When a friend asked if I’d like to go to Rosebud Theatre to see their latest play: Bright Star by Steve Martin and Edie Brickell (yeah, the famous ones!), I jumped at the chance to get out of town. I’d heard a lot about the theatre, the town and the experience, but had never taken the time to leave the comfort of going west on weekends to head east instead. Planning a date with my husband usually sounds like this:
“What do you want to do?”
“What do you want to do?”
“I’ll do whatever you want to do”
“We could do the same thing we did on our last date?”
“Seriously?!”
“Should we just watch Netflix?”
“Fine”
But now, I had a cool little adventure planned for me and my hubby.
With lattes in hand and ‘Vampire Weekend’ on the stereo, we jumped in our old car. Feeling lighthearted and carefree, we opened the sunroof and threw our arms in the air like we were in one of those cheesy travel commercials. Then we promptly closed the sunroof as it’s only April.
Situated on the edge of the Canadian Badlands it’s an easy 90 minute drive from Calgary. We coasted through the open prairies, passing a bevy of migrating swans and seeing hard-working farmers out preparing their fields for planting before we sunk into a delightful valley and the quaint hamlet where performances take place.
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Exploring the hamlet
We had some time to stroll through town before lunch and found ourselves at Kith & Kin, a charming store offering items created by local artisans. I found the perfect gift for my husband’s birthday, a lovely handcrafted birdhouse.
The male lead actor in Bright Star, Travis Friesen, is a proprietor of this awesome little shop, adding further significance to my purchase. Just down from Kith & Kin, we found an old travel chest filled with local honey; you gotta love a place where the honour system is a way of doing business.
There’s something about a small town in the middle of the prairies that makes a person walk slower, breathe easier and find enjoyment in unexpected things.
Rosebud Theatre
At a snail’s pace, we made our way to the Haskayne Kenney Mercantile where we knew lunch was waiting. We received a warm welcome at the Rosebud Theatre Box Office and were given our tickets for lunch and the 1:30 show. (There are also evening performances with dinner included.)
We were ushered to our table in the Parlour area of the restaurant which is decorated with lace curtains, fabric bows, antique collectables and an original stone fireplace, no longer in use but still creating a sense of warmth. Our server quickly brought me the refreshing ‘Bright Star’ special: gin, lemon juice, simple syrup and club soda.
My husband had a ‘Legal issue’, a local ale brewed in the nearby town of Strathmore, where the barley is grown on a fifth-generation family farm. Let’s just say he had trouble stopping at one!
During lunch, community members and students from Rosebud’s School of the Arts act as the hosts, servers and musical entertainment. There were three lovely ladies singing and roaming the dining room. Unexpectedly, they decided to sing one of our wedding songs, “I’m Yours” by Jason Mraz, turning an already wonderful date with my husband into a magnificent one!
We piled our plates with everything from healthy salads, salmon lox, eggs benedict and roast beef done to perfection and, savouring every mouthful, soon had them polished clean. Then we moved on to the dessert room.
There’s so many desserts they take up an entire room! I scarfed back a homemade apple crisp that seemed to evaporate from my plate. ‘Yummy’ sounds were coming out of my husband as he ate a creamy cheesecake slathered with blueberries, strawberries, whipped cream AND chocolate sauce.
At about 1:15 pm, we rolled ourselves across the street to the Opera House for the performance. There was a nice energy walking into the beautifully maintained theatre that intimately holds 220 people. Productions in the city usually means fighting traffic, wrestling for parking, lining up for your last bathroom call, forgetting your tickets and skidding into your seat 10 minutes after the play has started.
Here, peacefully arriving 15 minutes before curtain, fed, watered and relaxed, heightened our enjoyment of the performance.
The talent of the actors/musicians is incredible. Several of them play more than one character and also, more than one instrument during the performance. It was apparent that the audience had been captivated, inspired and touched by this very relatable human story, showing their gratitude with resounding applause.
Stop for Pie!
As we were leaving the town, my husband saw a sign and slammed on the brakes turning left into the Rosebud Country Inn. There’s not a ton of accommodation here, and this is definitely where you’ll want to stay if overnighting. Anyway, the sign read, ‘Pie Time 2 – 4:30pm and apparently, we weren’t going to miss it.
We treated ourselves to the best pie EVER – a slice of homemade bumble berry, a slice of strawberry rhubarb and a frozen blueberry pie for later. On our date, we saw a fantastic production, enjoyed the offerings of this charming town, including our wedding song and a birdhouse, plus had eaten several thousand calories.
Completely satisfied in this myriad of ways, we headed home knowing we wanted to return and do it all over again.
Tickets
Theatre Tickets run under $100/person and include the buffet. Check their website here for tickets, show times, directions and upcoming shows.
P.S. You may also be interested in:
8 Alberta small towns with awesome shopping
Best things to do in Alberta
About guest contributor Nancy Cherniwchan
Nancy is always in pursuit of people, places and experiences that make her feel alive! She has spent time in a Bolivian jail, danced on Broadway and looks to connect with people in every corner of the world. You can find her on Instagram @cherniwchan.
I have never been but what a fun little town to explore!! ????
It so is!
We once passed by the town on our way back home from Drumheller. I would really love to check out Kith & Kin because I love shopping and I know I will find something local and handmade.
You sure will!
I have never been but I have been living in Alberta for only for 5 years. I have still a lot to discover! 🙂 Rosebud seems to a super nice place to visit, especially the Rosebud Country Inn to try the pies. Thank you very much for sharing and for this cool contest!
Those pies are worth the drive alone!
I have never been to Rosebud but this sounds amazing! I love the slow feel of small towns and this sounds like a great getaway. Lastly, I LOVE PIE!! I’m drooling over here thinking about the homemade food and treats.
