The Gay Heritage Project, Klondykes, 'Blak - Theatre that lets us feel someone else's experience in the world...

A few months ago I posted something on FB about liking to learn my history from novels or plays as opposed to textbooks. A lot of people indicated that I was wrong, but as I was expressing a preference, not a fact, I didn't worry about it too much.  But recently I have seen 3 shows that illustrate what I meant (or felt).  These shows, without being dry historical pieces, allowed me to understand and feel a little more what someone else's history was.

The Gay Heritage Project, now playing at the Citadel under February 27th, is a wonderful exploration of what Gay Heritage is and what it is to be gay (at least in Canada). It's layered and through a tight tumble of a variety of scenes, the 3 gifted actors (Damien Atkins, Paul Dunn and Andrew Kushnir) managed to leave me with a better understanding of what it is to be gay.  It's sometimes hysterically funny, sometimes serious, sometimes sad, and very real and personal. I had an epiphany that I hope I will hold onto.  There's a scene on a bus with a variety of queer identified individuals.  The healthy, white, gay male acknowledges that he might have it easier than those on the bus, but he claims them as his tribe.  It's the place he feels most at home. I was saddened, because I wanted him to feel at home with me - the straight, white woman that I am. But I realized that for so many of us we don't have to search for a safe place. My safe place is with my family and my history is just there. For many gay individuals this is not the case (not family, not school, not workplaces) and they have to seek out their safe places. I think that so many of us just know who we are and where we are safe, that it doesn't occur to us to even think about it.  But this show really made me think about it. I encourage you all to check it out.  It's a celebratory night which does not blame the audience, but rather seeks to create understanding both for the actors themselves and those they are speaking to.

Krystle Dos Santos 'BLAK is no longer running (it ran for 3 nights in January at the Citadel), but it too offered insight into a life experience other than my own. It was a night of stories, dance, poetry and music about what being black in Western Canada meant.  The music was amazing and it anchored the piece, but it was the stories of Brett Miles and the others that drew me in. It too had a celebratory feel - an embracing of the culture that was jubilant.  But there were moments too, that broke my heart a little.  A poem from a teenager to his younger self, victimized by bullying for being different, was so full of strength and maturity.  I wanted more of the stories - the individual experiences.  I had never heard of Amber Valley, Alberta - the show drove me to google after I got home.  I feel we could afford to know more. I know it's Black History month right now and there are events in the city that might offer some more. It would be worth it to check out 5ArtistsOneLove this month.

Finally, Guys in Disguise are currently presenting Klondykes at Theatre Network until Feb 21st. It tells the story of a lesbian couple in the Klondike who skirt the 'no unaccompanied women' rule by pretending to be husband and wife. Unable to fit in the world as they were, Loosey (Rebecca Ann Merkley) and Hattie (Mackenzie Reurink) find a way to make their way. Along with Narrator Amanda Neufeld, they form a dynamic trio of voices.  The show is a song cycle which uses the mood and tone of songs to reach out to the audience. The three women all have tremendous voices which are great alone and even better in harmony. Good music can make me feel more than mere words and this music (by Trevor Schmidt and Darrin Hagen) is very, very good. The story is a fascinating look into a time and world where women had few choices without the protection of a man.

Lots of Laughter in BOEING BOEING and WE'RE NOT AFRAID!

Last night I took in We're Not Afraid (part of the Made In Edmonton Series at the Citadel) presented by Rapid Fire Theatre.  The show is an improvised homage to Who's Afraid of Viriginia Woolf? (currently running on the Citadel mainstage).  It's not a sloppy copy, but rather leans on the relationships, style and themes of the show along with suggestions from the audience to produce a very funny evening of improv. The cast is the cream of the RFT Crop, featuring Amy Shostak, Matt Alden, Joleen Ballendine and Ben Gorodetsky and they were certainly up the task of delivering the deliciously biting and irreverent parody.  Armed with suggestions of a Funeral, The Moon Landing, and Ventriloquism they really went for it and man-oh-man was it funny! You don't have to have seen Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? to enjoy it either. Most of us are somewhat familiar with images of Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton to get us to where we need to be to 'get' what is being parodied.  At my table, I was the only one who had seen the main stage Citadel show and the other 3 people were just as entertained. There's only one more show for We're Not Afraid left tonight at 8 p.m. It's a unique and hilarious option for you, I'd encourage you to check it out!

