Winnipeg Free Press - PRINT EDITION
Leave phone on in theatre, you may wind up married
Kris Robinson proposes to a stunned Kayla Kowerko on stage. (BORIS,MINKEVICH@FREEPRESS.MB.CA)
AT first, those in the audience were just thankful they weren't the poor saps dragged up on stage to be publicly chided for leaving a cellphone on during the play.
But then, when Kris Robinson dropped to his knee and popped open the ring box, the elaborate ruse set up by staff at Prairie Theatre Exchange Tuesday night became clear.
The audience erupted and a stunned Kayla Kowerko covered her face in shock as Robinson proposed.
"I haven't heard you say anything yet..." prompted PTE artistic director Bob Metcalfe from upstage.
"Yes!" squeaked Kowerko. The couple has been dating long-distance for a while -- Kowerko is a Winnipegger but Robinson lives in New York state. She recently decided to move to New York, which prompted Robinson to make things official, enlisting the help of PTE staff for the surprise proposal.
Theatre staff hung around after work to witness it and the actors snuck out from backstage in full costume for the big moment.
Before the show -- a dramatic comedy about Canadian-American family relations aptly called Bordertown Cafe -- Metcalfe delivered his regular cellphone warning by whipping out his iPhone and consulting a new 'ap' he claimed could identify every cellphone in the theatre that was still on.
As part of the pre-arranged plan, Metcalfe called the only phone still on -- Robinson's.
"There's a long-standing tradition at PTE that if you leave your phone on, you have to come on stage and apologize to the audience," scolded Metcalfe over the phone to Robinson in his seat.
Metcalfe also dragged an embarrassed Kowerko on stage and teased Robinson for being an uncivilized American.
"Kayla -- it's Kayla, right? Aren't you embarrassed?" asked Metcalfe. "Kris, if I were you, I would get down on one knee and apologize to her."
Robinson got on his knee and popped the question, which only Kowerko could hear over the gasps and claps.
After a hug and smooch on stage and big round of applause, the duo then returned to their seats.
"Let that be a lesson to you all," joked Metcalfe.
"If you leave your cellphone on, you'll end up married."
maryagnes.welch@freepress.mb.ca
Republished from the Winnipeg Free Press print edition November 25, 2009 A2
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PREVIOUS
13 Comments
Posted by: debbadoo
November 25, 2009 at 10:54 PM
Great proposal! :)
Posted by: A.A.
November 25, 2009 at 4:15 PM
get real/babyblue01
Oh god! I merely made that statement to joke around and make others laugh but of course with all the nasty critters out there. They always have to look the other way, than sit there and laugh about it. Always trying to be so negative and serious blah blah blah
Posted by: get real
November 25, 2009 at 2:24 PM
A.A. I think Chris and Kayla knew each other first...
Posted by: sam robinson
November 25, 2009 at 1:52 PM
Yay little brother!!!!
Sweetest proposal ever.
Love you!!
Posted by: babyblue01
November 25, 2009 at 1:08 PM
yes, tell people that if they keep their phones on in a quiet theater they might get married... thatll go over well.
Posted by: A.A.
November 25, 2009 at 9:53 AM
What a great story, Congrats and thanks for sharing this wonderful news Wpg Free Press.
I am a woman who is not married yet lol in my late 30's
I will now go to every movie hoping my cellphone will ring. I will take two cells just in case. Bless you and your marriage. All the best.
(running to nearest theatre)
Posted by: kitty cat
November 25, 2009 at 9:06 AM
Very cute story!
Posted by: Kelly
November 25, 2009 at 9:02 AM
Was charmed that this proposal took place on the set of a play I wrote, especially in one of my favourite cities. Congratulations to you both, and may your life together be blessed. Kelly
Posted by: Hybrid
November 25, 2009 at 8:42 AM
good idea for proposal Kris....or is it Chris....or Ris? i'm not sure, the free press isn't too sure either apparently!!
Posted by: lovemywinnipeg
November 25, 2009 at 8:37 AM
What a unique, romanitic way to get engaged!! Congrats!
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