Tag: Cast

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 Cast of The Realistic Joneses – Christoff Lundgren

Christoff Lundgren is playing John Jones!

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

John is someone who uses humour as a crutch and jokes his way through life in order to avoid confrontation, both with others and his own feelings. Hits a little close to home to a fella who’s first email address as a teenager was washedupjokester.

What is your background in theatre?

I attended Red Deer college directly out of high school, taking first the Theatre Studies program and then the Motion Picture Arts degree where I wrote, produced and acted in the program’s first feature length film, Demento. After that I lived for years in Vancouver, appearing in principal roles on shows such as Supernatural, The Flash, The Midnight Club,  Red Widow, Package Deal and Continuum. Some favourite theatre credits are: Red Light Winter, Tape, Some Girls and The Importance of Being Earnest. I am also a comedian and one half of the sketch duo The Strapping Young Lads.

What brought you out for The Realistic Joneses?

After a couple live performance-less years, I was and am very eager and excited to get back on stage. Then I found myself laughing out loud at the audition sides, which sealed the ol’ deal. 

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

Working with a great ensemble cast, director and team. Also the opportunity to play a character that has such a comedic side but also a very lonely and dramatic one.

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

A wonderful script that is sure to make you laugh, but also think and feel. Also to see the fantastic performances by my costars and the always solid technical work done by the Walterdale team! But seriously, the script has the accessible laughs of a sitcom with many layers to delve into if you dare! 

Who’s your favourite Celebrity Jones and why? 

My favourite Joneses are obviously daytime tv legend Jenny Jones and David Robert Jones (Ziggy Stardust the Goblin King).

Meet the Creative Team of The 39 Steps – Taylor Howell!

Taylor Howell is the Set and Props Designer!

Hi Taylor! Tell us about your role on The 39 Steps?
I am on the production team and designed the set and the props for this fantastic show!

What is your background in theatre?
I have been involved in theatre since high school but started mainly as an actor and only in recent years transitioned to design work. I am currently in school for theatre design and had the opportunity this past year to be part of the props team on the CBC Gem show Frick, I Love Nature as well as the costume team for Jane Eyre at the Citadel.

What brought you out for The 39 Steps?
I volunteered with Walterdale to work on my design skills and this show was the perfect opportunity to play with colour and a very stylized aesthetic.

What are you enjoying the most about working on this show so far?
It has been such an incredible journey to witness the creation of my designs. I can’t believe the level of talent and skill the team at Walterdale has. I am so grateful I was able to work alongside this incredible team.

Why do you think people should come see The 39 Steps at Walterdale?
It’s going to be an absolute riot. Kristen has packed this show with so much action and so many hilarious moments, you won’t want to miss it.

The 39 Steps is based on the Hitchcock film (which is based on the John Buchan novel)… do you have a favourite Hitchcock film? OR a favourite 1930s-40s film?
The Wizard of Oz will always hold a special place in my heart. It was the very first play I was a part of.

Meet the Cast of The 39 Steps! – Bradley Bishop

Bradley Bishop  is one of the Clowns!

Hi Bradley! What is your role in The 39 Steps?

I play a number of different characters, at last count I believe it was ……12!!!! Lol

What is your background in theatre?

I have performed in ten other plays at the wonderful Walterdale and for various theatre groups in and around the Edmonton area.

What brought you out for The 39 Steps?

I read the script and thought it was wonderfully funny, fast paced, and I really wanted to be a part of it!

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

Being allowed to take comedic chances and working with a great hard working team.

Why do you think people should come see The 39 Steps at Walterdale?

Because it’s funny and a who-done-it as well!

The 39 Steps is based on the Hitchcock film (which is based on the John Buchan novel)… do you have a favourite Hitchcock film? OR a favourite 1930s-40s film?

Hitchcock’s Rope

Meet the Cast of The 39 Steps – Samantha Beck

Samantha Beck is one of the Clowns!

