Tag: Community Theatre Edmonton. Theatre Alberta

Meet the Cast of FOLLIES! Teagan Kamstra is Young Sally!

teaganWhat is your role in this production? I play Young Sally. She is a Weismann girl in the 1940’s. Throughout the show, she appears in memories and flashbacks. Young Sally is a bubbly, charming young girl. Through the memories we learn how Young Sally actions affect Sally as an older woman and how she deals with the choices she made.

What is your background in theatre? I have been performing since as long as I can remember! I am currently enrolled at Concordia and I’ve done a variety of performances in school and the Edmonton area. This will be my first Walterdale production and I’m so thrilled to be a part of it!

What brought you out for this show? I wasn’t originally a part of this production; I was brought on to play Young Sally in June. Learning this show in less than a month is a daunting task but I’m always up for a challenge!

This show is about theatre nostalgia… Got any good theatre stories? I think I come out of every show I do with some ridiculous stories. My personal favourite was on a show we did in December, when we had a sound cue that didn’t get played, but instead they played Jingle Bells! Very awkward 20 seconds on stage.

What has been the most challenging part of working on Follies? The most challenging part of doing this show for me was learning it so quickly! Because I was brought on late, I have quite a bit of catching up to do.

What has been the best thing about working on Follies? I haven’t been doing this show for long, but so far I’m loving the people. Everyone was so welcoming and supportive. This show is full of talent and I’m just happy to be a part of it!

Meet the Cast of FOLLIES! Veronica Masik is Young Phyllis!

Veronica MasikWhat is your role in this production? I am playing Young Phyllis. The younger version of Phyllis is sweet, naïve, and self-doubting. She is completely in love with Ben and believes she’s not good enough for him.

 What is your background in theatre? At Walterdale? I got my start with St. Albert Children’s Theatre almost 20 years ago and have done at least one musical a year since then. I’ve performed in two other Walterdale Productions: You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown (2009) and Anything Goes (2013). Some favorite past roles include Wednesday Addams (The Addams Family Musical), Marta (Kiss of the Spiderwoman), Serena (Legally Blonde), and Hattie (Kiss Me Kate).

 What brought you out for this production? Why did you want to be involved in this show? I came out for this production because I love working with Barb and Michael. Having decided not to pursue theatre professionally, it’s become a much loved hobby of mine and shows with Barb and Michael are always fun. I heard they were doing Follies and listened to some of the music, then I was hooked!

 This show is about theatre and nostalgia – got any good theatre stories? I have a bad habit of tripping and falling down on stage. The first larger role I was ever cast in was Susan Pevensie in Narnia the Musical. (Yes, that show actually exists!) During the scene where we first entered Narnia, I stepped off the set and wiped out face flat on the floor. The only thing I could think of to say was “Oooh it’s icy!” I got a laugh, but I was so embarrassed!

 What has been the most challenging part of doing the show? I had to miss the first half of the rehearsal process due to being involved in ELOPE’s Sweeney Todd. Coming in late, it was a push to catch up and learn everything. I’m also the only one in the young cast with no formal training in tap, so keeping up with the other girls in the tap dance is hard work!

What has been the best thing about doing the show? Spending time with old friends and getting to meet new people.

Follies runs from July 5-15, 2017 at Walterdale Theatre. Call 780.420.1757 or go to www.tixonthesquare.ca for tickets today!

Meet the Cast of Follies! Gavin Belik is Ben Stone!

GavinWhat is your role in this production? I play Ben Stone in Follies. Ben is a worldly, well-to-do type who has been primarily driven to be success in his career.  He first became a lawyer, then a distinguished politician and eventually the president of a Foundation in NewYork.  He and his wife Phyllis have been featured in Vogue magazine. Now that’s he’s in his 50’s he begins to question the choices he made.

 What is your background in theatre? At Walterdale?  I’ve performed in several productions with the Edmonton Opera Chorus, as well as Pacific Opera Victoria and Pop Goes the Opera.  In University I performed in a couple of musicals and several theatre productions. I started off acting in improvised theatre and performed in various venues in Edmonton and surrounding area.  This is my first production with Walterdale.

