Sensational Improv by Chipman Players

Sensational Improv by Chipman Players During Million Dollar Meatballs

Michelle Pinon - News Advertiser

Million Dollar Meatballs was right on the money as the audience ate up all of the cheesy goodness of the detectible plotline and hilarious antics of two bumbling jewel thieves in the hit comedy performed by the Chipman Players during opening weekend March 3 and 4.

The play, written by Todd Wallinger, depicts the thieves on the run from the cops when they duck into Chez Monyeu, a restaurant so bad the mice are their only repeat customers. And that’s just the start of their problems. Not only has Chez Monyeu’s chef just quit, but the city’s most powerful restaurant critic Cecilia Million Dollar Meatballs Blueblood is about to arrive.

Jewel thief Frankie, (Bruce McGregor) tries to cover up when talking to Chez Monyeu Owner Sue Dujour, (Joyce Doberstein) as Beans, (Tom Hrehorets) tries to hide. In the fray is Dishwasher Olive Pitt, (Keiron Willis)

(Michelle Pinon/Photo)

In desperation, the restaurant’s owner Sue Dujour mistakes one of the thieves for famous chef Pierre Fromage, (aka Beans) insisting he make their renowned Million Dollar Meatballs for the toughminded critic. With his partner in crime Frankie trying to figure things out on the fly, insanity ensues as the pair try to keep up the ruse while hunting for the seven priceless diamonds they lost.

A total of 120 people attended the dinner theatre’s gala performance on March 3 and 140 people attended the March 4 showing at the Chipman National Hall. Actor Bruce McGregor welcomed everyone before the curtain went up. He thanked all of the volunteers as well as the Village of Chipman for making the hall available to them for rehearsals. He also thanked Tom Hrehorets for catering the delicious meal. “Most of all, thank you audience!”

Boys in blue come to the rescue.

(Michelle Pinon/Photo)

While there were many familiar faces in the audience, including several Chipman Players alumni, there were new faces as well. Newbie Norma Dehod from the Waskatenau area came with her girlfriend to the dinner theatre and said she absolutely loved the play. “I was very much impressed. I really enjoyed it.” She also remarked how well some of the older actors were so adept at improvisation and enjoyed their quick wit and spontaneity.

This is the 13th year the Chipman Players have hosted the Community Dinner Theatre at the Chipman National Hall. Tom Hrehorets has been involved for the past eight seasons. The actor commented after the play, saying, “I loved every minute of it.” So, did his biggest fans. Among those were his brother Wes, brother Brian and his wife Carri, sister Susan and her husband Nick, niece Dayna, nephew Bryce and cousins Jeanette and Bonnie.

Jewel thief Frankie, (Bruce McGregor) spying on Restaurant Critic Cecilia Blueblood, (Terry Andriuk) during a scene.

(Michelle Pinon/Photo)