Another hilarious “knee-slapper” planned for Pumpjack Players fall dinner theatre

As fall slowly creeps closer, Pumpjack Players is gearing up for another dinner theatre play. Known for lots of laughs and being highly entertaining, the fall plays are a big draw for audiences come November. One of the first steps, after selecting a script, is to build up cast members.

On Tuesday, July 25 and Wednesday, July 26, play director Sharlene Munday and Pumpjack president Shawna Wall held a casting call for actors and actresses at the Forest Interpretive Centre. People 18 and over were invited to come try a few lines to see if they were a good fit for any of the planned characters.

Brigette Moore was one of the tryouts on Wednesday evening and ended up reading for two characters. “I’ve been involved with Pumpjack Players in more behind-the-scenes-type roles for many years and it’s been a long time since I’ve been on stage so I wanted to come back and do the more fun part.”

As a past president, she said it was nice seeing so many faces coming out to audition.  “It’s really nice to see so many new people. They always try to do fun plays for the dinner theatre so it’s always lots of laughs and a good time.”

Director Sharlene Munday wouldn’t reveal too many details about the play, even keeping the title a secret. Attempts were made to trick it out of her and she would give a few tidbits to those eagerly awaiting the news. “It is a farce, true to Pumpjack tradition, and it is for everyone 18 and over.” When asked to describe it in a few words, Sharlene gave a couple of rather interesting answers. “Spaghetti. Ha ha! I’m just kidding, there’s no spaghetti. I can say misplaced love, surprises, secrets, and it is just so wildly funny. It’s definitely a knee-slapper.”

The cast is made up of four males and four females and is slated for November 17 and 18, and November 24 and 25. Callbacks are expected in the next two weeks and rehearsals are set to start early in September. To follow Pumpjack Players and to find out what the title of the play is the moment it is released, search Pumpjack Players – Whitecourt Drama Society on Facebook. To volunteer, contact Sharlene at 780-779-4915.