Life doesn't always go according to plan. Actually, it's probably more accurate to say that life never happens the way we plan it. It's what we do with the situations that present themselves that defines who we are.
Kiss the Moon, Kiss the Sun by Norm Foster presents a realistic tale of people struggling to handle the cards they've been dealt. Although a comedy, Kiss the Moon, Kiss the Sun, swings to the dramatic end with heart-warming and tragic turns.
Living in Calgary, I had the opportunity to attend a variety of live theatre productions, so I wasn't sure what to expect from the Battlefords Community Players.
They didn't disappoint.
Shawn Hewitt was excellent as Robert, a mentally challenged man, eliciting both laughter and tears from the captive audience.
Hewitt's performance was nicely complemented by that of Leanne Merkowsky, playing the role of Holly, a young pregnant woman who befriends Robert.
The other three members, Shelly Bretzer, Bernie Cardin and Norma Klassen, stepped easily into their roles.
I was surprised to learn Klassen was a relative newcomer, having less experience than the other four cast members, as she lent her several monologues a depth of character one would expect from a seasoned actress.
Klassen was not the only one trying something new: Kiss the Moon, Kiss the Sun is Dorothy Horrell's directorial debut.
Horrell was assistant director for a previous play, and has assisted in the direction of other plays, including one that was almost her last.
"It was a nightmare for both of us," said Horrell of assisting the director of a series of short plays.
After the success of Kiss the Moon, Kiss the Sun, it's unlikely to be her last.
The set was creatively constructed by Bob Horrell, Bill Wells, Shawn Hewitt and Geordie Smith, and included a revolving set for scene changes.
Porta Bella put the dinner into dinner theatre with their delicious catered meal.
The last performance of Kiss the Moon, Kiss the Sun will take place tomorrow at the Western Development Museum.
After that, the Battlefords Community Players will be busy preparing for their spring productions, which hit the stage Feb. 15.
For more information, call Battlefords Community Players at 446-3133.
