An Excellent Start to the 2026-2027 Theatre Season - YAGA and MURDER ON THE ORIENT EXPRESS

I'm always very happy to see an excellent show - isn't everyone? - but it's a particularly great feeling to kick of a season with two excellent shows back to back!

 Marc J. Chalifoux Photography

Most recently, and still onstage, I saw Yaga by Kat Sandler and directed by new Artistic Director Lana Michelle Hughes at Shadow Theatre. I went in kind of blind as I didn't really know the Yaga reference (my son asked if it was about the woman who had a cabin in the woods on chicken legs - and it sort of is, but I had no idea going in what that meant; my husband referenced John Wick movies - and the play does too briefly). Anyhow, the mythology of Yaga, or Baba Yaga, is all explained creatively throughout the play so I was good. The show itself melds police thriller with fairy tale and cautionary tale and seems quite fitted for our current world. It's scary and funny and the ride is wild! I was invested from start to finish and was never quite sure what was coming next, but I sure wanted to know!

 Marc J. Chalifoux Photography

There's a few reasons why this show worked so well. First, the script is really well written. Three actors play all the characters and this helps with the unknowns and the unwrapping of what's going on. You can see why the play is being adapted for a TV series (which I definitely will be watching) - smart, sharp modern dialogue that drives the action. Second, the direction is so tight. Transitions that clip and never slow things down and often add to the dramatic tension. Third, the cast of three (N Girgis, Emily Howard and Maxwell Vesely) are so connected and all three are able to flip from character to character fluidly. They work so well with each other and with the text and they are also able to be both smart and funny. Finally, the world created is perfect - such a gorgeous and unexpectedly dynamic set (cm zuby), highlighted with dramatic lighting and smoke effects (Even Gilchrist), a chilling and creepy soundscape (Chris Scott), and costumes that perfectly define who those characters are (Kat Evans). I say you should definitely check this out! Shadow Theatre has set the bar high for this season and all the shows that will follow! 

Yaga runs to November 1st with tickets running from $25-40. There are also PWYC and Two for One Nights. You can purchase tickets here. 

Nanc Price

Earlier in the fall, I caught Murder on the Orient Express at the Citadel Theatre. It's run is finished and I am sorry you won't be able to catch it. I believe they had a sold out final week of their run, so it might have been hard to grad tickets anyhow. It's was also excellent. The show was a co-production and because they had a run in Winnipeg, they were a tight, well-oiled machine. The production was also very well done. The script scaled down the number of potential murderers on the train, but on a stage and a very cool set, it still felt like there were a lot of people with motives and secrets and large personalities. Alex Pochin-Goldin was the perfect Hercule Poirot, and the cast and production as a whole captured the required atmosphere for the Agatha Christie classic. I really loved Brian Perchaliuk's set since the Orient Express must have it's own personality in the story, and this world was certainly well thought out and magical. Director Kelly Thornton kept the pace brisk and the secrets well hidden until just the right time! A thoroughly enjoyable theatre experience!

Tonight I am headed to Walterdale Theatre for the first show in their season. It's a sequel to Shakespeare's Taming of the Shrew called The Tamer Tamed. Written in the age of Shakespeare by John Fletcher, the script has been adapted by Anne Marie Szucs and Joyanne Rudiak for the company. I'm looking forward to seeing how Petruchio's new wife, Maria, manages to tame him! 

The Tamer Tamed runs to October 24th with tickets $25-30 and they also have a PWYC night coming up. You can get your tickets here. 

Thursday, August 20, 2026 - Fringe Unforgettable!

I had a very Fringy experience yesterday when I saw PORK & BEANS: Attorneys At Law at the Grindstone site. The show itself is very fringy - silly, naughty, a new work, with fun songs and choreography performed by terrific singers and dancers, and actors making big ridiculous choices - but the Fringe factor was leveled up when we got the announcement immediately before the show started that not one, but two, of the roles would be played by replacements! One was Pork - one of the leads! The other was the SM filling in! Anyhow, it made for a very surreal experience, no doubt more surreal for the actors onstage and I think it may have increased the silliness of the show even more. Kudos to the two actors filling in and to the rest of the cast for helping them through the experience!

The next show I saw was also one that you might only see at Fringe, but more because of it's experimentalist feel. 650 Light Years Away is a new show starring Andrea House with her musical collaborators Chris Andrew, and Rubim de Toledo, directed by Davina Stewart. I saw Salsa Lesson a couple of years ago and loved it; Forget Me Not had me sobbing. This one has a similar feel in structure to Salsa Lesson, but the music is very different and the story is more metaphorical and layered with cosmology and genealogy and the mysteries of life. It's worth it just to hear the songs, but House's storytelling elevates it beyond just a concert. She's so very charismatic onstage and knows how to engage an audience. At times the story is bigger than the universe and at other times it's intimate and very personal. A terrific theatrical experience. 

Happy Fringing All! I'm back for three more today! 

Wednesday, August 19, 2026 - Fringe Unforgettable!

