A little bit of Broadway is coming to the Nancy Appleby Theatre June 7-8 and 14-15, with performers from the Big River Arts Society set to put on the George and Ira Gershwin musical Crazy For You.
The play is part of the annual dinner and show hosted by the Rotary Club of Athabasca and BRASS, with the dinner to be provided by local caterers Alan and Gerri Zahar from Elsa’s Banquet Room and Catering.
Gina Martel, the play’s director, said the play about a city boy who comes to the country and falls in love with a local lady.
“It’s a romantic comedy,” Martel said. “We have never done a show with this much dance before, but luckily we have recruited a few choreographers to help us pull this off. Crazy For You is one of the most well-known musicals out there, and there is lots of music that people will know.”
She described the music as having a jazz feel to it.
“The play features all local artists from Athabasca and the surrounding area,” Martel said. “We have about 20 cast members, and that goes up to 30 people when you add the crew into it as well. That really speaks to the amount of talent we have got in our community, it’s quite awesome. They even get together after rehearsals and rehearse their lines and work on their material.”
Gwyneth Morrison, who plays female lead Polly Baker, said this is her first year acting in the play.
“It’s super fun,” Morrison said. “I hope to see even more people get involved next year.”
The lead male role of Bobby Child is being played by Eziah Pahl.
“I’ve done musicals off-and-on for the past 12 years,” Pahl said. “I first worked with Gina about five years ago, and I have done musicals in town for Christmas and other holidays.”
He added he had lots of fun performing and singing on stage.
“We have lots of romantic moments in the performance,” Pahl said. “I get slapped, but at least nobody beats me up on stage this time. The play goes over the dos and don’ts about falling in love.”
Tony Kiselyk, who portrays Polly’s father Everett in the production, has been involved with the Big River Arts Society for the past four shows.
“There’s always a part for me I guess,” Tony said. “This is the biggest cast we have had so far, with lots of people and costume changes involved. It’s going to be just as funny as the other shows we have done.”
Martel said the Big River Arts Society takes care of the performance side of things, including the building the set and getting the actors ready.
“The dinner and front end side is handled by the Rotary Club,” she said. “They do all the advertising and ticket sales for the event. Together, it comes off as a great full evening of a dinner and a show.”
The part of British traveller Eugene Fodor is being played by Denny Sawchuk.
“I actually have to fake a British accent for my role this year,” Sawchuk said. “I have been with the society for three years, and I really enjoy the run-up to the show. It’s always fun with these wonderful people, learning the parts and the dance steps, it’s just a blast. it’s just good camaraderie in general that keeps bringing us all back.”
Marilyn Bittorf from the Rotary Club said roast beef will be served at the dinner.
“Al and Gerri Zahar always do a really nice job catering our events,” Bittorf said. “The dinner will take place at the Athabasca Seniors Drop-In Centre, which is adjacent to the theatre. This way, the people can simply carry over to the Nancy Appleby Theatre directly to the show.”
She said the money raised from ticket sales will go to support local community projects. She added that they hope to sell out each of their four shows.
“The deadline to purchase the tickets are at either June 7 or 14 early in the morning, depending on which week you are attending the show,” Bittorf said. “Our caterers would like to know how many are coming ahead of time, just so they know what preparations they have to make.”
The dinner goes at 5:30 p.m. each night, while the play follows at 7 p.m. Tickets can be purchased at the Value Drug Mart, or online at www.eventbrite.ca. Tickets are $60 for the dinner and the show, while tickets for the show only cost $25.
