Tickets are selling fast for the world premiere of a locally-produced television show.
Chatham-Kent husband and wife Pat and Meg Whalen make up the country duo Deep Southwest and star in an eponymous musical comedy to be streamed on Bell Fibe TV.
The pair and their production team have been working tirelessly for the last eight months to create the five-part show with a gala premiere set to take place at the Chatham Capitol Theatre on Saturday, March 8.
Meg Whalen says Chatham-Kent supports its own, time and time again.
“If you’re from here, if you’re trying to make a difference here, and you’re keeping the money here, and you’re supporting everybody here, then (the community) will open the doors and people will support,” Whalen says. “We can do this on our own, and I believe this show showcases that.”
Community support came in many forms over the course of the project, including financial donations to cover costs over and above funding provided by Bell Fibe, sponsorships, local businesses offering their space for filming, and area residents working as actors and extras.
The show features a fictionalized version of the Whalens’ band as they desperately try to increase their social media following in order to headline the Hawaiian Pizza Festival.
The Whalens wrote and performed all of the show’s original music, which ranges from classic country to rap.
Meg Whalen says the entire production was a labour of love.
“At the end of the day, we have to be happy with it and the people involved love it, so that’s got to really count for something. Even if it doesn’t go outside our beautiful community, I still think we’ve done something great.”
Deep Southwest begins airing on Bell Fibe TV March 20 and will be available online for the next five years. However, the Whalens retain all intellectual property after 90 days and can shop the show around to other networks and streaming providers.
The March 8th premier will include a red carpet and photo booth, live music, and after-party at the Garden on King event space, formerly known as the River Rock. Tickets can be purchased online at cktickets.com.
Listen to the full interview with XS Mornings co-host Robyn Brady:
