For nearly 30 years, Rod Beattie has been delighting audiences across Canada with the antics of stockbroker-turned-gentleman farmer Walt Wingfield and the oddball residents of Persephone Township.

Rosebud Theatre is debuting their next production on August 28. Letter from Wingfield Farm stars Rod Beattie, pictured, as Walt Wingfield and the eclectic residents of Persephone Township. The first play in the seven part series runs from August 28 to 30 at Rosebud Theatre.

    Based on playwright Dan Needles’ real-life experiences, this fish-out-of-water story has become one of Canada’s most enduring comedies, spawning six theatrical sequels, two anthologies, and a television series.
    From August 28 to 30, Rosebud Theatre will present the first play in the series, Letter from Wingfield Farm, where Walt recounts his first year as a man of the soil through a series of letters to the editor at the local newspaper. He trades his stressful city life for the promise of idyllic, pioneer farming with unexpected, and often humourous, results.
    “I think there’s a bit of Walt Wingfield in so many of us,” said Adam Furfaro, Executive Director of Rosebud Centre of the Arts. “The desire to get away from it all is a big part of what draws people to visit the arts hamlet of Rosebud. Matching this beloved one-man play with our unique rural setting will be a real treat for our audiences.”
    To say Wingfield is a one-man play is technically accurate, as there is only Beattie onstage, but this veteran comedic actor instantly uses an arch of the back, a jut of the chin or a wide-eyed expression to make audiences believe they are seeing a whole cast onstage, including Walt, his neighbour Freddy, Ed the newspaper editor, and a host of other characters.
    “People who have lived or grown up in small rural environments often tell us we must have had their community in mind because they recognize each of the characters. It’s as if every Canadian farming community has a Freddy (jack of all trades), a Squire (elder statesman), a Willy and Dave (younger, out-there-on-the-edge guys), a Don (the one successful farmer) etc,” said Beattie.
    During this summer’s remounting of Wingfield at  Victoria’s Belfry Theatre, where each of the seven plays has premiered, Beattie will mark a milestone with his 4500th appearance as Walt Wingfield on stage.
    “There’s a reason Wingfield has been one of Canada’s largest theatrical success stories,” said Furfaro. “Parents, grandparents and teenagers alike will appreciate the gentle humour and shared humanity this story has to offer.”  
    Letter from Wingfield Farm runs August 28 to 30 at Rosebud Theatre. Call the Box Office at 1-800-267-7553 to book or visit www.rosebudtheatre.com.
    “Persephone Township is a great place to spend a couple of hours, no matter where you come from. If from the city it’s great to leave the noise and the bigness behind; if from the country it’s a relief to see someone else’s struggles to cope with the mysteries of farm life,” said Beattie.

    The Drumheller Bantam Titans are getting ready for the upcoming season and shooting for another championship this year.

The Drumheller Bantam Titans started their season on Monday, August 19, with their first practice of the season. While there, they unveiled their 2012 Tier 4 league championship banner, which will be proudly displayed in their clubhouse. The team has undergone some coaching changes this year, with Ron Thornborough taking the helm as head coach.

    The team began practice earlier this week under a new coaching regime. Ron Thornborough will be taking the lead this year as head coach. Joining him are former head coach and current defensive coordinator Paul Redmond, offensive coordinator Travis Paulter, and equipment manager Lachie Macfadden.
    “We have a great core coaching staff. Paul, who was head coach last year, is my defensive coordinator, and Travis Paulter is on offense. Paul brings a wealth of knowledge and Travis was on a championship team in Medicine Hat and is quite knowledgeable as well,” said Thornborough. “Everyone brings something to the table.”
    Thornborough has coached hockey, lacrosse, and football over the years and was a football player himself in high school.
    In addition to a coaching change, the roster of the team has doubled over last season’s  Tier 4 league championship team.
    “We went two-fold over last year. The kids are learning and all pumped up,” said Thornborough. “We’re up against teams from Calgary and Red Deer, which have bigger populations and good coaches, but we can beat them. We have knowledgeable coaches and some third year kids. We have some beginners, but they pay attention, are learning, and are giving it all on the field. I know we’ll be competitive.”
    Some of last season’s key players moved up to the senior team, but Thornborough is confident new players will step up to fill the void.
    “There were kids who moved up, but the kids in Drumheller, with all the sports programs around, like lacrosse, have a lot of athleticism, so we can fill those holes,” said Thornborough.
    Though practice just started, Thornborough is excited for the upcoming season.
    “I’ve always had a love of the game. Working with the kids is a bonus and so rewarding. On top of that, you come out and put together a good coaching staff. That’s what it’s about,” said Thornborough.