The Thompson Playhouse performed The Red Velvet Cake War Nov. 21-22, on the stage of the Letkemann Theatre. Directed by Donna Wilson, and produced by Wally Itson, the play follows the three Verdeen cousins – Gaynelle, played by Coral Bennett, Peaches, played by Delsie Jack, and Jimmie, played by Angela Wolfe – while they plan their family reunion.
During the planning Aunt LaMerle, played by Serena Puranen, tries to put a stop to the party, due to the crazy family members. Gaynelle is coping with the aftermath of a failed relationship. Gaynelle also has to pass a physiological evaluation if she doesn’t want to be put into jail, due to “accidentally” crashing her car into her husband’s girlfriend’s trailer.
Peaches struggles throughout the play with whether or not she should sign the papers declaring her long lost husband dead, all while dealing with the urges of a grown woman. Jimmie falls in love with the town’s newest widower, but Jimmie has her hands full when she realizes her neighbor Bitsy, played by Debby Belyea, has her eyes on the same man.
Now if that wasn’t funny enough Uncle Aubrey, played by Ryan Barker, had the audience laughing with his old man jokes, along with Newt, played by Anthony Wake, trying to find his eyeball throughout the play.
Then there was Mama Doll played by Lindsey Liske, Sheriff Grover played by Kevin Hopton, Cee Cee played by Sandi Knight, cousin Purvis played by Alex White and finally Elsa the psychologist played by Robyn Foley. Every character had their own story, and a way of making themselves Thompsonites.
Scenes include Crazy Pete’s, and MacLean park as well as shoutouts to Mary Fenske and Judge Alain Huberdeau.
The play ended with everyone finding out who really did make the best red velvet cake, and a standing ovation by the audience.
More than 300 people attended the play over the weekend, and Wilson says proceeds will be staying in Thompson. “After paying our expenses like costumes, rentals and makeup, 50 per cent of the net proceeds will be going to the high school drama program. Since we’re non-profit, we like to help out the community anyway we can.”
