"Love's Labour's Lost entertains Whitehall

Dear gentle and kindly citizens of the township of Whitehall gather round for I have a tale to tell of vows and scheming and cunning and love. T'was a mellow day the day of the 28th of July when the wandering minstrels came to town. They came representing the outreach program of the school of Montana State University just over yon mountain. They came to town to tell the tale written so many years ago by William Shakespeare. This play which is said to have been transcribed around 1598 was for a performance at the Inns of Court before Queen Elizabeth. And though it is said that it was one of obscurity it was adapted as a musical, an opera, for radio and TV and as a musical film.

These minstrels brought with them a wooden stage and costumes so real that added to the tale they were wont to tell. T'was a simple tale or so it was told. Of four men, with great humiliation, who make the decision to swear off women for three years hence. The tale that ensues is one of frustration and remorse and cunning.

Soon the most honorable Princess of France and her ladies in waiting arrive. Love ensues but is thwarted by the women who demand adherence to the vows and truth in speech. Plots are made and wordage is devised to confuse and bewilder. For your consideration I here onto transcribe 'honorificabilitudinitatibus.'

Soon yon clouds began to gather and darken as they approached. They released their load of water – hard and soft. Those in attendance ran for cover. Soon the rainbow formed across the sky and the play continued which heralded the strength, courage and dedication of the thespians thusly involved.

The story with all its twists and plots and cunning continued to unfold. But when the King did die, the Princess did declare that if these worrisome creatures wanted their love, they must leave for 12 months and then return in honesty and love so true.

As the townspeople did take their leave, the wandering minstrels began to once again take apart the 'wooden O' and began to continue on their journey. For in the 46th Season of the celebration of the Bard's work, 76 performances were to be done in 61 communities in five western states. A special thanks from this village to these minstrels for their bringing an intriguing tale in inclement weather.