Hi Samantha! What is your role in The 39 Steps?

I am lucky enough to be one of 4 Clowns! The clowns play the entirety of the ensemble. Between the 4 of us, we play every supporting character.  The Clowns are ridiculous, fluid, fun and quite an interesting challenge as an actor! 

What is your background in theatre?

I have been in the Performing Arts since I was a young girl. My first role was Baby John in West Side Story and I have played many characters over my last 25 years in theatre, from Shakespeare to Sondheim! I have an extensive background in plays and musicals as well as a few production roles. The theatre is my greatest love.This is my 4th production with the Walterdale and I am absolutely delighted to be back!  

What brought you out for The 39 Steps?

I love old British comedies! I often would watch them with my Grandfather growing up. The timing, the slapstick, the silliness – It is all great fun. Being in the cast of The 39 Steps is the perfect way to release all the creative energy that has been stored up over the last few years! 

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

Our amazing CAST and CREW.  We are so blessed to be working with an inspired Director and amazingly talented Cast and Crew. 

Why do you think people should come see The 39 Steps at Walterdale?

This show is a MUST to experience. Step out of the heaviness of the world and into a world of laughter, mystery and romance!

Meet the Cast of The 39 Steps – Liam McKinnon

Liam McKinnon is one of four boisterous, ignominious, and loveable Clowns.

Hi Liam! What do you do in the show in your role as one of the Clowns?

In The 39 Steps, the title of the character “clown” is a stand-in for the different ensemble roles that are in the show. With two titled clowns in the show’s description and with two dozen or more ensemble characters, it is entirely possible for The 39 Steps to have a cast of 4, or a cast of 24. Each of the ensemble characters are not only uniquely fun to explore on and off stage, but they all allow me to be active for and with my fellow cast-mates.  

What is your background in theatre?

I started “acting” back when I was in Elementary School; performing in Christmas shows that my Mom put together for our congregation at Glory Lutheran Church, and presenting skits from cartoons and stand-up comedy shows in front of my classmates. It was a time when my proudest moment was performing the entire first third of The SpongeBob Squarepants movie for my Grade 4 class, then performing it again for our substitute teacher so that she wouldn’t be confused if I continued.

After experiencing the highs and lows of honour choir, Junior High and High School theatre, and a performance in the Edmonton Fringe Festival of 2017, I studied Theatre Arts at MacEwan University and got a diploma for all the craziness that we went through. I then was cast in Theatre Calgary’s SBTB production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream, and was going to be in a community theatre production of Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? before the COVID-19 pandemic had spread across Canada.

This is the first time since I was in University that I will be performing on an Edmonton stage and I am very excited to return with this cast and crew. 

What brought you out for The 39 Steps?

The simple answer is: A need for work 🙄

But The 39 Steps actually holds an interesting place in my heart. I had seen the show years back at the Provincial One-Act Festival in Red Deer and I remember I did not stop laughing for a minute. I was in tears from start to finish. Yet, when I walked out of the theatre, I couldn’t remember a single thing about the show itself. 

It’s a busy yet focused piece of work, operating as a farce, a romance, and a mystery piece. What made me want to play one of the clowns though was VERY MUCH the desire to play multiple characters in a single show. I’ve done ensemble shows before but NOTHING like this, and never with this much interest in each individual character; even with the ones I don’t play. 

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

I love working on a show where every rehearsal is a joy to behold. Even on days when I am not on the call sheet, I gladly come and sit in to see what these amazing artists will do next. I love to see them explore, improvise, and discover new possibilities for their characters AND see what the production team comes up with for the set, costumes, and lighting. Writing this now, I light up thinking about what the next rehearsal will bring and I hope that I can time my window in traffic perfectly so that I never miss a moment.

Why do you think people should come see The 39 Steps at Walterdale?

