The Scoop On The Bellrock Theatre's “Great Ice Cream Scheme”

Jun 20, 2013

The Bellrock Schoolhouse Theatre production of the topsy-turvy melodrama, “The Great Ice Cream Scheme” tickled not just the taste buds but also the funny bones of theatre goers at its four-show run. Three of the shows were completely sold out, proving that the Bellrock Schoolhouse Theatre is definitely making waves in community theatre.

The play, directed by melodrama hit man Doug MacIntyre who also directed “Here Come The Cows” in October, was a delicious, old-fashioned romp through the trials and tribulations of the proprietors, staff and regular customers of Pop Sicle's Ice Cream Parlour after Pop’s famous recipe comes to the attention of two evil villains out to build their own ice cream empire.

The play opened with newcomers to the community and stage, Jane and Ian McKay, who played Etta Lotta Spumoni and Alex de Spoon, two ravenous ice cream eaters whose love for one another was even greater than their ice cream appetites. Their very funny and punny one liners set the tone for this over the top sweet toothed caper.

The cast, many of whom are veterans to the stage, included Cody Steeves who effectively played the romantic, likeable and innocent young hero, Robin Baskins, and Joelle Parr, who played Marsha Mallow, the innocent young waitress and Robin's love interest with freshness, finesse and a bit of pluck.

Dick Miller and Connie Shibley were perfectly cast as the villainous ne’er-do-wells, I.C. Custard the evil plot hatcher and Parfait Deluxe, his klutzy ex-chorus girl sidekick, whose endless scheming gave the play its momentum. Other notable performances included Kathy King as the ever twirling, happy-go-lucky Candy Sprinkles, and her love interest Walt Nutz played with aplomb by Michel Alarcon. The two brought the house down with their behind the counter love antics, which left them as red-faced as maraschino cherries. Everyone got a taste of the latter at the intermission.

Debbie Lingen played Nana Peel to great effect as the brains and common sensical go to of the bunch and Brian Robertson's portrayal of Pop was perfect in all of his teeth-chattering and odd-tick, old-timer charm.

Much of the humor came from the zany, old-fashioned language in which the script was written and in the abundant physical comedy that took place on stage, especially between the villains and their oh-so innocent victims. John Stevens brought forth the script’s "play within a play" element as the stage hand who keeps entering the action, preferring to act alongside the cast members rather than just move the props around.

As in any good melodrama, the script also invited audience participation. The audience was encouraged to boo the villains and applaud the heroes, and early on some unsuspecting female audience members were asked to offer up their most evil chortles. The stage looked great thanks to Director Doug, Howard Hutcheson and Peter Platenius and was all pastel colors with ice cream-themed paintings, cloth-clad tables and chairs and one broken freezer door that was a key feature in the plot’s unfolding. The props, especially the biggest ice cream sundae likely ever to grace a stage, was courtesy of prop master Judy Goodwin. The costumes, which were designed and created by Debbie Lovegrove, also made the play a visual treat, and featured a wide array of parlour whites and aprons, pretty dresses and decorative head gear like Parfait's beautifully fruit studded hat. And like all great melodramas this one ends up with the heroes saving the day while the villains are left to face the consequences of their evil shenanigans.

Mention should also be made of the theatre’s latest acquisition of brand new stage lights, tables, comfy chairs and a new water system - all thanks to a grant from the Frontenac CFDC. New stage flooring was also purchased and it will soon be installed. It is because of the committed work of the members of the Bellrock Community Association along with a very talented community of crew and cast that the Bellrock Schoolhouse Theatre has become a hot spot for local theatre and other worthwhile community events. For more details about upcoming events visit www.BellRockhall.ca.