Skits full of wit at the rec centre

There's nothing like a little slapstick comedy to put a smile on a senior's face.

And since that's the mandate of the Elder Citizens Recreation Association Drama Club, it works out rather nicely that the show Wits and Skits will be presented Nov. 2, 3 and 4 at the Elder Citizen's Centre.

"This is the 20th anniversary of the drama club," said Diane Reynolds, longtime member of the club and the master of ceremonies during the show. "We usually do at least two or three shows a year."

Wits and Skits will see the members presenting a variety of skits.

"We've got some 20-odd members that perform in the drama club - I say 20-odd because they are really odd," Reynolds said with a chuckle. "They're odd because they love hamming it up and making people laugh."

Highlights include one sketch that involves some high-brow classical concert performers with a twist.

"I don't want to tell too much of the skits, because then it will give it away," said Reynolds. "There's also a skit featuring Mrs. Overbloom's exercise class with some very uncooperative seniors. And, of course, there's Millie, the Bag Lady, who has some pretty off-the-wall tales to tell. She's her usual delightful, delusional and ditzy self."

There's a skit about a ruckus in a phone booth and there's also a ventriloquist performance during the show, Reynolds added.

A behind-the scenes look can be seen when three skits are performed with the backstage curtain left open. The audience can see what it takes to switch out actors in costume, props and changes in the set.

"Everyone can get a glimpse of how frantic it is and how it all works," said Reynolds.

To put the show together, the group meets to make a plan. Members bring suggestions and the show is developed through a combined effort, added Reynolds.

"We seem to be upgrading to longer skits now," she said. "They've got a little more substance, which is really good. We have so much enthusiasm within the group. When the performers come to the show, ready to perform, you will see many of them walk in as their character and they become the part and that makes it all come together."

It's just not all about the actors on stage, either, Reynolds said. It takes many people behind the scenes to make the magic happen, too. "It takes a lot of dedicated people to pull together the show, without whom the production would not unfold and I want to thank everyone for that."

The Country Cuzzins, a musical group, end the show with a rousing sing-along for all to enjoy.

All proceeds from the show go to operating costs of the Elder Citizens Recreation Association Centre.

Tickets sell out early for the shows Friday, November 2 at 7 p.m., Saturday, November 3 at 2 p.m., Sunday, November 4 at 2 p.m. for $10 each at the Elder Citizens Recreation Centre, 1692 Tenth Ave. or by calling 250-561-9381.