The legendary Horsefly Follies are returning to the stage this spring after a 12-year hiatus with The Follie's Revival.
The group, which began in 1983 as the Horsefly Glee Club and then became the Horsefly Musical Theatre Group, a.k.a. The Horsefly Follies, was a popular almost-annual attraction in the area for 30 years.
In 2013, the group stopped performing, but now has risen once again to bring light and laughter to the Horsefly community.
Traditionally, each show would have a theme which ran throughout a series of short skits, integrating slapstick comedy, music and the occasional dance number.
"This year is no different," said Lynda McKay, who is helping to spread the word about the return.
Director Suzanne Englund is one of the veteran Follies returning to help get the group back up and running, noting is it not only a fun thing to be a part of but also a "really, really great fundraiser for the community."
Englund said the break in productions was due to the amount of work involved and no one at the time had wanted to take it over, but she's hopeful with new people coming forward and new people in the community who will get a chance to see what the Follies are like, the Follies can return for good.
"Those who were fortunate enough to enjoy the Follies of years past will never forget the dead-pan humour of Roger Erickson, Tom Bunn as Tarzan, Blue Wright's hilarious comedy and of course the infamous 'Ernestine,'" said Chris Gruhs, who helped the group with some history.
Englund said the revival was sparked by some clearing out of Follies gear from the Community Hall, which lead to some in the community deciding they didn't want to see the group disappear.
"It used to be a huge thing around here, so hopefully we can revive that and get it all going again," she said.
"It's quite an evening."
Tickets are available at the Horsefly Community Hall Saturday, April 5 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., and at Clark's General Store after that.
The children's show is Friday, April 25, with tickets for the family-friendly event $5 for 18 and under, $10 for adults and doors open at 6:30 p.m. and the show starts at 7 p.m. The children's show will be slightly shorter and the event will include door prizes.
Three 19+ shows will also take place Saturday, April 26, Friday, May 2, and Saturday, May 3. Tickets are $20, there will be a cash bar, and doors open at 6:30 p.m. and show starts at 7 p.m. The adult shows will include a live auction at the intermission.
The cast and crew have been working since last October to "ensure a good time is had by all" said McKay.
Anyone interested in getting involved on stage or behind the scenes can contact Suzanne Englund at 250-620-3575. Proceeds from the show go back to the Community Club to support summer swim lessons and other community events and initiatives.
