Basin briefs for Feb. 7, 2020

SOAP LAKE — Auditions are scheduled for Feb. 18 and 19 for the Masquers Theater production of “Present Laughter,” a 1939 comedy of manners from legendary British playwright Noel Coward.

Auditions will be at 6 p.m. each night at the theater, 322 E. Main Ave., Soap Lake. Justin Rowland is the director.

“Present Laughter” is the story of a guy who’s turned 40 years of age and doesn’t like it. Oh, he’s a successful writer who’s got people bugging him for parts in his plays, and writers asking for critiques of their plays, and girls who want to, ahem, get to know him better. But there are also affairs among his friends and his ex-wife just won’t stop being honest with him.

And eventually there comes a morning when a bunch of people who really shouldn’t meet at all accidentally run into each other in his living room.

The cast includes roles for six women, about 20 to 70 years of age, and five men ages 20 to 60. People who want to work backstage, either in stage management or as part of the crew, should come to the auditions as well.

QUINCY — Weather permitting, irrigation water will start flowing into the West Canal March 18. Water will be released into lateral canals through the week of April 5, according to a press release from the Quincy-Columbia Basin Irrigation District.

The schedule for filling lateral canals will depend on the weather and demand for water deliveries, the press release said. Farmers can leave voice mail orders beginning March 25 at all watermaster offices. Farmers can request changes all day Saturday and through 11:30 a.m. Sunday for water delivery the following Monday. Weekend water orders will be available throughout the irrigation season.

Current information and schedules will be available at each watermaster office after March 18.