The local cultural scene is incredibly rich this summer, with A Midsummer Night’s Dream playing out at Caravan Farm Theatre and the upcoming Roots and Blues Festival.
But excellence has carried over to the amateur scene this year as well, with Haney Dinner Theatre and now Shuswap Youth Theatre’s production of Sweet Susie of the Shuswap.
I sat grinning for much of the two-hour production, whose two acts are separated by an “entr’acte” that allowed the talented young actors to showcase more of their talents than playwright/co-producer James Bowlby’s delicious musical melodrama could accommodate.
They may be young, but Madison Heiser, Shane Gorner, Vitaliy Demens and Alaura Bibby display a depth of talent and a keen sense of the comedic. Yet another successful product of School District #83’s music program, Kieran Rambo kept the audience well-entertained with his piano-playing talent.
Director/choreographer Lana Caputi earns kudos for the professional quality of the show and the way each character has their own shining moment.
See Sweet Susie of the Shuswap Thursday to Saturday, 7:30 p.m Aug. 11-13, 18, 25-27, Sunday matinees Aug. 7, 14 and Special Roots and Blues Saturday matinee Aug. 20 at 1:30 p.m. Tickets are available at the door.