Hello Geordie! What is your role in this production? I will be Martin in 1984. Martin is an enforcer of the Inner Party. He is O’Brien’s manservant and he follows orders without question, but he is Big Brother personified and is always watching for anyone who steps out of line. He provides a menacing presence throughout the play. He is the lead guard. He tortures Winston in a couple of scenes.
What is your background in theatre? At Walterdale? This is my first play at Walterdale and my second play ever. My first play was at the 2019 Edmonton Fringe Festival where I was the lead in The Anal Stage. I am also rehearsing for another play out in Devon, called Allocating Annie. Performance dates follow 1984 in March.
What brought you out for the show? I auditioned because I really enjoy the stage. The play in the summer really got me interested in live performances. I have been in many television, commercial, and film productions over the past two years after I retired from the military. Acting has always been a passion of mine and now I have the time to follow it.
Why do you think audiences should come and see the show? I think audiences will be drawn to a classic story. Who doesn’t know the name George Orwell? There are probably many die-hard Walterdale fans that would attend regardless but I would watch it for the title alone.
1984 (the play) is based on the novel of the same name that predicts a dystopian future (many of us read it in high school)… what’s your favourite dystopian novel/movie and why? Planet of the Apes and Star Wars are my favorite dystopic movies but my favorite books would be The Handmaids Tale, The Chrysalids (read in grade 7!), The Time Machine, Animal Farm, The Long Walk, and A Wrinkle in Time. If I had to pick, I would pick Animal Farm (Orwell again, lol) because it takes us on a journey from ignorance to enlightenment and then back to ignorance again. The story is a ‘fast forward’ of how a society is lead into an oppressive dictatorship that sometimes takes generations to manifest, and it seduces people who are looking for a ‘better life’ by painting their current life as being ba-a-a-a-d.
What is your role on the production? I’m a Musician, band member, specifically keyboard II.
What is your background in theatre? At Walterdale? I have many years experience as a rehearsal and performance pianist or orchestra keyboardist in musical theatre. I acted in a play once, as Chico Marx in Night in Ukraine, (Walterdale, July, 2000). I was cast in part because the role required competency as an on-stage piano accompanist in the character acting/playing role of Chico Marx of the famous Marx Brothers comedy troupe. I played piano/keyboard as a rehearsal pianist and/or orchestra member for productions with Sherard Musical Theatre, Festival Players, Horizon Stage, ELOPE, Two-One-Way-Tickets-To-Broadway, and several productions at the Edmonton Fringe Festival including 4 Gilbert & Sullivan parody productions by Sherard. At Walterdale, my start as pianist for community theatre was a children’s production, Jardy, A Musical Fairytale (December 1991), and I played piano for the Klondike Melodramas in July, 1995, 1996, 1998. Most recently I worked on Blood Brothers (July 2003) as rehearsal pianist, and band member (keyboard).
Why did you want to be a part of this show? I was invited to play by musical director, Sally Hunt. I had been wanting to get back to playing for community musical theatre after a several year hiatus, doing a major home renovation. In September I remember thinking to myself, “I should contact Sally and see if she knows of any shows coming up that I could help out in…” I did not actually follow through but I consider it serendipity that an email popped up from of all people, Sally, asking if I would be available to play in Altar Boyz, in her words, “I think you’d enjoy diving into the sounds and mood the show needs.” What I enjoy about my part is that I get to do strings, brass, woodwinds, e. bass guitar, organ and other synth voices that help to give the show a big band Broadway sound with only four musicians.
Why should audiences come see the show? The show is a hilarious musical comedy with vocals delivered by a strong cast. Beneath the comedy, and well crafted tunes in a variety of contemporary pop genres, the show examines the journey of five talented young men with big dreams and even bigger egos, who are struggling with inner turmoil, tragedy and conflicts along the steep climb to success and fame in the evangelical turned showbiz industry. The finale number is the moment of truth for the Boyz, as they examine their own ambitions, motivations and values with candid intellectual honesty. The song starts out simply, as Sally in her role as the stern choirmaster, begins to plunk out Abraham’s hand written rough draft of a new song. The song is impressively delivered by David Anderson, as Abraham, who makes the conclusion of the story believable, that these guys really are each being offered big time commercial contracts in a fiercely competitive industry. The musical number swells into a rousing anthem as the rest of the boy band, including the other musicians are added into the mix. By the end of the number, there is not a dry eye or lost soul in the house…
What’s your favourite boy band song and why? Being two generations older than this cast, I must admit I am not familiar with any recent “Boy Bands”, but I can recall watching the quintessential first boy band, the Beatles, when they made their North American debut on Ed Sullivan in 1964 when I was 8, and the Beatles were just out of their teens. I remember they sang “She Loves You, Ya, Ya” and “I Wanna Hold Your Hand” over a chorus of screaming girls. We were mesmerized while my dad was in shock with his arms folded, yelling “Idiots!”. I knew, even at that tender age, that rock ‘n roll was here to stay!
