Richard Froese
South Peace News
The popular murder-mystery dinner-theatre returns to the small community of Jean Cote with a hilarious theme seniors can relate to.
Seniors on a Cruise will be presented by the Local Actors Having Fun (LAHF) Troupe on March 1 and March 8 at the Jean Cote Community Centre.
The production will be the 17th for LAHF.
The cast includes Marnie Lambers, Alain Johnson, Shaylene Johnson, Paul Benoit, Jacquie Melnyk, Ashley Garn- ham, Monique Rochon, Siarra Embury, Diane Dolhan and Norm Duval.
Lise Poirier is the director, George Tailleur controls the sound and Doris Drouin is in charge of lights and curtains.
Guests are invited to get into the spirit of the evening, says Brenda Moore, who will perform skits between acts.
“We always encourage our guests to join in the fun and come in costume,” Moore says.
“It’s amazing how creative people are and this year’s theme allows for a wide selection of costumes.
“A lot of people – including seniors – go on cruises all over the world and it’s fun to dress up in cruise attire.”
Winners of the best dressed are selected by votes from the audience.
“It’s too hard for us to choose,” Moore says.
Prizes will be given to the best-dressed woman, best-dressed man and best-dressed couple.
Besides the play, people in the audience will get 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 fun that we have many of the actors coming back year after year,” Moore says.
The dinner-theatre is the main fundraiser for the maintenance of the community centre and outdoor skating rink.
Over the years, the dinner-theatre has attracted capacity crowds of 230 diners each night.
A silent auction will take place both nights at the event that will also include a bar and a shooter bar.
Anyone wishing to donate items to the silent auction may phone Charlotte Keally at (780) 618-8505.
No ATM is located in the facility.
Tickets are $90 each and are still available.
Moore says tickets are still available and can by purchased by phoning Melissa Griffin at (780) 837-5316.
Doors open at 5 p.m. The play starts at 6 p.m.