Just in time for Valentine’s Day, St. Albert Dinner Theatre’s (SADT) latest production has it all — romance, regrets, comedy, and time travel.
Some Sweet Day, written by playwrights Flip Kolber and Cindy Marcus, takes theatre-goers to a place of “what-if” from Jan. 30 to Feb. 1, Feb. 6 to 8 and Feb. 13 to 15.
The story revolves around Ken, a brilliant scientist with a life full of one major regret. As a young man, he allowed his inventions to rule his life and ended up losing Jenny, his great love. More than anything, Ken yearns to return to the past in his time machine and reason with a younger self to correct the mistake he made.
But once Ken is propelled into the past, his younger self Casey refuses to listen to the advice of an old man. As Ken tries to bring the young couple together, he starts to rekindle feelings for Jenny.
But as director Darienne Johnson said, “For Ken to correct the past doesn’t give him the future he wants. Instead, being informed by our mistakes, that’s what helps create the people we want to be.”
Johnson, who has a degree in software development and works in IT and business, has previously acted in two SADT productions: Over the River and Through the Woods, and Lend Me a Tenor.
When offered a directing role, she was eager to implement her artistic vision.
“I like being able to read a play and see all the moving parts and having creative licence to develop the different parts for your audience. And I love the complexity of finding varied nuances and having the ability to create a cool experience.”
The seven-member cast is led by long-time dinner theatre staple Rob Beeston as Ken.
“Rob brings a lot of energy and excitability to this role. It’s a large part. He’s onstage nearly every scene, but with his experience we knew he could handle the role.”
Greta, Ken’s close friend, is played by Melanie Dobos.
“Greta is a bit goofy, very caring, lost and unable to settle down. She spends time searching for the right path in life.”
Leith Hutton as Casey, the young Ken, is obsessed with building a time machine.
“Both actors as the younger and older version need to interact with each other onstage. Yet, both have done amazing work in building their character as their own. Leith has put hard work and thought in creating a character with a lot of depth and it reflects what Casey becomes later in life.”
Bridgette Boyko, an instructor with St. Albert Children’s Theatre with experience working with TELUS Storyhive On Location, easily slipped into the role of Jenny.
“She brings a lot to the table and is a natural talent. She brings such life to the role and watching her shape her character has been enchanting. She’s brought so much depth and life, you get lost in her performances every time.”
Sam Daly returns to SADT as Reece, Casey’s friend and financial partner.
“While Casey builds the machine, Reece is the rich kid who invests in the project. Reece is a typical investor. He doesn’t get the science. He’s a trust fund kid and he tries to get investors.”
Corrie Gardner adds a bit of spice to her role as Stormy, Greta’s mother.
“Stormy is eccentric, and Corrie is vivacious and brings energy to her character. Stormy is a psychic and has this floaty, hippie vibe.”
Rounding out the cast is Carolyn McGratton’s Emma, a wealthy middle-aged widow who uses her husband’s fortune to invest in projects she believes in. McGratton has the smallest role, yet if past productions are any indication, she will make her presence felt.
“This play is very sweet. It’s got some emotional impact and depth. It’s a rom-com and I think it will be well-received. Instead of fixating on past mistakes, moving forward is a message that will resonate with audiences.”
Performances are held at St. Albert’s Kinsmen Banquet Hall at 47 Riel Drive. Doors open at 6 p.m., buffet is served at 6:45 p.m. and the play starts at 8 p.m. Single tickets are $70 and are available through the box office at 780-222-0102 or online at stalberttheatre.com.