1. Hi! What is your role on the production? My name is Thomas Johnston and I am the Assistant Stage Manager for Altar Boyz!
2. What is your background in theatre? At Walterdale? I’m currently in my first year at the University of Alberta studying Stage Management. Recent credits include Annie (Crescent School, 2019 PSM), Romeo & Juliet (Crescent School, 2018 SM), Beautiful: The Carole King Musical – First National (SM Intern, Toronto 2017), The Sound of Music – First National (Apprentice SM, Toronto 2017). As for Walterdale Theatre (and Edmonton), this is my first show!
3. Why did you want to be a part of this show? In August, I moved from Toronto to Edmonton to start at U of A and I am so happy to be making my theatre debut here in Edmonton!
4. Why should audiences come see the show? Altar Boyz is more than just a typical musical, it is HILARIOUS. As an ex-Altar Boy (or Altar Server in more politically correct terminology) there are some very comical parts…especially when the Altar Boyz overworked Roadie makes appearances.
5. What’s your favourite boy band song and why?I Want It That Way by the Backstreet Boys… I believe this requires no explanation.
Click here to hear I Want It That Way by the Backstreet Boys.
Altar Boyz runs to December 14th! Click here for tickets now!
Hi Darian! Who are you in Altar Boyz? I play the character of Mathew! Mathew is the Justin Timberlake character, in that he is kinda the leader of the group. He’s a bit self absorbed but loves doing his thing for the fans.
What is your background in theatre? At Walterdale? I’ve been interested in musical theatre for a long time. I acted in or was on crew for over 15 shows with the youth theatre I was part of back in Red Deer. I then went through the MacEwan Theatre Arts program and have done a few professional shows since then. This is my Walterdale debut and it has been an absolute blast doing this show.
What brought you out for this show? I mean all I had to do was read the description and I thought “Why wouldn’t I want to audition for this!” It’s a Boy Band concert show…..needless to say when I read that the audition song could be my favorite karaoke hit ” Bye Bye Bye” I was sold!
Why do you think audiences should come see the show? This show is so high energy and an absolute bundle of fun! Audiences are gonna love the stereotypical characters who slowly start to break their molds. The script is littered with hilarious jokes and of course i cant forget about the music is just a blast!
What is your favourite Boy Band song? My favorite Boy Band song is Bye Bye Bye by *Nsync because its my go-to karaoke song!
HiLee! What is your role in Altar Boyz? In this production, I’m playing Juan, who is a dramatic, seductive Mexican guy who is looking for his parents while also singing in a boyband – Altar Boyz.
What is your background in theatre? At Walterdale? Back in Brazil I performed in theatre at church throughout my whole childhood. I also attended Maestro Fego Camargo Art School. While there, I was in many different shows by Brazilian and international authors such as “The Persians” and “White Nights”. During my internship I worked in a Museum playing in several Children’s novels by the most famous Brazilian children’s author Monteiro Lobato. This is my first show at Walterdale.
Why did you want to be a part of this show? Because it sounded like it would be a fun and and exciting show and it sure is. I was also excited to face the challenge of the show – singing and dancing is the hardest thing I have ever done on stage. This is my debut in musical theatre and I’m so happy I’m working with such amazing people.
Why should audiences come see the show? The people working n the show, not just on stage but backstage too, are so talented. They’re working hard to make this show to happen. You can’t miss it! I promise you guys you’re gonna have a great time.
What is your favourite boyband song? WESTLIFE. It might sound cheesy, but I like love songs – especially those ones that you listen to in the shower or on the bus, looking outside the window, pretending you are in the video clip LOL. Hard to pick just one… maybe “All or Nothing” by Westlife.
Click here to listen to “All or Nothing” by Westlife.
Click here to purchase your tickets to see Altar Boyz!
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.
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!
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!
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!
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
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!
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 60th 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!
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.
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!
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!
Why should audiences come see the show? Everything about this show is incredible, the costumes, lights, choreography, performances, EVERYTHING.
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!
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!
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.
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.
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.
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!