First up today was A Hellmark Christmas Musical Parody written and directed by David Son! I always love the fact that people take the risk to launch a brand new play or (even more impressive) musical at Fringe. Some are more successful than others, and this in one that is truly a delight! As the title suggests it follows the trope of a Hallmark Christmas romance with big city business gal Krystle Frost (Francesca Scarpella - who has an incredible voice and excellent comic timing!) returning to her small town 'for work' at the demands of her tyrannical boss (Jeremey Zimmerman - who makes big choices resulting in big fun on stage!). She's accompanied by the business social media influencer, Bexley (Mana Middleton - also very funny with a great voice). Anyhow, once there things start to go weird - It's Hellmark, not Hallmark so obviously somewhere in there is a deal with the devil and lots of killing. The whole cast (Francesca Scarpella, Chelsea Laport, Mana Middleton, Ali Foster-Balloun, Sunshine Mauricio, Seth Gilfillan, Andrew Cormier, Jeremey Zimmerman) is terrific in playing multiple roles and executing Son's choreography. They know it's not to be taken seriously, but they commit to the bit and it's quite hilarious. There are unexpected things that keep it from being predictable (I won't spoil - but the lady sitting next to me practically jumped out of her seat at one jump scare!). Music Direcotr Grace Huang has some wonderful voices to work with in this group as each of them can easily handle a solo and the harmonies are tight! A clever script and terrific tunes! 

I then took in Matt & Ben presented by Nacho Pals Theatre at the Sugar Swing. I was very happy to see this show on the docket as it had been done many years ago and I didn't mange to get tickets but the premise sounded so intriguing. Angela James-Findlay and Mélissa Masse play Matt Damon and Ben Affleck respectively who are surprised when an awesome script (literally) falls from the sky into their lives. The title? Good Will Hunting... Yeah... that one. Anyhow, they debate over using it and we see tensions and differences between the two. Damon's the smart one, Affleck is charming but not so bright and maybe less talented? Anyhow, it's a very fun script and James-Findlay and Masse work so well against each other. A solid play that's super funny and features dream sequence visits from Gwyneth Paltrow and J.D. Salinger. I recommend you check this out. A terrific script with two excellent performances!

Happy Fringing all! 

Word of Mouth - Wednesday, August 19, 2026

So... Tuesday I hit a little wall and didn't talk to many folks... but yesterday I was back at it! Here are the Word of Mouth Recommendations I received. Some of these shows were mentioned multiple times by different people!

Jon Bennett: Playing With Men

The Late Great Mormon Drag Queen

Off Book the musical

Vaping Gay

Chase Padgett: The Next Guy

The Edmonton Queen

Gordon’s Big Bald Head

Stop Kiss

Story Story Lie

An Electrified Bard's Tale

Punch Up

In My Room

52 Stories

A Hellmark Christmas Musical Parody

Confirmed Bachelor

Gore

A Hollywood Horror Story

ERIKA MACDONALD: Tea TIME

Witch with Her Skirt on Fire

False Profits

Merkin Sisters

Jimmy Hogg: Mashed

Afeni

Not Quite Sherlock

Bil & Skeeter Break the Ocean

Tall Tale Storytelling

So in going through this before posting, I noticed that there are some shows that no longer have any more performances this Fringe - I imagine they are moving on to the Vancouver Fringe - so I am sorry I didn't hear about them sooner! Don't worry though, there are still a lot of other shows you can see! 

Happy Fringing!

Tuesday, August 18th, 2026 - Fringe Unforgettable!

This Fringe day was brought to you by laughter as I took in a solo improv show and a sketch comedy show. The Improv show was SOLOVELA, AN IMPROVISED SOLO TELENOVELA which was exactly what it sounds like in the title! Diane Jorje (amusingly annoyed by having to be up so early to do a 12:15 pm show) interviewed two audience members about their lives, which she then crafts into an improvised telenovela. She has a rack of costume pieces to help delineate the many characters she plays, switching back and forth with ease and often extra-comic results when there are more than two people in the scene. The story has romance, villain's and helpful friends and the situation depends on the prompts from the audience. Jorje is a gifted improvisor and a charming and engaging performer who clearly owns the stage. I was also impressed with her follow-up with the audience members she interviewed to make sure that they felt okay about the "made-up story" she created from their provided details. They were sitting right behind me and from their laugher, I am pretty sure they were. 

Then I caught Sketchy Broads presents: Resting Bitumen Face which is an all-women (broads) sketch comedy troupe made up of some of Edmonton's best comedians and improvisors (Jules Balluffi, Jennie Emms, Lindsey Walker, Kristen J Welker, and Nikki Hulowski). The show was very funny with sketches ranging from the political to the raunchy. The title suggests some content will deal with oil, and it does. A few highlights include a parody of the Cell Block Tango from Chicago, a lesson in Art History, a tour of a sauna complete with a towel dance, and a very strange real estate home viewing. They wisely save the messiest scene for last! These broads are not afraid to go for the big joke and despite approaching some topics from a woman's perspective, there is nothing dainty or timid about their humour. Lots of big laughs and, from what I understand, Sold Out shows! Catch them quick! 

Happy Fringing everyone! See you on the Fringe Grounds!

Monday, August 17, 2026 - Fringe Unforgettable

Only two shows again today. I looked but the window I had was awkward and the only things in walking distance that fit were either Sold Out (so many Sold Out shows - great for artists! Yay!) or I had already bought a ticket for on another day.  But pacing myself this year isn't a bad thing as I am lower energy than usual AND it had the added benefit of some terrific conversations with friends I saw on the street! 

