Kindersley Players showcase their talent

By Joan Janzen

KINDERSLEY - The Kindersley Players brought community theatre to life in their most recent production 'Four Weddings and an Elvis', which they performed on May 9th, 10th, 16th and 17th at the Norman Ritchie Centre.

This year marks Judy Lavoie's 35th year of directing live theatre in Kindersley. The talent on stage was accompanied by delicious food catered by Kelly Skappak and her team.

Kindersley Players performed 'Four Weddings and an Elvis 'on the weekends of May 9th and 16th. Elvis was in the building at each performance!

"This production was especially exciting because it featured five first-time actors: Darien Lynch, Ashley Gee, Clayton Braybrook, Shaun Henry, and Glenda Watson, who absolutely shone in their debut roles. Their enthusiasm and commitment brought so much energy to the show," Judy said. "Special mention goes to Bob Watson and Frances McManus, who are the longest serving members of the Kindersley Players."

Ron Hamm, Danny Omness, Rick Miller, and Courtney Hopkins completed the cast. Meanwhile, crew members Jenna Lavoie, Nancy Hebert, Leslie Paslawski, and Deeney Hogarth worked behind the scenes in various capacities. 

"The cast bonded quickly and worked together seamlessly. When I re-read the script last year, I already had a few actors in mind for specific roles, and I couldn't have been happier with how perfectly each person fit their character," Judy explained.

Rehearsals began in October of 2024, starting with weekly practices and increasing the frequency as opening night approached. "Coordinating schedules for eleven people is never easy, but the teamwork and flexibility of everyone involved made it work," she said.

The play's setting was Sandy's Chapel of Love in Las Vegas, where a series of marriages took place over eighteen months. Each scene introduced a new couple arriving to tie the knot with hilarious and heartwarming results. And Elvis (aka Rick Miller) had the audience 'all shook up' with laughter as the couples 'can't help falling in love' at the chapel. Elvis was definitely in the building!

"It takes many volunteers to make these productions possible," Judy acknowledged. "And the audience response has been overwhelmingly positive."