S3E29 - Squabbles - Dewdney Players

Discussion

Dewdney Players presented Squabbles at the Old Church Theatre in Okotoks from May 2 through May 17. Directed by Brad Snowden, Kyle sits down with Brad post production to talk about the successes of the production and the memorable events of the show.

About the show: Dewdney Players was proud to present the final play of the 2024-2025 season; ‘Squabbles’ by Marshall Karp.  Featuring a cast of seasoned Dewdney veterans, this hilarious play had audiences rolling in the aisles! 

Abe Dreyfus, a cantankerous widower, moves in with his daughter, Alice and her husband Jerry, a jingle writer.  The plot twists when Alice and Jerry discover they are expecting their first child. Things get even more complicated when Mildred, Jerry’s mother, comes looking for a place to stay.   Abe, the crusty retired New York City cab driver, is not impressed with this development, as he and Mildred had a disastrous meeting at Alice and Jerry’s wedding! The relationship between Abe and Mildred gets off to a rocky start, but sparks fly in more ways than one.    Throw in Hector Lopez, the local Puerto Rican handyman, Sol Wasserman, Abe’s card-playing, coffee-loving neighbour and Mrs Fisher, the ‘stern’ Nanny and everything is in place for possibly the funniest play that Dewdney has ever presented!    The play was actually performed by Dewdney Players at the old Station Art Gallery 25 years ago to appreciative audiences.  Having performed the hilarious, ‘Noises Off’ in November, 2024, the production team felt that another comedy was a great way to close off the season and 'Squabbles' was top of mind for a reprise!     Dewdney Players is known for its award-winning performances, being fresh off theatrical success at the Foothills Region One-Act Play Festival in High River at the end of March.  Dewdney plays took first and second place for Outstanding Production (Three Little Words, I’ve Hit an Iceberg), as well as Outstanding Director (Sherene Seders), Outstanding Technical Merit (Matt Seders) and Outstanding New Work (Louise Moan) and Outstanding Performance (Melanie Swennumson).  The play, ‘Lily’s’ by Caden Arsenault – which was included in the Okotoks’ One Act Play performances - received an Honourable Mention for New Work at the Festival.     The play was directed by Brad Snowden (Arsenic & Old Lace, Lion in Winter, Bullshot Crummond) and produced by Jane Platt (Wizard of Oz, Plaza Suite, Bullshot Crummond) and featured veterans Daniel Rose, Kelly Kozak, Patrick Brown, Hollie Darel, Brad Fowler, Ed Sands and Debbie Sands.     The play opened on May 2, 2025 at the Old Church Theatre and ran weekends to May 17, including matinees on May 10 & 17.