Season of Love at Twenty-two...

By Ilene Elkaim

The Aldershot Players (TAP) have brought back “sexy” with their 2008/2009 Season of Love. For their 22nd season, TAP has opted to make things a little hot and spicy, according to Scott Broe, outgoing president. 
Last October the players performed Romantic Comedy by Bernard Slade to sold-out audiences. 

This April, TAP’s loyal patrons will continue to experience high energy comedy with Key for Two by John Chapman and Dave Freeman. This is a sexy bedroom romp where, unlike most farces, two females have the lead roles.  “We are excited to have Byron McKim directing our spring production,” Scott beams.  “Not only is he talented ‑ he has been nominated for a couple of Geminis ‑ but more importantly, his directorial style fits right into the fold.”

The fold to which Scott refers is the “fun fold”.  TAP is the kind of community theatre group that accepts everybody and anybody, with or without experience ‑ “as long as they’re fun,” quips Scott.  “Fun is our mantra.” 

Many talents have made their debuts with TAP, either on the stage, off the stage or back stage.  The players are equally well known for the side splitting laughs they bring their audiences as they are for the camaraderie and parties accompanying each show.

“We are the longest running community dinner theatre in the Golden Horseshoe,” Scott says.  “Our longevity is supported by a wonderful team of hardworking, hard-playing group of people. Of course, we are always open to welcome new faces.  Most of us have day jobs, so any extra pair of hands or legs is warmly received.”

The troupe performs out of West Plains United Church where the space is quite intimate.  Although many with TAP also perform at larger venues elsewhere, the vast majority continue to come back again and again.  The actors and stage management enjoy the connection with the close-by audience. “And from what we hear from our subscribers, they enjoy the close interaction with the performers as well,” Scott says.

The subscriber base is about 35 per cent of the entire house.  TAP has been fortunate in that all shows sell out on a continuous basis.  Of course, the group recognizes that there are a few dedicated patrons who bring along 40-60 people for each show. 

Recently, about 20 Red Hat Society members descended on TAP in full Red Hat regalia. Along with them came a mascot: a bear with, yes, a red hat.  Fortunately for TAP the show was so entertaining that the mascot was left behind in its carry bag.  No worries, though. It was returned to its relieved Red Hat owner.  “See? Even the mascot knew she’d enjoyed our after-show partying,” Scott smiles. To read more anecdotal stories, please check out Past Productions at the TAP website. Some are quite amusing.

TAP is well underway with planning its 23rd season.  After you get your “sexy” back, you’ll be able to… well, they really can’t yet say.  Feel free to check out their website for more information: www.thealdershotplayers.com.

Key for Two Production dates:
April 24, 25, May 1, 2, 8, 9: Dinner & Show $35/person
April 30: Show Only $18/person
For tickets call (905) 381-1441
All shows are performed at: West Plains United Church, 549 Plains Rd, Burlington

Ilene Elkaim is an active thespian in Halton, while running Six Dynamix: “retail services behind the seen” (www.sixdynamix.com).