Author: Kristen Finlay

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1. What is your role on the production? Hi there! My name is Bailey Ferchoff, and I am the costume designer for this dazzling production of Altar Boyz.
2. What is your background in theatre? At Walterdale? Really, the world of production/theatre design was something that I fell into completely by chance. My background lies in years of dance, as well as the occasional acting class I took at the Citadel when I was very young; because of this, theatre wasn’t outside the scope of my interests, but it didn’t present itself as my passion until my post-secondary education. When I stumbled upon the BFA Theatre Design Program at the U of A, where it was hidden in the deepest recesses of the program search results, I figured I might just give this unfamiliar, yet extremely intriguing career path a try. Luckily for me, it certainly worked out! I can’t imagine a more fulfilling profession where you are able to surround yourself with the most kind, inspiring, innovative, and collaborative people you will ever meet. People don’t lie when they say theatre is like a family… Or do they say, “cult”?
   This is my first year at Walterdale, and I am so pleased to be part of such a welcoming and creative organisation that is dedicated to cultivating a flourishing theatre community here in Edmonton!
3. Why did you want to be a part of this show? My name was passed along for the role of costume designer on this production, so this was also something that I fell into! However, as soon as I read through the script and saw who would be working on the production with me, I knew the entire show would be absolutely fantastic. The opportunity for me to pile on the glitter was also too good to pass up!
4. Why should people come see the show? I think this show would be a great night of entertainment for a very wide audience. It is definitely a spectacle, and it promises to offer an evening of glitz, flashy lights, audience participation, incredibly catchy music, and those classic boy band moves you really don’t want to miss out on!
5. What’s your favourite boy band song and why? My favorite boy band song would have to be It’s Gonna Be Me by *NSYNC. My affinity for that song stems entirely from their particularly bold and creative pronunciation of the word “me”.

Click here to watch and listen to It’s Gonna Be Me by *NSYNC

Click here to purchase tickets to Altar Boyz!

1. Hi there Jenn! What is your role in this production? I am the Stage Manager for Altar Boyz. During rehearsals my job is to write everything down so that later when someone forgets where they enter or where they are standing during a scene I have the answer. As we get closer to opening I am “on book” which means I call lines when people forget. I also facilitate communication between the rehearsals and the creative team as well as create rehearsal schedules. This mainly just means I take lots of notes and send lots of emails. During the run of the show I can be found in the booth “calling the show”. Basically that means that I am giving the lighting and sound operators cues to go and communicating with my Assistant Stage Manager backstage.

2. What is your background in theatre? At Walterdale? I took drama classes in junior high but then life got in the way and I didn’t peruse theatre after that. When I moved to Edmonton I needed something to fill my time so I began taking vocal lessons and acting classes and it reminded me how much I loved theatre. In 2016 my friend Louise asked me to be ASM for a show she was working on, Boeing Boeing, and I was hooked. Since then I have been involved with Walterdale in many capacities; I acted in The Women and last year’s From Cradle to Stage, I was a sound operator for Leave of Absence, I joined the Board of Directors this summer as the Secretary, and  I will be the Props Master for the upcoming 5@50 in April.

3. Why did you want to be a part of this show? I originally came on board with this show as the Assistant Director, but stepped into the role of Stage Manager after auditions. I wanted to gain experience with directing and was ecstatic to be working with such an incredible team. Gregory Caswell (director), Bethany Hughes (choreographer) and Sally Hunt (musical director) are all artists I look up to greatly (talent crush is probably a more appropriate phrase) and I have learned so much from working with them. Despite my shift to the stage manager role, Gregory been incredible in involving me in the creative process and teaching me about directing. 

4. Why should audiences come see this show? Audiences should come see this production because it is incredible in so many aspects. Many people have put countless hours into making this a top notch performance. The costumes are flashy and fierce, the lighting gives an effortless concert feel, the set is the perfect place for this show to unfold, the choreography is just the right amount of cheesy boy band moves, the music is amazing, and the band blows it out of the water each night, and the boyz are incredible singers and dancers who really bring their characters to life. I am so excited to welcome audiences to our show as they are a huge part of the atmosphere we are hoping to create.

5. What’s your favourite boy band song and why? I was originally going to say Get Down by B44, but Renell already used that one (I guess great minds think alike). My second favourite would have to be Bye Bye Bye by *NSync. I remember my sister listening to that song over and over again when we were kids and that one really stuck with me. A lot of guys used that when auditioning for this show, and I loved it every time!

