INNISFAIL – This year the curtain will rise on the 40th season of Innisfail Town Theatre (ITT).
The local theatre group is celebrating the milestone with its 40th anniversary open house at the Ol’ Moose Hall on June 8, from 2 to 5 p.m.
The event will feature backstage tours, hall tours, displays, costume exhibits, live entertainment, refreshments and a little drama.
Dona Edgar, now 88, was one of the cast members in ITT’s very first production, The Curse of An Aching Heart, in April of 1979.
“We became incorporated in 1979 and we applied to become a society,” said Edgar. “I’ve been in so many productions.”
Edgar has performed in 19 plays and musicals over the years and ITT has produced more than 80 productions since 1979.
Since then, they have continued to annually present one production in the spring and one in the fall.
Edgar said she's thrilled to be a part of the 40th anniversary celebration, and recalled some memories from the early days, including performances at Aberdeen Hall, east of Innisfail, one at the legion and several at the Ol’ Moose Hall.
“We used to call for auditions and we’d have lots of people coming out, particularly for musicals,” said Edgar, noting three or four musicals they produced, including Oliver!, Fiddler on the Roof and Guys and Dolls. “We liked to do the musicals because they were so popular. It was easy to get people to audition because a lot of people like music,” she added.
Even at her age, Edgar said if there is an opportunity for her to play a small part in a production, she won't hesitate.
“I always audition,” said Edgar with a chuckle. “I love being on stage and I love acting.
“It’s just being with the other actors and actresses, the tech people, the directors and the whole crew. It's very exciting,” she added.
“My husband and I came here in 1962 and I think Innisfail Town Theatre has been my most favourite part of coming to Innisfail.
“I’ve thoroughly enjoyed every minute,” Edgar concluded.
For more information on the 40th anniversary celebration or Innisfail Town Theatre, visit their website www.innisfailtowntheater.ca or visit their page, Innisfail Town Theatre on Facebook.
