Despite smaller-than-expected audiences, the Westlock Drama Society’s production of Come Blow Your Horn was a success.
On stage for four performances March 3 and March 7-9, the show drew respectable crowds who came out to watch a 1960s New York family work through its problems.
For director Audrey Lang, it’s a relief to finally be done with the experience.
“We’re all glad it’s over,” she said. “It was a long haul.”
Much like any play, Lang said Come Blow Your Horn was a challenge to pull together, as she needed to work with the cast to make sure they gave it their all. Fortunately, they were up to the task.
“They really got into their characters,” she said.
She credited Doug Whistance-Smith and Arla Trueblood with really adding to the show and showing what acting chops they have.
However, she gave extra kudos to the boy who played the show’s youngest character.
“My young fellow Cole (Despins), he really did a great job,” she said. “He just shown, he really did. He’s so good, he listens to everything. He’s just the kind of person you want in a play.”
Although the crowds were smaller than she would have liked, Lang said they were happy with what they saw on stage.
“The people really enjoyed it,” she said. “The storyline was really nice. That’s one thing I’ve been hearing, that it was a good story.”
The show was a comedy, and with that came proof not everyone has the same sense of humour. There were several scenes where the laughs were unanimous, Lang said, and others where it was clear only a few people got the joke — if there was even a joke written into the script in the first place.
Now that the final curtain has dropped, Lang can look back at the play and reminisce about her 20 years in Westlock show business as she contemplates retirement.
She said she still enjoys seeing and doing plays, but after 20 years she’s just plain tired.
For shows to continue to hit the stage in Westlock, she said the society is going to have to keep the fires burning. Fortunately, there seems to be a part of the community that wants to get out there and break a leg.
“We’ve had a couple of calls from people who are interested in the drama society,” Lang said. “You really hate to disappoint them when they’re keen on doing something.”
Anyone who may be interested in getting involved with the Westlock Drama Society should call society chair Gail Rufiange at 780-307-3625.
