Kristen Finlay – Page 20 – Walterdale Theatre

Saint Maggie Productions present UNSUSPICIOUS at the 2016 Edmonton International Fringe

You are cordially invited to an intimate hour of tea, oleander, secrets and sins. Three generations of women tell you their stories, share their spirit of survival, and the depths of their depravity. This is the fourth Edmonton International Fringe Festival for Saint Maggie Productions, and this year they are bringing you a tale of love, betrayal, tradition and loyalty.

Winner: Outstanding New Work – StageStruck! 2016

“…you will belly laugh, gasp with terror, sink with sorrow, and most importantly, you will not be able to take your eyes off of them.” – Alberta Theatre Guide

Cast:
Angelique: Marcia Anderson (Best Little Whorehouse in Texas, Much Ado About Nothing)
Amelie: Nicole Grainger (Choreographer for Dracula)
Antoinette: Elizabeth Grierson
Writer / Director: Maria Colonescu (Weird Sisters, Dracula)
Sound Design: Darrell Portz (Director for Dracula, Weird Sisters)
Props: Sue Portz (Master Painter for Dracula)

Pop Goes the Opera presents CAVALLERIA RUSTICANA at the Edmonton International Fringe

Featuring Walterdale Members Christina O’Dell, Russ Farmer and Lyndsey Cohen!

Pop Goes the Opera is proud to present Cavalleria Rusticana at the 35th Edmonton International Fringe Festival! An opera masterpiece with music to die for, Mascagni’s Cavalleria Rusticana is a passionate exploration of love and betrayal in rustic Sicily. Turiddu returns from military service to find his beloved married to another man. As the tragedy unfolds, the characters spiral into a passionate storm of jealousy and revenge. True to the “verismo” style it represents, this one-act opera portrays the realistic troubles of realistic people, who are simply so overcome by the situations they face that merely speaking their feelings does not suffice; emotions bubble over and voices soar in glorious song, promising an unforgettable experience for audiences at the 2016 Fringe Festival!

Cavalleria Rusticana is Pop Goes the Opera’s inaugural production; it is both a labour of love and a dream come true for it’s Edmontonian cast and crew. The company was formed by friends with the intent of sharing a love and understanding of this unique art form with the community as a whole, while showcasing the immensely talented operatic performers who call Edmonton home. The cast is comparatively large for a fringe show (5 principal singers supported by a chorus of 14 and an orchestra of 4). Additionally, members of choirs around the city have joined us for the singing of the opera’s grand chorus showpiece the “Easter Hymn”. Our show is very much a community effort; very apt given that we portray a tight knit Italian community onstage. We hope that audiences will, for the brief time we are together, be able to share in this sense of community with us. In fact, we are so excited for people to share in our world that printed copies of the well known “Easter Hymn” will be available to audience members who want to join in the singing of this iconic piece, accompanied by the magnificent organ at Holy Trinity Church!

Cast:

Turridu: Andrea Pinna
Lola: Kimberley McMann
Alfio: Bertrand Malo
Santuzza: Janine Bremault Bamford
Lucia: Stephanie Bent

Chorus: Lydia-Ann Levesque, Jill Hoogewoonink, Heeyun Park, Betty Kolodziej, Julia Grigaitis, Christina O’Dell, Glynis Price, Rob Rock, Francis Price, Mathew Glenn, Gavin Belik, Russ Farmer, Fred Kasujja, & Tim Lo

Orchestra:
Kim Cousineau (piano)
Ria Busink (organ)
Mindy Lamont (cello)
Lyndsey Cohen (oboe)

Director: Glynis Price
Assistant Director: Jill Hoogewoonink
Music Director/Conductor: Stuart Sladden

Foote in the Door Productions presents EDGES at the 2016 Edmonton Fringe

Walterdale members Sam Banigan, Frank Keller, Kathleen Sera, Ruth Wong-Miller, and Athena Gordon are part of Edges, presented by Foote in the Door Productions this Fringe.

