3 minute read
Get Your Kicks on Route 66
Get Your Kicks on Route 66
Michelle Pinon - News Advertiser
Around 150 people strapped on their seat belts to take a ride with the Chipman Players at the opening night performance of ‘It Happened on Route 66’ on March 8.
Route 66, America’s most famous highway is the backdrop for this sweet comedy set in an Arizona diner in 1955. Love is at the heart of this fun-filled play, but some may beg to differ; at least in the case of character Otis, played by Tom Hrehorets – who is a local caterer and cooked the meal prior to the show.
Otis brought new meaning to the words, “All You Can Eat Special” by devouring plate after plate of Cookie’s cuisine throughout most of the adventure.
Cast members delivered solid performances. Even though some of their lines were forgotten briefly, and some of the characters’ names mixed up, that added more hilarity to the scenes.
Cookie, played by Bruce McGregor, is a staple in the Chipman Players line-up. In fact, he founded the theatre group.
Keiron Willis stated, “I joined the Player’s when it was just Bruce saying, I have a dream. I had never been on stage and to be honest I didn’t think I could do it. She was also joined on stage by Joyce Dobirstein, Caren Cossey-Kwasnycia, Terry Andriuk and Jo-Ann Fontaine. They all have been with the theatre group between five and 10 years.
It was nice to see the father-daughter duo of Allan Engman and Anastazia Engman on stage. For Mo Thompson, it was her fourth performance with the Chipman Players. It was Ellen King’s second performance and Mary-Ellen Williams first performance.
Of course, sound man Vince Skubleny had everything under control behind the scenes with the assistance of Anna Willis. Jennifer Engman lent her artistic talent to create art for the set.
The Chipman Players are truly a homegrown success story, and members say they wouldn’t have been able to accomplish so much without the support of audience members, many of which come back year after year to see them perform on stage at the Chipman National Hall.
Some of the ways audience members have contributed over the years is by allowing the Chipman Players to purchase sound equipment, defibrillator, tables and chairs, bathroom renovations and refinishing the basement floor in the hall. Donations have also allowed the Chipman Players to contribute funds to the Lamont County Food Bank, assist the Chipman Golden Seniors, Chipman Car Crafters and local 4-H Club.
A big shout out went to the Village of Chipman which allows the theatre group to use the facility for practices and performances.
There’s no doubt the Chipman Players will continue to flourish and draw even more support in years to come with their improvisational antics and natural flair for incorporating local people and places in their lines. They say laughter is the best medicine and the Chipman Players are just the prescription needed to make wonderful memories on and off the stage.