I think that every artist has made a significant contribution to this production and I feel that contribution is not solely driven by a desire to self-promote or cement one’s own brand or the brand of the company. Of course we all want to put on a good show that is entertaining for our audience, but I feel that every one of the production members is making the choices that they are making from a place of love and respect for each member of the team. 

Even if someone is not a fan of this particular brand of comedy, I do still feel that they should come and see it. In no small way, I feel that this is a clear example of what community theatre SHOULD BE about; connecting with the members of your community to create art that shares who they are as creatives and as people.

The 39 Steps is based on the Hitchcock film (which is based on the John Buchan novel)… do you have a favourite Hitchcock film? OR a favourite 1930s-40s film? 

Oh Boy… A LOT!  The 1930s and 40s were such fascinating decades for the motion picture industry, not just in North America, but around the world. Some of the most influential films, characters and iconic celebrities came out of this era and many, myself included, hold up the films of this time as some of the greatest films ever produced. 

For my own sake, and for my director’s piece of mind, I want to share a few titles for films that are less well-known today and encourage you to check even just one of them out for yourself. I love them and I hope you do too. The Red Shoes, Double Indemnity, The Great Dictator, Gentleman’s Agreement, La Belle et la Bête, Brief Encounter, Bicycle Thieves, The Classic Universal Monster movies, and the all-time classic REEFER MADNESS! 

Meet the Cast of The 39 Steps – Lauren Tamke

Introducing Lauren Tamke, who plays Annabella, Margaret, and Pamela in The 39 Steps

Hi Lauren! Tell us about your characters in the show!

I am extremely delighted to play three distinct characters throughout the show including Annabella, a mysterious German spy; Margaret, a sheltered Scottish lass; and Pamela, an upper class English woman.

What is your background in theatre?

The majority of my theatre work has taken place within my university experience at Concordia Edmonton in mainstage and one act festival shows and within community theatres in and around Edmonton, both as an actor and director. Most recently, I acted in The Comedy of Errors (Adriana) and Much Ado About Nothing (Borachio/Francis) as part of Prime Stock Theatre’s outdoor Shakespeare festival. At Walterdale, this is my third show. Previously I acted in Queen Milli of Galt (Mona) and directed the farce, Boeing Boeing. I love the Walterdale community and I am happy to be back on stage here!

What brought you out for The 39 Steps?

So many reasons! The “spy comedy” genre is one of my favourites and the synopsis spoke to me instantly. The timing was also super serendipitous because I saw the audition posting while packing to move back to Edmonton the following week. And I was super excited at the chance to work with director Kristen Finlay! I’m SO happy to be a part of the show.

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

I am loving the playful and productive energy of rehearsals and being back in the same physical space as my awesome production team and cast. Every night at rehearsal is a blast!

Why do you think people should come see The 39 Steps at Walterdale?

The show is light-hearted, slapsticky, and 100% bound to let the audience escape into the silliness and fun therein.

The 39 Steps is based on the Hitchcock film (which is based on the John Buchan novel)… do you have a favourite Hitchcock film? OR a favourite 1930s-40s film? 

My favourite film from the 1930s-40s would have to be Gaslight!

Meet the Cast of The 39 Steps – Lucas Anders

Hi Lucas! Tell us a bit about the character you play, Richard Hannay!

Richard is a man who has seen the world pass him by. His friends have moved on in one way or another. He looks at the world and the people around him. He’s tired of division and the craziness of the world. His hope is for a good world, a better world, one where we look after each other… though he’s up for a Grand Adventure. 

What is your background in theatre? 

I graduated from the University of Alberta with a B.Ed. with a Major in Drama. I was a theatre kid in high school and part of a core group that formed the Fort Saskatchewan Company “Rare Form Theatre” where I performed in The Importance of being Earnest, Beware of the Quickly Who and Fools. I left for Prince Rupert and became a radio morning show host and got involved in the improv scene as a co-founder of the improv troupe  “Hook, Line and Snicker.” A few years back,  I also accomplished my life-long goal of performing in the Edmonton international Fringe Festival with the production Stones in His Pockets. I returned to Edmonton pre-pandemic and taught Drama, directing high school productions with my brother, friend and collaborator Christian Zyp. Christian is a friend who I’m grateful for, and who inspires me to tackle many creative projects. This is my first production with Walterdale and I’m thrilled to take the stage under the direction of the talented Kristen Finlay.

