The Gold Fever Follies is ready to hit the stage this week with their summer feature, “Casino Rossland.”
Based on actual events, and co-written by Landon LaFond and Lucas Myers, “Casino Rossland” is set in 1902 during a time of great financial stress.
The city was almost bankrupt but the new mayor, John Stillwell Clute, re-hired a corrupt police chief he had just fired a year earlier named John Ingram.
Together, the pair hatch a scheme to put an end to the bankruptcy, by paying off city officials and newspapers, and rolling the dice on the Golden City’s future.
The Follies describe the show as, “Filled with real life personalities from Rossland’s past, including Clute, Ingram, Mrs. Allan, and Pastor Morgan, Casino Rossland tells the story of how the people of Rossland worked to overcome adversity while tensions in the city were high. Place your bets on who will come out on top, because things are about to get dicey.”
Acacia Sproule is the choreographer of “Casino Rossland.”
A student at Sheridan College in Ontario, the Alberta-born performer is also acting in the summer production and says she has embraced the role.
“There are many theatres in Canada, however, the Gold Fever Follies is exceptionally special and has been running every summer since 1987,” Sproule begins.
Theatres all across the country have had a challenging time since the pandemic, including the Follies, but she says theatre can bring communities together.
“I personally believe that art and stories are so important and create connection, community, and entertainment for all. I also think the Gold Fever Follies is extremely unique in the creation of fully new and Canadian musical each year,” she adds.
“The script, music, and choreography are all original and created by young adult Canadian artists, who also perform in the show.
The grand opening show hits the stage Wednesday, July 10 and runs to Aug. 24.
Show times are at 3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m, Tuesday through Saturday at the Miner’s Hall.
“We will do 80 shows this summer, which is unheard of for most theatre companies,” Sproule says.
“The Gold Fever Follies is a wholly Canadian experience, featuring new and young talent. It is a must see for all touring through the Kootenay region this summer.”
