One of the shows at the Souris Valley Theatre is going to be a "spell-binding" performance, according to one of the new additions to Estevan's summer entertainment.
During a brief break from rehearsals, Munish Sharma spoke with the Mercury to talk about the upcoming summer performances, and couldn't help but let the pun slip.
"I get to work on a very fun show," said Sharma, a newcomer to the musical theatre scene in Estevan, referring to The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. "This is actually my first legitimate musical."
Sharma is a graduate from the University of Regina where he studied acting, and after reconnecting with the theatre's creative director, Kenn McLeod, whom he attended university with, he jumped on the opportunity to perform in Estevan.
"I haven't been here since I was a little boy, " he said. "It's so beautiful here."
On the opposite end of the spectrum, Souris Valley Theatre veteran Sheldon Bergstrom will hit the stage twice this summer. Bergrstrom, who kick started his acting career in Estevan, is coming back to the Energy City after a memorable performance in Toronto. Bergstrom made headlines across Canada after he was casted to play Rob Ford in the Rob Ford Musical, a comedy that largely revolved around the former mayor's controversial actions during his stint as mayor of Toronto.
One of those scenarios involved a controversial crack scandal, to which Ford admitted to smoking during his time as mayor back in 2013.
Bergstrom was quick to say he appreciates the lush green surroundings of the Souris Valley Theatre over the concrete jungle that is Toronto.
"I love Ontario, but this place is special," he said.
Among the greenery, Bergstrom said the theatre has grown in several ways. Additional props, lighting equipment and a greater focus on homegrown talent has helped the Souris Valley Theatre evolve.
Bergstrom said this is the first time he's worked with McLeod, Sharma and several of the other actors, but the team chemistry, he noted, is already high.
"These singers are phenomenal," he said, referring to Sharma and the other actors and actresses practicing on stage. "Their blend is beautiful, it was beautiful from day one."
Bergstrom said The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee is an exciting show to perform because of the many opportunities for improvisation and audience interactivity.
"It's heartwarming, it might make you cry, you'll cheer on audience members who have become a part of the spelling bee," he said. "It's such a unique show."
Dry Streak, which is written by Griffin’s Leanne Minogue, focuses on farming in Saskatchewan during a dry spell in the 1980s.
"It's a great pick for this summer and I'm lucky to be a part of both shows," Bergstrom said.
McLeod said the Souris Valley Theatre has had to overcome a lot of adversity over the past few years, the biggest that came in the form of extreme flooding in 2011.
"To still be around for 25 years is a huge testament to the sheer desire of our board members to keep it going," McLeod said. "It's such a treat to work with that group of people."
He said he's worked hard on keeping tabs on Saskatchewan-based actors and actresses, and that the talent on display this summer isn't reflected in the price of admission.
"You don't get to see this level of talent for a $25 ticket," he said.
Dry Streak will be performed August 5 to 8, and August 11 to 15 at 7:30 p.m. A 2 p.m. matinee will be available on August 13.
The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee will be performed from July 8 to 11, and July 14 to 18, at 7:30 p.m., with a 2 p.m. matinee on July 16.
