The melodrama cast, L to R: Lonnie Bull, John P. Shade, Dr. Jeremy Norton, Anna Smedts, Tasha Reeves, Anita Marple
On Saturday, December 16, the Fremont County Library System–Lander and local business sponsor Edward Jones presented a melodrama to the public. “The Cowhand’s Christmas Carol…or, ’Twas Tired of Plum Pudding” consisted of three of the library staff (Manager Anita Marple, and Anna Smedts and Tasha Reeves of Adult Circulation) as well as Edward Jones’ own Lonnie Bull and John P. Shade. Dr. Jeremy Norton was also in the cast.
The community members who came to watch the melodrama filled the library’s Carnegie Room to capacity. One spectator commented that the performance was “fun, pure joy!” Another stated, “I haven’t laughed this much all year.” Edward Jones bought the majority of the costumes for the event and then donated them to the library in hopes that they could use them again for future productions. Library patron David Santana donated his time, sound, lighting and recording equipment in order to make the production even more appealing to the public.
Tasha Reeves, who directed the play, said, “We have noticed a need for this type of entertainment in the community. People want theater here. Our library has the beautiful Carnegie to perform in and people willing to make sure it happens.”
One spectator commented that the performance was “fun, pure joy!”
Anna, Anita, and Tasha are all smiles.