 What brought you out for this production? Why did you want to be involved in this show? I heard about this production through a friend of mine who mentioned they were auditioning.  I was interested because it looked like a chance to really dive into a character and work on my acting “chops”.  Ben’s character is a challenging one as he is complicated and operates on several different levels.  Also, this show has been performed in some big houses around the world, so it’s a chance to try and step into some large shoes.

 This show is about theatre and nostalgia – got any good theatre stories? I have a theatre story for you.  The first musical I was in was in university.  It was called Honk! – The Story of the Ugly Duckling.  I played a gregarious bullfrog who comes across “Ugly”, the ducking, as he is at his lowest of lows. Ugly is despondent because he’s been shunned by his community and he can’t find his family.  I lift his spirits with a music number that basically says “Hey, I’m a bullfrog, and I’m ugly too, but it’s all in how you look at it and there are people who love you no matter what!”

This number turned into a show-stealer with the entire ensemble involved and we brought the roof down every time we performed it. One memorable night was when all my choir geek friends from school were in the audience and screamed in support and delight at the close of the number.  It’s an experience I wish everyone could have.

 What has been the most challenging part of doing the show?  To really do Ben’s character justice has been the most challenging part for me.  I wish I could say that acting comes naturally to me but that hasn’t been the case.  There have been many hours of rehearsal involved. Thankfully everyone involved with this show has been really supportive. Barb and Michael are really great to work with as well and have a wealth of experience to draw upon and share.

What has been the best thing about doing the show? For me, the reason this show is challenging is also the reason it’s rewarding.  The songs that Ben sings are each in a different style and I appreciate the opportunity to work on my craft.  Plus the rest of the cast is so talented that I’m constantly inspired to try to “up my game”.

 

Follies runs July 5-15, 2017 at Walterdale Theatre. Call 780.420.1757 or go to www.tixonthesquare.ca for tickets today!

Meet the Cast of FOLLIES – Monica Roberts is Phyllis Stone!

monica robertsWhat is your role in this production? Phyllis Stone. She is a former Weismann girl who came to New York to be a star. She fell in love and married Ben but is now struggling with the confines of her 30-year marriage, who she is and what her future holds. Returning to the Weismann theatre provides her the physical and psychological space to expose her struggles.

What is your background in theatre? At Walterdale? Dancing from a young age I’ve always found, nay, forced my way onto the stage. I went to Ontario to get my BFA in Musical Theatre and returned to Edmonton. My first Walterdale production returning from theatre school was Antony and Cleopatra as Cleopatra. This was one of the first times I’ve died on stage (but not the last).

What brought you out for this production? Why did you want to be involved in this show? I don’t think there is an actor out there who doesn’t relate to the characters in Follies. Aging through the business is a hard, sobering and slightly painful experience. Not only can I relate to the depths of life experience in the show but Sondheim gives mature actors roles, like Phyllis, to spotlight their time-earned talents and say that “yes – aged is beautiful”.

This show is about theatre and nostalgia – got any good theatre stories? So many great memories from shows. Costume malfunctions in my Cleo halter top. Opening night – The Queen of the Nile slipping on her hem and landing flat on her ass. Crimes of the Heart – being “in the moment” and pouring a bottle of “booze” down a non-functioning sink on set (much to the Director’s and Designer’s chagrin). Mail Order Bride – Sped up sound cues of a train arriving in the station that sounded like a toy train. And oh so many mole nights.

What has been the best thing about doing the show? The best thing about the Walterdale is the great people that you get to work with. Great relationships are built during a show and that is because of the type of people drawn to community theatre. Everybody shows up and gives their time, blood, sweat and tears to the process. There is a love and grace that we have for each other’s journey through rehearsal that isn’t found many other places. I think it is why we keep coming back.

