Murray Players to present ‘The Boarding House’
Play by Vern Harnden to run today, Saturday and Sunday
The Murray Players are at it again.
They will present “The Boarding House”, a play by Vern Harnden at the Murray River Community Hall from Nov. 23-25 in Murray River. The Friday and Saturday performances are at 7 p.m., while the Sunday matinee is 2 p.m.
Tickets are available at the door. Admission is $10 each for adults and $5 for childrenunder-12. Requests for tickets can be made by phoning John Hardy at 902 962 3830 or emailing themurrayplayers@gmail. com. Tickets ordered in advance will be held and paid for at the door.
The play is about a boarding house, which is reputed to be haunted by a pirate who murdered his fellow pirates and buried his treasure in the basement. A new resident, a somewhat troubled person, is convinced the treasure exists and goes to endless efforts to try and find it. The other residents get caught up in his scheme with hilarious and unusual outcome. Linda Palmer plays a taxidermist, Gladys, who talks to the departed. Mr. Richards, an unproven artistic author, played by John Hardy, tries to gain success by switching from prose to poetry and anything else but fails at everything.
Donna Penny plays Veronica, the sister of the troubled treasure seeker, but has her own agenda.
Mary-Lou MacLure, playing the role of Harriet, the Boardinghouse owner, tries to keep the peace between her various guests, relying on codliver oil as a sovereign remedy.
The role of Tweenie, a young and nervous servant, is played by Jaime Gardner. Linda Stewart plays the role of Martha, a chronic hypochondriac, with little interest in anything other than her imaginary conditions and a deep attraction to the treasure hunter. Many members of the existing company are contributing their talents both on and off stage.
Several new members have also joined the company. Jared Thompson plays the part of the seemingly gentlemanly treasure hunter, until his actions are thwarted and his real character emerges.
The part of Dr. Snifell, a retired octogenarian doctor who does not realize he is retired, is played by Phil Durocher. Ivy, played by Dory Murdoch is a scatterbrained lady who likes painting people’s faces. Hortense, played by Anne Thompson, is the harried carer who is forever chasing after Ivy.
Backstage is Les Stewart who will be doing lighting, sound effects and all kinds of other jobs. Jackie Durocher is the prompter, a truly important and appreciated role, as well as providing artistic skills for the set.