I started with the adorable In My Room at Grindstone. Starring Eli Yaschuk and Rain Matkin from last year's amazing Victor and Victoria's Terrifying Tale of Terrible Things, with Music Direction by Elaine Dunbar. Eli and Rain have such incredible chemistry with each other and it shines through in this show. Eli, for some reason, cannot seem to leave his room and Rain is his personal assistant, helping him get through whatever he's going through. The care of Eli involves singing songs and choreography and tucking him in and crafts! It's clear that Rain and in-room accompanist Elaine, really want Eli to leave the room. This show works because they are all committed to the bit, and the two of them are lovely singers, and they've built solid show with a beginning, middle and satisfying end. I really enjoyed it! 

Then I took in Being Norwegian, presented by Orange Cat productions. I was so glad to see a play! There seems to be a dearth of plays this year and those are my favourite! This one is directed by Amy DeFelice and stars Clarice Eckford and Cody Porter. It's a combination of artists that has worked well int he past and continues to do so in this piece. It's very solid and Porter and Eckford play off each other well. Playing two strangers who've met at a bar and come back to Sean's box-filled apartment, it's dark and funny as they each navigate the others presence. We learn that Sean has not unpacked although he's been in the apartment for a year and that he's estranged from his ex-wife and son. We learn that Lisa is Norwegian despite all other appearances to the contrary. Her Norwegian-ness becomes a gateway for their moving forward. Porter and Eckford each have a clear idea of their character and although we do not find out everything about their pasts it is obvious they know their own stories. I really enjoyed Porter's awkwardness as Sean, and this contrasted nicely with the lightness and adventurousness of Eckford's Lisa. It's a terrific little show and it comes to a very satisfying conclusion. 

All in all a good day! Happy Fringing everyone! 

Word of Mouth - Monday, August 17, 2026

I like the Monday of Fringe - by this time, folks have seen a few more shows and the Word of Mouth list grows! New and returning titles today! I also chatted with more folks of wider age ranges and I think that gets a nicer mix of shows!

Rodgers and Hammerstein's ROBOCOP: The Musical

Hellmark: Christmas Musical Parody

Seanchai

Queens of Romance

Confirmed Bachelor

Being Norwegian

Bittergirl 

Ghost Quartet

Jesus, Mary & Jo

Batboy

35 MM

The Last 1.5 Librarians North of Lethbridge 

Jimmy Hogg: MASHED

Cavalleria rusticana

#The Merkin Sisters: Backcombed

The Sad Saga of the Edmonton Interurban Railway

Shams by Rumi

Featuring Loretta

Colonial Circus

Gnomon's Land

The Shape of Seamen: a new comic opera

Butter Chicken Odyssey 

Queenage Wasteland

In My Room

Happy Fringing All! Remember if you see something you think should be added to the Word of Mouth list - let me know!

Word of Mouth - Sunday, August 16th, 2026

Some of today's Word of Mouth recommendations came from my eavesdropping on conversations around me in lines... but that makes me believe them even more! A few new titles and a few repeats! Check them out!

False Profits

Circumscribed: A True Tall Tale of One Father, Two Sons, and Thousands of Foreskins

Sketchy Broads presents: Resting Bitumen Face

Andrew Silverwood: Love Thy Neighbour

Bloody Fairy Tales: Paul Strickland

Field Zoology 301: Myths & Monsters

Chase & Tymisha's Cabaret of Courage

Lady Marmalade: A Parisian Spread

A Life In 60 Minutes

In My Room

Queenage Wasteland

Edmonton Queen

A Note: with some of these, it is likely they are close to being Sold Out, so you might want to check them out and book your tickets sooner rather than later! Don't be disappointed!

Tickets!

Sunday, August 16, 2026 - Fringe Unforgettable

So, as is tradition I’m spending my wedding anniversary at Fringe… ha ha ha… my husband is working so if he’d had the day off we might have done something but really we will celebrate the “big” anniversary (30 Years!!!!!!) next week when we both have the time! It’s certainly the first anniversary I’ve been fringing…

My day started with Hereafter at Acacia. It was not what I expected. I’m still not sure what it was trying to say. The plain language description says it’s a solo clown show about a gravedigger during the black plague. The program  description alludes to Hamlet’s gravedigger, so I think I was expecting more Shakespeare. Anyhow, it you like things that are a bit absurd and out of left field, you may really like this. Much of the audience was laughing for a great deal of it. There’s song (about the plague!) with some audience participation, there’s juggling (skulls?), there’s a lot of talk of death and purpose, there's even a conversation with God. The gravedigger (played by Evelyn Gray, also the playwright) is charming, engaging and committed. I just am not sure what it all meant…

Next I caught Alex and Michael and Hannah written and directed by Heather Morrow at the Gateway Theatre. Ostensibly about a polyamorous trio and how that complicates Hannah’s life and shifts her ideas about her own attractiveness and what she needs to be happy in her life, it is complicated by the expectations and judgement of her (somewhat estranged and very toxic) family. There’s an interesting juxtaposition of the trio's relationship with her sister's more traditional one, with the non-traditional relationship feeling like the more healthy situation. There’s also a lot of evidence of a very unhealthy extended family for Hannah (Melinda Jordan) who engages in fat-shaming and constant belittling. It’s not hard to see why Hannah chooses the loving support of Alex (Kingsley Leung) and Michael (Doran Werner) over her manipulative and judgemental family. I would have like a little more complication with the establishment of the relationship - it did feel remarkably easy and I can't imagine that there wouldn't have been more discussion and, to some degree, insecurity about it, especially considering Hannah's background. However, I lack any experience in this kind of situation, so maybe it really is that simple - ask and see what happens!

