The Revelstoke Theatre Company unveiled its two latest productions at the United Church last weekend.
The first play was Ten Minute Check-In, a solo performance by Poppi Reiner, who had a career as an actor before moving to Revelstoke to open Poppi’s Guest House.
Her monologue was about a life in the hospitality industry as she regaled a new guest with humourous tales as she checked them in. One story involved a group of ski buddies performing an impromptu trial in the lounge area, with the accused on trial for skiing too fast. Another was about tracking down a delinquent guest to another motel.
The stories were told with gusto, complete with accents, and she showed a great stage presence by herself.
The feature of the night was Last Tango in Revelstoke, a British farce about a strugglig theatre company desperate to pay its bills before it gets shut down.
Darren McKay stars as the bewildered director Gordon, who comes up with the idea of promoting the last play as a sexcapade in order to draw a crowd.
Gill MacLachlan does a great job as Margaret, the serious actor of the group, who gives it her all, no matter the script.
Emily Beaumont is Joyce, a cluess, yet eager actor, who’s dream is to perform in a musical. Some of the biggest laughs came when she had her chance to sing.
John Devitt rounds out the cast as the set builder Bernard, who doesn’t care any more but he comes out anyway to get away from the wife and kids. He’s delightfully non-chalant and sarcastic about everything.
The short play is based on Last Tango in Little Grimley, with Revelstoke references added into the script. It manages to get laughs for the entire 45-minute running length – no easy feat.
Both plays will be performed again on Nov. 24 and 26 at the United Church at 8 p.m. on both nights. Tickets are $10.