Kristen Finlay – Page 2 – Walterdale Theatre

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.

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.

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 Realistic Joneses – Zack Siezmagraff

Zack Siezmagraff is playing Bob Jones!

Hi Zack, tell us about your character in The Realistic Joneses:

Bob is in his late 30s, coping with a rare neurological disorder and the effect it is having on his life, his marriage, and his relationship with his neighbours.

What is your background in theatre?

This is my 4th show at the Walterdale. Previous Walterdale credits: A Day in Hollywood/A Night in the Ukraine, Anything Goes!, and Boeing-Boeing. I have also appeared with East of Sixty, Foote in the Door, Blackout Sketch Comedy, ELOPE, Two One Way Tickets to Broadway, and the Citadel Theatre.

What brought you out for The Realistic Joneses?

I normally like to do comedy or farce; I was drawn to this show by the writing of Will Eno, who is both absurd and incredibly realistic at the same time. Playing Bob has been a rewarding and challenging experience.

What are you enjoying the most about working on this show so far?

This play has so many textual levels. The more we dive into it together, the more I appreciate how great this show is.

Why do you think people should come see The Realistic Joneses at the Walterdale?

This is a play unlike any I’ve seen in a long time; the writing is relatable and done in a very innovative and refreshing way. Audiences will be both challenged and entertained.

Who’s your favourite Celebrity Jones and why?

Carolyn Jones! She was the TV Morticia Addams and also camped it up as Marsha, Queen of Diamonds on the 60s Batman.

Meet the Cast of The Realistic Joneses – Colleen Allen

Colleen Allen is playing Jennifer Jones!

Hi Colleen, tell us about your character in The Realistic Joneses:

Jennifer is a caregiver, a bookkeeper and a dreamer. Wearing a facade of smiles and sarcasm, she wonders what else might have become of her life and how she ended up in this small mountain town.

What is your background in theatre?

It’s been three decades since I’ve been on stage in Edmonton – or anywhere for that matter! In my youth, I was in theatre school and productions at the Citadel, ITV (now Global) commercials, and played Mary Lennox in the Stage Polaris production of The Secret Garden. Since that time, I studied to become a Registered Nurse with a Masters in Public Health. I’ve worked in research and clinical practice with refugees, harm reduction programs and low-risk obstetrics in Canada and Australia, and started a family.

What brought you out for The Realistic Joneses?

It was 1:34 AM on a random night when I found myself searching for auditions. I thought to myself, “Well, I’ll start auditioning, take some acting classes and see what happens.” Next thing I know, I’ve signed up for The Realistic Joneses audition thinking it will be fun to stretch those tired ol’ acting chops again. Never in my wildest dreams did I think I’d be working with this amazing team on an actual stage bringing this strange, quirky, beautiful script to life.

What are you enjoying the most about working on this show so far?

Learning from the much more experienced cast and discovering the many layers of the script with the whole team.

Why do you think people should come see The Realistic Joneses at the Walterdale?

The Realistic Joneses is funny, weird, comforting, tragic and cryptic in all the best ways possible. It will take you out of the real world and plunk you down into a realistic world that has you laughing, questioning, and empathizing with four characters doing the best they can to get through the day, fix lamps, and say goodbye to dead squirrels.

Who’s your favourite Celebrity Jones and why?

Jessica Jones in the Marvel Universe. She kicks ass with no apologies and a whiskey in her hand. And she can fly.

Meet the Cast of The Realistic Joneses – Brooke Hodgson

Brooke Hodgson is playing Pony Jones!

Hi Brooke, tell us about your character in The Realistic Joneses:

Pony is a young married woman who just moved to a small town with her husband to start a new life together. With a bubbly energy about her, she also struggles to find balance and handle the very real and difficult relationships and events within her life. Pony has a strong dependence on her husband John, and yet has difficulty communicating her needs, and let alone understand his. However, she contains an air of desperate cheeriness about her as a way to face her day to day life.

What is your background in theatre?

I have been involved in theatre since I was a young girl. From my first role as Dorothy Gale in The Wizard of Oz, I knew that performing is where my passion lies. I have been in many plays and musicals since then, stemming from Mel Brooks to Victor Hugo to Shakespeare. I have a Bachelor of Arts in Drama from the University of Alberta, and since then have been teaching theatre at Lillian Osborne High School in Edmonton. Coming back from a five year hiatus from acting, as I have been primarily directing for the past five years, I am overjoyed to be back continuing my passion. This is my first Walterdale production, and I am absolutely delighted to create art alongside such a great team!

What brought you out for The Realistic Joneses?

