'No Cure' brings eclectic story to newly opened Pearl
Wow! Oh my goodness! The Boundary County Community Theater (BCCT) presented the closing night production of “No Cure For Love: An Electric Romance” at the newly renovated Pearl Theater, to a near sold out crowd.
It was amazing, energetic, and evoked many emotions on the subject of love and romance.
An eclectic cast of 31 actors, singers, musicians and dancers (all Boundary County residents) filled the stage performing skits reminiscing all phases of love and romance; or as Mr. Rawlings says “...the heartbreak as well as the heartthrob.”
The production was interspersed with quirky, spirited song and dance. It began slowly with a monologue, then surprisingly, Ashley Wendland, with her petite stature, belted out a rendition of “Heartbreak Hotel” as well as any professional artist of the blues.
It was all spellbinding, entertainment from there until the end. There were many extraordinary singers that touched the audience in so many different ways, too many to keep listing individually. The play was exceptionally performed by many long time cast members of the BCCT, as well as newer members, two of whom bear watching.
Gabriel Feller, a multi-talented high school senior, acted as well as sang, played the keyboard, guitar and bass. When he portrayed a young teen, ignorant of love, you believed him. Really believed him.
Lauren Palmer, a home-schooler, acted and sang. She, like Feller, gave believable recitals, especially for ones so young. And sing! She had great stage presence. While both she and Feller gave awesome performances, we haven’t seen the best of them yet.
Behind the scenes, Olivia Stahl brought her lighting expertise to the BCCT this year after spending the last 4 years under the tutelage of David Carpenter of the Bonners Ferry High School Drama Department. She brought with her interesting ideas and a quick mind open to direction.
A Cinderella transformation of the “old church downtown” into a versatile, yet elegant edifice was brought to fruition by the vision of Carolyn Testa. Renovated for the growing needs of our growing community for a venue for the arts, Ms. Testa truly brought out the “pearl” from a rough, old oyster. The change defies description. It is a definite must see.
About 650 people attended the two weekend runs. This comes close to the attendance of years gone by. The BCCT hopes attendance will continue to increase now that the renovation and opening of the Pearl Theater has given the BCCT a regular and permanent home, affording them an economical venue in which to practice and present any form of art, whether it be dance, drama or musical. As Mr. Rawlings stated, “Live theater is a gift that the community can enjoy ... and participate in... .”
It is rumored that three plays are being planned for late winter through early spring. One by Vicki Blake in Feb. Paul Rawlings has plans to direct a play he wrote based on his intense research of the life of Billy the Kid, the western desperado.
According to Rawlings, while historically accurate, it will certainly not be dull! As to the third play, it has been rumored that Barbara Rawlings has a play tucked away that she is contemplating producing in early spring.
The BCCT always welcomes and encourages new talent, for both on or off stage.
Anyone wishing to share their talent, time or treasures with the Boundary County Community Theater should call Paul Rawlings at 267-5332 or any member of the BCCT.
The Pearl Theater may be rented for a variety of occasions. Contact Carolyn Testa for dates of availibility and rates at 290-7039. For information on upcoming community events call 267-PEARL.