Recently I had the privilege of introducing a theatrical production by a Wingham group called “The Almost Famous Players”.

They perform in the same tradition as “The Famous People Players” of Toronto. All have special needs and they are some of the most delightful individuals you could ever hope to meet.

The group has its origins in the Centre for Community Living in Wingham Ontario and which serves parts of both Huron and Bruce counties.

It was one of the most inspiring evenings I’ve spent in the theatre.

Twenty-five performers under the direction of the tireless and creative Julie Kuik and backed up by a dedicated group of staff and volunteers, played to a packed house and got more than one standing ovation.

It was truly a show to remember – an opportunity for people who once upon a time may have been hidden from view – to perform in public on a big stage under the lights.

The audience loved every number and applauded, laughed, cheered and cried.

Yours truly was choked up once or twice and in the end couldn’t manage to hold back a tear or two.

Altogether, more than 40 people were involved in putting on the show.  The players all performed with energy and enthusiasm and the show came off almost flawlessly, (except for a couple of glaring mistakes by the guy who introduced it). But the audience was forgiving and my mistakes got a couple of good laughs.

Proud parents, families and members of the surrounding community were amazed at the disciplined artistry everyone showed.

Many of you know that great song by Abba, called “The Dancing Queen”. Well when the lights went down and the music played and Jaime Greenway drove her wheelchair into the spotlight and smiled and did special maneuvers, there wasn’t a dry eye in the place.

And of course one of the highlights of the evening was Charles Buck doing his impersonation of Elvis, singing “Are you Lonesome Tonight”?

There isn’t enough space here for me to mention everyone who took part, but I can say without a shadow of a doubt, every single person who was involved, made it a memorable night of excellent theatre.

The evening closed with all the cast members doing a lively interpretation of High School Musical and the evening was rounded off with everybody receiving a long-stemmed rose.

The group took in over $2000. And is donating it to the Heritage Theatre.

What this wonderful production proved for me was that in some ways our society really is making progress.  When you see the kind of community support that was shown for all those special people, it was heart-warming, rewarding, emotional and satisfying.

Originally published in The Bruce County Marketplace, August 2008