Bedtime Stories and Pumpjack Players

Bedtime Stories by Norm Foster was a hilarious hit! The latest production by Pumpjack Players was held for four evenings, November 18-19 and 25-26 at the Whitecourt Community Centre.

Directed by Dale Shaw and Sharlene Munday, the 13-member cast told a six-tier plot which delved into the lives of characters that are both familiar and common. There were different perspectives on marital issues, feelings of inadequacy in personal careers, relationships from high school, and apologizing for bad behaviour years later, aging gracefully after a whirlwind rock star life, and entering adulthood as a confused teen looking to be accepted in all the wrong places.

The actors did an excellent job projecting their voices to the packed crowds and were bang on with their comedic timing. With such serious topics, it might be hard to understand how this could be considered a comedy but the writing style of Norm Foster guaranteed a cheeky laugh at every turn.

It starts as a radio show with a rather interested concept for an on-air show but it doesn’t end up working out exactly as planned. The show then continues through new scenes with different characters but checks in on our first couple, on the radio, regularly. The adult-only storyline was hilarious as it twisted around, connecting everyone together. A cab driver who couldn’t find her way around the city leaving her riders walking and a radio in each room, with seemingly only one channel to be played, kept each scene linked with the previous characters. There was also something said about Norm Hodgson and slippers which got a big rousing laugh from the audience. It was absolutely hilarious.

Janelle Sallstrom, Front House Manager, said she had lots of help from two great groups, “The Girl Guides helped this weekend and the Air Cadets helped last weekend. They checked coats, ushered, handled tickets, and helped us with set-up and take-down. Both groups did such a great job!”

Pumpjack Players president, Shawna Wall, says she is grateful for the support from the community, “These productions are only possible with the support of amazing volunteers, sponsors, and audiences. Thank you for supporting local theatre!” Over the past few years the group has grown steadily and Shawna is looking forward to seeing that continue. Being a member of Pumpjack Players gives you the ability to know about upcoming productions, “It costs only one dollar annually. With your membership, you will be notified first on things like tickets sales and what’s happening with the group.”

Visit www.pumpjackplayers.com for information on joining and to stay up-to-date on its spring children’s production.