ESTEVAN - Attendance was up significantly at the Souris Valley Theatre for this year's two main-stage shows.
More than 3,200 people went to this year's productions at the theatre's Frehlick Hall, according to board president Allison Holzer. The figure does not include the final night of Jailhouse Rock on Aug. 16. Last year's shows attracted 2,137 spectators
Greased was held from July 8-12 and 15-19, while Jailhouse Rock was Aug. 5-9 and 12-16. Eleven shows were held for each.
Holzer attributed the increase to having two musicals this year as opposed to a musical and a play. Also, five performers were part of both shows.
"The vocals were so strong and I think that made a difference, too," said Holzer. "They were so talented. And the music. The music that was in the musicals, people like it."
The actors love coming to the theatre, Holzer said, and have compared it to "summer camp" with the facilities provided by the theatre. She expects they will get testimonials from some of them.
"They feel like they're treated very well," said Holzer.
The actors also took time to visit different attractions and amenities in the community.
"They are just really, really impressed with Estevan. They think it's a little gem that a lot of people don't know about," said Holzer.
Both shows featured a lot of old-time music from the 1950s, '60s and '70s.
Holzer noted the theatre has been working with Randy Apostle, who has penned this year's shows and several in the past, including the Volstead Blues, which was the first production ever for the theatre.
"He basically produced them for us," said Holzer. "He lined up the actors. He lined up the director and the choreographer. And then the musical was right there. It was already written. It sure made life easier for us, as a board."
One of the actors, Joseph Shane McLellan, went to elementary school in Estevan. Abbie Brokenshire, who has worked in theatre costumes in Calgary, moved back to Estevan this year with her husband, and she stepped in after the person who was scheduled to do the work had to step aside. Tara Johns did all of the set work, and Brooke Wilson ran the spotlight for the season.
"It's been nice to have the local talent included," said Holzer.
The director and choreographer, husband-and-wife tandem Brad Wiebe and Pamela Gordon Wiebe, were back for another year.
The theatre also kicked off its season with a performance by Elvis tribute artist Rory Allen on July 4. He attracted a capacity crowd for his Tribute to the King concert.
The Melodye Pierson Youth Drama Camps were held during the summer as well, with several different sessions offered. Act 1 and Act 2 were based on age, and there was a drama camp and drop-in sessions. Jenna Fleck from Lampman and Katrina Iluk of Montmartre were the instructors.
Holzer said a couple of them had great attendance, but they could always have more.
"Every time they do a week-long camp, they always do a little performance for the parents, and the parents come down on the Friday and watch it, and it's so cute," said Holzer. "Some of the scripts are written for them, and some of the scripts they've written themselves, and they get all costumed up."
Holzer also lauded the City of Estevan, Woodlawn Regional Park, the theatre's sponsors, board and volunteers, theatre manager Shirley Hildebrand, bookkeeper Denise Olsen, summer student Flynn McKenzie and marketer Breanne Lees with Impact Creative Digital Services for all of their support.
The season will wrap up with a performance by the Szakacs Family on Aug. 22, starting at 7:30 p.m. The Skakacs are a 10-member family gospel band out of the Carnduff area. Tickets are still available.