I read a Will Eno play rather recently called Middletown, and I absolutely fell in love with his writing. The way that his characters interact with each other is so natural and real, and there is complex subtext that lies behind every single line. As an actor, I get really excited to dive deeper into what’s hidden, what’s indirectly referred to, or what’s not said at all. This play is not just a comedy; it’s about finding the comedy within the tragedy – and I think that’s beautiful. There are so many golden moments and lessons to take from the dialogue that really changed my own perspective on things. While there are moments of laughter and pure hilarity, there are also times that reflect the existential nature of life. This is definitely the type of play that will have you cracking up, while also leaving you with something to think about or be inspired by.

What are you enjoying the most about working on this show so far?

We have such a talented cast and dedicated crew. There are so many things that happen behind the scenes that are just absolutely incredible. Every time I come into rehearsal, there is always something new in the space to admire. We have a bunch of dedicated people both on and off the stage. Also, working with our director John has been a great experience. His passion and deep knowledge of the play and its characters has been such a great help making each scene come to life. My fellow cast members have also been incredible to work with, and I leave every rehearsal with a smile.

Why do you think people should come see The Realistic Joneses at the Walterdale?

There is something for everyone in this show. There is light-hearted humour, and a guaranteed good laugh. However, there is also this great sense of community in sharing the intimacy of the human experience that is so thrilling to experience in a live show. You’re guaranteed to see a bit of yourself in the play at some point, and it might even teach you a little bit about the way we are as people. I think living in 2022, and the state of the world being quite dismal at times, the play provides that bit of escapism but also that bit of community and relatability in how each character deals with their world, and the conflicts that weigh on them. Though the characters have drastic problems with communication, Will Eno masterfully crafts each and every line, and the poetic nature of the words alone is enough of a reason to come check it out!

Who’s your favourite Celebrity Jones and why? Given that I just directed Chicago with my students, I am going to have to go with Catherine Zeta-Jones. Beyond her work as Velma in Chicago, her versatility as an actress is something I look up to.

Meet the Production Team of The Realistic Joneses – Justine Makowecki

Justine Makowecki is the Stage Manager!

Hi Justine, tell us about your role on The Realistic Joneses:

As a stage manager, I call the show and make sure information is communicated to the necessary people. I am responsible for taking notes at rehearsals to keep track of what we have done. I also keep track of time to make sure everything goes smoothly.

What is your background in theatre?

I graduated last year from the Technical Theatre diploma at Vancouver Island University (VIU) in Nanaimo, BC. Until now, I have only stage managed shows as a part of school. This is my first time stage managing in Edmonton and first time at the Walterdale Theatre. While at VIU, I also co-directed Rocky Horror Picture Show in 2019 with a classmate.

What brought you out for The Realistic Joneses?

The director’s brother reached out to my partner, Yuri, and asked if either Yuri or I have stage management experience. Yuri mentioned I had, then the next thing I knew, I was on the team as the stage manager! I wanted to work on the show because I wanted to get involved in the theatre community within Edmonton.

What are you enjoying the most about working on this show so far?

Meeting new people. making connections, and building my skills as a stage manager.

Why do you think people should come see The Realistic Joneses at Walterdale?

Since the pandemic has halted live theatre and it’s now back, I think this is the perfect time for people to support community theatre.

Who’s your favourite Celebrity Jones and why?

Hard to say, but I’ll go with Richard T. Jones. I’ve watched him in Criminal Minds and Grey’s Anatomy.

Meet the Production Team of The Realistic Joneses – Megan Reti

Megan Reti is the Costume Designer!

Hi Megan, tell us about your role on The Realistic Joneses:

I basically determine how the characters look (with direction from the director, of course). I think about who each character is and how that might translate into how they dress and style themselves. I do everything from putting together a costume mood board for each character to purchasing pieces to fittings to alterations to planning who wears what when, not to mention also considering hair and make-up!

What is your background in theatre?

This is my third show with Walterdale as costume designer.

What brought you out for The Realistic Joneses?

I’m a full-time university student in the fall and winter, so a summer show fits perfectly in my summer break.

What are you enjoying the most about working on this show so far?

The characters are complex and constructing a look for each character based on the script and what each actor brings to the role has been interesting.

Why do you think people should come see The Realistic Joneses at Walterdale?

Because it’s funny and thought-provoking at the same time. Plus the costumes are pretty cool 😉

Who’s your favourite Celebrity Jones and why?

Tommy Lee Jones – He reminds me of hanging out with my dad and older brothers as a kid watching Lonesome Dove. Plus MIB is a classic!