OUTLOOK - The expression ‘the best laid plans of mice and men often go awry’ is from poet Robert Burns who was musing about the futility of making plans when the ability to carry them out is uncertain. That has been the experience of the local community theatre group as they have dealt with the stops and starts of the last couple of years.
Equinox Theatre has been bringing productions to the stage in Outlook for 27 years; assembling the talents of actors, singers, musicians, directors, set designers, builders, painters, seamstresses, producers, stagehands, lighting and sound technicians and so many others in presenting live theatre in the community.
But Equinox Theatre, like many other community groups, has faced difficult obstacles since March 2020 when the doors were shut on so much. That year, Equinox had three productions in the works, all of which had to be postponed. Attempts to get rolling in 2021 were hampered by COVID outbreaks as well as renovations taking place at the Civic Centre. With that venue now complete, and restrictions lifted, the group is excited to launch its 2022 season.
Currently in rehearsal is “You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown” which will be on stage May 27-29. A cast of veteran performers will be bringing the heartwarming musical comedy to life including Kirk Friggstad as Charlie Brown, Maureen Weiterman as Lucy, Phil Guebert as Linus, Floyd Childerhose as Schroeder, Trason Ridgewell as Snoopy and Shelley Luedtke as Peppermint Patty. On the piano will be Sheri Lovrod. Director Delwyn Luedtke said, “This is a great family show and we feel it is a wonderful way to re-launch the group and bring live theatre back to the community.”
At a general meeting held recently, support for the future of the group was affirmed as long-time members were joined by newcomers in charting the course for the future. Despite the challenges of keeping up with expenses while not having a revenue stream, the group is poised to bring some exciting things to the community over the next couple of years and beyond. Newly elected president Delwyn Luedtke remarked, “We had such a great meeting and certainly the feeling in the room was an excitement in getting rolling again. We invite you to come and join us in sharing the beloved Charlie Brown characters, and stay tuned as we bring even more to the community.”
