Antics and High Jinks Abound during Chipman Players Performance

Antics and High Jinks Abound during Chipman Players Performance

Michelle Pinon - News Advertiser

Indulging in their usual high jinks, cast members of the Chipman Players delighted the crowd with their antics during the production of Never Trust a City Slicker or…Two Skunks and a Trunk on March 5.

A crowd of around 120 people gathered to take in the play as well as enjoy a home cooked meal by Tom Hrehorets, who also plays the part of Julius Caesar Dinwiddie. As Tom says, “I love to make people laugh and have even put on a dress to do it!”

Rick Rafuse, aka Sturgeon Hookworm shares a laugh with Tom Hrehorets, aka Julius Caesar Dinwiddie.

(Michelle Pinon/Photo)

Tom delivered on both fronts and was joined by several returning cast members, Bruce McGregor, Joyce Doberstein, Jo-Ann Fontaine, Terry Andriuk, Rick Rafuse, Tania Davis, and Caren Cossey- Kwasnycia as well as new cast members Brett Johnson, Mindy Cossey, Mo Thompson and Vonna Termul.

McGregor is the founder of the Chipman Players, a natural storyteller and master of improvisation, he normally plays the villain, and this year was no exception. He, along with cast mates threw in a variety of one-liners, as they adjusted their lines as they went along, much to audience’s delight.

Even holipusty made it into the play. At one point, Taffy Quackenbush was thought to have been suffering from the Mundare Plague. Julius Caesar Dinwiddie knew what the cure was, and told her to go to Stawnichy’s and order a ring of double garlic kolbassa within 15-20 minutes.

Bruce McGregor aka Slicker Pinsetter believes Terry Andriuk aka Taffy Quackenbush has a case of the Mundare plague.

Michelle Pinon/Photo)

Quackenbush, a flamboyant actress came from London in search of manuscript written by Mary Delightful’s late father. The manuscript is tucked away in a trunk in Mrs. Hookworm’s boarding house. Mrs. Hookworm and Slicker Pinsetter compete in gleeful greed to see who will get the trunk. But they do not plan on the appearance of cowboy Chester who foils the pair of villains.

Playful mischief and spontaneous dialogue between characters made for a comical and chaotic conclusion to this made in Chipman one-of-a-kind theatrical production.

Keiron Willis, who grew up in Chipman, has acted in several plays as well as directed many of them. McGregor said Willis does a lot of work on stage and off, and doesn’t get recognized for her contributions. He made sure to acknowledge Willis before the play began.

He also gave a shout out to makeup artist Roberta Seiben, soundman Josh McGregor and local artist Ron Nygren who painted beautiful scenes in the windows and border along the top of the set.

Tom Hrehorets, aka Julius Caesar Dinwiddie enjoys a doughnut as Jo-Ann Fontaine, aka Madame Macaroni looks on.

(Michelle Pinon/Photo)

Willis said she’s developed a great love of theatre and is fostering that love, along with skills and knowledge with youth in the community through the Chipman Junior Players. Willis directs three separate groups of youth who range in age between eight and 17 years of age.

Her commitment will surely pay dividends in the future as these home grown aspiring young actors develop their own set of skills and appreciation for theatre akin to Willis.

There are four more performances this month, and Willis is hoping to fill all of the seats.