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The Black Bonspiel of Wullie MacCrimmon

By Susan Jones
Member of the St. Albert Rendezvous 2011 Committee

The Black Bonspiel of Wullie MacCrimmon
A devilishly good time was had by all who braved one of the worst winter storms on record to attend The Black Bonspiel of Wullie MacCrimmon, Jan. 14 – 16, 2011.

The audience soon forgot the blustery weather as they enjoyed the smoldering hot curling match between the Devil (played by Rob Beeston) and Wullie MacCrimmon (played by Bob Locicero).

The play, directed by former St. Albert Children’s Theatre Director Maralyn Ryan, was performed in the newly renovated St. Albert Curling Club lounge. Cast members included Rita Jenson (Rev. Pringle); Mary-Ann Iles (Annie Brown); Orest Kinasewich (Pipefitter Charlie Brown); Stanley Haroun (Malleable Charlie Brown); John Quinn (Clock Charlie Brown) Len Rokosh (Championship Announcer), Joshua Schilds (Guy Fawkes); Marc McGarrigle (Judas Iscariot); and Corey Rogers (Macbeth).

The surroundings lent curious ambiance to the play as orange spot lights cast a warm glow over the curling match, even though the jam-can rocks were thrown on the smooth boards of the club’s floor.

It seemed appropriately small-townish — as if the event really did take place in Depression-era St. Albert, and not Saskatchewan, where playwright W.O. Mitchell originally cast the event. Sitting on bleachers in the St. Albert Curling Club, it was easy to become part of the play and to imagine old-time local curlers embroiled in a similar deal with the Devil, in order to win entry to the Briar.

The play was fun, the players were funny and the event played out well as a fitting complement to the Continental Cup , which was held across town at Servus Credit Union Place.

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