The cast of "The Guardian of Secrets" poses for a photo during a dress rehearsal Wednesday. QueenBee Productions produces one original play each year with ticket sales helping to send children to summer camps.--NEWS PHOTO BRENDAN MILLER
bmiller@medicinehatnews.com
Local volunteer actors are travelling back in time in an original production that follows the story of a poor woman who gains vast wealth through an unlucky inheritance as a local community theatre production is getting ready to showcase “The Guardian of Secrets,” which raises funds to help send kids to summer camp.
The production, written and directed by Debi Stodolka, who is the founder of QueenBee Productions, tells the story of Mabel Hayes, who grew up very poor in England during the 1920s, and explores her journey as she inherits Ă‚ÂŁ18 million.
However, to keep the money, she must navigate new responsibilities that include managing household charities and a telegraph business.
“She’s a little ruffian and the whole staff have to deal with her attitude, and she’s definitely not a ‘lady,'” explains Stodolka. “Part of her inheritance is that she has to take over all the household charities, she has to learn to work with the staff. Plus she also has to take over a whole telegraph business.”
Through the telegraphs, Mabel learns more about other cast members’ struggles and victories and changes throughout the play.
“It’s just a journey for her in compassion, empathy and learning hard lessons all by herself, and then maturing through the play,” says Stodolka.
Mabel’s rough-around-the-edges character is portrayed by Donna Serr, who explains at first Mable just wants to get the money and leave, but eventually discovers she learns that “money doesn’t buy you happiness.”
“She’s bitter and she’s angry and she wants all the money because she’s been so poor for so long. But there are certain stipulations she has to meet, and she does not want to meet them. She wants that money right away.”
However, by delivering telegrams to other characters throughout the town, some with sad news, some with cheerful news, Mabel’s perspective changes.
“She learns a lesson throughout it all, it’s a beautiful, touching story at the end … and she learns that it’s not all about money,” said Serr.
Funding raised from ticket sales go directly to sending kids to summer camp programs at Eagle’s Nest Ranch, a Christian camp that offers faith-based summer camps for children aged seven to 18.
“They have these amazing camps for kids in the summer. And to be able to give to that each summer is a real blessing, knowing that what we are doing here on stage, the things that we love, but also reaching out,” said Serr.
The heartwarming comedy will run three evening shows and one matinee beginning at the end of the month. On May 29, 30 and 31 curtain time for the “The Guardian of Secrets” begins at 6 p.m. at Eagles Nest Ranch and will include dinner. May 31 the production will show a matinee performance beginning at 1:30 p.m. and will include dessert.
Tickets can be purchased online at eventbrite.ca and by visiting the QueenBee Productions’ Facebook page. Additionally tickets can be purchased by calling Stodolka at 403-528-0014.