Click here to watch and listen to Bye Bye Bye by *NSync!

Click here to purchase tickets to Altar Boyz!

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1. Hi Sally! What is your role on the production? I am the music director. My job is to work with the actors on the vocals (there are some terrific intricate pop harmonies), as well as working with band.  This show’s “pop” sound is quite different from the usual musical theatre sound.  It’s been really fun to put it together.

2. What is your background in theatre? At Walterdale? I’ve been doing theatre for many years.  I work with numerous companies, and teach musical theatre at the Citadel Theatre’s Foote Theatre School.  My most recent musicals at Walterdale  include “next to normal”, “Chess” and  “Nine”.  I’ve also assisted several plays where there is a musical element, and performed for the Walterdale 60^th Anniversary Gala in June.

3. Why did you want to be a part of this show? Gregory and I use to teach together at FTS, and we developed a great working and creative relationship.  The opportunity to work with him again (and with Bethany as choreographer) was something I just couldn’t pass up.

4. Why should audiences come see the show? This show is so much fun!!!  The Boys are amazingly talented, and audiences will love them!  It’s an evening of great entertainment, and a perfect way to kick off the holiday season.

5. What’s your favourite boy band song and why? Well, I grew up in the 80’s, so I definitely love me some Duran Duran.  But for a more typical 90’s  “boy band” song, I’ve always enjoyed “No Matter What”, performed by Boyzone. (And it’s from a musical, so it spans both worlds.)

Click here to watch and listen to Boyzone singing No Matter What.

Click here to purchase ticket to ALTAR BOYZ – Running December 4-14 at Walterdale Playhouse!

1. Hi David! Who do you play in Altar Boyz? I play Abraham! Abe is the hip hop loving lyricist of the Altar Boyz and is always working hard to make sure everyone (including himself) feels that they belong. 
2. What is your background in theatre? My first role was in Kindergarten as The (Self Proclaimed) Mayor of Munchkin City in my elementary school’s production of The Wizard of Oz, and I’ve been in countless shows since.  In April I graduated from MacEwan University’s Theatre Arts Program and most recently played Oscar Delancey in Disney’s Newsies with Theatre Under the Stars in Vancouver, B.C.  Altar Boyz will be my Walterdale Debut and I couldn’t ask for a more perfect show or team!
3. Why did you want to be a part of this show? As soon as the auditions were posted, I gave the show a listen and knew that I absolutely HAD to be in this production.  The music is amazing and the jokes are hilarious!
4. Why should audiences come see the show? Everything about this show is incredible, the costumes, lights, choreography, performances, EVERYTHING. 
5. What’s your favourite boy band song and why? I Want It That Way by the Backstreet Boys, an absolute classic and I used it for my audition song and look where I am now.

Click here to watch the Backstreet Boys video for I Want It That Way!

Altar Boyz runs December 4-14! Click here for tickets!

1. Hi Joe! What is your role in this production? Musician: I am the drummer and digging the fact that I have a real costume for this show!
2. What is your background in theatre? At Walterdale? Despite being a long time semi-real musician (ie. I have a day job) I did not get involved with musical theatre until a little over 10 years ago. Being versed in varied percussion instruments has allowed me to be involved in many shows with various musical styles. I was fortunate to get involved with Walterdale a couple of years ago starting with Next to Normal followed by The Light in the Piazza, so Altar Boyz will be my third show with this great company.
3. Why did you want to be a part of this show? I relish any chance to be involved in a Walterdale production so when Sally Hunt (musical director) asked if I wanted to perform in the show it was an easy “YES”. The fact that the show looks like it’s going to be a lot of fun was just an added bonus.
4. Why should audiences come see the show? Everyone needs a good laugh.  A satirical and hilarious look at boy bands through a religious filter is just the ticket to an evening of fun. The cast are great singers, the music is fun and the content is fun.
5. What’s your favourite boy band song and why? The entire discography of one of the original boy bands; the Beatles. Do I need a reason beyond the Beatles? ‘nuff said.

Click here for a song from the OG Boy Band – The Beatles!

Altar Boyz runs December 4-14 at Walterdale Theatre! Click here for tickets!

