Rosebud Theatre reopens with generosity and gratitude
By Laureen F. Guenther Times Contributor
After nearly two years since their last performance, Rosebud Theatre reopens with two dinner theatre shows this fall.
Tomatoes Nearly Killed Me But Banjos Saved My Life, a one-man show written and performed by Keith Alessi, runs Wednesdays to Sundays, Oct. 15-31.
Rosebud Theatre’s production of A Christmas Carol will run in November and December.
Tomatoes Nearly Killed Me But Banjos Saved My Life “is the story of a corporate executive … (who) changes his life because he wants to learn to play the banjo,” said Morris Ertman, Rosebud Theatre’s artistic director. “It’s a true story, told by the man whose story it is, so incredibly inspirational and well as musically entertaining.”
Erika Conway, a Rosebud School of the Arts graduate, directs the show.
Alessi performs the show as a donation to the theatres in which he performs, so all box office revenue from the one-man shoe will go to Rosebud Theatre.
“He performs not only from his passion, but from his generosity,” sair Ertman adding that the story itself is about generosity, which is especially timely in our world.
“It’s about a change of heart and life … Keith … is a businessman who woke up to become an artist and a benefactor.”
“The past 18 or more months have meant that what people depended upon … was found to be tenuous at best,” said Ertman. “These stories (in Rosebud Theatre’s shows this fall) affirm the possibility of marvellous re-invention. We can begin again. We will survive and thrive again. And it will be due to a beautiful thing called generosity.”
Rosebud School of the Arts (RSA) also offers two performances this winter, starting with “Christmastide” performed by the second-year students on the Studio Stage running Nov. 26-Dec.18. RSA will also host a choir concert, Dec. 5 at 3 p.m. at the Rosebud Church.
Rosebud Theatre plans to announce a full season of “exciting and inspiring plays” for 2022.
Following with current COVID restrictions and guidelines, at all events guests over the age of 12 must show proof of full vaccination or a negative COVID test within the previous 72 hours. Guests will wear masks indoors except when seated for their meal.
“The most important message we want people to hear is that everyone is welcome here in Rosebud,” said Muir. “There are so many things in our world today that seem to be a reason for division. We want to strive for unity, togetherness and hospitality. No matter where you stand on the vaccine conversation you are welcome here.”
“I would like to thank everyone who has supported Rosebud in any way at all during these COVID times. It’s thanks to all those who have given of their time, their prayers and their hard-earned money, that we are still here.”
“At the core of what Rosebud is all about is generous hospitality and enriching lives,” he said. “When you can’t invite people out to this tiny valley, it’s pretty difficult to achieve these goals. We are thrilled to welcome people back to Rosebud for some delicious food and great storytelling!”
For more information about Rosebud’s shows, see rosebudtheatre.com. To book tickets for Tomatoes Nearly Killed Me But Banjos Saved My Life, call the Box Office at 1-800-267-7553.