by Kate Hewlett
Music and Lyrics by Kate Hewlett
Additional Music by Christopher Stanton
Arrangements by Christopher Stanton and Tim Williams
The Swearing Jar is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Samuel French, Inc. www.concordtheatricals.com
We are an Edmonton-based community theatre committed to the production of engaging and vibrant works and providing our member volunteers opportunities to participate in all aspects of theatre production.
Want to get involved with Walterdale?
Have you ever wanted to try your hand at stage management, acting, directing, or even media relations in theatre?
Walterdale Theatre has been successfully run by its volunteers for more than 60 years now, and we invite you to join our team. Whether you can donate a few hours or a few seasons, we are always looking for new volunteers to help grow our theatre.
The best way to get involved at Walterdale is to become a member today! You will receive news about shows, special events, opportunities to volunteer or audition, and discounts on tickets.
For more information about joining Walterdale, go to our website at www.walterdaletheatre.com, e-mail us at walterph@telus.net, or call us at 780-439-3058. We will get back to you!
Walterdale’s COVID Protocols during Performance
- Masks are encouraged but not mandatory.
- Follow all instructions from our Front-Of-House volunteers.
- Enjoy the show!
For more information regarding Walterdale’s COVID-19 response, please click here.
Dramatis Personae
| Role | Actor |
|---|---|
| Carey | Lita Pater |
| Owen | Colin Stewart |
| Simon | Kingsley Leung |
| Bev | Cathy Morse |
Production Team
| Role | Name |
|---|---|
| Director | Ursula Pattloch |
| Musical Director | Sally Hunt |
| Costume Designer | Megan Reti |
| Lighting Designer | Rebecca Cave |
| Set Designer | Joan Heys Hawkins |
| Sound Designer | John Anderson |
| Mentor Director | Anne Marie Szucs |
| Production Manager | Pierre Valois |
| Stage Manager | Afrah Collier-Potts |
| Master Builder | Richard Hatfield |
| Master Painter | Brooke Emberly |
| Properties Master | Debbie Tyson |
| Assistant Master Painter | Brim Day |
| Assistant Stage Manager | Casey Powlik |
| Intimacy Coach | Sarah Spicer |
| Properties Master | Debbie Tyson |
| Lighting Operator | Rebecca Cave |
| Sound Operator | Mathew Baker |
| Build Crew | Pierre Valois, Ken New, Dennis Bedard, Tye Dubrule, Andrew Selwood |
| Paint Crew | Joan Heys Hawkins, Sue Portz, Laura Eschak, M.J. Kreisel, Angela Findlay |
| Props Crew | Joan Heys Hawkins, Brent Tyson, Jamis Paulson |
| Lighting Crew | Padgett Doonanco |
| Publicity Team | Stephanie Swensrude, Merrin Fraser, Kristen Finlay |
| Technical Advisor | Richard Hatfield |
| Guitar Consultant | Timothy Maskell |
| Opening Reception Host | Laura Eschak |
| Captioner | Shannon Wiebe |
Director’s Notes
Each time I get to be a part of bringing a play to life, I consider it to be an incredible honour. Doing it at Walterdale Theatre is a special privilege. The cast and crew of volunteers here are simply remarkable.
Over a year ago when I first read The Swearing Jar I was unbelievably moved by the honesty, the connection, the humour and the absolutely raw emotions that flowed from the dialogue. I literally was laughing one minute and crying the next. I knew it was a play I needed to share with others.
Now, working with such talented actors the play has become a living, breathing entity of its own. The audience will not just laugh out loud, but will feel the love, fear and tenderness that weaves its way throughout the play. And at the same time, the acoustic guitar and heartfelt singing knits a parallel line of laughter and ultimately hope.
I encourage you to enjoy the witty dialogue, the music and gentle humour, in this lovely and intricately-constructed story. A story that reminds us all that life in its ups and downs, challenges and celebrations is a gift to be appreciated.
~ Ursula Pattloch
| Summary |
|---|
| A young married couple decide to kick their hilariously bad swearing habit before their baby is born but that’s not their only obstacle. This heartwarming story looks at life – its challenges, secrets, and absurdities – with honesty, humour, and a little bit of music. |
| Setting |
|---|
| Late 1990s, Vancouver, BC. |
| Run Time |
|---|
| Two hours with one 15-minute intermission. |
| Acknowledgements |
|---|
| Scott Henderson, YEG Flooring Outlet, Little Orange Truck Hauling, Paper Birch Books, and guitar recordings by Timothy Maskell |
| Audience Advisory |
|---|
| Strong language, Depictions related to death. |
Cast Biographies
Lita Pater – Carey
Lita (she/her) is a performer, writer, director, and drama teacher. Lita has been in love with theatre since she was twelve and is thrilled to make her Walterdale debut in The Swearing Jar. Lita would like to thank her turtle IRL (JP) for always believing in her.
Colin Stewart – Owen
Colin is thrilled to be back on stage with Walterdale Theatre after appearing earlier this season in All My Sons. Thank you so much for supporting our show. May the fourth be with you!
