Hippies were out in full force during a play inspired by a decade that changed the way we perceived the world; the Sixties.
A special rendition of Flower Power, written by Craig Sodaro, was presented to theatre-goers Aug. 23 at the Asker Lutheran Church. The play was a fun-filled presentation from youths aged 12 to 17, says co-director Debbie Zepick.
This is her sixth year offering summer drama and would-be actors came from around the province to be a part of the flower power generation. Her biggest challenge was to give new actors the tools to put on a great performance. The biggest part of the summer program is to get a solid team.
“It’s really about team building and encouraging one another,” said Zepick.
For her the greatest reward was seeing kids’ growth, especially those who have no acting experience. “I get the benefit of knowing where they started and where they got to.”
She was also proud of Daniel Allers, a young actor who wanted to help in production. Allers was given different jobs to get him more experience behind the scenes.
“He just decided to be part of the production crew,” said Zepick.
Practicing is only one part of gaining acting experience, she added. The next step is performing in front of an audience and Zepick is grateful for the support. “There are some Ponoka-area people who are faithful in coming out.”
Flower Power is full of references from the 1960s, including an exuberant hippie who enjoys life to its fullest. Set in the town of Valley Dale, high school students want to hold a battle of the bands but the request is denied by a narrow-minded principal.
Starpetal, played by Sami Smith, rounds up the other bands to hold the contest in the town’s central park and will stop at nothing to see the concert continues.
The attempt is foiled by the sheriff and the townspeople who don’t hold to the crazy ways of a hippie lifestyle. All is not lost however as the bands find a spot on Ole McDonald’s Farm.
Things heat up as a biker gang tries to stop the musical competition but an industrious Big Mama played by Maven Boddy, is able to put a stop to things. The concert is able to continue with a realization from all the players they must work together for things to work.
Flower Power tells a fun rendition of the 1960s and the young actors portrayed the 1960s in a lighthearted manner with a few solid one-liners that had the crowd laughing.