Meet the Cast of All My Sons – Franco Correa is Chris Keller!

What is your role in All My Sons? I play Chris Keller, son of Joe Keller, and prospective husband of Ann Deever. Chris is a morally upright man, but he experiences substantial survivor’s guilt as well as shame about his community’s attitude regarding the war.

Why should audiences come see All My Sons at Walterdale Theatre? I’m not typically interested in postwar dramas, but this script really knocked my socks off. Why shouldn’t you see it? It’s Arthur Miller!

What would you say would be a highlight of working on All My Sons so far? Being able to step outside of my comfort zone as a performer, and in good company. It’s been a fun process so far. The longer period of rehearsal has allowed me to dig into this script in a way I’ve really always felt was necessary.

Many of the characters in All My Sons have secrets that they keep from each other, or things in their past that people would not expect. What is something people wouldn’t guess about you? I’m a clown, and I can pick locks.

Tell us your thoughts about horoscopes: I hate ’em. I’m not into that witches and wizards stuff.

Meet the Cast of The Penelopiad – Alora Bowness

What is your role on The Penelopiad

I play the role of Penelope who is such a fascinating character to portray. There is so much about her life that is out of her control and for the first time we are able to see how intelligent and self-determined she has to be in order to survive. However, we also get a glimpse of this other side of Penelope that’s wonderfully executed through the twelve maids: how her actions not only negatively impacted herself but also the other women around her.

Why should audiences come to see The Penelopiad?

There is so much to this story! There’s love, danger, sadness and even laughter. The greatest thing about this play is that it draws you in. Even those familiar with the Odyssey will be pleasantly surprised as this play offers a new perspective to such a classic tale, which really shapes the narrative.

What would you say would be a highlight of working on The Penelopiad so far?

By far the cast! Everyone working on this has shown such a level of commitment and support that just really makes it a fun and comfortable space to work in.  

In the play, Penelope reflects upon her life and her choices. Looking back, if you could give your younger self one piece of advice, what would it be?

Have faith in yourself. I think we worry too much about making the wrong decisions, but sometimes those decisions lead us down interesting paths we never would have pursued in the first place.

Who is your favourite figure in Greek mythology, and why?

I would have to say Penelope. I had initially considered her a fairly one-dimensional character, but since getting the opportunity to play her my opinion on her has changed dramatically. She’s witty and headstrong. In The Penelopiad, she’s given agency by suggesting that her actions were not just out of devotion for Odysseus, but strategic moves to keep herself and her son alive.

Meet the Director behind The Penelopiad – Kristen Finlay

What is your role on The Penelopiad

I am directing The Penelopiad. If the play is a ship, I’m the captain! I’m lucky to have an amazing crew to help guide it to our destination – Opening Night! There’s a lot involved on my side, from creative vision, to casting, to scheduling and running rehearsals and helping the cast be ready to perform. Each show is different and The Penelopiad is a fantastic challenge as it has songs, fight and intimacy, as well as sections of choral speech.

Why should audiences come to see The Penelopiad?

It’s a terrifically accessible version of the story of Penelope, Odysseus’ wife, and her maids who helped her while she waited for him to return. It also remains incredibly relevant today as it examines a woman’s story, told by women. Though there are dark moments that are challenging, there is also a great deal of humour and humanity.

What would you say would be a highlight of working on The Penelopiad so far?

When presented with a script with “songs” but no accompanying music, I wrote the tunes with my son, Gibson. This has been a terrific joy! 

I’m also enjoying working with an all-female cast who are getting to show off their fabulous talent as they tell this story. The care and passion everyone is putting into the work is truly a gift.

In the play, Penelope reflects upon her life and her choices. Looking back, if you could give your younger self one piece of advice, what would it be?

Hmmm… probably to work out more, and maybe to return to teaching sooner, but it’s hard to call because wrong turns have likely led to other good things I might not have.

Who is your favourite figure in Greek mythology, and why?

I always liked Athena as she seemed to make good choices and didn’t seem to be up to much nonsense like her brothers. I’m also a fan of Owls, so there’s that!

Meet the Team Behind The Penelopiad – Lucas Anders

What is your role on The Penelopiad

Assistant Director. It’s my role to support Kristen in bringing her artistic vision to life. There’s a lot intangibles to this role and opportunities to grow in different areas of the theatre

Why should audiences come to see The Penelopiad?

Because we have an incredibly talented cast of women working hard to bring the story of Penelopiad to life. The play tackles relevant themes that women of Greece and women throughout history have faced.

