Eatonia Oasis Players to bring big laughs on stage
By Joan Janzen
EATONIA - Laughter is said to be the best medicine, and Eatonia Oasis Players (EOP) are filling the prescription at their dinner theatre scheduled for the beginning of April. “The play ‘Exit Laughing’ made me laugh more than any other play I read,” said director Josh Bews. “I obviously wanted to do a comedy and give the crowd a good show.”
The cast of Eatonia Oasis Players for their upcoming dinner theatre in April includes: Back row (l-r) Leann Martens, Dion Swan, Julie Nunweiler. Front row (l-r): Maricel Krugel, Barb Cherniwchan. PHOTO BY JOSH BEWS
After a five-year absence, EOP is getting back on stage, with Josh Bews stepping up to fill the role of director, even though it’s a first-time experience for him. “The club needed someone to step up, and I knew if we didn’t bring back the EOP now, it likely would mean the end, and I couldn’t let that happen,” he said.
The new director is ready for action, supported by the executive board and past directors, as well as having previous acting experience with EOP. The cast is presently practicing twice a week, but that will increase closer to opening night. “The week before opening night will probably feel more like a full-time job!” Josh said. “In the end, it’s always worth the hours and hard work.”
When it comes to choosing cast members, the new director said EOP’s motto has always been “If you want to act, we’ll find a part for you.” Consequently, three new cast members responded to the call for actors: Barb Cherniwchan, Maricel Krugel and Leann Martens.
“I’ve acted in the past and thought maybe I can still do this!” Leann quipped. Barb also has some high school acting experience under her belt, and Maricel is looking forward to this new opportunity.
When I asked the new cast members what helps them to memorize their lines, Barb’s quick response was “Fear! I practise out loud to the dog and in front of friends.”
Leann said the cast is encouraged to record their voices and hear how they sound. “We also record with our own parts skipped so we learn to recognize the cues for our next lines,” she added.
The remaining two EOL cast members keep coming back for more. Dion Swan said, “I’ve actually retired twice, but I join again and again.” Returning cast member Julie Nunweiler said, “It’s a new challenge, new people and lots of fun. It’s fun seeing everyone’s crazy side!”
When asked if the cast prefers to play characters who align with their individual personality, the answer was a resounding “No!”
“It’s more fun to be wild, crazy and totally opposite,” Julie said. Dion agreed, saying “Acting gives me a personality.”
Their audiences will see those personalities on stage on April 3rd and 4th at Eatonia, bringing big laughs from start to finish.