Foote in the Door Productions brings this Off-Broadway musical comedy to the Edmonton Fringe. “EDGES” is directed by Athena Gordon, with Music Direction by Erin Craig.

EDGES is a contemporary song cycle penned by rising artists Benj Pasek and Justin Paul, most known for their shows Dogfight, Dear Evan Hansen, and A Christmas Story. The show examines the lives of four millennials and their journey of self-discovery, in real life situations which leave us feeling like we are, for better or worse, on the edge of something new.

Note from Director Athena Gordon: “From the question of “What am I going to do with my life?” to relationship issues, loss, and the struggle to be who we are, audiences will find it easy to connect with the characters and the stories they tell.”

Venue: Hi Edmonton Hostel-Common Room
Running time: 80 minutes
Cost: $13.00 www.tickets.fringetheatre.ca

Foote in the Door is an Edmonton based performance collective that was established by students who met in 2013 at Citadel’s Foote Theatre School.

Generalizer Productions presents WITH YOU by Shawn Pallier

Walterdale member Shawn Pallier (Much Ado About Nothing) has written With You, which he will be presenting at the 2016 Edmonton International Fringe, about the journey he took after the loss of his mother, from trying to understand her & her mental illness to his own struggles in a maze of paths that he hoped would lead to healing.

“April 6, 2000: My mom took her own life at the Alberta Hospital, and I was going to have to learn what to do with death.”

Shawn says: I hope those who see this performance will no longer feel alone if they have had feelings like mine. To lose someone in any way, not just through suicide, but in any way whatsoever can always feel too soon. If you are grieving or have grieved, I hope I can bring peace of mind and healing to you through this piece.

Written and Performed by: Shawn Pallier
Director: Leslie Winter
Stage Managers: Leslie Winter & Jennifer Foote

Technical Consultant: Anglia Redding

Straight Edge Theatre presents Bat Boy: The Musical at The 2016 Edmonton Fringe

Bat Boy: The Musical features the following Walterdale Alumni:

Nadine Veroba – Actor

Amanda Neufeld – Director

Molly Mackinnon – Actor

Bethany Hughes – Producer

Bat Boy: The Musical is the hilariously irreverent and satirical musical based on the widely popular 90s tabloid article from The Weekly World News featuring a half-man and half-bat boy found in the cave and on the run from government officials. Set in the backwards hick town of Hope Falls in West Virginia coal mining district, Bat Boy: The Musical tells the tale of the titular Bat Boy when, after being discovered feral and savage by a trio of spelunking hooligan teenagers, is given over to the care of the towns local veterinarian (Dr. Parker), for a lack of a better solution. The Parker begin the task of to assimilate the Bat Boy (whom they name Edgar) to human life and, most importantly, civilized culture. Edgar proves himself to be a quick study in language, education and decorum (thanks to some old BBC video tapes), and Dr. Parker’s wife and daughter soon find themselves forming a close bond with the boy much to the Doctors discontent.

Will Edgar ever find acceptance and friendship in a town that fears and distrusts him?

Will he ever find companionship or even love?

And will he ever be able to control his insatiable need for human blood?!

Bat Boy: The Musical will reveal all and so much more in this hilarious rock/pop musical romp which serves as a brilliant theatrical metaphor for the dangers of prejudice, intolerance, and provincialism while dealing with the controversial subject matter of rape, incest, and domestic abuse. Prepare to be amazed and offended!

La Cite – Venue 39 8627 Rue Marie-Anne Gaboury

Shows:

Aug 11, 11:15pm

Aug 12, 10:15pm

Aug 13, 8:30pm

Aug 14, 1:00pm

Aug 15, 9:45pm

Aug 16, 8:00pm

Aug 17, 6:00pm

Aug 18, 2:00pm

Aug 19, 9:45pm

Tickle Trunk Productions Presents CONFESSIONS OF A MIDDLE AGED DRAMA QUEEN

To be or not to be a Drama Queen…. that is the question!