1. Hi Renell! What is your role in Altar Boyz? I am one of the Altar Boyz and I play Mark. He is one of the co-founders as well as the “choreographer” of the group. Personality-wise, he’s the sensitive, yet fierce, baby spice of the group. Pumpkin spice if we’re being a little more modern.
2. What is your background in theatre? At Walterdale? It all started when my Mom pitted my siblings and myself in a Disney singing contest when I was young. I can recall singing and dancing as early as kindergarten. Vocal training includes classical, jazz, musical theatre, and you can guarantee I can’t resist a good ol’ pop riff to soothe the soul. Dance and movement varies from contemporary, jazz, hip hop, and ballroom. In terms of the Walterdale, this is my first show and it has been an amazing journey. 
3. Why did you want to be a part of this show? I watched the show in my home town,  Winnipeg, MB at the Prairie Theatre Exchange in 2012. The show really blew me away because there were 5 boys wailing to 90’s tribute music and hitting such sharp choreography with intricate formations. At the time, I was only beginning to consider pursuing more theatre training and little did I know it would become the core of my passion for theatre. Personally, I identify very closely to my character, Mark, because I was raised Catholic and I faced some similar struggles as him in the show. I am proud to say that I can cross him off of my bucket list of characters I want to play. 
4. Why should audiences come see the show? Religious. 90’s. Boyband. What more do you need to know?! Haha, but seriously, we have a pretty amazing cast that has made the characters come alive in a way that exceeded my own personal expectations especially after following the show for so long. Also, our production crew and band have really taken our show to the new heights by supporting us in every way possible. It’s seriously a show that you do NOT want to miss. 
5. What’s your favourite boy band song and why? I could say a classic BSB or an N’sync song, but I’m going to go with “Get down – B44”. It pays tribute to frosted tips, upbeat pop music, and a whole somethin’ else. If you know it, you know what I mean. If you don’t, you’re missing out! 

Click here to have a listen to Get Down by B4-4

Altar Boyz runs December 4-14 with shows at 8 p.m., and a 2 p.m. Sunday matinee. There is no performance on Monday.

Click here for tickets.

Photo Credit: Scott Henderson – Henderson Images

1. Hi Stacy! What is your role on this production? I am the light operator.
2. What is your background in theatre? At Walterdale? I am currently in the fourth year of the BFA stage management program at the U of A. As for the Walterdale this is my first time.
3. What brought you out for this production? For school I needed volunteer hours outside of the university for a credit class. I had a friend who had done props at Walterdale Theatre that I talked to and I thought the show sounded fun.
4. Why should audiences come see this show? Audiences should come to have a good time. It’s fun, with catchy songs and flashy clothing!
5. What’s your favourite Boy Band song? I don’t like boy bands…. do The Beatles count? If so then Blackbird. It’s simple and beautiful.

Click here to hear Blackbird by The Beatles.

Altar Boyz runs from December 4-14 at 8 p.m., with a 2 p.m. matinee on Sunday. There is no performance on Monday.

Click here for tickets.

1. Who are you and what is your role in this production? My name is Sam Woolsey and I am portraying Annie Cannon, an American astronomer whose work was instrumental in the development of contemporary stellar classification. With Edward C. Pickering, she is credited with the creation of the Harvard Classification Scheme, which was the first serious attempt to organize and classify stars based on their temperatures and spectral types.

2.  What is your background in theatre? At Walterdale? I did a bit of theatre in high school and then a few years ago decided to explore it further. I signed up for several classes offered in the community and then just started auditioning. Silent Sky is my 5th production with the Walterdale Theatre.

3.  What brought you out for this show? I thought the script was lovely and I really wanted to work with (Director) Kim Mattice Wanat!

4. Why do you think people should come see this show? I love the relationships amongst the characters and how the script brings such a human element to the history. These were real people struggling with problems in a culture that prescribed very traditional roles and expectations upon both men and women. I think the actors have developed a wonderful chemistry that shows on the stage, and the story evokes a wistful sense of wonder and sadness.

5. As this show deals with women in science who have been overlooked, who is your favourite female scientist that you think history hasn’t recognized?

