A local theatre group is inviting audiences to laugh, reflect and celebrate the lighter side of aging with its upcoming fall production.
Back on Cue Theatre will present The Horizon, a stage comedy by Tim A. Pullen, on Friday, Nov. 7, and Saturday, Nov. 8, at the Carman Collegiate Community Theatre. The production embraces the theme “Growing old is inevitable, growing up is optional,” delivering a heartwarming and humorous look at life’s later chapters.
Doors open at 6:15 p.m. each night, with the curtain rising at 7 p.m. General admission tickets are $25. The dinner option features a partnership with several local favourites, including Bell Aura Bistro, Tidbit Restaurant and Blaze of India, offering audiences a memorable night of entertainment and dining. Tickets can be purchased at Golden Prairie Arts Council, One Insurance, and Toews Printing & Office Supply. Handi-van transportation is available by calling 204-745-3477.
This year, BOC has teamed up with the Golden Prairie Arts Council, gaining the support and resources of this valuable partnership.
For director Faye Harms, the decision to bring The Horizon to Carman was an easy one. The play’s mix of sharp humour and real-world resonance speaks directly to the company’s mission — and to its audience.
“We were drawn to this story because it’s an entertaining piece that touches on current societal issues, especially the realities facing our aging population,” she said. “It makes people laugh, but it also makes them think.”
Back on Cue (BOC) has built its reputation on delivering performances that entertain while contributing to the cultural and social life of the community. Each year, the group chooses a production that pairs a meaningful message with engaging storytelling.
“BOC is first and foremost a community-focused theatre group,” producer Lee Collingridge said. “We want to give local people opportunities to showcase their talents while supporting youth and other non-profits in and around Carman. The Horizon does all of that — it engages audiences with humour while speaking to real concerns for seniors, including right here in our own town.”
The production also highlights the depth and diversity of Carman’s theatre scene. The cast features performers of all ages and backgrounds, united by a shared passion for storytelling and a commitment to delivering a memorable experience.
Among those working behind the scenes is Kali Gray-Harrower, who assists with media, stage and props for the production.
Gray-Harrower manages the airline ticketing department for a large Canadian travel agency, balancing that technical focus with a love of creativity. Still a farm kid at heart, she enjoys finding discarded items in unexpected places and repurposing them into something useful or artistic. Now living in Carman with her husband — and grateful to have her parents close by — she cherishes being back in the community she calls home.
Her first exposure to theatre came in high school through Carman Collegiate, where she attended productions at MTC and the opera and symphony, experiences she describes as “incredibly meaningful.” She later took small parts and chorus roles with a musical theatre company based in St. Claude and Treherne, as well as in Carman Collegiate productions, and even performed in Bob’s Wild West outdoor theatre near Elm Creek. After years focused on career and education, Gray-Harrower returned to Carman and rediscovered her love of theatre through Back on Cue.
“Theatre is a safe space for all ages and backgrounds,” she said. “It lets you put life aside and immerse yourself in something special — whether you’re creating that character on stage or sitting in the audience connecting with the story.” She describes The Horizon as “a story that affects us all,” reminding audiences of the human need for dignity, humour and adventure as we age.
Annette Hall also brings her talents to the production as stage manager for the third year.
Hall is responsible for sourcing and organizing props, dressing the set, and ensuring every item is in place at precisely the right moment. She also oversees costumes, a challenging but rewarding task in matching each character’s personality and story.
Having built her career in banking, Hall now enjoys theatre as another outlet for her creativity, alongside her hobbies of renovating, art and card making. She studied theatre at university and says her passion for the art form has never faded.
Hall loves The Horizon for its mix of humour and social commentary. “It deals with issues facing seniors but does so with heart and hilarity,” she said. She believes theatre adds great value to the community by helping people express their creativity and build teamwork skills. “I enjoy my role, and I think theatre strengthens our community by bringing people together,” she added.
“They’re a diverse group — different ages, personalities and walks of life — but they all share a dedication to creating an immersive performance,” Collingridge said. “It’s the kind of show you’ll take home with you and think about long after the curtain falls.”
That sense of creativity extends beyond the actors. Each production is shaped by the unique contributions of the entire team, from the performers to the stage crew.
“No two people will portray a character the same way, and no two stage crews will set a scene exactly alike,” Collingridge added. “Our backstage team works just as hard as the people on stage, and every piece adds value and variation.”
Collingridge says the arts are a vital part of what makes Carman such a vibrant place to live — and organizations like Back on Cue play a key role in keeping that cultural heartbeat strong.
“Carman is a rich, diverse and inclusive place,” she said. “The economy, culture and social life are all interwoven — and the arts are just as important. In a world that can feel pretty chaotic, having a space where people can create, learn, share and connect is invaluable. Whether you’re in the audience or part of the cast, that’s what BOC offers.”
The Horizon offers more than just laughs — it’s a heartfelt look at life’s later chapters and a celebration of the stories that continue to shape us.