What would you say would be a highlight of working on The Penelopiad so far?

Everyday coming to the theatre has been an absolute joy. It has been great seeing Janine Waddell support and mentor individuals in the realm of intimacy and stage fighting.

In the play, Penelope reflects upon her life and her choices. Looking back, if you could give your younger self one piece of advice, what would it be?

Be kinder to yourself and life is about the journey not the destination.

Who is your favourite figure in Greek mythology, and why?

Hercules is a story that continues to be retold. There’s many different versions of his story told through time and in pop culture. I tend to gravitate towards his story and the elements of his humanity explored within Greek mythology.

Meet the Team Behind The Penelopiad – Lisa Simone Swaren

What is your name?

Lisa Simone Swaren

What is your role on The Penelopiad

Assistant Stage Manager/Dresser, I provide direct assistance to the cast and crew to ensure all aspects of the production run smoothly.

Why should audiences come to see The Penelopiad?

This Margaret Atwood piece expertly reveals many shocking and fascinating vantage points of the females within an ancient and well-known tale of epic proportions.

What would you say would be a highlight of working on The Penelopiad so far?

Seeing women in the roles of powerful men provides a fresh perspective that isn’t otherwise possible.

In the play, Penelope reflects upon her life and her choices. Looking back, if you could give your younger self one piece of advice, what would it be?

Advice to my younger self would include: the request to never lose traction, and always schedule regular self-care! I agree with Einstein, who said, “Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance, you must keep moving.”

Who is your favourite figure in Greek mythology, and why?

I admire Ariadne for concocting glamorously creative rescue solutions and having a heart overflowing with love.

Meet the Cast of The Penelopiad – Katie Corrigan

What is your name?

Katie Corrigan

What is your role on The Penelopiad

I play Maid 1, whose name is Tanis. She doesn’t say much, but what she does say often has a humorous tone. As part of the Ensemble, I also play a sailor, a duck, a monster, a cow, and a ship. I have had a lot of fun playing a variety of different roles.

Why should audiences come to see The Penelopiad?

It’s a classic tale, but with an emphasis on those who don’t typically have a voice. I think it’s a very important and eye-opening story, and portrayed (in my humble opinion) in a creative and engaging way.

What would you say would be a highlight of working on The Penelopiad so far?

Of course getting to work with a fantastic cast and crew! I’ve especially enjoyed working on the songs and watching them develop and take form, especially because there are no predetermined notes in the script!

In the play, Penelope reflects upon her life and her choices. Looking back, if you could give your younger self one piece of advice, what would it be?

Take risks! Yes, it is “a dangerous thing, going out your front door,” but some of the best experiences I’ve had have been because I learned to survive my initial discomfort.

Who is your favourite figure in Greek mythology, and why?

I like Artemis. She can get outshone by her brother Apollo but she’s very fierce and powerful in her own way. She is a chaste huntress who dances in the woods and is the protector of girls and women.

Meet the Cast of The Penelopiad – Colleen Allen

What is your name?

Colleen Allen

What is your role on The Penelopiad

I play Laertes, Odysseus’ dad, a suitor and a maid. Laertes used to have his own adventures as a younger man but now mutters about goats and trees.

Why should audiences come to see The Penelopiad?

Honestly this production has a bit of everything: comedy, foot races, schoolyard taunts, pirate ditties, violence and nurturing. And lots of quick costume changes. And did I mention ducks?

What would you say would be a highlight of working on The Penelopiad so far?

The challenge of the material. I’m on this journey of exploration with the most supportive and talented cast and crew. I can’t believe how lucky I am to be a part of this.

In the play, Penelope reflects upon her life and her choices. Looking back, if you could give your younger self one piece of advice, what would it be?

You are enough. Yes – you’re weird and different but that doesn’t mean you’re wrong. You will find your people and it will be marvelous.

Who is your favourite figure in Greek mythology, and why?

Artemis and Athena. Artemis balances the feminine energy of the moon with the masculine energy of the hunt. And I am lucky to have a real live Athena in my life who is truly one of the wisest souls I know.

Meet the Cast of THE TRIANGLE FACTORY FIRE PROJECT – Danielle Yu is Rose Freedman & Ida Mittleman

Who are you and what is your role in this production? My name is Danielle Yu and I play 2 amazing characters, Rose Freedman and Ida Mittleman. Rose Freedman was known as the last survivor of the Triangle Shirtwaist fire dying at the age of 107 who worked on the 9th floor and Ida Mittleman was known as one of the women who testified in court that all doors of the 9th floor were indeed open.

