Equinox Theatre is getting ready bring an exciting series of programs to the stage as it rolls out its 2019-2020 season.
A play by Phil Olson called 鈥淢om鈥檚 Gift鈥� is up first. Described as a comedy with a heart, it is the story of a family coming together, some reluctantly, to celebrate a birthday. Mom has been dead for 11 months and shows up to accomplish a task to earn her wings, but since there are so many things to fix she isn鈥檛 sure what her true task might be. This is complicated by the fact that the only person who can see or hear her is the daughter who has been court ordered to attend her dad鈥檚 birthday party as part of her anger management program. As family secrets are peeled away, laughter and a few tears follow.
The humorous and poignant story is being portrayed by a talented team cast consisting of Patti Haraldson, Emily Vandenberg, Phil Guebert, Jill Lee, Amber Turton, Kevin Guebert and Kirk Friggstad, under the direction of Delwyn Luedtke. 鈥淢om鈥檚 Gift鈥� runs November 21-23 with tickets going on sale October 24 at Outlook Printers.
In 2020 the theatre group has even more in store as they host two major productions. On April 24 they will invite 鈥淭he Louisiana Hayride Show鈥� to the stage. For more than 10 years this show has been touring western Canada where audiences have been treated to the best in country music in a tribute to the historical radio program.
The talented singers and musicians of the Louisiana Hayride recreate moments by iconic artists such as Hank Williams, Patsy Cline, Elvis Presley, Loretta Lynn, Roy Orbison, Willie Nelson and Crystal Gayle. In addition to these legends will be music by Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, Conway Twitty, Charley Pride and even a tribute to Shania Twain. Tickets for this event go on sale November 21.
With the sounds of country music still floating in the area Equinox will welcome Missoula Children鈥檚 Theatre for a week-long workshop culminating in two performances that will delight audiences as the children of the community take center stage.
Open auditions will be held for children in kindergarten to the age of 18, and the cast of 50-60 will work under the tutelage of the Missoula Children鈥檚 Theatre in bringing a classic story to the stage鈥ith a twist鈥n a full-scale musical.
Equinox Theatre has worked with children several times in past productions and wants to continue nurturing the interest and talent that is evident in the community. The theatre group invited the Missoula Children鈥檚 Theatre to bring their considerable expertise and specialized program to provide this opportunity to an even greater number of young people. Equinox vice-president Sheri Lovrod explained, 鈥淲e have been aware of the work of the Missoula Children鈥檚 Theatre for quite some time. We are confident that partnering with them will provide children in our community the chance to learn and develop theatre skills under those who are the very best at doing this. Then, we will all reap the benefits as we provide opportunity to use those skills in future productions.鈥�
Raising the curtain on a local production, bringing a fan-favorite to the community, and highlighting the talents of the kids in the area is making for an ambitious upcoming program for the theatre group. Equinox president Maureen Weiterman said, 鈥淲e work hard to bring wonderful entertainment to the stage and we believe in encouraging the arts in this town. We had a successful collaboration with the Arts Council and Town of Outlook in bringing SaskExpress into the community and so when these other opportunities came up we knew we wanted to pursue them. It is re-energizing and exciting to be part of something like this. New opportunities bring in new people to the arts scene and that is great for our future.鈥�
