SHAUNAVON — Darkhorse Theatre's latest production, “Squirrel Lake,” written by Brian Mitchell, wrapped up its successful run with four entertaining nights of dinner theatre from December 11-14, preceded by an afternoon matinee on December 8. Impressively, the theatre sold a total of 400 tickets, showcasing the growing enthusiasm for community arts.

The play centers around the misadventures of the Olsen siblings who gather at their family cabin to hear the reading of their late mother's will. As expected, family dynamics take center stage, filled with humorous misunderstandings and chaotic moments. Joining the fray are siblings played by the talented Angie Illerbrun, who portrayed Sister Mary Elizabeth Catherine Theresa Hardy, and Roderick Thienes as Detective Lance Hardy, both of whom became entangled in the Olsen family's antics alongside new cast member Aria Davies in the role of Joy.

Illerbrun, a seasoned performer, shared her excitement: “It’s always a treat to perform! Every night is something different!!” But the opening matinee brought more drama than just scripted lines, including a couple of real-life injuries, adding a twist to the proceedings.

Despite suffering a toe injury during the opening night, veteran actor Vince Goulet delivered a remarkable portrayal of Bob King, the husband of one of the Olsen siblings. The actor's misfortune mirrored the comedic misadventures of his character, adding an extra layer of intrigue to the performances. Roderick Thienes wowed the audience with his comedic flair, bringing to life two characters in this delightfully chaotic play. The Olsen siblings were played by Amy Leslie (Sally Olsen) and newcomers Jordan Abbott and Chris Burgess, both of whom left their mark on the production. Notably, Chris has made appearances in sponsorship commercials and the youth production earlier this fall.

Darren Johnston served as the emcee, adding charisma with his welcoming presence each night, while Shaunavon High School students delivered the catered meals prepared by Harvest Eatery, ensuring a delightful dining experience. Special mentions go to Lindsey and Brook Phillips for the afternoon matinee's baked goods, showcasing the community's backing for this ambitious production. Over 50 volunteers were acknowledged in the program for their efforts in serving, managing the bar, and helping in the kitchen, highlighting the community spirit that reigns at Darkhorse Theatre. Long-time member Cathy Smith stepped up as Stage Manager, with support from Katelyn Phillips and Carsten Davies.

In a noteworthy achievement, Andrew Burch made his directorial debut after participating in numerous productions. Reflecting on the community response, Burch expressed his satisfaction: "We received standing ovations every night. The actors have definitely earned it.” He also mentioned initial concerns about managing dinner service in the new hall, especially with the kitchen being located in the basement, but praised the teamwork of the high school students who helped make it seamless.

Every evening performance included a thrilling raffle for a meat basket, graciously donated by the Earview Colony and Jaret & Ricki-Lee Girodat of Townview Farms. Proceeds from the raffle are earmarked for essential updates, including a furnace and air conditioning system for Darkhorse Hall. Since last year's production, the theatre upgraded to comfortable padded chairs for audience seating. There was a slight reduction in seating capacity to enhance the comfort of patrons—a move that aligns with the theatre’s commitment to creating a welcoming atmosphere.

This successful run marked the second dinner theatre performance at Darkhorse Theatre’s new venue after converting the Centre Street United Church building into Darkhorse Hall in 2023. With plans for further improvements and exciting future productions on the horizon, local theatre enthusiasts can look forward to many more nutty adventures from Darkhorse Theatre!