Going West a smashing success Wetaskiwin Home School Group revisits the old west in uproarious play about a wagon train
Monday January 14, 2008
Homeschooled kids throughout Wetaskiwin delighted audiences with their rendition of Going West, a western-themed musical comedy.
Performing Jan. 15, 17 and 18 at 7 p.m. at the First United Church, it is a two act play about a wagon train going west out in the pioneer days.
“It’s about the interesting characters on this trip and the funny relations that happen between them,” explained Ponoka-based director Debbie Zepick.
The biggest conflict involves a character known as The Dude who used to be a teacher at an all-girls school. Throughout the play he tries to earn the respect of other characters on the wagon train.
Zepick chose the play because there were ample roles for kids.
“I always like to work with comedies because most are good clean family fun. It has a lot of good roles for the kids. They really enjoy hamming it up,” she said.
The director who has worked with home schooled kids for the past 11 years said many of the cast members are really strong. She added this is the first time she’s done a play like this in Wetaskiwin.
“Some of them are really coming along. This is their first time doing one of these plays.”
With organizing 30 to 40 kids comes its unique challenges. Not all people are born actors, Zepick said.
“There are some people who are really shy or it’s just nervousness to get up in front of people. Some have a natural ability to get in front of a crowd,” she said.
“For most it’s just a matter of getting comfortable enough.”
Also in the play are a variety of musical numbers which Zepick had to teach to the kids.
“I used to teach music. The thing about this is, you don’t get a lot of time to focus on singing techniques. If you’re not the greatest singer it’s okay because it’s a comedy,” she said.
“The kids get a chance to see they have the power to bring laughter into people’s lives.”
But a production of this size would not be possible without the help and support of parents.
“Parents are pulling things together. We have no budget for anything. Parent commitment has been phenomenal.”
Publisher: Jim Clark Proprietor and published by Sun Media Corporation - A Quebecor Media Company at 5104 - 53 Avenue, Wetaskiwin, Alberta, Canada T9A 2G5