The day at Fringe ended early for me today as I’m heading to Trivia for a more informal celebration of the Anniversary! Happy Fringing! 

Saturday, August 15, 2026 - Fringe Unforgettable!

I caught two shows today and enjoyed a nice lunch with a friend who joined me for the first. Not only do I love Fringe for the shows, but I also enjoy seeing friends! It is definitely the time when I feel a part of the larger Edmonton artistic community. I think I have run into about 30 people that I know and love so far at Fringe, and that's a terrific perk to the festival! 

First up was Chase Padgett: The Next Guy. I have to say, that when I've done my Word of Mouth conversations, Chase Padgett is the name that comes up the most often. Most Fringes his shows appear on more than one day and usually it's been recommended by multiple people at different times throughout the day. So, I figured that this was the Fringe I should probably check out one of his shows. It did not disappoint! Padgett is a gifted story-teller and guitarist. He's funny, engaging and real. He told a story about dealing with the grief of his divorce and the path his life took afterwards. It's a path with mistakes and wrong turns and red flags that he ignores to his detriment but (fortunately) he overcomes these and survives. Woven into the story are songs that are sometimes touching, but usually very funny, and which demonstrate his excellent skills as a guitarist, songwriter and vocalist. Very enjoyable and I highly recommend, along with all the folks who have recommended his shows to me in the past! 

After my lunch at The Next Act with my friend, I took in the Guys in Disguise show, Go West, Young Man. Inspired by the true story of Canadian Drag Legend Craig Russell (Zachary Parsons-Lozinski) who showed up at Mae West's home in 1963 with a suitcase full of fan mail from Canada and is hired as her personal secretary. He uses the job as an opportunity to study her. It's very silly, and most funny when Andrea House takes the stage as the legendary Mae West. House is such a natural impressionist and comedienne and this role is firmly in her wheelhouse. There's a monkey (yes! played by the excellent mover Ainsley Hillyard) and a very well-muscled boyfriend (Paul Novak played by David McNally) that both Mae and Russell are attracted to. Mae eventually figures out that what Russell needs are a few lessons and the show culminates with her sending him on his way to be true to himself, something he's been unable to be before their encounter.  Like most biographical plays, I spent a little time afterwards reading up on Mae West and Craig Russell. 

It was a shorter day today. I currently have two shows booked for tomorrow, but have a few ideas for a third to squeeze into the mix! Happy Fringing Everyone!

Word of Mouth - Saturday, August 15, 2026

I picked up a few more Word of Mouth recommendations from today's line-ups! There's a nice variety of shows, and hopefully this brings a few shows to your attention that you were unaware of! 

Lumber

The Review by Martin Dockery 

Gordon's Big Bald Head

Chase & Tymisha's Cabaret of Courage

Afeni

False Profits

Rivercity the Musical

Houdini

Being Norwegian

Blackground

Cavalleria rusticana

I'm glad that I have tickets for a couple of these and might pick up a few more based on the chats that I had! Perhaps I will see you there! Remember, if you see me on site, feel free to come and tell me your recommendations and I will add them to the list!

Word of Mouth - Friday, August 14, 2026

As always I will doing my Word of Mouth updates - I chat with folks in line up and ask them what they saw that they would recommend. They don't have to say why - some do - but just tell me the shows they thought were good that others would like to see. 

It being the second day of Fringe and many of the folks I chatted with today were at their first show, I don't have a lot, but I did get a couple to share! The list always grows!

Go West Young Man

God is a Scottish Drag Queen

Side Effects

Solovela

The Funny Thing About Men

I encourage you to read the Program description and check one of these shows out if it sounds like something you might be interested in! 

Friday, August 14, 2026 - Fringe Unforgettable!

Caught my first three shows of the Fringe today. Overall it was a great afternoon of a mix of shows!

First up was with Queens of Romance from 100% More Girls. I always enjoy their shows as they are usually very funny, with double entendre both accidental and deliberate, and their characters are varied. They also usually have some 'real' moments that make it more than just a funny play. This year's show was a panel of Romance writers who each come from a different generation and perspective on what a romance novel should be. With allusions to Barbara Cartland (Jason Hardwick), the grand dame of romance novels, and Jackie Collins (Michelle Todd), the racier writer of the 70s and into the 2000s, and then a much more modern (spicier?) romance writer of the Fifty Shades of Grey era (Jake Tkaczyk). It was as much a comparison of eras of feminism as styles of romance novels and the discussion gets heated between the three novelists, and it's left to the last minute fill-in host (Trevor Schmidt) to referee. There's much to reflect on with regards to what readers get from romance novels. I've read my share (during junior high I likely read about 500 harlequin romances). I think that those of us who do read modern romances each have their preferred level of spice, and it varies, and preferred number of supernatural creatures, hockey players and farm hands. I loved the host's obvious love for all the different romances and her reflection on what they meant for her. I read a lot of books, not just romances, but it also made me think about why reading was so important to me and why I wanted different things from different books. Oh! And I also laughed A LOT! 

