Rosebud musical beyond expectations

Times Reporter

 

People gathered from all over the province to take in the opening night production of ‘The Secret Garden” in Rosebud on Nov. 5. Many of the guests commented on how the performers managed to keep the right pitch when singing, and many were impressed at the quality the little theatre was able to put out. 

“It’s a story that many, many people know and love and as putting the season together it just seemed the right choice with this particular group of people that I’ve got in my company,” said Morris Ertman, artistic director for Rosebud for nine years.  

Ertman feels it is a strong family story and he thought there was no better musical to put on this year, to bring family together. It may feel early for Christmas, but he thinks many people come early because they know seats tend to be limited.

“Our Christmas shows tend to fill up. It’s become a part of tradition for a lot of people to come to Rosebud for Christmas. I was really pleased to see the number of people that came on the weekend and really enjoyed the show, because they’ll just keep telling their friends and it should really build off of it,” said Ertman. 

The directors and cast have been planning for this production for at least eight months in terms of design work, creating the set and all of the other preparation required. There is a lot of music rehearsals that go into the show, starting five to six weeks before opening night. Around the four-week mark they begin to rehearse full time combining all aspects, and during the last week rehearsal gets even heavier. All of the practice and preparation paid off. Spectators filled the Rosebud Opera House after enjoying a buffet dinner. 

Donna Green came to Alberta to visit her daughter, she is from the Okanogan, and they decided to take in the show. Green has attended performances in Rosebud in the past, but it has been a number of years. 

“About nine or ten years ago, it was wonderful then and it’s just wonderful now,” said Green. 

Staff from the Hoodoo RV Resort, in Drumheller, head to Rosebud at their year-end to take in the Christmas show, dinner and a good nights sleep at the bed and breakfast. 

“The way they use the stage and everything was just amazing. They were both just fantastic,” said Irene Defoor, who was on her third annual trip to the little hamlet. 

Jim and Marilyn Suderman made the trip from Three Hills, after a neighbour had given them tickets. 

“I thought it was perfect. It was stunning I was just so impressed with the quality of acting, it was just right up there,” said Jim. Marilyn said it was one of the best performances they have seen this year, though they admitted they couldn’t make as many as they would have liked. 

“All it does is whet my appetite. I’m going to be back for sure,” said Jim. 

“People love music around Christmas time and where ever we can, we try to make that happen. We can’t make it happen on every show, but most certainly our Christmas shows have music in them. It’s part of what gets people in the spirit,” said Ertman.  

The musical will be running until Dec. 23, and Ertman warned that tickets could sell fast.