Rachel Carson was an American Marine Biologist who many Canadians might not remember. She wrote a book in 1962 called Silent Spring that has been credited with beginning the movement to protect the environment from contamination through unregulated use of chemicals. Her book brought environmental concerns to the forefront of the global stage. Although Silent Spring was met with fierce opposition by chemical companies, it spurred a reversal in national pesticide policy, which led to a nationwide ban on DDT and other pesticides. It also inspired a grassroots environmental movement that led to the creation of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, which under President Trump is facing considerable rollbacks and reversals of environmental protection policies.

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Who are you and what is your role in this production? My name is Joy van de Ligt and I am playing the role of Margaret Leavitt, Henrietta’s older sister. They are daughters of a pastor and Margaret, in particular, follows a more traditional path than her sister with marriage and a family. She loves music, however, and discovers a passion outside of the expected.

What is your background in theatre? At Walterdale? I have enjoyed many productions as a performer/singer including Jekyll & Hyde, Miss Saigon, The Full Monty, Seven Brides For Seven Brothers, and White Christmas. I directed Disenchanted for the Fringe in 2017 and was the musical director for Company in 2018. I also occasionally accompany auditions and cabarets. This is my first Walterdale show.

What brought you out for this show? I was a late addition to the cast, so I came to know about it later than the others, but I’ve been artistically challenged by the material and am personally close to, and inspired by, the extraordinary women you will see in this show.

Why do you think people should come see this show? People are aching for connection, and to matter to each other. The show and its characters delve into astronomy and questions of “what’s out there” as their way to connect to each other and to something greater than themselves. The themes of the show are beautifully relatable and the script is intelligent, witty and poignant. The audience will experience a whole lot of heart and see something of themselves – maybe a little differently.

As this show deals with women in science who have been overlooked, who is your favorite female scientist that you think history hasn’t recognized? Since Margaret is a composer, not a scientist, here is a little something about one of my favorite unsung female pianists/composers:

Clara Schumann (1819-1896) was the wife of Robert Schumann and herself one of the most distinguished pianists of the Romantic era. She changed the format and repertoire of the piano recital from displays of virtuosity to programs of serious works. Clara enjoyed a 60-year concert career. Her father, Friedrich Wieck, taught her to compose and she wrote her Piano Concerto at the age of 14. She largely lost confidence in her composing in her mid-30s tragically saying, “I once believed that I possessed creative talent, but I have given up this idea. A woman must not desire to compose – there has never yet been one able to do it. Should I expect to be one?”

Who are you and what is your role on this production? My name is Susanne Ritchie and I am playing the role of Williamina Fleming, one of the human “computers” of Harvard University. She began as a teacher before circumstances had her working as a maid and then eventually as one of the developers of a star classification system.

What is your background in theatre? At Walterdale? All of my theatre training has been onstage. My first community theatre production was with the Walterdale Theatre in 1985 (The Skin of Our Teeth) when I was in Junior High School. I was part of three more Walterdale productions before moving to Leduc and joining the Leduc Drama Society in 1996. I have taken on a variety of characters (Major-General’s daughter, French stripper – Bedfull of Foreigners; Chelsea – On Golden Pond; Grandma Addams, and others) in all types of shows (dramas, comedies, musicals). Most recently, I was in this year’s Fringe, murdered on stage last fall in Devon, and competed in last year’s ADFA One Act Festival.

What brought you out for this show? The topic of astronomy is close to my heart as my parents have both worked in that field. My father taught Astronomy at the U of A and was the President of the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada. My mother worked as a research assistant (similar to the human ‘computers’) at the David Dunlap Observatory in Toronto. I had also wanted to return to the Walterdale stage for a long time and this seemed like the perfect production to audition for.

Why do you think people should come see this show? These women refused to hide behind the men who claimed the accolades for their hard work. They knew what they were worth and persevered until they were properly recognized. I think people should see this show to see how far we’ve come in terms of technology and societal limitations – and to realize how far we still have yet to go.

As this show deals with women in science who have been overlooked, who is your favourite female scientist that you think history hasn’t recognized? Dorothy Hodgkin was the only British woman to received a Nobel Prize in Chemistry. She discovered the atomic structure of penicillin in 1945 and deciphered the structure of insulin in 1969, a project that was delayed until she refined x-ray crystallography techniques. This latter work “allowed greater understanding of the [insulin] molecule and improved treatment for diabetics”. [http://www.rsc.org/diversity/175-faces/all-faces/dorothy-hodgkin-om-frs/] With diabetes having impacted myself and a few members of my family, I am especially grateful for her work.