Kingsley Leung – Simon
Dry sense of humour, passionate, caring, and totally silly – is this Kingsley or Simon? The real Kingsley is thrilled to be working with such a talented cast and crew, and he would like to thank all his closest supporters for helping him have this opportunity to tell this touching story.
Cathy Morse – Bev
Cathy is thrilled to be returning to the Walterdale stage, to be a part of this wonderfully written Canadian play with this exceptional cast and crew. She was previously seen in Flowers directed by the late Judy Unwin, and starred in St. Frances of Hollywood. Enjoy the show!
Production Team Biographies
John Anderson – Sound Designer
John is happy to be back in the theatre, working with his fellow theatre lovers and volunteers. This is his fourth time Sound Designing a show. Previous Walterdale Sound Design credits include: Glace Bay Miner’s Museum and the 2023 From Cradle to Stage festival.
Matthew Baker – Sound Operator
Matthew is excited to be back in the booth, serving as Sound Operator for this outstanding production. He hopes you enjoy the remarkable show this cast/crew put together, just as much as he enjoyed working on it! Some previous Walterdale credits include: Harvey (Sound Designer), and Austentatious (Sound Operator).
Rebecca Cave – Lighting Designer and Lighting Operator
Rebecca Cave has been working with Walterdale for nearly seven years and has had a blast working on The Swearing Jar. They’ve also designed lights for Walterdale’s Amigo’s Blue Guitar and The Cat and the Canary with Paper Crown Theatre this year. She hopes you enjoy the show!
Afrah Collier-Potts – Stage Manager
Afrah (she/her/they) has had the opportunity to work on many fantastic productions from All My Sons, to Harvey. Afrah is incredibly grateful for the opportunity to continue her journey with Walterdale by getting to work with an amazing team on The Swearing Jar. She hopes you enjoy the show.
Brooke Emberly – Master Painter
Brooke became Walterdale’s Paint Head in January 2021. Having previously been a Master Painter on 11 other Walterdale shows since 2016, and on various shows outside of the theatre. Brooke is thrilled to add The Swearing Jar to her ever growing roster! She is proud to call Walterdale her home.
Richard Hatfield – Master Builder, Technical Advisor
Richard has been performing many roles at Walterdale since 1991. Some of these roles include Set Builder, Technical Director, Lighting Designer and many more. Some of the recent shows Richard has built are, Austentatious, The Mouse Trap and Amigo’s Blue Guitar.
Joan Heys Hawkins – Set Designer
It’s so important to have the support of friends and family in traveling through the ups and downs of life.
Joan is grateful to the TSJ cast and production team for their collaboration, creativity, and support. Enjoy the show!
Sally Hunt – Musical Director
Sally is a frequent contributor to Walterdale productions, usually as a music director. Favourite Walterdale projects include Nine, Chess, and Next to Normal. Her most recent Walterdale project was last season’s production of The Penelopiad. She teaches musical theatre at the Citadel Theatre’s Foote Theatre School.
Ursula Pattloch – Director
Ursula is thankful for the amazing cast & crew on The Swearing Jar. Her past credits include directing or acting roles in All My Sons, 5@50, and Last Planet Standing. In keeping with the play tone, she would like to say “#%!@ I love you” to her better half Gerry.
Casey Powlik – Assistant Stage Manager
Casey is thrilled for her debut at Walterdale as assistant stage manager. With a passion for theatre, she’s acted in productions for years and is excited to take on a new role while pursuing her love for the stage.
Megan Reti – Costume Designer
Megan Reti has been working with Walterdale since 2018 and is very excited to be part of the team bringing this beautiful play to life. Megan has previously costume designed several shows with Walterdale, most recently The Glace Bay Miner’s Museum last season.
Sarah Spicer – Intimacy Coach
Sarah (she/her) is thrilled to be a part of this production as Intimacy choreographer. Select fight and intimacy credits include Ghost: The Musical, A Picture of Elias, Private Lives, and All My Sons. Thank you for coming to the show!
Have a good night!
Anne Marie Szucs – Mentor Director
Anne Marie is an active Walterdale director, actor, box office manager, and Board Vice President. Recent projects: Directorial Advisor: All My Sons; Sound Design: All My Sons, The Penelopiad, The 39 Steps; Director: The Glace Bay Miners’ Museum. She is excited to support Ursula on her director’s journey!
Debbie Tyson – Properties Master
Debbie Caseburg Tyson has started her own Swearing Jar and is surprised (?!) that it is almost full. Salty retorts aside, she is delighted to be working on another Walterdale show with a fabulous team of creatives.
Pierre Valois – Production Manager
Pierre has built and designed sets, trod the boards, operated lights and sound, and now worked as Production Manager. It’s been a pleasure to work with such a dedicated cast and crew. Many thanks to his spouse Parazanda for her support. Enjoy the show.
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Donors and Sponsors (August 2022 – February 2023)
Walterdale Theatre extends thanks to the generous support of local business, government grants, partners, and our patrons and members for their donations of time and funding. Without your support we could not continue.
