Meet the Team of All My Sons – John Anderson is the Director!

Tell us about your role on this production: I’m the Director of this production. All My Sons is one of my favourite plays, meaning it was on my directing bucket list, so it is a thrill to be working on this show with such a talented cast, crew, and supporting Board of Directors.

Why should audiences come to see All My Sons? Like the Greek classics, All My Sons has an effectively orchestrated plot that gives the narrative a momentum that is engaging and tense for audiences. Also, Arthur Miller is one of the finest playwrights of the past century, and this work is one of his supreme achievements. If you want to see a masterpiece of the Dramatic Arts, look no further!

What would you say would be a highlight of working on All My Sons so far? Seeing the cast come together through the audition process, the actors we chose are fitting their roles very well. In rehearsals, they have the intelligence, the charisma, and the chemistry with one another to make their lines and the psychology of their characters ring true. It is so fulfilling to work with actors this talented.

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? The people that know me in my work life as an Accountant are surprised to learn about how involved I am in the Arts. Meanwhile, the people in the theatre are surprised to learn I’m an Accountant by day. To me, these opposites compliment each other well in that I get to use both my left and my right brain, thanks to my work life balance.

Tell us your thoughts about horoscopes: Like a number of characters in this play — not including Frank and Kate — I tend to ignore horoscopes. However, I understand that they hold an important place in some people’s lives.

All My Sons by Arthur Miller, directed by John Anderson, runs October 11-21, 2023. Tickets can be purchased here.

Meet the Cast of All My Sons – Ursula Pattloch is Kate Keller!

What is your role in this production? I play the role of Kate Keller (or Mother). She is such an interesting, fun character to play! She is loving, controlling, caring, manipulating, cruel, kind, irrational at times and very complex. She claims she is ignorant but is exceptionally intelligent.

Why should audiences come to see All My Sons? This is definitely a play you do not want to miss. You will be laughing one minute, sitting on the edge of your seat the next, then totally shocked the next. Plus… Arthur Miller …so the writing is profound and thought provoking.

What would you says has been a highlight of working on the show so far? Working with the cast & crew so far has been wonderful. Exceptionally talented! Incredible to see the characters coming alive in rehearsals bit by bit.

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? Hmmmm… I’m a huge nerd! Yup love Star Trek, Marvel (not DC), Harry Potter and really any Sci.-Fi., Fantasy themed TV show, Film, Play or Novel. So yes… the answer is 42 & I will bring a towel!

Tell us your thoughts about horoscopes: My character Kate is a huge believer! I, on the other hand, am a Capricorn so am far too practical to believe in horoscopes 🙂

All My Sons by Arthur Miller runs October 11 to 21, 2023. Tickets are available here.

Meet the Cast of All My Sons – Colin Stewart plays George Deever!

What is your role in the production? I’m playing George Deever (Ann’s brother) who shows up at the Keller’s after visiting his father in jail. He’s on mission to reveal the truth about Joe.

Why should audiences come to see All My Sons? I think people should come see All My Sons because it’s a great story with a lot of depth that will keep you engaged to the very end. Plus, the cast and the production team have done an amazing job at bringing the characters and their world to life.

What would you say would be a highlight of working on All My Sons so far? I’ve enjoyed the rehearsal process a lot, everyone is super collaborative. I really appreciate the attention to detail and the thought that the director and all of my castmates have put into crafting each character and their performances. I’ve learned so much working with everyone involved and I love that.

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 think most people I meet for the first time wouldn’t guess I’m an actor…SURPRISE!!

Tell us your thoughts about horoscopes: I only believe in horoscopes when they align with what I already believe to be true about myself.

All My Sons by Arthur Miller runs from October 11 – 21, 2023. Tickets can be purchased here.

Meet the Cast of All My Sons: Dave Wolkowski is Joe Keller

What is your role in this production? I play Joe Keller, husband, father, and patriarch of the Keller family. Before the play begins, he and his business partner owned a munitions business that manufactured and shipped faulty aircraft engines to the Air Force during World War II. As a result, both were arrested but only Joe’s partner went to prison for the crime. Joe appears to be successful and happy, but he is actually tormented and plagued with feelings of guilt. These feelings must somehow need to be dealt in the face of family issues that are coming to a head.

What would you say would be a highlight of working on All My Sons so far? A highlight for me is to have the opportunity once again to perform on the stage at Walterdale Theatre and to have John Anderson direct me in such a powerful play.

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? People may be surprised to learn that I was an “early bloomer” in some respects in the areas of education and employment. I started university at age 16 and, at the same time, began working as an all night disc jockey at the country music radio station to help pay for my university. By the way, they may further be surprised that I’m no longer a fan of country music.

Why should audiences come to see All My Sons? To see a production of a play written by Arthur Miller, considered one of the 20th century’s greatest dramatists. His writing career spanned over seven decades. Miller won a Tony award for All My Sons which was first performed and published in 1947.

Meet the Cast of ALL MY SONS – Lee Conrad is Dr. Jim Bayliss

What is your role in this production? I play the role of Dr. Jim Bayliss. He’s the neighborhood doctor and friend to The Keller family. He’s a practical man who longs to be a little more than he is, but he’s nagged on by his wife to make money which makes him

What would you say would be a highlight of working on All My Sons so far? The collaboration process has been good thus far. Ideas are easily shared amongst the cast and the director doesn’t mind trying different things to get to the heart of a scene.

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 once came very close to changing my religion for a girl I was very much in love with.

Why should audiences come to see All My Sons? Audiences should come to see this play as it tackles topics of family trauma, truths, societal perceptions and acceptance. It’s a story about trying to move on from uncomfortable truths and looking for some semblance of redemption once a secret is out.

Tell us your thoughts about horoscopes: Horoscopes can be fun in the moment but I never take them seriously.

You can catch Lee Conrad as Dr. Jim Bayliss in All My Sons by Arthur Miller, running at Walterdale Theatre from October 11-21, 2023.

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.