In its spring production, Innisfail Town Theatre (ITT) recounts the epic story of British captain Robert Falcon Scott and his crew in their race to reach the South Pole in the winter of 1911-12.
Terra Nova opened April 14 at the Ol' Moose Hall and runs until April 30.
“The performances have been great. It's a bit of a departure from what we normally do, with this dramatic storyline,” said director Greg Bennett during the intermission at the April 22 performance. “Things pulled together very well for our dress rehearsal and our opening night. The crowds have been great.”
Bennett said the success of the spring production so far has been a collaborative effort.
“It's been tremendous, the amount of talent that we've pulled together to get all of this done,” said Bennett. “From props, to costumes, to set construction, the talent on stage, and all of the production crew to keep this show rolling, it's fabulous.”
In addition to hard-working team members behind the scenes, a cast of local actors provides memorable acting in the dramatic production. Scott's tumultuous journey is shared with the use of music, effects and lighting.
Bennett noted how emotions from characters help draw the audience into each scene.
“For the most part the audience really (becomes) invested in with the characters and appreciates what's happening,” he said, noting the use of present-day scenes and flashbacks in the dramatic production that help depict the highs and lows of the journey to the South Pole.
ITT members first saw a theatrical presentation of Terra Nova in Sundre several years ago and wanted to share the production with residents of Innisfail.
“We've slowly been winning over audiences with doing more serious dramas every now and then,” said Bennett. “People are thoroughly entertained by this play. We've had a lot of people wiping tears from their eyes at the end. It does tug at the heartstrings when you get invested in these people.”
