OUTLOOK - You could probably get there from anywhere else in the world, but you couldn't get there from here.
That was the message being sent out to anyone passing through town in Equinox Theatre's latest production, 'You Can't Get There From Here', which ran for three shows at the Outlook Civic Centre over May 24-26.
Directed by Jordan Davies and John McPhail, the play takes the stock response doled out in certain parts of Canada and the U.S. and applies it to the goings-on at the Mavis Garner Bed & Breakfast, set in the small town of Shadow Falls. Of course, nothing is what it seems on the surface as the action of the story takes place in the living room of the B&B.
When journalist Arthur, well played by maturing Equinox player Kevin Guebert, hits the town pothole and his vehicle is out of commission, he winds up taking a room at the B&B, which is run by Liz (Jill Lee, taking command in this play), Myrtle (Dana Kendrick, providing tons of comedy relief as the show's hipster), and Ann (Ava Smith, lending wide-eyed innocence and vulnerability to the show). At first, Arthur can't make heads or tails out of the operations of the B&B, which seems to serve as the town's main headquarters, and he gets a story idea to write about the bizarre happenings at this quaint little rest spot. Of course, what he doesn't expect is to fall head over heels in love with Ann, and he has a question to ask himself; go forward with the story, or leave that all behind in favor of a small town life?
Adding to the story proceedings are Melissa Theoret playing Queenie, the town's own reporter who's always on the lookout for an angle, as well as Heather Peardon as Arthur's boss, Dolores van Damm, a take-charge woman who seems determined to find a hot scoop in the mess that she believes Arthur has found himself involved in. Lee Genereux, coming in at the conclusion of the story, stars as the boss of both Dolores and Arthur, Horace McClintock, who finds a way to wrap up this mystery tale and send the cold-hearted Dolores packing.
With characters that the audience finds a connection with and a story that makes them smile at the conclusion, 'You Can't Get There From Here' was certainly a crowd-pleasing show that attendees are sure to remember for some time.
Equinox Theatre is only taking a short break for a few weeks, as the group will be a part of the River & Rail ArtVenture over June 22 & 23, setting up shop at the Bounty Theatre and providing two short plays presented by young performers, as well as older cast members performing some fan favorite musical numbers. More details such as show times and will be provided online closer to the late June weekend.
As well, Equinox is now presenting a children's theatre group, which is currently looking for any youngsters ages 7+ who are interested in performing in a future show by the theatre group. There will be weekly meetings in Outlook on Tuesday evenings, where kids will be instructed in a number of theatre-related skills by Equinox veterans and volunteers. For more information, people can send an email to [email protected].
