Kersley Musical Theatre first brought you the Canadian classic Anne of Green Gables back in the early new year of 2001, followed by Annie, Wagon Wheels West, Fiddler on the Roof, Oliver, The Wizard of Oz, Peter Pan, Beauty and the Beast and Li’l Abner.
This year, the cast and crew are preparing for the production of The Music Man, set to open Feb. 23 and run until March 5.
Costumes are being altered and made, props are coming in the door like crazy and songs, lines and scenes are improving everyday. Under all of the normal theatrics of the upcoming production is an extra current of energy because this year’s show marks the 10th Annual Kersley Musical Theatre Production! That’s right, 10 years of bringing Quesnel fantastic live theatre, ten years of Building Families Building Communities, 10 years of great musicals, ten years of wonderful!
So many people have been a part of the last decade of shows. Some stayed for one or a few shows, some have come and are still here, participating every year in this great adventure.
Kersley Musical Theatre has brought hundreds of cast and crew members together over the last ten years and many lasting friendships have been forged under the roof of the Kersley Community Hall. We’ve watched some of the children grow from elementary ages to adult. It has been an incredible journey of growth, personal awareness, teamwork, community spirit and encompassing them all; love. Love for music, love for theatre and love for people.
Over the years, Janice Butler and Cathy Heinzleman have stood at the forefront of the group, leading the way. Through their dedication, passion and love for the project, Kersley Musical Theatre has performed nearly 100 sold out shows and for approximately 30,000 audience members. The cast has exceeded 100 for several years running now and has included a year with a cast of close to 125, just on stage! Family members and friends travel to Quesnel every year to watch the show and there is never an end to the sad cries of those locals who have missed out. Those are a lot of lives that have been touched! Our great thanks goes out to both Janice and Cathy; our lives and community have been so blessed by your leadership and commitment!
This year’s show boasts a cast of 110 and is set to surpass all past shows with its caliber of musical talent. The leading roles of Harold Hill – The Music Man and Marian Paroo – the librarian, were given to our wonderful leads from last year: Richard Sutton and Lacey MacDonald. They have faced the challenge of recreating their stage relationship to bring you a story about the power of believing.
Their exemplary level of professionalism, commitment and talent as actors and vocalists will astound you! As well, you will be introduced to a myriad of colorful characters such as Mayor Shinn, played by Bert Koning, his lovely wife Eulalie Mackecknie Shinn, played by Vanessa Salmons, the adorable little brother of Marian, Winthrop Paroo, played by Reece Ballinger and several others!
Great thanks is also due to the tireless crew of seamstresses, props builders and collectors, painters, stage managers and choreographers who make it possible for the actors and actresses to shine! Your dedication and work has been amazing audiences for a decade now.
Happy 10th Anniversary, Kersley Musical Theatre cast and crew of past and present, break a leg!
Dorine Lamarche is a member of Kersley Musical Theatre.