Feast Dinner Theatre Offers Audiences a

Delightful Evening of Dinner and Theatre By Brodie MacRAE

Ah, if only life were more like dinner theatre. People would have big- ger smiles, wilder gestures and more outrageous personalities. They would all be musical and enjoy moments of spontaneous and absurd breaking into song, entertaining each other with the tunes of Canadian legends like Tom Cochrane and Bryan Adams. Plus, problems would only present them- selves over a well-prepared meal and would resolve themselves shortly after dessert.

Those crazy fools at the Feast Dinner Theatre are now in the midst of their annual Fall production, which this year is titled "Life is a Highway." The story begins with Arthur Nash, a Federal cabinet minister in charge of the Social Cooperation and Merriment (or SCAM, for short) department of the Canadian government. Their man- date is to increase national unity, and in order to attain this goal, they are holding a nationally-televised race across Canada. There are 5 partici- pants: Mark, a mechanic from BC; Miss Pelham, a wealthy young heir to a Saskatchewan agriculture company, who is accompanied by her chauffeur, Bruce; Karen, a Newfoundland mother of 7 (who have all joined her on the trip, but are thankfully absent from the show); and Giovanni, a recently land- ed Italian immigrant who desires noth- ing more than Canadian citizenship. The reward for completing the race first is a $500,000 cheque, for which each contestant has already formulated plans. However, Mr. Nash receives a call telling him that the Prime Minister is due to arrive any moment with some "big news." Will it be good news or bad news?

Overall, the show was very enjoyable. The script contained many laughs, the actors were all well-suited to their roles and were talented musi- cians. Giovanni, played by UPEI music student Matt Simon, was the comic highlight of the evening, elicit- ing the most laughter and stealing the most scenes. His portrayal of a naive

[6]

Italian immigrant was reminiscent of Rowan Atkinson's Enrico Pollini in 2001's Rat Race, perhaps largely due to Matt's great facial expressions. Bruce the chauffeur, played by Tarky Whitlock, was also exceptional in his role, providing charmingly dry humour and playing off the other characters quite well. He easily captured the audience's attention whether acting, singing or playing the guitar. As well, Carrie McClellan of the UPEI music department performs the role of Miss Pelham to perfection.

The opening night of the : Charlottetown show unfortunately suf- fered from some problems due to the fact that the show was at the Brothers Two Restaurant in Summerside the previous week and the Charlottetown Hotel was a new venue to the show. The performance and dining area is rather compact and the performers did- n't appear to be entirely comfortable in their environment. As well, the balance of the music was off in many of the songs. Lyrics were often drowned out by the bass and drums, and at the start of the show, the songs weren't all that together. However, these details steadi- ly improved throughout the show and it is quite reasonable to assume that

these problems will work themselves out as they continue to perform at the Charlottetown Hotel.

.._I found parts of the script dis- appointing, as there are a number of things left unexplored that should be explained. The relationship between Miss Pelham and Bruce is rather unclear. At times their dialogue seems _ flirtatious, but Bruce also seems to despise his job. So does Bruce secretly love his boss or loathe her? We don't find out. We are also kept completely in the dark about what will happen to the other characters who don't win the prize. Plus, the incredible coincidence of Mr. Nash's department being an acronym which spells "SCAM" is never explained. Despite these small points, the story is still enjoyable and as Scott Robinson notes, "I can't think of any dinner theatre productions that have won awards for outstanding script-writing, so who cares, stupid?!?"

The show will be running at the Brothers Two Restaurant in Summerside from September 24-29 and at the Charlottetown Hotel from October 1-6, all shows beginning at 6:30. Go for the great meal. Go for the great music (all of which is Canadian, by the way, including a Stompin' Tom

Artist’s rendition of what would happen if dinner theatre erupt- ed into massive food-

fight.

_ medley.) Go for the great comedy. Go because Miss Pelham is also our cur- rent yearbook editor and you never know what she might do to your pic- ture if you snub her show. You'd better go, just in case.

ALBRECHT'S FURNITURE & LIQUIDATIONS Montague 838-5050 Eldon 659-2020

Main St. Rte 209 Campbuchan Rd. 116 Pownal St. Mon-Sat 9am-Spm a Mon-Sun 9am-Spm Mon-Thurs $am-6pm Thurs&Fri Gam-fpm Fri 8am-8pm Sat 9am-Spm

WE CAN FURNISH YOUR APARTMENT WHILE KEEPING YOU WITHIN YOUR BUDGET

Charlottetown 892-6030

Metal Arm Futon w/8" Mattress $249 (in8ex) = Lamps from $29 Flip-Flop Couch $299 Night Stands From $49. Flip-Flop Chair $199 Dressers From $129 New Couches From $299 3 Pc. Coffee Table Set $99 New and Used Couch Sets at various Prices. Book Cases (Unassembied) Fr. $99 Single Mattress & Bases From $149 Roller Bed Frames From $29 |Doubie Mattress & Base From $199 Wood 36” Table wi2 Chairs $199 Head Boards From $59 Computer Desks From $99 ! (Unassembied)

We also accept Visa, Mastercard,

Ss . ee

American Express, Debit Cards, And Financing Available 0.A, Cc.