On Wednesday, I caught Opening Night of Boeing Boeing at Walterdale Theatre. I had seen the show a few years at the Mayfield and loved it.  The Walterdale show is similarly hilarious!  It's a great date night or night out for laughs. They embraced the door-slamming farce about a Paris bachelor with three fiancees who are all flight attendants on different schedules.  A storm lands them all in the city at the same time and the hi-jinks entailed to keep his secret are very, very funny.  They cast embraces the physical and over-the-top requirements and there are many gut-busting moments!  Highlights are Carrie Candy as the uber-passionate German and Heather Patton as the beleaguered maid who has to keep the menu straight, but Director Lauren Tamke has created a terrific ensemble with the entire cast. Boeing Boeing runs to February 13th - it would make a terrific date so if you don't have Valentine's plans, this would be perfect!

February #YEG Theatre Plans For Me!

After a fairly busy January, I've started mapping out my February theatre plans.  There are a lot of things on so it's making me choose carefully.

Of course, it's time for the Chinook Series (on now).  There are quite a few shows that are on throughout the festival so you should check out the schedule and find something! I'm going to be seeing Ursa Major, for sure. It looks like a beautiful love story and it's written by Meg Dart and directed by Beth Dart, both of Catch the Keys. I've heard that ugly crying might happen so I will be bringing tissues to deal with that!

After all that crying, I will be moving on to a few comedies! First up will be Boeing Boeing at Walterdale.  I saw the show at the Mayfield a few years ago and had a blast.  I'm looking forward to seeing how Walterdale handles this crazy 60's farce about a Paris bachelor who is engaged to 3 different stewardesses on different flight schedules. Trouble happens when a freak storm causes all 3 to be waylaid in Paris at the same time.  Oh, the door slamming!

I'll also be checking out the new Guys in Disguise production, Klondykes at Theatre Network. This time it's Girls in Disguise in a gender-blurring musical about women in the Klondike who skirted the law about actually being there by dressing as men. The cast is a powerhouse trio of Rebecca Ann Merkley, Amanda Neufeld and Mackenzie Reurink so you are pretty much guarenteed the music is going to be off the charts.

I'm very excited to be taking in the Buddies in Bad Times presentation The Gay Heritage Project, at the Citadel. It's just finishing up it's second run in Toronto before it heads out here and the response out East has been extremely positive.  I read the script a year ago and found it to be extremely compelling.  I'm looking forward to an evening that will be both funny and thought-provoking. It's in The Club, so I would encourage people to get their tickets now as seating is a lot more limited than in the larger theatres.

Friends have been talking a lot about Huff at the Rubaboo Festival put on by Alberta Aboriginal Arts. It's right across the street at the Stanley Milner library so I am hoping to squeeze it into my schedule this week.  The festival has other offerings, if Huff doesn't seem to be your cup of tea, but it only runs to February 6th, so act fast!

I'll also be catching the Edmonton Opera's Carmen at the Jubilee Auditorium this month. I'm excited to see an opera where I will recognize the music! They opened this past weekend and I have already had a bit of fun peeking at the photos. I'm also excited because I think I know about 5-6 people in the chorus and it is always wonderful to see talented friends onstage!

Well, this is going to get me to about the middle of the month.  I'll have to do another post when I get the second half of the month figured out! Lots to see and do in Edmonton - don't stay home - See a Show!

George and Martha Throw one Heck of a Party! Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? at the Citadel

This past week I took in the Edward Albee classic, Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? at the Citadel. It seems odd to use the word classic because the play, particularly this well-acted and well-directed production, seems so crisply current.  It was simply an amazing night at the theatre. The 3 hours whip past you at a break-neck pace and keep you engaged the whole time. The two intermissions are nice for a breath and to stretch your legs, but WOW what a show!