Confessions of a Middle Aged Drama Queen, a new work by Walterdale member, Erika Conway, is a comedy about self discovery, overcoming obstacles and managing a desire to meet a hot strapping fireman! Erika has always had a deep desire to see more women in roles for theatre and film so she decided the best way to do this was to start creating opportunities herself.

Location:
Varscona Hotel on Whyte
8208 106 Street Northwest, Edmonton

Show dates and times:
August 11 8:00pm August 17 8:00pm
August 12 2:00pm, 8:00pm August 18 8:00pm
August 13 2:00pm, 8:00pm August 19 2:00pm, 8:00pm
August 14 2:00pm, 8:00pm August 20 2:00pm, 8:00pm
August 16 8:00pm August 21 2:00pm, 8:00pm

Confessions of A Middle Aged Drama Queen is the story of Madelyn Sharp who wants nothing more than to be loved and adored. Her quirky ways, imagination and perspective on life has saved her from going to the dark side too often but also finds her in very unique experiences. Reality and her dreams just don’t get along……and this is the struggle she faces as she makes her way to discovering what is on the other side of the door.

Erika was formerly seen at Walterdale in Much Ado About Nothing and And Then The Lights Went Out.

Introducing the Cast and Creative Team for RED by John Logan

Red
By John Logan
Directed by Bethany Hughes
On Stage: October 12-22, 2016

John Logan’s Red follows the apprenticeship of Ken, a young painter, under the volatile and famous abstract expressionist Mark Rothko. He mixes paint, runs errands, and clean s brushes, but he ends up being the audience for Rothko’s beliefs about art and the world. When Rothko is commissioned to produced a grand piece of art, Ken turns the table of Rothko and his beliefs.

“There is only one thing I fear in life, my friend… One day the black will swallow the red.”

Cast:
Rothko – Mark Finlay
Ken – Ben Osgood

Creative Team:
Director – Bethany Hughes
Mentor Director – Sarah Van Tassel
Stage Manager – Anglia Redding
Production Manager – Catherine Wenschlag
Set Designer – Joan Hawkins
Light Designer – Brad Melrose
Sound Designer – Daniel Belland
Costume Designer – Geri Dittrich
Props Manager – TBA
Assistant Stage Manager – TBA
LX Operator – Laura Ly
Sound Operator – TBA
Master Builder – Alan Westen
Master Painter – TBA

Meet the Cast of CHESS – Kate Wylie is Svetlana!

What is your role in Chess? I am playing the character of Svetlana, Anatoly’s (the Russian Chess Champion) wife. She faces a lot of struggles including being a woman in communist Russia and dealing with a dying marriage. Her future is very uncertain through much of the production.

What is your background in theatre? At Walterdale? I grew up doing theatre – musical theatre in particular. I am a graduate of the MacEwan Theatre Arts Program, although in those days it was Grant MacEwan College. When I moved back to Edmonton from Toronto after a very long hiatus from theatre, I did my first production at the Walterdale – Nine. I then had another opportunity to work with the amazing Kristen Finlay and Sally Hunt again on The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee with ELOPE theatre. Since then I have been away from the theatre completing my MBA. It feels great to be back at Walterdale!

What brought you out for this show? What drew you to it? I grew up listening to the LP of the original concept album of Chess. I am definitely showing my age when I say it was an LP! It has always been one of my favourite musicals. The music is fantastic and full of interesting layers. In spite of the fact that it is such an amazing show, it rarely gets produced. Because of that, I had to jump at the chance to do it. Lucky for me, our lovely director was willing to accommodate my rather crazy schedule, which included a study tour in Europe during the rehearsal period. Thanks again for that Kristen!