Next I saw Fetch by Cat Walsh, directed by Steven Sobolewski, and starring Shyanne Duquette and Abby Krushel. I will go to anything by Cat Walsh as she is such a gifted playwright Her plays always surprise and engage me and they're a little weird, and I like that. I saw this in 2018 and enjoyed it then (but I see so many shows I had forgotten - it was nice to be re-surprised). A play about two possible girls names Hannah Morgan and we do not know which is the real story. I love that this play doesn't answer the questions that it poses and that it lets the audience do the work on trying to figure out what is true, or if both stories told are true. It's fascinating and there's terrific story-telling from both actors sharing the stage, who while similar are also different due to their diverging lives. It's a small space and they have found ways to make that intimacy benefit the audience with low-stakes interactions. It is a small space and this house was pretty full, so this might be one to grab tickets for early, rather than later. 

I wrapped up the after noon with Rodgers and Hammerstein's ROBOCOP: The Musical. This was an ambitious show that was very good and has the potential be awesome. Some costume quick change mishaps and mic issues happened, but this was their first show and I imagine they will get those sorted out. As someone who has been through the paces of producing a musical at Fringe I know that it just gets better as the festival progresses. It was clear there were some in the audience for the Robocop references and some for the Rodgers and Hammerstein references. I was there for both! I couldn't believe the deep cuts that they grabbed from the Rodgers and Hammerstein music book. There were parodied songs, dances, and scenes from Oklahoma, The Sound of Music, South Pacific, Carousel, and The King and I. There might have been more. This might be the only time people actually want to see a dream ballet - hilarious! I love how this company just goes for it and embraces the style. That's the only way a show like this works and they all commit 100%. Stand-outs were Andrew Boyd as Murphy, Sarah Kyle as Lewis, and Jason Hardwick as Chief Mother Superior. Now, it's already SOLD OUT for the whole Fringe, but maybe they will be held-over? It would be worth it, so stay posted and cross your fingers. 

Fringe Unforgettable! For me it starts today!

 

I'll get back to my blogging about my Ontario Theatre Journey later... I'm off to my first three Fringe shows in less than an hour and for now that's the focus! 

I'll be doing my WORD OF MOUTH posts so if you see me, tell me what you loved and I will add it to the list! 

Today I am on the main grounds, starting with Queens of Romance, then Fetch, and winding it up with Rodgers and Hammerstein's ROBOCOP: The Musical. These three shows are coming from creatives who have produced some of my favourite Fringe shows in the past so I am looking forward to a great afternoon of Fringe Theatre Fun! 

See you on the Fringe Grounds!

Ontario Theatre Journey - Something Rotten! What a show!

Photo by: David Hou

As I mentioned in yesterday's post, a big factor for me planning this trip was to see the Stratford Festival production of Something Rotten! which I had been unable to see in 2024. It certainly held up to the promise as it was fantastic! I mean, this is a show for me - Shakespeare, and a musical, but also a musical about musicals which is chock full of references and jokes about Shakespeare and musicals! I was in audience heaven. It wasn't just the show though, this production is outstanding. Director and Choreographer Donna Feore has done an incredible job with this piece and her top-notch cast and creative team has risen to the challenge to do what she has asked of them. I have seen many, many excellent musical theatre productions over the years (and, yes, I direct them myself) and I think this was one of the best I have ever seen. 

As mentioned, the cast is outstanding. Mark Uhre (Nick Bottom) and Henry Firmston (Nigel Bottom) play off each other wonderfully as the brothers competing with the superstar playwright Shakespeare (played hilariously by Jeff Lillico). I had seen Uhre before in 2015 in Sweet Charity at the Shaw Festival and he was one of my favourites onstage in that show. He doesn't disappoint in this show, either! Firmston is a wonderful constrast to him, and has a gorgeous voice. Starr Domingue is so funny as Bea Bottom, Nick's beleaguered wife, and a woman of a thousand faces (and beards and voices). I've been singing her song, Right Hand Man, in my head a lot since seeing the show. Olivia Sinclair-Brisbane plays Portia, the new love interest for younger brother Nigel. Her voice is so lovely, and I loved her snickering at her father, Brother Jeremiah (Juan Chioran - known to Edmonton audiences for his villainous turn as Mr. Hart in the Citadel's 9 to 5 a few seasons ago). I could probably go on an on about every cast member because they were all so good - the voices, the acting, and OOOOH the dancing! 

The dancing! A standing ovation stopped the show for a little bit after Make an Omelette. It's such  good number and they pulled out all the stops. The references in this one - seeing Nostradamus (Dan Chameroy) as both the Phantom and Frank n' Furter is something I will never forget. But seriously - how many musical references can you fit in one number AND have it make sense AND have it be so funny AND be performed/danced so well. 

Suffice it to say, I left the theatre wanting to see the show again immediately. Much appreciation to my sister who did get to see the show in 2024 but came along with me this time too! She said she was glad she did and quizzed me on the many musical theatre references she missed but knew were there because I was laughing! 

