ALIDA - Don’t Tell Mother, a 2 1/2-hour comedy written by Monk Ferris, was presented in Alida from March 6 to 9.
This was the 29th play that has been staged by Alida’s Act One Productions, a concept started back in 1992. That year, an addition was required for Alida’s Community Hall. The idea emerged that money could be raised by presenting a play.
It went over so well that it has continued every year since then, with the exception of a hiccup during the COVID-19 years.
Most years, the plays generate about $15,000 for the Alida Rec. Board to use for projects or upgrades they have on their things-to-do list.
This year, March 6 and 7 were cocktail nights, featuring drinks and appetizers. The March 8 show was a dinner theatre and March 9 was a matinee, with cookies and refreshments for the audience. The second and third shows were sold out, with 128 in attendance, while March 6 was about three quarters full.
Tim Cowan is the president of Act One Productions and a co-producer of this year’s offering. He was also one of the actors. This year marked his 26th year acting in a play. He indicated that a show like this takes a lot of work from a lot of volunteers. Some have been involved for many years, including Shanna Carriere, who has acted for 25 years and Wes Smith, who was on stage for the 10th time.
The process started this past November, when a handful of plays were considered. After one was chosen, eight actors were selected, and the first practice took place just before Christmas. Once the calendar turned to January, rehearsals took place twice a week and then, come February, that was ramped up to three per week. As March neared, they worked on the show daily.
Others volunteered to help out in non-acting ways. Dishwashers, producers, set designers and builders, costume creators, directors, those preparing meals – a small sampling of all that was required.
Cowan was thrilled by the community involvement.
“It takes a whole community to put something on like this," he said. “So many volunteers, all out of love for their community of Alida. The actors may get all the recognition at the end, but there are so many others that need to be acknowledged."
