Highlands residents are in for a treat this weekend, says local playwright Mary Barker, as the Loop Troupe prepares to bring its latest production Tinsel, Turkey and Turmoil to life at Wilberforce’s Lloyd Watson Centre.
The show, penned by Barker, draws inspiration from several classic festive favourites. It tells the story of Carol and Stan, a married couple thrust into the spotlight on Christmas Day.
“Every year, Carol’s mom hosts a big family Christmas dinner. Well, this year, her flight has been delayed and she’s not going to be around to prepare the meal. So, the chef’s hat has been tossed to Carol, who definitely does not cook,” Barker said. “It’s a comedy with a lot of laughs. Carol is tossed completely into the deep end, having to feed all the relatives and half the neighbourhood.”
There are 19 main characters involved – the largest cast the Loop Troupe has ever pulled together. This will be the theatre group’s first full-length feature and third play, after Skit-oodles, which debuted in 2004, and Riches & Ransom, performed this past April.
Following the success of Riches & Ransom, which was Barker’s first attempt at playwriting, the group decided they wanted to continue producing their own material.
“We figured that way, anyone who wants to be in it can be. I sent an email, expecting to hook a few people, but the response was incredible,” Barker said. “When we resurrected the Loop Troupe in 2023, everyone wanted to be backstage only. Fast-forward a couple of years and we are putting on a play with 19 actors.
“The whole troupe have turned into real hams – and very good actors,” Barker added.
Knowing the cast so well allowed Barker to personalize all her roles. The lead, Carol, will be played by her daughter, Jodi Rupnow, with her husband, Stan, portrayed by Phil Lawr.
“It’s more for an adult audience than for kids – there are themes and jokes not suitable for young ears,” Barker said. Noting there will be a snack bar during intermission, with all treats priced at $1, she added, “we’re telling people to come for the cookies and stay for the chaos.”
Barker said she’s thankful that she’s still here to see the production – in June, just two days after finishing the script, she was rushed into surgery for an emergency heart procedure.
She’s spent the summer recuperating and, after handing the reins to director Janice Dahms, is excited to see her story explode to life – there are two shows this weekend, Nov. 22 at 7 p.m. and Nov. 23 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $15 in advance, available at Agnew’s General Store or by contacting Barker at marybarker@bell.net, or $20 at the door.
This will be the troupe’s final stage performance of the season – though Barker said they are preparing a short skit to be performed at a Christmas carol service at Essonville Historic Church Dec. 21.
Looking to next year, Barker said she’s unsure if the Loop Troupe will pull together another original feature. She said she wants to do another performance of Skit-oodles in the spring.
After investing in a new sound system for the Lloyd Watson, Barker said the next enhancement is securing soundproofing baffles for the walls, to limit echo. The Loop Troupe has asked Highlands East township for $4,000 to pay for the panels.
“We don’t know if it will be approved – but it’s something we think will really help to improve issues we have in the room with sound, which will increase the quality of our performances,” Barker said.