If you love pie, you will not be disappointed!
I actually got married in Rosebud 15 years ago. It would be a great date night and walk down memory lane to attend Rosebud Theatre!
I have been to several shoes, and they were amazinh. The community in Rosebud is so welcoming and quickly feels like home.
Hi there!
I live in Calgary and had never even heard of Rosebud. That said, you had me at strawberry rhubarb pie. There’s something about pie in small towns that is magic. Definitely added Rosebud to our summer travel list!
I have been out to Rosebud a few times and love it out there! Such a cute country setting. Even more beautiful in the fall
Love Rosebud and Rosebud Theatre, have been going there for 30 years…I wrote one of their first ticket systems, a great place for evening or afternoon out.
Oh, yes please! I was at the Rosebud Theatre a number of years ago to see Anne of Green Gables with a friend and it was great! I have not had a chance to be back since but would LOVE to go back again with my husband to show him and explore this beautiful part of Alberta more!
I have been there before as I live in Drumheller. But not as often as I would like! My husband has never been and would love to take him. It’s a wonderful little gem of a place!
Would love to check it out sometime! I have heard such great comments about Rosebud and it’s such a wonderful endeavor. Thanks for the chance at this lovely prize package.
Hi everyone! Jody’s blog perfectly describes this experience. My husband and I took in Rosebud and stayed at the Rosebud Country Inn for our first anniversary in August 2018. It was definitely a splurge for our budget, but it was the most relaxed we have both felt in a while. The play was beyond amazing and our stay at the Inn was quite, lovely and incredibly comfortable. And yes, the pie is as good as Jody says! We would go back in a heartbeat!
I haven’t been to Rosebud in many many years but would really like to go again. I remember being very impressed.
I was the first girl to attend Rosebud School while it was a high school…..so amazing to see how it has changed. Definitely a must see place!
It’s been almost 25 years since I’ve been to Rosebud. Would love to go on a date with my husband … it’s been a while since we have been on a date … Rosebud is not just a show but an experience!
I have been a couple times before, but my hubby has not. It is a lovely place to visit. We are definitely due for a date now that baby is a bit older.
Sounds like you missed stopping in at the Rosebud Museum! It is also a great place to visit with so much to see! As a child my family spent EVERY May longweekend camping in the local campground, visiting with friends who stopped by to share memories!
We have never been before but sure would love to go and explore the area. Thanks
Been to many a show, even traveled the old rail line from Wayne to Rosebud on my ATV to go for lunch. Great little town full of great interesting folks.
I have been to Rosebud but it’s been a few years. I think the last thing I saw out there was one of the Wingfield Farm shows. Rosebud is a little gem and a great way to spend the day. It’s fun for a couple or a family or friends looking for a great and memorable experience. Thanks so much for the article.
I’ve been to Rosebud a couple times and I’ve always been enchanted! The food is great, the town is sweet and the plays are always very well done. I look forward to future visits.
Have to been to Rosebud Dinner Theatre, never disappointed!
Absolutely love Rosebud! I’ve been several times. Great theatre, food, and a lovely, quaint village.
I have never been but have always wanted to go explore the area. It’s a couple of hours away from Lacombe, but we like to venture over to Drumheller often. Wish so take the time for a Rosebud visit soon!
I have heard soooo much about Rosebud and have never been! Would LOVE to GO!! Looks Amazing, soooo much fun for a day trip and such a neat place to explore right in our own backyard…just a nice drive from Calgary! Would LOVE to WIN~!!
I loved this!
I used to live in Drumheller, but never made it to Rosebud. After reading this, I am certainly going to make the trip 🙂
Yes, I’ve been to Rosebud – although it’s been a few years. I’d love to be able to go more. I think the last time I was out for a show would have been to see one of the Wingfield Farm shows. Rosebud is a great date night idea or family outing. It’s certainly to be a great memory because you have the nice drive out – a great meal – a fantastic show – and a nice break from the big city.
I hadn’t heard about Rosebud until I read this article. It sounds like such a cute, quaint little town to visit. The play sounds like it would be so good too! Would be a great weekend getaway from Edmonton with my wife! Would love to win and surprise her!
Ive been a few times and after every visit I pledge to go more often. It’s an awesome experience and really feels like a mini vacay. One if these days I’ll stay overnight.
We are just deciding when to go to see this show- I’ve had the Steve Martin and Edie Brickell album on regular play for years and really look forward to see the songs done live!
I have not been to Rosebud before, but would love the chance! We live in Stettler, so not terribly far away, but have just never made the time to explore this little gem. Sounds like a perfect date!
We are going in Mayto Drumheller and Rosebud for a mini getaway! I would love to check out all the town has to offer and this live theatre!
Did you get a chance to see at performance at Rosebud Theatre?
Rosebud and the theater is amazing. Been once but would love to go back.
We’ve never been but do talk often of checking it out!!????
Pretty sure you’ll love Rosebud Theatre.
I haven’t ever been and it’s something I’ve wanted to do. Will try this time!
Oh,my…fresh prairie air, homemade pie, sweet music and and being swept away for an evening…wow…you sure have my attention! I’ve been to Rosebud before but it’s been years. I’d love to win this trip to chase away winter snowflake webs and get me ready for Spring. Please, pick me 🙂
My Husband and I went for our 25th wedding anniversary about 8 years ago. It was such a fabulous experience. We would love to go again, the talent is out of this world and so was the food.
Rosebud Theatre would be the perfect anniversary date!
Rosebud is one of my favorite destinations. The quality of theatre, the genuine friendliness of the people there make every trip a wonderful experience. I love Rosebud. Keep up the great work.
So glad to hear you love Rosebud Theatre!