Duck Ponderings: Another great dinner performance at WILLow LeaVes

I don't think I could have attended a better play in the world than what I did at WILLow LeaVes in Hope, Indiana on Thursday evening.

It can not happen unless you have a wonderful venue and food. Well, you immediately feel as if you are in a special place when opening the doors of WILLow LeaVes, and you never have to worry about the quality or quantity of your dinner or the service.

The next must is a director who knows something about pulling all the elements of such a production together while bringing the manuscript to life. Naomi Fleetwood-Pyle, as director of Skin Deep, has many experiences in that area, and it is obvious in each act. Sherrie Huffman, as technical director, works her magic with lights and sounds.

Then, you need to find the right cast for each role, and Connie K-Baylor, Jason Bowser, Cheryl Baker, & Pete Law are absolutely perfect for their roles. I had the pleasure of taking a minor role in Dearly Departed with each of them and knew when seeing their names listed that my wife and I would be in for the best of entertainment. They are all extremely gifted and willing to practice and practice to make each stage moment the best. Throughout the evening, I laughed like others in attendance. Laughter is the best of medicine in a world which at times only brings tears.

If you have not been able to make it to this wonderful event, then I would encourage you to get your reservation in for the last show this Saturday evening.

In the meantime, you will not want to miss Old Fashioned Independence Day this Friday evening. Abe Lincoln will be present with many other activities for young and old alike to enjoy, including a kids' parade and fireworks.

There is a lot of depth to Hope, and the subject matter of the play goes much deeper than what one might think considering the title.