Next show was Guys and Dolls! It was also amazing! I will write about that in my next post! I have to get these done before the Fringe starts!

Kicking off my Ontario Theatre Journey with &Juliet!

 A couple of years ago, something happened that prevented my taking a trip to New York. I call it The Great Pause. Then a few years later things changed globally that made me want to stick to Canada for awhile, and actually made me wanted to support the artistic work we were doing in Canada first and foremost. I had been doing a lot of that already with the blog, definitely trying to support local Edmonton theatre artists, but when I was thinking about what I wanted to do this summer, I decided that instead of a trip to New York for Broadway, I would head to Ontario for some Toronto, Stratford and Shaw! I also really wanted to see the Stratford Festival's Something Rotten and had been unable to go in 2024 due to a family trip but now it was back! Huzzah! 

Photo Credit: Dahlia Katz

Anyhow, my first stop was Toronto where I took in one of the final performances of the Mirvish production of & Juliet! My sister had seen the show previously (twice because she loved it so much!) and she highly recommended it. I knew little beyond the premise and that the music was going to be highly recognizable (much in the way of Mamma Mia!). I had an absolute blast! The show is so much fun and I am a bit of a Shakespeare fan so I was totally in there for anything referential and there was quite a bit. I did not know beforehand but apparently the cast was all-Canadian and this show definitely speaks to the talent we have in Canada! Leading the cast as Juliet was Vanessa Sears. She was just incredible. She blew me out of the water every time she sang, but she was also a fine actor - able to be both funny and serious - and a terrific dancer. I was also delightfully surprised to see George Krissa as Shakespeare. I was working at the Citadel in Edmonton when he played the Sterling Award-winning role of Tony in West Side Story, and he was so good then and such a nice person! In this show he is so funny and I just loved hearing him sing again! The whole cast is terrific, but I wanted to shout out Julia McLellan as Anne (Shakespeare's wife) who gets the whole show running and keeps it on track. Amazing voice and what a fabulous and gorgeous comedian! The production is so perfect - from the costumes, to the set, to the music and the choreography. What a fun ride and the perfect way to kick off my Ontario Theatre Journey!

The show is closed now, but I encourage you to see it if it comes your way in a tour. You WILL want to sing a long because you will know all the songs. I think you will enjoy the twists and turns and also the fact the book was clearly written for today's audiences. 

Summer Theatre Season rushes in with the Rain!

I'm a teacher, so Summer for me is a glorious time! I get to read - A LOT - and luckily for me, because I live in Edmonton (the unofficial theatre-capital of Canada) I usually get to rack up a few shows right off the hop! I'm going to go in reverse order for what I have seen - so far - and let you know there are some great shows on offer in the city right now! 

Photo by Kristen M. Finlay

Most recently I took in Once at Walterdale Theatre. I've seen this show several times before (I think 3 different other companies) but it's one of those shows that you can see multiple times and still be wowed. I was definitely wowed by this one. The company does a terrific job telling the story with the actors also playing all the instruments and singing and dancing while playing them. The musicianship blew my mind. It's also a lovely show to see in the intimacy of Walterdale. As an audience there were definitely times we were all holding our breath together. It's a show that's both funny and sad, but the music is wonderful. Leasing the cast are newcomer Mark O'Reilly, as Guy, and Miriam Veugelers, as Girl. As an almost-couple they are charming and their contrasts make us root for them so much. They are both excellent musicians and singers and there's a real connection between them. The show runs to Saturday, July 18th and Tickets are available here, but I encourage you to purchase them sooner rather than later as they have Sold Out many of their performances so far. 

I almost saw Cocktails at Pam's at Teatro Live! on it's Opening Night, but a freak storm shut down the power. I will be going to see it later this week. I never miss Cocktails at Pam's - It's such a terrific script - and the Teatro Company knows exactly how to do it (it's also directed by the playwright, Stewart Lemoine, so you KNOW he's aware of how it should be done). For all the times I've seen (and done it myself) I am always surprised and delighted by the mayhem that ensues. The first 15 minutes we managed to see before the power died were hilarious, so I can't wait to see the rest! It runs until July 26 at tickets can be purchased here. 

Photo by Nanc Price

Last Tuesday, I was at the Citadel for The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. Having directed the show before there was a lot of wonderful flashbacks in seeing it. But it was a long time ago, so I had totally forgotten who won and I was sooooo invested! This is one of those adorable musicals that are so fun to watch. Part of that comes from the fact that because the show requires audience participation (extra spellers are selected before the show starts) and they may or may not spell words correctly or incorrectly as anticipated, the cast has to be on top of it and roll with whatever happens! The 6 Spelling competitors are also very charming in their own way. We had an excellent audience speller the night I saw it who was just as surprised as the cast when they kept getting words right! Anyhow, the show is super fun and a terrific choice. Everyone on stage is excellent and I had a great time. I was particularly delighted to see Mark Sinongco in the show, as he was my Chip Tolentino 13 years ago when I directed the show for ELOPE. The show runs to August 2 and Tickets can be purchased here. 

I also saw two shows that have since closed... Sorry I was so busy I didn't have time to write about them earlier. 

