New play coming to town… Shangri-La!

By Rechell McDonald
The Whitecourt & Woodlands Performing Arts Society will be presenting Shangri-La, a comedy/drama created and performed by Judy Wensel. The play will take place on February 7 at 7 p.m., with doors opening at 6:30 p.m.
“Shangri-La is part of the 2nd season of the Picks of the Edmonton Fringe Tour, a three-year stimulus project that promotes touring theatre in Alberta. Theatre Alberta offered Whitecourt the opportunity to participate in the 2014/15 tour. We hosted the Fringe productions McCrackin 2: The Whackining, as well as The Bomb-itty of Errors. Both shows were enthusiastically received and we’re very happy to be able to bring Shangri-La to our community!” explains Barb Maddigan of the Whitecourt & Woodlands Performing Arts Society.
The play is set in 1963, and revolves around the tribulations of 14-year-old prairie girl, Jeanne McCate. With a young and pregnant sister, a dad who drinks too much, and a mother who can’t stop swearing, Jeanne gets through it all in her own hilarious but heartfelt way. With a big dance on the horizon, Jeanne navigates all the challenges that come with family loyalty and community by relying on pop music.
This comedic look at the real challenges we all face in life is sure to be a hit, and have us in stiches all night. Tickets for the show can be purchased at the door or in advance at the Allan & Jean Millar Centre for $20.