KAMSACK — Because a key performer in Lost in a Musical is a former Kamsack resident, the Kamsack Playhouse audience had an extra reason to applaud the performance of SaskExpress on Aug. 15.
Elizabeth Bishop, who was raised in Kamsack, was a key performer in the show, which is SaskExpress’s 45th annual summer tour.
A Kamsack native, who is celebrating her eighth year performing with SaskExpress, Bishop is one of the 13 singers, dancers and musicians who perform in Lost in a Musical. She is the daughter of Claire Bishop of Kamsack and Jeff Hilderman of Crooked Lake, and granddaughter of Dr. Michael and Sally Bishop of Kamsack.
Bishop started performing from an early age in Ukrainian dance competitions and later founded SaskExpress. She is a graduate of the Canadian College of Performing Arts, where she received training in singing, dancing, and acting for both stage and screen.
The two-hour high-energy show told the story of three friends working in a 1950s diner in New York City who share a love of everything about the world of musical theatre.
Through the struggles of finding love, building self-confidence, and trying to land a theatre job in a bustling city, they conclude that life would be far better if they could live inside a musical. Taking a clue from their favourite fantasy movies, they decide to ‘wish upon a song’ in a magical jukebox that lives inside their beloved diner. When they awake the next day, they are shocked to learn that their wish came true.
“After their initial excitement, they realize that not every situation calls for a song and dance,” says a synopsis of the show. “Three stories of love, self-acceptance, and searching for the spotlight collide in a fantastic musical endeavour featuring the best songs from all of your favourite musicals!
“These three friends must navigate this new world, and use their expertise in theatre to find their way out of this musical life,” it says. “Will they find their way out? Or will they forever be Lost in a Musical?”
On stage with Bishop were: Julia Boyd, Kaelyn Coulthard, Peyton Davidson, Jude Hawkes, Liesel Horejda, Sadie Kendel, Isabelle Lipoth, Matt Rapley, Toren Senyonga and Logan Weir. Craig Salkeld and Brent Jefferson, on drums and keyboard, made up the band.
Before show time, a portion of First Street outside the theatre was closed to vehicle traffic to allow for an outdoor patio where tables were set up for people to visit while listening to music and enjoying beverages and food.
