The main stage show and the most recent concert at the Souris Valley Theatre’s Frehlick Hall both attracted big crows.
Western musical Ranchers & Rustlers was performed at the theatre from July 2-6 and 9-13. Theatre board president Robert Godfrey said they had several crowds over 200 people, which they hadn’t seen since before the flood of 2011.
Capacity inside Frehlick Hall is 244 people.
“Our ticket sales were very comparable with the one show to what we have had in previous years with two shows,” said Godfrey. “So we as a board have just been really, really excited with how things have gone.”
Many people came two or three times to watch Ranchers & Rustlers.
A total of 1,487 turned out between the 10 evening performances and two matinees. The peak night for attendance was 216 people on July 10.
“The music was great, but one of the things that really made it as fantastic as it was, was our cast and crew that put this on,” said Godfrey. “It’s unbelievable to think about the talent that they were able to pull together in a short amount of time.”
Godfrey said it was great to work with the actors, and the people really enjoyed it.
“More than anything, it was a great celebration of our 30th anniversary this year,” said Godfrey.
The performers spent a lot of time in the community promoting the show, dropping by restaurants or going to community events. After each performance, they stood in front of Frehlick Hall for a meet and greet with the audience.
Traditionally that only happened after the opening and closing night.
Ranchers & Rustlers had been performed at the theatre several times in the past, the most recent being in 2004. It has long been one of the most popular shows at the theatre, and so the board decided to bring it back for the 30th anniversary season.
“This show we knew was going to go really well. We assumed that, based on how it has done in the past, and the amount of feedback it has gotten, but it certainly went much better than any of us could have ever guessed.”
Four nights after the closing performance for Ranchers and Rustlers, local country gospel act the Daae Family performed for 174 people at the hall. The Bobby Bowen Family Band joined them.
“I always love having concerts at the theatre because it’s such a great environment, but it was just a really great night of wholesome entertainment,” said Godfrey.
The Bowens complimented the Daae Family well, and there was some great interaction on the stage, with crowd members being invited on the stage to play the violin.
“The country vibe really fit in with what we’ve done so far,” said Godfrey.
The final attraction for the theatre this season is a concert with Kipling’s Alex Runions on Aug. 17. Tickets are still available.
The theatre’s summer camps for youths are still underway, with Act II happening this week, and Act 1 for children ages six to eight next week.
“It’s nice to know that although we have a shorter season this year, there’s still great activities taking place at the theatre,” said Godfrey.
