KAITY BROWN
An all-new play called 'The Great Cattle Caper' has come to Fort Steele's Wild Horse Theatre, brought to you by new theatre manager Trevor Lundy.
The play is all about cattle mysteriously disappearing, causing finger pointing at Johnny, son of the local ranch owner and town hero, who has to clear his name and earn back the trust of the Sherriff, his Ma and the townsfolk before he is framed for the crime.
"It's a comedy, it's very light, it's family friendly," said Trevor Lundy.
The play has not been done in the past by the Fort Steele Wild Horse Theatre and although it is a bit different from the time era that has been focused on the past, the play is a Western "who-done-it" and is sure to bring smiles all around.
Another new element that has been brought to the table is that the play features two alternating all-local casts. In the past out-of-town talent has been sought out in areas such as Calgary and Lethbridge and then housed here.
"One of the things that I am very proud of is that this year we are 100 per cent local - every actor involved is from the Cranbrook area.
"That's really exciting this year, and it's a real testament to the talent that is here in this town, including, five Mt. Baker students."
The director for thie year's production is Liz Adler. The first cast features locals Craig McCue, Brad McCue, Kimberley Frixel, Michael Carr, Zak Higgins, Killeen Delorme, and Kathy Schuflita.
The other cast is made up of locals Cameron Lomon, Kyah Schraepel, Emma Schraepel, Carter Gulseth, Brian Moran, Nathan Staplin and Sioban Staplin.
Trevor Lundy is the new manager this year for the Wild Horse Theatre and he is very excited to not only bring stories to life through the theatre - but also to bring a whole new set of arts for the upcoming season.
"I have been involved in the arts for over 35 years now — since I was a wee little lad. This has been a life-long dream of mine, to be able to run a theatre, and I'm still trying to wrap my head around that fact that somebody is giving me this big beautiful theatre to play with."
Lundy says that one of the projects that he will be bringing monthly concerts to Fort Steele.
"Now I am really excited to be able to help other artists have a spot to do their art," said Lundy.
"We are trying to do a lot more and make the Wild Horse Theatre a viable art centre for the community."
The Great Cattle Caper is on this weekend June 22 and 23 at 1 p.m. and then runs from June 29 until September 2 daily at 1 p.m. at the Wild Horse Theatre at Fort Steele with the alternating casts.
"I just want to invite people from the community to come out and support the arts here in the community not only in the play but also with upcoming concerts," said Lundy.