STOUGHTON
Stoughton Community Players pulled off four, one-act plays jointly named Life's Moments under the Lights, on Dec. 1 and 2, and then again, the following weekend on Dec. 8 and 9, at the Royal Canadian Legion Stoughton Branch.
The work began months in advance with a search for volunteers to perform, followed by rehearsals several times a week.
Throughout the years that the community players have been around, they have put over $160,000 back into the community through the support of sponsors, volunteers and the audience.
This year they decided to do four, one-act performances following a dinner.
For many years, Colleen Andris has taken on the task of meal assignment. She ensured that an array of salads and desserts, donated by the community, was available each night. Dinners were sponsored by local businesses, and more sponsors took care of the hall rental, set and props.
Susan Aldred was in charge of the decorations. These included old wedding photos and graduation pictures of locals, which were hung around the hall and placed on the tables.
Taure Brigdon, the owner of Herr Kutz in Stoughton and a big part of the community players each year, offered her professional services with hair and makeup.
To open the night, Danielle Hoffman welcomed the crowd for another sold-out event. A special toast was made to Jonathon Lake, a long-time performer and backstage helper who had passed away a few months ago. Lake had been involved in the plays for years and now for the first time, his son William and daughter MacyLynn took to the stage.
Their one-act play Wanted: One Groom was up first. This play was performed by the young people in the community. Parents went searching for a groom for their young daughter through an ad in the Observer. A young gentleman applies but for a different reason. Through the hilarious conversations laced with double meaning, they realize that they are on the same page.
Next up was Post It's of a couple during the span of their lives together, exploring the ups and downs of their relationship through post-it notes. A comical yet moving, the play brought a clear message of communication needed in a relationship.
The third play was called Driver's Test, and no amount of driver's practice would prepare a 16-year-old for a dangerously insane, fun-loving DMV tester's need for speed. This comical road test had the crowd sitting on the edge of their seats throughout the wildest ride of the youngster's life.
The final act was Speed Date. It's Valentine's Day, and the pressure is on for the search for love as the clock is ticking.
This year had seasoned performers and many new to the stage, and they all enjoyed the event and look forward to helping out next year.