Meet the Team for From Cradle to Stage 2017 – Laura Ly is Director of PORTRAIT OF A FAMILY DINNER

Laura 1What is your role on this production? I’m direct Portrait of a Family Dinner. It mostly involves working with an awesome cast and a great production team, and doing my best to steer things in the right direction.

What is your background in theatre? At Walterdale? This is my first play at the Walterdale. I am relatively new to the production side of theatre; however, I am very familiar with being an audience member and appreciating it from the other side.
What brought you out for this production? My friend Bethany burst into my office one day at work and asked if I would be interested in directing a one-act play. A few hours later, I was signed up to direct Portrait. I’ll admit that it probably took me a few weeks to fully realize exactly what I signed up for, but I’m so glad that I did.
What do you hope audiences will take away from the show? I hope that audiences walk away thoroughly enjoying themselves and marvelling at being able to witness the unveiling of a never-before-seen piece of art. They should come see it because Edmonton has some very talented playwrights, who are trying some very cool things, and they don’t want to be the only ones missing out. I don’t want to bully anyone, but c’mon, all the cool kids are coming out to From Cradle to Stage, and do you really want to be the person who missed out?!
 What has been the most best thing about doing this show? It may sound super cliche, but I truly love the cast and crew of Portrait. I have enjoyed spending time with the cast, and have learned so much from the production crew over the past few months.

Meet the Cast of Guenevere – Derek Kaye is Lancelot!

HeadshotWhat is your role in this production? I’m playing the role of Lancelot. He is Guenevere’s lover and King Arthur’s right hand man. He’s a man of honor, brave, and fiercely loyal. The love he has for  both Guenevere and Arthur is deeply rooted and cherished.
What is your background in theatre? At Walterdale? I’ve loved doing theatre since I was a kid and this is my second show at the Walterdale, my first being A Man of No Importance. It was so much fun and I met so many great people in that production that when I saw Eric Smith was directing this show I said that myself “that’s going to be another fun ride” and here we are!

What do you think audiences will take away from this show? This is such a unique show for the reason that it’s an original Greek tragedy which is a format that isn’t seen very often in modern-day theatre, and the themes that are presented are as true in our lives nowadays as they always were. I hope that the audience connects with these characters like we all have and takes the emotional journey with us.

What has bee your biggest challenge? A challenge that I’ve had to face doing this show is not dying from laughter! The material is heavy emotionally so to be able to laugh and have fun is important and we have had that in droves! Also playing with swords and pretending to fight people; hello, six year old Derek, you don’t ever have to grow up!

Introducing the Cast and Creative Team of FOLLIES!

CAST:6Follies
SALLY DURANT PLUMMER -Leslie Caffaro
PHYLLIS ROGERS STONE – Monica Roberts
BUDDY PLUMMER – Dustin Berube
BENJAMIN STONE – Gavin Belik
YOUNG SALLY – Tia Yakubowich
YOUNG PHYLLIS – Veronica Masik
YOUNG BUDDY – Allan Cabral de Sa
YOUNG BEN – Aidan Spila
CARLOTTA CAMPION – Kristen M. Finlay
STELLA DEEMS – Joyanne Rudiak
HATTIE WALKER – Karin Thomas
SOLANGE LAFITTE – Jackie Lotery
EMILY WHITMAN – Stacey Grubb
THEODORE WHITMAN – Kent Sutherland
HEIDI SCHILLER – Erin Foster-O’Riordan
DIMITRI WEISMANN/ROSCOE – Morgan Smith
KEVIN (waiter) – Aaron Schaan
Ensemble: Austin Kumar. Michael Watt, Aaron Schaan, Carol Chu, Alyssa Paterson, Stephanie Swensrude, Kayleigh Teatrault, Nadia Small, Christine Maydew

