Pumpjack Players raise the bar with an outstanding dinner theatre production of CLUE On Stage

After too long without a play to share with the community, Pumpjack Players pulled back the curtain for the first of four performances of CLUE On Stage. Tables surrounded by couples, coworkers, friends, and family filled the Whitecourt Central School gymnasium on Friday the 13th for the opening night of the hilarious whodunit. Written by Sandy Rustin, screenplay by Jonathan Lynn, and made famous by the 1985 hit movie starring Tim Curry and the board game of the same name, CLUE On Stage brings chaos, comedy, and conjecture together in one superb concoction.

“Everyone has been working really hard. The magnitude of the play itself, it’s an extensive production. It’s larger than what we’ve done in the past. It was performed in the fall at the Citadel in Edmonton, so the calibre of the play is tremendous,” explained director Stephanie Black just a few hours ahead of showtime. “The actors have been helping build set and props and doing many other things on top of their acting roles.”

Initially planned for November but bumped due to construction at the school, CLUE On Stage has been years in the making for the group, through restrictions. “Everyone has been putting in so many hours to get this ready. Our crew is fairly new, so they jumped right into it, and they’ve been doing awesome. Everyone on the board has also been involved in the play in a large capacity. The set was a huge thing for us and was pretty daunting, so much of our time went into that,” explained Black.

Sleepless nights, anxious days and a full-time schedule for months have all been worth it. “Honestly, I told everyone not to stress because, in the end, we all put in our best, and I think it will go very well. I’m excited to see the curtain open and to see all the work that has been put into it come together and show the community what we’ve been working on.” The crew held rehearsals every day last week leading up to Friday’s opening show, and Black said she is grateful for everyone putting their all into the project.

At 8 pm on Friday, following a delicious supper catered by Sherry and Ray Lachance (Abbie’s Catering), Black, assistant director Billie-Jo House, and the cast and crew took a big collective breath as the curtain opened for the first time. Within minutes, the audience was already laughing.

One especially neat aspect of the show is that once the curtain opens, it remains that way until intermission, with set changes happening in the darkness, still visible to the audience. As the backstage crew swiftly moved set pieces in and out, the characters would march in place, bringing out giggles from the audience and adding to the experience. There was never a moment where there wasn’t something to see, stage lights or not.

With each murder, the suspense grows, as does the hilarity. The set created for the show is perfection, with period-correct props, décor and wallpaper straight out of a decades-old mansion with “old money” vibes. The countless hours put into creating the backdrops are clearly visible, far exceeding the professional bar Pumpjack Players was already known for.

“The cast did such a great job, and I’m really proud of them for persevering. We had a lot of forks in the road along the way, and I appreciate their patience with me and the process of community theatre. It’s not always what we picture coming in as an actor. For the tech and crew, they really pulled everything together. It was monumental doing the set, and the tech was really heavy for this play too. I have teenagers on my soundboard and working the lighting. They’ve really pulled through, even with some last-minute roadblocks,” said Black.

As the cast took their bows in front of a loudly cheering audience at the end of the show, Black shed tears of joy. “I want to encourage anyone interested or has found a love of theatre through watching us and wants to support community theatre to do so in any way they can. There are a lot of behind-the-scenes things to get involved in. Anything that we do as a group really forms a sense of community. Honestly, we’ve made a lot of friendships and business relationships through this process. Whether it be people wanting to get on the stage or behind the curtain, help out as a sponsor, or participate in any of the scenery things, we are encouraging that. We want people to understand that theatre is a hobby that many enjoy, and it’s important to keep it alive in our community,” explained Black.

She added that getting to perform doesn’t happen without sponsors and that Pumpjack Players is “beyond grateful” for the backing received. “Ballad Training Group, Life Med Pharmacy, Millar Western, JB Cleaning, CJ’s Liquor Unlimited, Eagle River Cabs, Alberta Newsprint Company, Iron Wing Tank and Vac, Craft & Trade Company, Taiga Helicopters, Staples, and 1st Choice Truck and Car Wash are the reason we are here, performing. We want our sponsors to know that their contribution makes a difference in the arts community in Whitecourt and the surrounding area.”

Residents who missed out on the first two showings of CLUE On Stage are in luck, as two shows are coming this Friday and Saturday (20/21) night. “We still have a few tickets left for each show. Any available tickets will be available at the door, or they can be purchased beforehand at the Whitecourt Public Library until Friday,” said Black. Whitecourt! Don’t miss out!