Weyburn will be part of a history-making production during the Homecoming weekend. The Crocus 80 Theatre troupe will present an original comedy written by award-winning author Edward Willett.
The 'Circle the Crops' performances will take place at the Tommy Douglas Performing Arts Centre on August 2 at 7:00 p.m. as well as two performances on August 4 at 2:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. All three hilarious performances will be presented for free in celebration of Weyburn's birthday.
The troupe had originally booked only two performances, but they wanted to make sure more people could attend.
"Since we had limited seating capacity at the Tommy Douglas Centre, the Crocus 80 executive worked with the cast and the Centennial committee to add a third performance over the Homecoming weekend," said Crocus 80 president Sabrina Kraft.
Playwright Willett was, in fact, one of the founding members of the original Crocus 80 Theatre. He directed and performed for many years and was even president when he left Weyburn.
"I grew up in Weyburn," said Willett. "I wasn't born there, but I grew up there from the time I was eight, right through high school and of course, I spent eight years (at the newspaper there). Weyburn is still my hometown, in a lot of ways. I have that connection with it."
The Crocus 80 production of 'Circle the Crops' will be the play's official debut.
"I'm glad that it's going to be performed for the first time in Weyburn and I'm quite honoured that it's going to be part of the centennial celebrations," added Willett.
"The opportunity to be the first troupe to perform this play is quite exciting," said Kraft. "We have worked hard to give these characters and this script life, and of course that comes with challenges, but also a lot of discussion by the cast and our director."
Elise Repko is directing the play as well as acting in it, along with fellow cast members Martin Jewell, Erin Graas, Freda Lautner, Lois Watts, Dave Rennie, Ryan Repko, Marnie Bernard, Dave Frayn, Carol Reeve, Austin Shauf and Logan White.
"One of our biggest challenges was finding enough cast for the play, and finding the right people in the right roles," noted Kraft. "Of course, all of our cast have embraced their roles and I feel they all have the right fit. Everyone knew that this would be the first time 'Circle the Crops' was performed, and they were excited to bring their thoughts to the director and to the Crocus 80 executive."
Crocus 80 vice president and Centennial chair Connie Nightingale noted what a treat it was to work with Edward Willett.
"He and I were in communication about 'Circle the Crops' for over a year to bring this production to life," said Nightingale. "Edward has provided us the leeway needed to allow a never-performed script to evolve. Yet, he was a strong guiding force in the evolution of the script. I and Crocus 80 are so honored to work with such a renowned author."
"I've been quite willing to sit back and let the director and the actors do what they will," said Willett. "So it will be as fresh to me when I see it as it is to everyone else. It's never been seen on stage, it has only played in my head. I'm sure it'll look quite different than it did in my head."
He explained the impact Weyburn had on the play's milieu.
"The small town newspaper experience that I drew on was very much based on my time working there," said Willett. "Although we never had any alien invasions while I was there... that I am aware of."
Doors will open half an hour before the performances and will be first-come first-seated. Crocus 80 Theatre will be accepting silver donations for the free event.