Photo by Brianne Jang

I saw Much Ado About Nothing presented at the Freewill Shakespeare Festival. It was very funny and I had a great time. Jesse Gervais as Benedict was hilarious, as was Ron Pederson as Dogberry, but the whole company was in fine form. It was also so incredibly wonderful to be back in Hawrelak Park for the Festival. This was a great show for them to come back with, and a terrific company of players to present it. I do hope next year they return to two Shakespeare pieces in rep, but I applaud them for taking on Something Rotten this year.

supplied

I also caught ELOPE's presentation of 42nd Street. It was such a cheerful show full of tap-dancing (like FULL OF tap-dancing!) and classic songs that are earworms that you cannot stop singing for at least a week afterwards. I knew a few of the performers but many were new to me. I was so delighted to see Madison Lalonde as ingénue Peggy Sawyer. I directed Madison last year and she is such a joy. That quality was evident onstage as she was simply wonderful. I also greatly enjoyed Katy Yachimec as the diva Dorothy Brock. So great to hear her belt some of those big songs.  The company was terrific and everyone in the theatre, both onstage and in the house, had a great time!

Next on my list is a second chance at Cocktails at Pam's and then I am seeing Once again. After that I am heading off to Ontario where I will take in a few shows at Stratford! And then... You know what's coming to Edmonton in August - The Fringe! 

Fully Committed is Full of Laughs! At Teatro Live!

Last weekend I caught Fully Committed by Becky Mode at the Varscona Theatre presented by Teatro Live! It was a fabulous show! Although ostensibly there is only one character, the much put upon Sam, the stage feels full of oddballs and quirky personalities as Andrew MacDonald-Smith performs a masterclass in how to do a one-man show. He deftly and hilariously creates every character on the other end of the phone (or intercom) physically becoming both sides of the conversation. The pace from one character to another is break-neck but MacDonald-Smith performs it all like a well-rehearsed dance. It's pretty seamless! It's a clever play, telling the story of an actor who works on the reservation phone line for a much in demand New York restaurant. Everyone wants a table, but the restaurant is fully committed for the next three months. Of course, VVVIPs (marked in burgundy) often get to skip the line, and although the reservationist is not allowed to accept gifts, that doesn't mean they aren't offered. 

It's a challenging thing to be the low-man in a busy organization and the trickle down of unwanted jobs and demands for Sam's time made me anxious and tense as I have often been in that position as the person who is asked to get things done. I was very invested in whether Sam would get to go home for Christmas, or get the call-back from his audition, or solve the problems presented by Bryce from Gwynneth Paltrow's office. I won't tell you how, but suffice it to say, I felt MY shoulders relax when Sam's collection of facts and bargaining chips allowed him to end up on top. 

It's a terrific show and runs about 90 minutes that clip along so fast you're surprised when it's over!

Fully Committed is presented by Teatro Live! and runs to June 21st at the Varscona Theatre. Tickets are $25-$42 and can be purchased here. There are also special events and Pay-What-You-Can Nights.

Photo Credit: Marc J Chalifoux Photography 

A Couple of Shows! Cyrano de Bergerac at the Citadel and Autumn at Shadow Theatre!

Over the last week I saw a couple of shows in town and depending on what you like, you might want to check out one or both of them. There are always lots of good shows on in Edmonton which is one of the reasons I like living here!

Photo by Nanc Price

Anyhow, most recently, I saw Cyrano de Bergerac at the Citadel Theatre. It was the show to wrap up the season (my mother and I have season tickets) and it was simply a terrific end to the theatre year! Adapted from Rostand's script by local playwright, Jessy Ardern, Cyrano de Bergerac is clever and fast paced with many humorous moments and a few sad ones! The cast attacked the script with vigour and commitment and it made for a wonderful afternoon of theatre. Usually when I see sword-fighting shows I wish for less sword-fights, but the sword fight in this one was staged so brilliantly that I actually wished for more! Leading the cast was the tremendous Scott Shpeley as Cyrano. He was incredible! I wish we saw him more on our stages! Not many could handle the tricky word play and the physical and emotional demands of this role, but it feels effortless coming from Shpeley (I'm sure it was not - but he made it seem so easy!). He's surrounded by a great ensemble and you get the feeling they all know they are doing something really special on that stage. Catch this one if you can. You won't regret it! 

Cyrano de Bergerac runs to May 24th at the Citadel in the Shoctor Theatre. Tickets run from $74-$139 and can be purchased here. 

Photo by Marc J Chalifoux

Last week I also caught Autumn by Peter Quilter at Shadow Theatre. The story is about two middle aged sisters with not much in common who have come together to throw a wedding for the daughter of one of them. This is a play for sisters, particularly those who love each other but who recognize that they are very different and those differences often lead to tensions. While I wasn't a great fan of the script as I found it a bit repetitive and predictable, the performances of the two actresses (Karen Johnson Diamond and Cathy Derkach) make the most of what is on the page. There are quite a few laughs and a satisfying resolution and it did make for an enjoyable afternoon. 

Autumn runs to May 24 at Shadow Theatre at the Varscona. Tickets are $25-$40 and can be purchased here. 

Request Programme at NLT - Figuring out the story behind the action...

