This past weekend Calamity Jane opened and transformed the Malad Elementary Auditorium into the wild west of 1870’s Deadwood, South Dakota. Calamity Jane showcased many of Malad’s talented youth, starting with the lead, Raegan Smith (Calamity Jane), who brings an impressive level of excitement and fun to the role. Her counterpart Joe Daniels (Wild Bill Hickcok) did not miss a beat, sparring with his character's true love.

 All of the supporting cast, from the fun interactions between Clara Huckaby (Millie) and Loralee Teeple (Mistress Miller) to the mistaken actress Gavin Price (Francis Fryer), brought laughter and joy to the stage. Bridger deJong, the witty bartender named Joe, spread his time commanding the audience and managing the saloon. 

Mentioning the talent in Malad, one could not miss the talent of the orchestra led by Christine Smith, and including members Britta Sperry, Braeden Farnes, Travis Harrison, Carsyn Jacobsen, Kaylee Jones, Brinn Chipman, Connor Worrel, Austin Hepworth, and Erin Oberg. The audience responded with enthusiasm to seeing the orchestra in action and seeing all of their talent on display. Their years of practice showed in the upbeat and well-executed music.

The orchestra played a fun variety of songs that the cast brought to life, from “Love you Dearly” performed by Whitney Palmer (Katie Brown) and Daniel Lenaghen (Lt. Danny Gilmartin) to a favorite, “Careless with the Truth,” performed by the ensemble.

The audience was not just given one love story, but three. Maggie Willie’s (Susan) smile and Gavin Price’s (Francis Fryer) fun loving personality were electric together on the stage as their own love story unfolded.  While Whitney Palmer (Katie Brown), whose beauty wins over the town of Deadwood and the audience, has her own struggle choosing between her new friend and her new romance Daniel Lenaghen (Lt. Danny Gilmartin), who has also caught the eye of Calamity. 

The hard work that was done behind the scenes was obvious, a testament to Directors David and Chalae Teeples. In the playbill, the Teeples mentioned that they requested all of the teen’s parents to donate five hours per child to the production in some capacity- so this show represents many in the community. 

Calamity Jane is playing at the Malad Elementary Auditorium April 8 at 7 p.m. and April 9 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Everyone should go and enjoy this great production. Come and support the very talented youth and all of those who have spent time making this production happen. (If you are someone who follows the scenes and get a little stressed that the first scene is 45 minutes, sit back and relax--it's by far the longest scene.) 

The play is sponsored by the Oxford Peak Arts Council, in conjunction with the Malad High School Drama Club, advised by Elizabeth Kent.