The Summerland United Church, in association with the Summerland Singers and Players, is presenting a musical melodrama entitled The Fallen Saved as a fundraiser with monies raised going towards the operational costs of the Community Support Centre.
The newly renovated Community Support Centre, which also houses the Summerland Food Bank, is planning its grand opening some time in May.
The food bank area is now completely rebuilt and operational.
The typical 19th-century melodrama, complete with a hero, heroin and villain will be performed in the style used in the Victorian era, very much exaggerated along with signs to tell the audience when to react with hisses, boos, cheers and jeers.
The story enacted will be that of an outstanding citizen who is in the position of raising money for the heroin, with the villain being a lawyer who encourages the hero to drink the “demon rum.”
Each of the five cast members will have a theme song, walking and moving to its rhythm.
The chorus of 25 will lead the audience in a sing along to songs popular from the era, including The Band Played On, Bird in a Gilded Cage, and Home Sweet Home.
One of the two offices is already being used by the Penticton and Area Women’s Centre on Thursday mornings.
John Bubb of the United Church expressed the hope that several agencies would make use of the office space.
“We are trying to make it easy for the service providers to come and serve their clients in Summerland, rather than our citizens travelling to Penticton or Kelowna to access the services,” he said.
The upcoming fundraiser will be held at the United Church on Thursday, Friday and Saturday, April 18 to 20 at 7:30 p.m. as well as Saturday afternoon at 2 p.m.
Tickets can be purchased at Indulgences, James on Kelly and at Summerland United Church.