I love those shows where you have to lean in more as an audience member. Request Programme is one of those shows. Because the single actor on stage has no dialogue and instead performs units of action while listening to a radio show, it is up to the audience to interpret their actions and their responses to the show they’re listening to. There are no definite answers to this interpretation, and in fact the possible interpretations are equal to the number of audience members. I know from discussions on the ride home with my husband that we both took away different things and the conversation was interesting because we could speculate on what the other had perceived. And again we could not be definitive. It’s all observation.

Vanessa Sabourin - supplied

The featured radio show, Request Programme, is a fantastic collection of songs by local female artists. I was so pleased to hear some of my favourites and for the two artists I had not previously known. I really enjoyed their songs as well. It is amazing to think that all those wonderful artists live and create in our community. I’m of the age where I want to buy their CD, in fact, I would love it if you could purchase the soundtrack to this play. It’s clear that those pieces were curated specifically for the production of this show in our community. I think they did a fabulous job.

So what’s this play about? Well because there’s the ambiguity in understanding the motivations of the character on stage it’s not 100% clear - but it is inherently personal. It’s definitely a reflection on loneliness in our modern society. It seems to be pre-cell phone pre-computer so there’s even a lack of reaching out digitally, which amplifies the isolation of the character on stage. As I mentioned earlier, there are units of action performed by the actor, and my understanding from a conversation with director Trevor Schmidt is that each of the actors (there’s a different one every night of the production - I saw Vanessa Sabourin) has leeway in how they perform those units of action. There are some tasks that are specifically dictated.  I don’t know which ones and there’s one in particular that I don’t want to talk about because I don’t want to have spoilers. How each actor responds to the different songs is individual choice which gives way to multiple interpretations of the story behind the action. It makes it intriguing to think about coming back and seeing how having an actor of a different age or ethnicity or even attack might affect your interpretation as an audience member. I’m hoping to do so but I’m not exactly sure when and I think I want to pick an artist that might be different from the one I saw on opening night. I’m not exactly sure how I’ll be able to pick that one.

It's a compelling piece of theatre. Well worth checking out, maybe even more than once. 

Request Programme is presented by Northern Light Theatre at Studio Theatre Inside Fringe Theatre Adventures. The show runs until May 16th. Tickets are $22-$37 and there are Pay-What-You-Can and 2-for-1 performances. You can purchase your tickets here. 

Shows I Saw But Didn't Have Time to Write About... Until Now...

This has been a busy few months for me, not just with theatre, but with life. I started a new position which seems to be ever-evolving and that has taken up a lot of mental and physical space in my life; I am also working on a show (Waiting for the Parade - Walterdale Theatre - I am doing Props - it goes up sooooooon!) so that naturally has taken up time in my life; I have had a nice visit from my sister from Toronto; I remain active on the Walterdale Board; and I am still trying to occasionally read. Somewhere in all that, I have managed to see some shows AND NOT write about them... My reflections on these will be briefer than usual. 

Photo by Brianne Jang

Most recently, I saw A Chorus Line at MacEwan University. The show itself is not my favourite structurally, but I thought they did a really good job with it. I always forget how many of the songs I know! It's also nice to see this show done by people the right age (or close to it) who can also handle the dance. I felt the dancing was really strong (and it needs to be). Standout moments for me (besides the big dance numbers) were Ethan Bintu-Watt's vocals (he played Richie), a monologue from Don Raphael Figueroa (Paul) which made me cry, and the lovely trio who sing my favourite song from the show, At the Ballet (Layne Labbe, Harmony B, and Mana Middleton). 

Photo by Nanc Price

I also saw The Wizard of Oz at the Citadel. It was good and I think kids in particular will love it. I enjoyed the afternoon but having done the show myself many years ago, it was hard to wow me and I think they actually missed a few opportunities to do so. Yeah, yeah, I know, they fly people. That's cool. And really, it's not like there was anything wrong with the 'pieces' of the show, but I didn't feel a lot of chemistry between Dorothy and the 3 friends and that's the heart of it for me. They were all individually good, some stronger than others, but they didn't feel connected. My favourite parts were the ensemble numbers and I think the ensemble was outstanding. The costumes and the big group dance numbers were really what made the show for me. By the way, if you want to be the one that the lead jitterbug surprises in the audience, I can tell you the exact seat because I was sitting in it! ha ha ha! Anyhow, the rest of the audience was up on their feet, so it's quite possible I just had an off day. 

Photo by Nanc Price

Before that I took in Death of a Salesman at the Citadel. A classic that I have seen three times before. They did a solid job, but there were a couple actors were miscast (in my opinion) and the ending didn't really give me the punch that it usually does. It would, however, be hard to beat the production that the Citadel produced 15 odd years ago. I was a bit distracted by the staging with the alley of musical instruments and for a show that is long to begin with, adding length with a cinematic score didn't really serve the piece. But sometimes I was drawn to watch the instrumentalists instead of the action and I wasn't really sure why that choice was made other than it seemed like a cool thing to do. Also, by casting a person of colour as Charley, it really changed our perceptions of why Willy rejects his help. It makes it seem that Willy is racist, as opposed to it being about pride and failure. The moment is shifted dramatically and it greatly alters what playwright Arthur Miller likely intended. 

Please remember, these are just my ramblings and my personal reactions to these shows. I respect that others will have engage with the material in a very different way. I don't have to love everything I see and I'm cool with that.