What brought you out for the show? 

In a twist of  fate, I opened the Theatre Alberta newsletter which happened to be in my junk mail folder. There I found the audition posting for The 39 Steps. It’s been a long stretch of isolation with the pandemic continually hanging over us, so I wanted to jump into a creative project and have some fun with other creative minds. I read the opening monologue and instantly felt a connection to the lead character. Not only was I the same age as the character, but we both have a moustache! Kristen’s message of creating a show to make us all laugh resonated with me. This gave me the motivation to be a part of a piece of theatre that will bring a smile to audiences. After what has been a very difficult stretch of human history it will be nice to share some laughter with theatre goers. 

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

When you’ve got such a funny script,  talented cast and crew, it makes for a fun time exploring the world of The 39 Steps. How incredibly lucky I feel to work with such a great team. It was an interesting start to our rehearsal process over zoom and eventually meeting in person. It’s been a blast creating, collaborating, getting into hijinks, chases and mischief. The Walterdale Theatre is now our playground and we can’t wait to share what we’ve discovered with you. We look forward to sharing the mystery, laughter and fun with audiences at the Walterdale Theatre.

Why do you think people should come see this show? 

Do you like fun? It’s been heavy with global conflict and the pandemic still looming. We hope to give you a break from what has been a hard stretch. Take a chance, sit back, relax, go on a wild ride by seeing  The 39 Steps come to life. Come check out the incredibly talented cast and crew under the direction of our fearless leader Kristen Finlay. We all need to laugh… So here’s your chance! 

The 39 Steps is based on the Hitchcock film (which is based on the John Buchan novel)… do you have a favourite Hitchcock film? OR a favourite 1930s-40s film? 

The 39 Steps radiates spies, espionage and fun. A film that I love which incorporates all these elements is Double Indemnity. It’s everything a classic mystery/thriller (Film Noire) should be.

Meet the Cast of THE TRIANGLE FACTORY FIRE PROJECT – Danielle Yu is Rose Freedman & Ida Mittleman

Who are you and what is your role in this production? My name is Danielle Yu and I play 2 amazing characters, Rose Freedman and Ida Mittleman. Rose Freedman was known as the last survivor of the Triangle Shirtwaist fire dying at the age of 107 who worked on the 9th floor and Ida Mittleman was known as one of the women who testified in court that all doors of the 9th floor were indeed open.

What is your background in theatre? With Walterdale? ​I have been performing for as long as I can remember, from taking musical theatre classes at the Citadel as a child to voice lessons at the Conservatory of Music with the Alberta College. I had taken a very long break from the theatre (12 years to be exact!) until 2017 when I auditioned for an original musical titled Emma, and had landed the lead role! I auditioned at the Walterdale Theatre for my very first time this past summer and am ecstatic to be on this journey of opening the 60th season.

Why do you think people should come see The Triangle Fire Factory Project? Everyone and anyone should come and partake in the adventure and experience of The Triangle Fire Factory Project to witness the importance of this piece of history! Not only is it filled with historical events, but there’s action, agony, sorrow, humor and SO MUCH MORE. Most importantly it teaches us the reason behind the rules and regulations we have today in modern life.

Since this show deals with workplace ‘issues’ – What was your first job? How old were you and what did it entail? ​The very first job I had was when I was 16 at a McDonald’s near my neighbourhood. Being 16, I didn’t really have the understanding of responsibility so I didn’t last very long. However the 3 weeks that I was employed taught me a lot about hungry customers, cheerful customer service, and an amazing discount!