Public Funders and Partners
Community Facility Enhancement Program—Government of Alberta
Artistic Sponsor
Gorilla Property Services Edmonton
Community Partners
Valtone Cleaners
Champions ($500+)
AbleIT Inc.
Alexander Family in Memory of Shelley Superstein Alexander
Anne Marie Szucs
Dale and Syrell Wilson
Harmony Fund at ECF
Supporters ($100-$499)
Joan & Alex Hawkins, Kristen M. Finlay, Michael Buhr, Mike Harding & Don Zeman, Moira Walker, Philip & M.J. Kreisel, Richard Hatfield, Sol Sigurdson, Margaret Booker, Julie Sinclair, David Wolkowski, Anonymous
Friends ($50-$99)
Brent Christopherson, Jean Guertin, Gerry and Barbara Sinn, Sally Hunt, Ruby Swekla
Donors ($49 and under)
Vivian Binnema, Isabelle Cave, Andrew Marriott, Roberta Rolf, Trish Mallet, Louise Mallory
Player’s Endowment Fund ($200 plus)
The Penelopiad – The Cast and Production Team
Austentatious – The Cast and Production Team
All My Sons – The Cast and Production Team
If you would like to be a part of the Walterdale Theatre family of sponsors, contact our Administrator by e-mail or phone the theatre at 780-439-3058.
| WALTERDALE THEATRE ASSOCIATES Is a Canadian Registered Charity, and will provide you with an income tax receipt for any donation over $20.00 you wish to make.Thank you to everyone who supports our theatre! |
A Brief History of Walterdale Theatre and Building
Walterdale is one of the longest running community theatres in Canada.
Walterdale Theatre Associates traces its beginnings to Theatre Associates, who produced their first plays (Lady Audley’s Secret and Out of the Frying Pan) in August 1958, playing in the Jubilee Auditorium social room. Before finding its home in the current Fire Hall, there have been two other Walterdale Theatres. The first was an old school on the Walterdale flats (Kinsmen Fieldhouse area), hence our name. The second was a former service men’s club house, which was later demolished for Kingsway Garden Mall.
Our current building was built in 1910 and was Strathcona Fire Hall #1. In 1912 it was re-numbered Edmonton #6 when the City of Strathcona amalgamated with the City of Edmonton. The bell tower houses the Strathcona “Town Bell”. It is topped by an octagonal belfry, covered by an octagonal roof. The tower was used to dry hoses (by hanging them up) after use. The stable (now set-building workshop) was designed to house nine horses.
The building ceased to be a working Fire Hall in 1954 and was used to store furniture. In 1974 Walterdale Theatre Associates took over the building and lovingly restored it, and converted the inside to a 145-seat theatre. The first play produced in this theatre was What the Butler Saw by Joe Orton, which opened November 12, 1974.
Major renovations were again carried out in 1993 (raising the roof and tying the building together with new beams) and in 2011 (new main floor washrooms, renewing the bricks and other major outside work).
Walterdale continues to keep our building updated and efficient, and have replaced the lighting instruments with LED lights, and the aging second floor furnaces with new high-efficiency units.
Walterdale Theatre Board of Directors 2023 – 2024
Executive
Artistic Director – Lauren Tamke
Incoming Artistic Director – Barbara Mah
President – Sally Hunt
Vice-President – Anne Marie Szucs
Treasurer – Martin Stout
Secretary – Jennifer Robinson
Past-President – Kristen M. Finlay
Directors
Building Co-Directors – Ed Medeiros & Doug Verdin
Front-of-House Co-Directors – Matthew Baker & Martin Stout
Membership Co-Directors – Laura Eschak & Christine Gold
Production Co-Directors – John Anderson & Louise Mallory
Public Relations Co-Directors – Merrin Fraser & Stephanie Swensrude
Technical Co-Directors – Rebecca Cave & Richard Hatfield
Director at Large – Afrah Collier-Potts & Tracy Wyman
Front of House Volunteers
Front of House Committee Members
Volunteer Coordinator
Rae Desmarais
Box Office Manager
Anne Marie Szucs
Bar & Concession Manager
John Dolphin
A special and heartfelt thank you to all the wonderful volunteers for Front of House positions during the run of Amigo’s Blue Guitar.
ANDREW SELWOOD, BANAFSHEH NOURANI, BRENDA NOBLE, CASEY POWLIK, CINNAMON STACEY, DAVE WOLKOWSKI, DAVID BODNAR, DOUG VERDIN, GENEVIEVE TU, GLORIA CARR, HEIDI RYLL, IAN HICKS, KENDALL SAUNDERS, LEIGH BORNN, LOUISE MALLORY, MARNIE WANG, MARTIN STOUT, MIKE COOPER, NICOLLE LEMAY, PHIL ZYP, PIERRE VALOIS, REBECCA FIRLOTTE, ROW ANNE RIVET, SHABAB KHAN, SHANNON HARRINGTON, STEPHANIE SWENSRUDE, VIVIAN BINNEMA
