The Laketown Players presented Torched By An Angel, an original play by Stephen Farquharson, as their 18th production, staged as a Dinner Theatre on February 5, 6, and 7, with a Dessert Theatre performance on February 8 at the Saltcoats District Community Hall. Running from 2007 to 2026, the Laketown Players continued their tradition of community theatre with a production dedicated “for all the angels, seen and unseen, in our lives, even the ones with a bit of devil in their eyes.” The production gratefully acknowledged major sponsors The Four Town Journal and the Laketown Hotel in Saltcoats.
The play moved audiences back and forth between heaven and hell, blending humour, heart, and reflection. The storyline followed two hellish agents who found themselves suddenly unemployed and attempting to fit in as angels, while audiences met agents of heaven, agents of hell, a hockey referee, four average Canadians, and three individuals facing their own personal day of accounting. The production suggested that what happens back on earth may depend on each of us, delivering its message through comedy and thoughtful moments alike.
The cast brought to life a mix of heavenly, demonic, and very human characters. Appearing in scene one were Kalliegh Daigneault McCallum as Gabriella, an important voice from the heavenly Music Department; Jesse Baron as Nathaniel; Candice Baron as Josephine; Brennan Hovind as Raphael/Ralph; Kori Kendell as Celeste; Grant Bjornerud as the Hockey Referee; Braden Oystrick as the off-stage computer voice; and Walter Farquharson as an off-stage voice. Scene two featured Dion Walker as Bilious, Christa Schmelinsky as Pandora/Dora, Stephen Farquharson as Beezlebub/Beasley, Daneen Kelly as Malicious, Dougal Farquharson as Faustus, Stephanie Newsham as Emma, Grant Bjornerud as Bobby, and Carol Ritchie as Cheryl. Scene four introduced Jacob Baron as Yoda, head angel. In scene five, Mike Farquharson appeared as Gordo, alongside Jesse Baron as Johnny. Scene six included Carol Ritchie as Hazel Cavendish, Candice Baron as Eula Mae Tucker, and Stephanie Newsham as Hayley MacDonald.
Behind the scenes, the production team consisted of Stephen Farquharson, Gloria Rathgeber, and Walter Farquharson. Sound and lighting were handled by Braden Oystrick, Lawrence Kitz, Jens Vincent, and Kirsten Eggie, with special thanks to Jerret Delanoy for assistance in getting the sound board working. Prompters Donna Bradford and Shirley Davidson were recognized for their vital role in every rehearsal and performance, with special acknowledgement of Donna Bradford’s long-standing service to nearly every Laketown Players production. Set, prop, and costume design and construction were completed by Bev Westberg, Shirley Pearson, Barb Straker, Glenda Straker, Ken Morrison, Randy Torrie, Monique Smith, and Les Pearson, who also thanked community members for donations of materials and supplies. Laketown Players noted their appreciation for this dedicated crew, whose professionalism and commitment were essential to the success of the production.
Laketown Players expressed their appreciation by first thanking all whose efforts and encouragement made the production possible, along with special thanks to the tremendous audiences whose presence and participation brought each performance to life. Gratitude was extended to Shirley and Les Pearson for managing ticket sales and seating plans; to Jackie Padar of Taste of Home Cooking, who volunteered as chief cook, and her assistant Harry Smith; and to Delores Torrie and Marilyn Herron, who planned menus and recruited and organized the many essential volunteers. Special thanks were also given to Heather Mickle, who convened duties beyond the kitchen and baked all desserts, and to Jeanne and Barry Czinkota for ordering, shopping, and transporting supplies. Additional appreciation went to Prairie Dome for the donation of potatoes, the Curling Club for tending the bar, YFBTA/YNS for hosting the Dessert Matinee, Saltcoats School and the Gazette for helping keep the community informed, The Four Town Journal for sponsorship, promotion, and advertising, local correspondent Helen Jarvis for her ongoing coverage and encouragement, and Yorkton This Week for promotion.
Thanks were also extended to the Town of Saltcoats, including Cindy Larson and Lisa Maddaford in the office for formatting and printing programs and maintaining financial records through the Saltcoats Community Hall account, the Public Works Department for snow removal and hall maintenance, caretaker Brenda for her ongoing assistance during practices, and the Town Council for making the hall available for rehearsals and performances. Laketown Players noted that the production was truly a community effort and offered sincere thanks to everyone involved.