Audiences in Stettler were treated to four evenings of madcap theatrics last week as the Heartland Arts Troupe Society (HATS) presented its fall production, Exit the Body.
Director Wayne Smith estimated that close to 800 people attended the dinner theatre over four nights. The show was presented at the Stettler Community Hall from Wednesday, Nov. 12 to Saturday, Nov. 15.
Smith said the actors’ performance improved each time, explaining, “It was great on Wednesday, but just phenomenal by Saturday night.”
“I felt very blessed because I had such a great cast,” he said. “They were committed to the play and worked together very well.”
The three-act play, set in 1961, tells the story of mystery novelist Crane Hammond (played by Andrea Muhlbach) and her assistant Kate Bixley (Nancy Hamilton), who have rented a house in New England for a working holiday.
The house’s prior tenant had taken part in a jewel heist, dying in an auto accident before their arrival, and others are interested in getting their hands on the ill-gotten gain — believed to be hidden somewhere in the house.
Shortly after Hammond arrives at the house, she discovers a body in the closet, only to have it disappear minutes later, setting the tone for the rest of the play.
The production featured a cast of eccentric characters — from the maid, Jenny (Santana Scarff) and the sheriff (Harry Brook) to Hammond’s friend Lillian (Sue Stratulate) and her husband (Justin Tanner) — many of whom were not quite what they appeared.
Rounding out the cast were the landlord, Helen O’Toole (Sara Humphreys), the scheming Randolph (Dennis Smyth), the amnesiac Philip Smith (Jeff Wiebe) and Hammond’s husband, Richard (Malcolm Fischer).
The play culminated in a zany final act where just about everyone descended upon the house in search of the diamonds, and a surprise ending.
The set, constructed by Wayne Smith and Dennis Smyth and painted by Lori Bischke, featured multiple doors and a staircase, and was decorated with period furniture and items, down to the rotary dial phone and vintage magazines.
Smith said the cast had spent the last 11 weeks in intense rehearsals for the show, calling it an enormous commitment.
The director himself had to miss most of Friday’s show as he underwent emergency surgery to remove his appendix. Amazingly, he was able to return the following night for the final performance.
This was Smith’s first outing as a director. He said he’s open to filling that role again, although he’s unsure whether or not he’ll be available next year.
“At the very least, I want to be on stage,” he said, adding that he had “nothing but positive” things to say about the experience.
Brenda’s Country Catering provided the meals, while Chris Leinweber served as assistant director and Jean Bischke served as producer.
Originally known as the Stettler Gilbert and Sullivan Society, HATS has produced more than 40 shows since 1972, averaging one production annually in recent years.