The Silver Belles are Coming to Town

It is certainly beginning to look a lot like Christmas in August! (Considering Alberta’s ever-changing weather, it seems totally normal.)

From the moment you step inside the Varscona Theatre, you are immediately thrown into a Christmas snow globe with classic holiday tunes. This dramedy play, written, starring, and directed by Trevor Schmidt, had the audience laughing within minutes of its opening and ensured they were cackling for the rest of it.

Carole of the Belles begins with Francine (Kristin Johnston), who has replaced the Silver Belles’ leader, Nora, after her bizarre car accident. Things become out of sorts during pre-show rehearsal as the other Silver Belles members enter the stage. It only becomes more complicated when Carole (Jake Tkzacyk) mysteriously appears with warmth and geniality. Though the tension is thick and the banter plenty, Francine still manages to keep everything together until the very end. As the ladies play the handbells, friendship and community ring throughout the characters—and even the audience.

Every character was so distinct and wonderfully portrayed that it is impossible not to want more of them. Jason Hardwick’s portrayal of the snarky and traditionalist Barbara was marvellous. His dramatic zest was the cherry on top. Alongside Hardwick’s Barbara was Violet (Michelle Todd), who is undeniably a diva you do not want to cross. Shelley (Cheryl Jameson), though kooky, is a lovable wackadoodle with a love for astrology. Even though Carole oddly lurks in the background at first, Tkzacyk’s performance shines with his feminine body language and pleasant demeanour. Despite Francine arguably being the most normal out of all the ladies, Johnston’s pure theatrical talent and comedic timing controlled the audience’s attention. Some people may think it is impossible to make a crowd laugh without speaking a single word and without any crazy movements. Trevor Schmidt as Mother Fowler proved them wrong.

So if you love Christmas music, potato salad, and theatre, come down to the Fringe and see Carole of the Belles!