I've seen the play twice before - both good productions with solid casts - this production was totally worth seeing it again.  It was like seeing the play for the first time. Tom Rooney, as the bedraggled George, plays it subtle and sneaky.  Brenda Robins, as the seemingly dominant Martha, brays and plays with an electric energy.  The younger couple, Nick and Honey, played by Jay Clift and Ava Jane Markus, are wonderfully lost in the chaotic world of George and Martha's living room. All in all, it is a delightful cocktail on the stage!

I can't find anything to fault - the acting is terrific, it's funny, it's charged, the pacing and direction is sharp and smart. If you like theatre - go see it!  If you are an actor or director - go see it!  If you want to feel better about your own relationship - go see it!

If you're not sure about my opinion, here are a few others you can check out:
Liz Nicholls, Edmonton Journal
Jenna Marynowski - After the House Lights
Graham Hicks, Hicks Biz Blog

They all think you should go too!

Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? runs to February 13th at the Citadel.  Tickets start at just $30+GST.

Photo: Tom Rooney and Brenda Robins
Photo Credit: EPIC Photography

Up on Stage Reading for Walterdale's Donor Voted Show Event!

On Friday night, I found myself in a very comfortable place.  I was back up on the Walterdale stage reading for the Donor Voted Show Event. It was a great evening that saw a nice turn-out from the membership and raised $800 for the theatre as well as helping to select one of the shows for the 2016/17 Season.  The three shows up for consideration were Queen Milli of Galt; The Attic, The Pearls and Three Fine Girls; and The Glace Bay Miner's Museum. I had a great time reading from the second selection with Kristin Johnston and Kat Evans.  John Evans was also involved reading for the other shows. It was fun to read with some really good actors who I've been lucky enough to direct before, but not perform with.

After the votes were counted, Queen Milli of Galt was declared the winner! Now Artistic Director Anne Marie Szucs has one of her shows decided for next season and she has only to select the four others to round out the roster!

A fitting end to a week I spent getting prepped for Chess, which I am directing at Walterdale later this season!

I Want to Be a Naturelle Girl! Flora and Fawna's Field Trip

This past week I took in NLT's Flora and Fawna's Field Trip (with Fleurette) at the PCL Theatre. I'd seen the show a couple of years ago at the Fringe and was so excited to return to the Magic Fairy Ring again! I brought someone who hadn't seen it previously and she got to be the Fox and go up onstage and participate (how exciting!).  The show is so heart-warming and hilarious and although all three of the actors onstage are brilliant, I have to admit Brian Dooley as Fleurette just kills me! It's a wonderful story about being different and still finding a way to belong and be kind. The show wrapped up this weekend here in Edmonton, but it's heading to Lunchbox Theatre in Calgary and for those of you down there, you should definitely check it out!

Dirty Dancing... For those who loved the movie...

I'm never sure what to expect for those stage shows that are constructed from popular movies so I generally just go in to them hoping for a good time.  I did have a good time at Dirty Dancing, recently presented by Broadway Across Canada at the Jubilee Auditorium, but I think that is primarily because I am a child of the 80's.  I don't mean that I was born in the 80's, I mean that I was a teenager/young adult then and as a result I probably have seen the movie Dirty Dancing upwards of 10 times.  The stage show really tried to capture the movie - particularly the iconic moments.  It does that well.  The dance montages, the classic lines ("I carried a watermelon." and "Nobody puts Baby in the corner.") and of course The Lift and Final Dance - those were all there.  But there were a lot of unremembered moments from the movie, probably more than the stage show needed.  When moving mediums I think they needed to consider that a play/musical is just different and you can cut scenes and focus the journey. What plays out in a film doesn't always work onstage. And the music issue.... Well, all the songs are there (most of them) but they are more like a soundtrack or score, not really connected to the narrative.  None of the characters actually sing as characters wanting or needing things so one wonders if its purpose was just to recreate the movie onstage, why not just re-watch the movie?

I don't want to say it wasn't fun - it was, and I laughed and clapped at the moments that I remembered because they got a lot of them right. Christopher Tierney and Gillian Abbott are perfect for Johnny and Baby and I thought they had good chemistry. There are some flatter performances in the ensemble, but the dancing is wonderful and they were all selling it and were very generous.  It's just... It's just that it wasn't necessary and a great script for a film doesn't always work onstage.