For the 11th consecutive year a Saltcoats drama group will present dinner theatre in the community just 20 minutes southeast of Yorkton.
Going Gently, presented by the Laketown Players, is a dramatic comedy written by Stephen Farquharson. Farquharson is a founder of Laketown Players and principal of Saltcoats School. It is his third original play.
The setting of Going Gently alternates between a senior鈥檚 home and a local curling arena.
鈥淚t鈥檚 about older people trying to come to grips with being older and how to live the rest of their days,鈥� he said, noting it is a subject relevant to all ages as younger people sometimes struggle with trying to strike a balance between doing too much and not doing enough.
Farquharson believes it will be both entertaining and inspiring to audiences.
鈥淭he actors do a really good job of bringing their characters to life,鈥� he said. 鈥淧eople will have something to take away and think about.鈥�
The roast beef dinner is also legendary, according to locals.
The author, who also directs the play along with Walter Farquharson and Gloria Rathgeber, says events such as the annual play are the lifeblood of a small community. By bringing in a cast of all ages鈥攆ive cast members this year are 13 and under鈥攊t provides continuity between generations.
鈥淚t鈥檚 one of the things that keep our community together,鈥� he explained. 鈥淲e need things like this, otherwise we鈥檙e just a bunch of people who live on the same street.鈥�
It also has a financial impact. Over the years proceeds have helped renovate the community hall and supporting various community organizations and projects. This year the Sunday matinee will help fund the Yellowhead Flyway Birding Trail Association鈥檚 summer program.
Farquharson does have some ambition beyond the community, however.
鈥淚 would love it if something would go beyond our little stage, but for now I鈥檓 content,鈥� he said.
Previous offerings by the Laketown Players have included W.O. Mitchell鈥檚 The Kite and The Black Bonspiel, and works by other playwrights such as The Mouse that Roared, The Pink Panther and Opening Night.
Three evening performances of Going Gently are scheduled for February 2, 3 and 4 followed by a matinee on Sunday February 5.