Why do you think audiences should come see this show? What do you think they will take away from it? The music first and foremost! There are such great tunes in this show. The show also provides an interesting journey back into the years of the Cold War. The 1980’s do not seem like they were that long ago but the world has changed an absolutely incredible amount since then. It’s fascinating looking back.

Chess is a Board Game… What’s your favorite Board Game? Why? Got any funny game-playing stories? My favourite game to play is Cribbage. I grew up in rural Saskatchewan, where everyone plays Crib and my great-grandmother (G.G. we called her) taught us all to play, usually around the tender age of 8. She was ruthless! She would steal your points if you didn’t count them right. Needless to say you learned how to count properly pretty quickly! My husband and I also played Crib on our first date….maybe that sounds lame and I should be ashamed to admit it but it was sweet and fun. I won both games – he’ll claim he let me win but knowing how competitive he is there’s no way that’s true!

Meet the Cast of CHESS – Alyssa Paterson is in the Ensemble

What is your role in the production? I’m in the ensemble, which I love because it means I get to portray all kinds of characters, from a Russian translator to a Hungarian refugee to a Thai dancer! The ensemble gets to sing some really intricate harmonies and fun vocal lines, which is a fun challenge.

What is your background in theatre? At Walterdale? I grew up wanting to go into musical theatre, acting in high school productions and taking voice and dance lessons. Due to issues with my vocal cords, I’ve been away from the theatre for over 10 years, and I’m so excited to be back! This is my first show at Walterdale.

What brought you out for this show? What drew you to it? I grew up listening to and singing along with the music of Chess (I’d often sing the love duets with myself as both the male and female characters). When I saw that Walterdale was presenting it, I knew I had to audition!

Why do you think audiences should come see this show? What do you think they will take away from it? One word: ABBA! The music was written by the male half of ABBA, and is completely amazing. Despite knowing a lot of the music ahead of time, I was surprised by how many of the lesser-known songs are unique and well-written – even people who are familiar with the show will come away pleasantly surprised! We also have a very talented cast, crew and musicians.

Chess is a Board Game… What’s your favorite Board Game? Why? Got any funny game-playing stories? When I was a kid, my favourite game was Pay Day; I’d always be the banker and would pretend to be in charge of everything. Having played it again recently, I realized it’s not a lot of fun to play as an adult – when you receive real bills in the mail, getting pretend ones isn’t nearly as thrilling.

Meet the Cast of CHESS – Melanie Lafleur is The Arbiter

What is your role in the production? I will be portraying the role of The Arbiter in Chess. As the official representative of the World Chess Organization, The Arbiter is responsible for all actions that take place during each chess match. The Arbiter is judge and jury, making the final call on all items related to the game and it’s participants. In short, I am the boss.

What is your background in theatre? At Walterdale? I have been singing, dancing and performing as long as I can remember. I have had the opportunity to perform on a variety of stages both in professional and community settings. I returned to the stage last year after a 9 year hiatus. Chess marks my second performance with the Walterdale, last seen all the way back in 2001.

What brought you out for this show? What drew you to it? I remember discovering this show first when I was in high school and falling in love the the intricate music and dark, yet moving story. I was excited when I heard the Walterdale was planning the production and decided early on that I would love a chance to sing some of the rock-infused music!

Why do you think audiences should come see this show? What do you think they will take away from it? Chess tells the story of a significant time in human history. The names and places may differ from our reality, but the themes are everlasting. The struggles and ideological differences these character face are universal no matter what the issues being discussed. I hope the audience is reminded that home is where the heart is. And that the greatest sacrifice we can make is to give of ourselves completely.

Chess is a Board Game… What’s your favorite Board Game? Why? Got any funny game-playing stories? My favorite game is Skip-Bo! I love card games. My best friend and I have played the game so much that we even have our own rules! Some that involve new positions such as “Skip-Bo Fairy” and “Shuffle Queen”. I have always enjoyed strategy games and have been known to play a round or two of Chess myself.