The Souris Valley Theatre is pleased with the support shown for its inaugural Ladies Night fundraiser on June 25 at the Doug Third Hall.
“People were really excited to get behind it and learn more about what is happening this season at the theatre,” said Breanne Van De Woestyne, the theatre’s marketing manager.
More than 100 people attended the fundraiser. Ticket sales were halted the day before the benefit because the theatre felt they had reached maximum capacity for Ladies Night.
The event raised more than $2,000 through ticket sales, raffles and live and silent auctions. Proceeds will be directed towards the theatre’s summer youth camps.
Actor Munish Sharma opened the show with his burlesque performance.
“The audience got really excited, and had a lot of fun with it,” said Van De Woestyne. “It was an entertaining number, for sure, and I know the audience really enjoyed it.”
The next act was performed by the Lady Bits, a four-woman team from Saskatoon.
“They were very, very good,” said Van De Woestyne. “There were lots of great reviews with them. They were very funny and entertaining.”
The Me’ira Belly Dance Troupe from Estevan provided some locally-based entertainment.
The other highlight of the evening was a live auction featuring the cast and crew of Chickens, which is the theatre’s first main stage production this summer. Each person did an act or a talent, and whoever bid the most had the performer as a server for the evening.
Rebecca Lascue, who will appear in Chickens, and has been a fixture at previous shows at the theatre, was the emcee for the evening.
Van De Woestyne expects the Ladies Night will become an annual event that could serve as an effective kickoff to their season.
“Because of all the great reviews, and the people who really wish they came now, I’m sure it will be a really successful event in the next years,” said Van De Woestyne.
Thanks to the high levels of interest, she expects they might also have to consider expanding it in the future.
