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This article was published 24/11/2009 (3962 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

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.

BORIS,MINKEVICH@FREEPRESS.MB.CA Kris Robinson proposes to a stunned Kayla Kowerko on stage.

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