The Not So Grand Players will present Pack Up Your Troubles, a musical-comedy based during the Second World War, at the Fergus Grand Theatre from Nov. 9 to 12.
The play begins with the men in the trenches, wishing they were anywhere but at war and suddenly faced with the possibility of a visit from Bob Hope and Betty Grable.
Adding to their excitement, is the News the war is over. Battle-weary soldiers are confronted with a few misplaced missionary maidens sent into the field of battle with the warning, “not to get any of the soldiers killed.”
They manage to pick up an aging “exotic dancer” straight from Harry’s Pit Stop, which adds to the intrigue.
Pack Up Your Troubles is written by members of the troupe. Florence Arkell and Connie Dickinson are the playwrights who gathered their enthusiasm for war songs and military men and didn’t stop until they had a script.
Arkell, a longtime member of The Not So Grand Players, is directing the production with Judy Faires as stage manager and Terry Wilson as music director.
The production includes 17 cast members and 22 songs that range from Kiss Me Goodnight Sergeant Major to White Cliffs of Dover.
Some might say the Not So Grand Players have come full circle, as many years ago they started with a war time musical comedy.
Pack Up Your Troubles is the Fergus Grand Theatre Nov. 9 to 12 at 8pm. Tickets are $12 and can be purchased by calling the Fergus Grand Theatre at 519-787-1981.
Profits from the show are donated to the community. Officials will also accept donations to the Community Food Bank at all performances.
