Borderland residents can saddle up for a weekend of western entertainment.
To renew her passion for drama and acting, Lynda Faith has taken the reins of directing a one act play, “From Paradise to Butte.”
The cowboy comedy by Robert Finch will take the stage Saturday at 7 p.m. and Sunday at 3 p.m. in the Dungeon at the Backus Community Center.
“I never lost interest for drama,” said Faith who has a minor degree in speech and drama from Bemidji State College. “I thought now would be the perfect time to pursue play writing.”
Faith taught English in the International Falls school district for more than 30 years and never had a chance to get involved more in the arts. With recent retirement, she knew she would be able to give time and commitment to directing.
When first deciding what play to direct, Faith said she ventured to the Falls Public Library in search of a script. She had no idea what she wanted, but she knew when she found the right script, it would catch her eye.
“I found an old book of plays and there was ‘From Paradise to Butte’ — it was perfect,” she said. “It was a good fit because I couldn’t have a large cast because of space restrictions and this play only has four acting parts.”
Faith has spent the past several months holding tryouts, rehearsals, gathering costumes and props, designing sets, painting, hanging posters and preparing for opening night.
The play is set in the small, rural train depot in Paradise, Mont., in the 1920s, Faith said. The lead role of “Luke,” who is the station master, telegrapher, deputy sheriff, mailman and justice of the peace, is played by Jeff Adams of Icebox Radio Theater. His position opens the play.
Luke’s friend, “Johnny,” played by Sean Bahr, wants to leave Paradise for Butte, Mont., because he wants to leave his life of ranching to become a miner. Johnny has a son, “Jack,” who is played by Bahr’s 10-year-old daughter, Unity.
In the mix of this decision to move, “Dewey,” played by Tyler Borgen, shows up on the train in search of his long-lost love, who just happens to be Johnny’s wife.
“I’m particularly pleased with the talented cast,” Faith explained. “They all pulled off their parts very well.”
“I’ve wanted to do a play since I was a kid and this is the first opportunity I’ve had to do one,” said Sean Bahr, who Faith claims is a natural actor.
Unity Bahr said she doesn’t mind playing a boy and she enjoys participating in her first play.
“I kinda get pushed around, though,” she said with a giggle.
She also said that during play practice she pins her long blond hair up on top of her head to get into character.
“It feels good when I get to take my hair down,” she said smiling.
Faith said the comedy is “so much fun” and added that she cannot wait to watch it live in action.
But there have been some struggles along the way. She has had trouble keeping a backstage organizer and Borgen isn’t always available. He is a student at Bemidji State University and squeezes the play into his busy schedule.
“Everything has turned out so well,” said Faith, who is already working on her next play. “It was just meant to be.”
Following both performances, “Faith and the Believers II,” led by Lynda’s husband John Faith, will entertain audiences with a western-themed concert.
Tickets for “From Paradise to Butte” are available at the door. Adults can purchase their tickets for $10, students with an ID can get in for $6 and a family can be admitted for $25. Admission to the play will include the concert.
If you go:
What: a one act play “From Paradise to Butte” and a concert by Faith and the Believers II
When: Feb. 12 at 7 p.m.,
Feb. 13 at 3 p.m.
Where: The Dungeon