What is your background in theatre? With Walterdale? ​I have been performing for as long as I can remember, from taking musical theatre classes at the Citadel as a child to voice lessons at the Conservatory of Music with the Alberta College. I had taken a very long break from the theatre (12 years to be exact!) until 2017 when I auditioned for an original musical titled Emma, and had landed the lead role! I auditioned at the Walterdale Theatre for my very first time this past summer and am ecstatic to be on this journey of opening the 60th season.

Why do you think people should come see The Triangle Fire Factory ProjectEveryone and anyone should come and partake in the adventure and experience of The Triangle Fire Factory Project to witness the importance of this piece of history! Not only is it filled with historical events, but there’s action, agony, sorrow, humor and SO MUCH MORE. Most importantly it teaches us the reason behind the rules and regulations we have today in modern life.

Since this show deals with workplace ‘issues’ – What was your first job? How old were you and what did it entail? ​The very first job I had was when I was 16 at a McDonald’s near my neighbourhood. Being 16, I didn’t really have the understanding of responsibility so I didn’t last very long. However the 3 weeks that I was employed taught me a lot about hungry customers, cheerful customer service, and an amazing discount!

Meet the Cast of THE TRIANGLE FACTORY FIRE PROJECT – Kent Sutherland plays Max Blanck!

Who are you and what is your role in this production? My name is Kent Sutherland, and I play Max Blanck one of the co-owners of the Triangle Waist Factory. Blanck is not a very nice person and along with his fellow co-owner, Isaac Harris, the duo was named as one of the Top 10 Worst Bosses in America by TIME Magazine. I also helped build the set and some of the props.

What is your background in theatre? I was involved with theatre throughout elementary and junior high, and then got back into as an adult with my first production being at Walterdale – The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas. I have since done musicals with Festival Players, Two ONE-WAY Tickets to Broadway, Foote in the Door, and, of course, Walterdale. This is my first non-musical role in a very long time.

Why do you think people should come see The Triangle Fire Factory Project? The story is a significant part of history. It was this fire that was the catalyst for changes in building codes, the implementation of fire drills, and better working conditions for women and immigrants. The play explores the historical, political and social ramifications that resulted from this seminal event, and examines the continuing modern day concerns of corporate greed and responsibility, and the moral and ethical issues surrounding the question, “what is the value of a human life?” Also, the way our director has decided to stage the show is sure to have an effect on the audience and have their feelings run the gamut.

Worst job you ever had, and why? Probably the worst job I ever had was working the graveyard shift at the 7-11 that used to be on 99 St. and 90 Ave. one summer. There was supposed to be two people working the shift, but my co-worker often/always called in sick leaving me to work alone. There were several “interesting” incidents at that location during the graveyard shift while I was employed, and there were several times I did not feel all that safe. During one shift, a customer came in asking where the bathroom was, and I looked up to see his face covered in blood — all I could do was point in the direction of the bathroom.

The Triangle Factory Fire Project runs October 10-20, 2018.
Click here for tickets.

Introducing the Cast and Creative Team of THE GREAT GATSBY

Welcome new and returning Walterdale Members to the Cast and Creative Team of The Great Gatsby. We’re looking forward to heading to the Roaring 20’s with all of you!

CAST:

Gatsby- Patrick Maloney
Daisy- Melenie Reid
Nick Carraway- Simon Pawlowski
Jordan Baker- Kendra Humphrey
Tom- Ed Medeiros
Myrtle- Samantha VandenBrink
George Wilson- Phillip Haverkamp
Mrs. Mckee/ Mrs. Michaels- Rosie Sargent

Ensemble
Goran Simonji
Graham Schmitz
Jericho Cabinas
Kosta Max Lemermeyer
Samuel Bronson
Ricardo Espinoza
Veronica Masik
Jeannine Naboye
Anika Plitt
Julianna Hunt
Juhi Gupta
Dara Michelle Downey

CREATIVE TEAM:

Production Manager: TBD
Director: Bethany Hughes
Assistant Director: Rachel Love Haverkamp
Musical Director/Composer/Coordinator: Matt Graham
Stage Manager: Jordan Campion
Choreographer: Jennifer Bilyk
Fight Choreographer: Adara Broyles
Costume Designer: Julieanna Salisbury Lazowski
Lighting Designer: TBD
Sound Designer: Rachel Love Haverkamp/ Matt Graham
Set Designer/Master Painter: Joan Hawkins
Master Builder: Pierre Valios
Props Master: Alyssa Paterson
Sound Op: TBD
Lighting OP: TBD