An evening of theatre and community is set to take place at Selkirk United Church, as local performers and congregation members prepare for this spring’s production, Your Flake or Mine. Running April 29 to May 2, the event offers audiences an evening of entertainment and community spirit.
Shannon Dubé (right) reviews the script with her daughter during rehearsals
Described as a “retro comedy,” the play, written by Jack Sharkey, follows Tony Dawson, a down-on-his-luck greeting card writer navigating life after divorce while attempting to win back his wife, Margo Corcoran.
“It’s really funny,” said actor Arthur Holroyd, who plays Tony. “He’s trying to win his wife back — and hilarity ensues.”
Shannon Dubé, the production’s director, said the script stood out immediately during the selection process.
“I couldn’t put it down,” she said. “I was laughing the entire time.”
For Dubé, the production also marks a personal milestone for the Grade 3 teacher at École Bonaventure. This is her first time directing a full-length theatre production.
“I’ve been in plays before, but this is my first time ever directing,” she said. “I find myself knowing more than I thought I did.”
Dubé described rehearsals as highly collaborative, noting cast members often share ideas for shaping their scenes and performances.
That collaborative and creative spirit has helped build strong connections amongst the cast of six, something Holroyd says has made rehearsals especially memorable.
“We spend half of the time laughing,” he said. “The relationships that we’re building as a cast and as a company are just fantastic.”
For Holroyd, the production also marks a return to the stage after several years away.
“The last time I was on stage was probably 2017 or 2018,” he said. “It means everything to me. I really love the opportunity to flex my acting muscles. It was something that was missing from my life for many years.”
Holroyd, who now teaches drama at École Selkirk Junior High School, said opportunities for local theatre outside of school productions are limited, making events like this especially meaningful for the community.
For this production, audiences can choose between two distinct experiences. Shows on April 29 and 30 will feature the theatre performance only, while those on May 1 and 2 will include dessert receptions afterward. All shows begin at 7 pm, with the exception of the May 2 show, which begins at 2 pm.
“There’s probably about 15 different kinds of desserts,” Dubé said. “Cheesecakes, carrot cakes, apple pies — and they’re all huge pieces.”
Funds raised from the production will support the church’s operations as well as community outreach efforts, including assistance for those in need.
Dubé emphasized the importance of these programs, which provide support through initiatives such as grocery cards and other forms of food assistance.
She added that Selkirk United Church productions in past years have drawn strong support, with attendees travelling from across Manitoba, including organized tour groups.
The show runs approximately two hours and 15 minutes, including a 15-minute intermission, and is recommended for audiences aged 12 and older. Tickets are $25 for theatre-only shows and $35 for the theatre-and-dessert option. Tickets are available by phone at 204-485-0291, and can be picked up before the show at 202 McLean Ave, or the day of the performance.
