CHANNEL-PORT AUX BASQUES, N.L. — By Joan Chaisson
Dinner theatre guests took a trip back in time July 24 at Hotel Port aux Basques.
The memories came flooding back when Sam Boucher, Wychita Hendricks, Andrew Perry and Seth Zocky walked into the room singing a Beatles song.
These men, who perform the Beatles tribute show Let It Be, were part of the Stephenville Theatre Festival, which ran until Aug. 11.
The show tells the story of the band featuring different songs from each decade. The guests were very much involved and hung on to each note.
When asked how she and her husband enjoyed the evening, JoAnne O’Brien, a Beatles fan, was enthusiastic.
“We thoroughly enjoyed the show,” she said. “We attended the STF’s performance last summer, hosted by St. Christopher’s Hotel, and were very impressed with the talent, so we jumped at the opportunity to attend another of their shows. How fortunate are we that they will travel to our corner of the province to perform.”
She had high praise for the performers.
“The music was fabulous - the actors/musicians were terrific,” she said. “Fingers crossed that STF will make this an annual event. I believe the show was sold out, so that’s very promising.”
The event was completely sold out and there was a waiting list for any cancellations.
Cathy Lomond, owner/manager of Hotel Port aux Basques, is always interested in hosting such events.
“Stephenville Theatre has been on the go for 40 years and it took quite a few years to make Stephenville a theatre town,” Lomond said. “We do not have such an organization locally, so it is great for them to come out here. It is also excellent exposure for the group.”
Lomond is thankful to Tourism Southwest, which has been supporting the Stephenville Theatre Festival for the past two years, making it possible for them to travel to areas like Port aux Basques.
“Musical theatres from the 1970s and 1980s attract the most people,” Lomond added. “This also works well with it being a dinner theatre. “
Lomond does not have any specific future plans but she would like to extend a welcome to any local artists who are thinking about planning such an event.
“My doors are always open to a local group if they are interested,” she said. “We will also definitely work again with Stephenville Theatre when the opportunity arises through Tourism Southwest.”
Lomond, a musician herself, feels this would be a great opportunity to expose local young people that may be interested in a theatre or musical career.
