With brand new air conditioning at Rossland’s Miners Hall, there is no better way to beat the heat than with this summer’s Gold Fever Follies’ offering of Casino Rossland.
The story, co-written by cast member Landon LaFond of Rossland and director Lucas Myers of Nelson, brings the Follies into the 20th Century with the entertaining story of how in 1902, a corrupt police chief (real-life Rosslander John Ingram), and pushover Mayor, John Stillwell Clute (also a real-life historical figure) tried to “make Rossland great again” with the roll of a dice.
The storyline is further enhanced by original music by LaFond and fellow castmate (and piano player), Kevin Wasilenkoff of Shore Acres, and choreography by Acacia Sproule, an import from Alberta.
The show begins over a “serious” game of cards. Siblings Hal (Noah Kaulbach) and JJ (Acacia Sproule) gamble, much to the chagrin of Mrs. Allan (Maya Mccobbina) who does not like gambling of any sort.
However, she is easily swayed by Mayor Clute (Wasilenkoff) who “promises he will prevail!”
The staff of the Allan Hotel are Laurel (Rhythm Storm) who can’t wait “to start a new life,” suffragette Clara (local Freya Dixon-Reusz) and the dizzy–quite literally–Lizzie (Charlotte Greaves who also does a hilarious scene as Mrs. Morgan, the concerned Pastor’s wife).
Rounding out the cast are Miller J. Mason as Arnie and LaFond who plays devilish “crooked copper” John Ingram and virtuous man of the cloth, Pastor Morgan.
The cast, as always, is incredibly talented.
The choreography by Sproule is new, upbeat and keeps your toes tapping.
The voices, whether it is Mccobbina’s lovely soprano or Greaves belting out a tune, the harmonizing of the cast, especially in “What Now,” will enchant you.
If you haven’t gone to the Follies yet, take a gamble and go.
You won’t be disappointed.
Jamie Santano,
Trail
