Eston Players captivate their audience
By Joan Janzen
The members of the Eston Players in Concert (EPIC) captivated their audiences at the dinner theatre and Sunday matinee held on November 25th and 26th, respectively. The twelve cast members, four crew members and director Verna Thompson worked together to bring the musical murder mystery “The Conceited Choir” on stage. The play was written by Eston resident Doreen Hewitson and adapted with certain EPIC touches.
The Dr. David S. Mulder Eston District Health Foundation asked EPIC to perform the play for their fundraiser. The Foundation raises and distributes funds to facilitate the advancement of family-centred health care in Eston and the surrounding district.
Virginia Slim (Cassie Stocks) delivers her tearful testimony, while being comforted by fellow choir members Starr Power (Tina Bertram) on her left and Ima Rocker (Susanne Fox) on her right. PHOTO BY JOAN JANZEN
Constable Fred Farkel (Dale Harpestad) finds himself at the end of his rope as he confesses to the murder of the choir director. PHOTO BY JOAN JANZEN
The cast of “The Conceited Choir” on stage after their final performance Sunday afternoon, November 26th. PHOTO BY JOAN JANZEN
The Eston Legion provided the use of their hall and provided bar service Saturday evening, costumes were provided by the Eston Costume Library, Eston Graphics designed promotional posters, Jackie’s Delicious Delights catered the meal Saturday evening, and the Prairie West Historical Society provided desserts for the Sunday afternoon matinee.
Those attending the performances looked forward to it with great anticipation as it was the first production since 2016, and they definitely were not disappointed. The cast put on an impressive presentation.
Each of the choir members was introduced while bearing individual gifts for the choir director, who just minutes later dies while playing the piano. In order to find out who committed the crime, the choir sang a “Time Warp” song and was immediately transported back in time to investigate the crime. This was followed by a choir member’s humorous comment, “This is so twenty minutes ago!”
Each choir member was questioned by authorities and delivered their musical testimony, presenting their case before the audience and Constable. However, no one expected what would happen next when the Constable escaped into the audience and was finally captured back on stage. With a noose positioned around his neck, the Constable confesses, claiming he did it because “he was at the end of his rope.”