PRODUCTION TEAM
Director/Choreographer – Barbara Mah
Music Director – Michael Clark
Stage Manager – Phil Kreisel
Production Manager – MJ Kreisel
Assistant Choreographer – Christine Maydew
Costume Designer – Karin Lauderdale
Set Designer – David Folk
Lighting Designer – Brad Melrose
Properties Manager – Debbie Tyson
ASM – Danielle Szeponski
Set Builder – Richard Hatfield
ASM – Steven Sobolewski
Sound Designer – Marika Friesen
Live sound (mics) – Tim Friesen
Light Operator – John Anderson
Sound Operator – Christina O’Dell
Set Painter – Karlie Christie

Introducing the Cast and Creative Team of QUEEN MILLI OF GALT

4MilliCast:

Milli: Stephanie O’Neill
Edward: Owen Emblau
Mona: Lauren Tamke
Mrs. Milroy: Anne-Marie Smyth
Godfrey: Robert Klakowich

Production Team:

Liz Cook – Director
Paula Blanco Longa – Assistant Director
Anne Marie Szucs – Mentor Director
Laura Young – Stage Manager
Glenn Cook – Production Manager
Catherine Wenschlag – Mentor PM
Jim Herchak – Set Designer
Roy Jackson – Lighting Designer
Phil Kreisel – Sound Designer
Geri Dittrich – Costume Designer
Karin Lauderdale – Costume Ass’t/Assigned DoP
Alayna Hunchak – Props Master
Assistant Stage Manager – TBA
Lighting Operator – TBA
Sound Operator – TBA
Richard Hatfield – Master Builder
Joan Hawkins – Master Painter
Kimberly North – Assistant Painter

Meet the Cast of LADY WINDERMERE’S FAN – Miranda Broumas is Lady Windermere

1047556Who are you and what is your role in Lady Windermere’s Fan? My name is Miranda Broumas, and I’m playing Lady Windermere.

What is your background in theatre? At Walterdale? I took drama, advanced acting, and oral communication classes from junior high through post-secondary. In 2013, I retired from competitive and professional dance to focus my extracurricular efforts on theatre. 2016 roles include Lucy in Raine (New Works Festival 2016), Cunningham in The Last Days of Judas Iscariot (University of Alberta), and Dawn in Seven Lost Minutes (35th Annual Edmonton Fringe Festival). Lady Windermere’s Fan will be my first production at Walterdale Theatre.

What brought you out for this show? Why did you want to be a part of it? I’m a big fan of Oscar Wilde, a major nerd for Victorian literature, and I liked the challenge of learning a proper English accent. Lady Windermere is also a rather interesting character to play. She and I share distaste for egocentric and smug people, but we differ in that she holds very black-and-white views. Personal growth and maturity entail learning at least some level of elasticity, and it’s really fun to navigate that journey with her.

Why should audiences check out the show? Lady Windermere’s Fan brilliantly juxtaposes the amusing and the serious, putting a comedic and melodramatic twist on themes that everyone can relate to. If you’ve ever felt pressure to uphold reputation, save face, or create the illusion that everything is fine when it really isn’t; if you’ve ever witnessed hypocrisy, felt burdened by social mores and conformity, or faced social ostracism at school or work; if you’ve ever withheld information to protect someone you love, or experienced the joyous complexity of family and romantic relationships, then you’ll surely identify with a character or two. Plus, it’s written by Oscar Wilde…how could you miss it?

What has been the most fun part of working on the show? Among a host of other aspects, like our fantastic team, I’d say the costumes are a pretty fun part of the show. The play takes place at a time in history when manners and mannerisms were held to the highest standard – when folks scrutinized over every minute detail of their posture, breath, and physical interactions with others. When the ladies started rehearsing in corsets, long trains and character shoes, you could really see life breathed into our characters (while the oxygen was simultaneously pushed out of our lungs) – everybody’s spines straightened and upper lips stiffened just a bit more. It’s also pretty entertaining to see the gentlemen commit to period-appropriate facial hair.

Favourite Oscar Wilde quote: “Some cause happiness wherever they go; others whenever they go.”

Meet the Cast of LADY WINDERMERE’S FAN – Craig Sephton is Mr. Hopper