatives.”
All funds raised go directly to the Jean Côtè Community Hall, the cemetery, and the playground. All are initiatives of the Jean Côtè Community Group.
“We need to support our local communities and all of the fundraisers to ensure we can keep all our amenities,” Garant says.
“The event is open to anyone over 18 and we’re hoping that people from around the area will come out to enjoy the fun.”
Doors for both evenings open at 5 p.m. with acting commencing at 6 p.m. Tickets cost $90 each and there are still some available for both shows, contact Melissa at (780) 837-5316 for tickets.
Emily Plihal
Local Journalism
Initiative Reporter