REVIEW | DCT's 'The Queen of Bingo'

DTC'S 'THE QUEEN OF BINGO' NOV 8 PERFORMANCE - PHOTOS by SCRIBBLES

As I've mentioned before, I often think of the Dunnville Community Theatre [DCT] as the little engine that could. You know the old kid's story... the little train doesn't think he can make it to the top of the hill, but then conquers his fears and succeeds.

PHOTO COURTESY DIANE MORRIS

DCT's a lot like that. The local theatre group resides at the Dunnville Optimist's Club and for over a year now, the building has been undergoing major renovations. As a result, the group's past few productions have been performed in the auditorium using makeshift stages and minimal set changes.

While some might use this state of disarray as a valid reason to take a break, the devoted members of the DCT just keep chug chug chugging along.

DCT's latest production The Queen of Bingo by Jeanne Michels and Phyllis Murphy played well in the Optimist Club's auditorium, where the hall often holds Bingo. During the play's intermission, the audience got to play an actual game of Bingo. I came so very close to winning.

The Queen of Bingo starred Diane Morris and Angie Knuth as Bingo loving siblings Sis and Babe, Michael Maloney as both Father Mac and the Bingo caller and Candace Stern, Sheila Schumacher and Liza Kennedy as the Bingo hall's helpers. 

Sis and Babe may be sisters, but their personalities are as different as night and day. Sis plays Bingo mainly for the fun of it and seems content in her widowhood. Babe on the other hand is very VERY competitive and tired of being alone. Together Sis and Babe are there for each other - and, thanks to the brilliant performances of Ms. Morris and Ms. Knuth - often with very amusing results.

Audiences may recognize Diane Morris and Michael Maloney from their roles in previous DCT productions and this was Angie Knuth's first show with the diverse theatre group.

The Queen of Bingo was directed by our friend Nancy Erskine, who is no stranger to live theatre and a familiar face on Scribbles.co. My sister Kim & I enjoy getting to see Nancy as much as we do DCT's creative productions themselves.

It will be an exciting day when this group with a heat of gold, shines once again in its redesigned theatre. But until such time, the show must go on, from whatever space is available at the time.

That's something this determined little train engine has grown to understand with proudness.

MIKE MCLACHLAN OF DUNNVILLE ROTARY
 PRESENTS DCT PRESIDENT NANCY ERSKINE WITH THE JACK MERIGOLD BURSARY