When the Lake Windermere Players’ production of The Good Doctor takes to the stage this May long weekend, it will mark the first time in many years that Invermere residents will be able to experience live community theatre. Producer Bruce Robinson estimates it’s been nearly 12 years since the troupe put on a performance in Invermere and he hopes this one leaves a lasting impression.
“I just thought that there had been such a dearth of any kind of live entertainment for so long, that it would be nice to do something,” Robinson said. “My main goal with this production is to get as many new people involved as possible.”
The Good Doctor is composed of a series of scenes connected by the main character of the writer, who draws strong comparisons to Russian writer Anton Chekhov. All the scenes, which take place within the imagination of the writer’s character, are tied together in the play’s final act. Director Margaret O’Sullivan describes the play as a comedy; however, a comedy with a humorous black overtone.
“It’s through the medium of comedy that the pathos of tragedy of these peoples’ lives comes through,” O’Sullivan said. “That’s why comedy is so much better than tragedy if you want to get something across.”
The play itself features a cast of 13 actors and a strong supporting cast of behind-the-scenes personnel who created costumes and set pieces, and handle aspects like lighting and sound. One of the reasons Robinson selected The Good Doctor in particular is because of its large cast of actors. Since many former members of the Lake Windermere Players are no longer involved with the group, the large cast gives the opportunity for new actors to get involved and carry the torch.
“”I just like doing something with the community,” Robinson said. “People that don’t know each other can get together, and while it’s a lot of work, we do it because we love it.”
Preparations for the play have been in the works since 2010. While there is a small amount of adult-themed content, according to Robinson, there is absolutely no swearing throughout. As a producer as well as an actor, Robinson said that when it comes down to it, he really just hopes that all who attend enjoy themselves.
“I hope that people have a really pleasurable experience,” he said. “For me, as an actor, I just enjoy seeing people have a good time and having a good laugh, and hopefully learning something too. I think acting gives me the opportunity to be all the people I might have been — to explore some other aspects of your personality that is maybe latent.
The play will run for four nights and one afternoon. Doors open at 7:30 p.m. for the night shows on May 19, 20, 25, 26 and at 1:30 p.m. for the afternoon show on May 27. All performances take place at the Invermere Community Hall and admission is $15.