The new production by Hope Performing Arts Community Theatre is based loosely on the history of Steamboat Mountain.
Written and directed by Cheryl Lynne Lacey, Fool’s Gold is a musical comedy complete with gold panners, Cancan dancers, a gun fight, two bumbling con men, Snake Eyes Calhoun, and Grizzly Dave the Mountaineer.
“I wanted to do something that’s historical and that has a great plot,” said Lacey.
“It’s not a serious play, but the themes are that crime doesn’t pay and greed doesn’t help.”
When the mayor tries to trick the town into believing he has hired a new sheriff for the betterment of the community, he in turn gets conned by two drifters seeking their fortune.
There are mistaken identities, lost relatives found, deceit, deception and mayhem before the town realizes it finally has a history and tales to tell future generations.
Fool’s Gold features a cast of about 20 local performances, spanning six generations in age.
“I think that really adds to the play,” said Lacey.
“Bringing together the different generations is educational for everyone. We can lean on the experience of the older ones and still have the exuberance of youth.”
Fool’s Gold debuts at the Hope Legion on Sept. 8 at 6:30 p.m., to coincide with Brigade Days. There will also be another show on Sept. 14 at the Hope Station House.
Admission on Saturday is by donation with a Briggie Button, or $10 at the door.
There will be an old-fashioned candy store, saloon, rock display, and silent auction featuring a two-metre (six-foot) tall wood carving of a Pegasus horse. The carving can be viewed in advance in the window of Pages Bookstore on Fraser Avenue.
Anyone who would like to be involved with the event or would like to donate to the silent auction can contact Lacey at hopepact@gmail.com or 604-206-7227.