A month out from the Wilberforce Loop Troupe’s first live production of the-year and core member, Janice Dahms, is promising an old-fashioned whodunnit for the group’s long-awaited return to the stage.
Relaunched in 2024 after years of COVID 19 enforced purgatory, the Loop Troupe springs back to life April 5 with its new show Riches and Ransom. Dahms, a cast member, said the comedy will feature 22 performers from Haliburton County. It’s directed by Mary Barker.
“It’s going to be a super fun evening – immerse yourself in the drama, deception, and dilemmas while dining with the residents of Old Oaks Retirement Home as they celebrate the home’s 50th anniversary,” Dahms said. The show will be held at Lloyd Watson Community Centre.
The story centres on the kidnapping of Miss Purscilla Bing.
Not content with simply entertaining the public, Dahms said attendees will be fed, too. A ticket includes a roast beef dinner, served by the Wilberforce Legion ladies’
auxiliary.
Proceeds will support acoustic upgrades at the Wilberforce facility, which Dahms said are “much needed.” The organization won a $5,000 grant through the MacDougall Community Contest last summer, with money earmarked for soundproofing baffles and improved audio equipment.
The troupers formed a sub-committee to investigate how to best solve the sound issues but found the type of system required too expensive. Money raised through the dinner theatre will help bridge the gap, Dahms said.
Upgrading the facility will allow the group to take their performances to the next level, she added.
“Everyone who uses the community centre agrees that the acoustics are terrible. Investing in a good sound system will make the building much more functional, and events more enjoyable to attend,” Dahms said.
The equipment will also be available for other public and private events, such as weddings, funerals, graduations, parties and special functions.
Following the success of its Skit-Oodles production last May, Dahms said the group is looking to build on the momentum, organizing a raft of events and performances this year. They’re planning a variety show in Wilberforce May 3; will perform Riches and Ransom at the Apsley Senior’s Club June 14; and will participate in the ‘Geocaching Capital of Canada’s’ geo-event ‘Pirate Booty’ this summer.
The group is also planning a production at the Wilberforce Agricultural Fair in August, will perform at the Wilberforce Red Cross Outpost’s annual corn roast Aug. 15, and hope to produce another full-length live show in November.
Dahms said there’s a lot of buzz over the troupe’s resurgence.
“We’ve created a Loop Troupe family within the community. Getting together for rehearsals is always a hoot. The community seems to appreciate our efforts and certainly supports our initiatives,” Dahms said. “We are always being asked when the next event will be – people are talking and interacting, bringing a vibrancy to town.”
Tickets for next month’s show are limited, available for $35 at Agnew’s General Store. To keep up with the group, visit facebook. com/Loop-Troupe.
