Tag: Community Theatre Edmonton. Theatre Alberta

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 Team of The 39 Steps – Introducing Natalie Blanchard

Hi Natalie! What do you do on the show in your role as Stage Manager?

As Stage Manager, I stand in the shadows and facilitate the organised chaos to make sure everything runs smoothly during the performance.

What is your background in theatre?

Previously I worked on the main stage, as well as, on several student projects in Rosebud. Most recently, I Stage Managed for the River Valley Players in Drayton Valley. The 39 Steps will be my first Edmonton Show!

What brought you out for The 39 Steps?

Before the pandemic, I signed up to volunteer in any area for Walterdale. Fast forward two years later there was an email in my inbox asking me if I would be interested in Stage Managing the show and I jumped at the opportunity. 

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

The people I get to work with everyday and the energy they bring into the space. It has been a blast!

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

The 39 Steps brings tons of laughter and silliness that is needed after the last couple of years we had.

Meet the Cast of THE TRIANGLE FACTORY FIRE PROJECT – Kent Sutherland plays Max Blanck!

Who are you and what is your role in this production? My name is Kent Sutherland, and I play Max Blanck one of the co-owners of the Triangle Waist Factory. Blanck is not a very nice person and along with his fellow co-owner, Isaac Harris, the duo was named as one of the Top 10 Worst Bosses in America by TIME Magazine. I also helped build the set and some of the props.

What is your background in theatre? I was involved with theatre throughout elementary and junior high, and then got back into as an adult with my first production being at Walterdale – The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas. I have since done musicals with Festival Players, Two ONE-WAY Tickets to Broadway, Foote in the Door, and, of course, Walterdale. This is my first non-musical role in a very long time.

Why do you think people should come see The Triangle Fire Factory Project? The story is a significant part of history. It was this fire that was the catalyst for changes in building codes, the implementation of fire drills, and better working conditions for women and immigrants. The play explores the historical, political and social ramifications that resulted from this seminal event, and examines the continuing modern day concerns of corporate greed and responsibility, and the moral and ethical issues surrounding the question, “what is the value of a human life?” Also, the way our director has decided to stage the show is sure to have an effect on the audience and have their feelings run the gamut.

Worst job you ever had, and why? Probably the worst job I ever had was working the graveyard shift at the 7-11 that used to be on 99 St. and 90 Ave. one summer. There was supposed to be two people working the shift, but my co-worker often/always called in sick leaving me to work alone. There were several “interesting” incidents at that location during the graveyard shift while I was employed, and there were several times I did not feel all that safe. During one shift, a customer came in asking where the bathroom was, and I looked up to see his face covered in blood — all I could do was point in the direction of the bathroom.

The Triangle Factory Fire Project runs October 10-20, 2018.
Click here for tickets.

Introducing the Cast and Creative Team of THE GREAT GATSBY

Welcome new and returning Walterdale Members to the Cast and Creative Team of The Great Gatsby. We’re looking forward to heading to the Roaring 20’s with all of you!

CAST:

Gatsby- Patrick Maloney
Daisy- Melenie Reid
Nick Carraway- Simon Pawlowski
Jordan Baker- Kendra Humphrey
Tom- Ed Medeiros
Myrtle- Samantha VandenBrink
George Wilson- Phillip Haverkamp
Mrs. Mckee/ Mrs. Michaels- Rosie Sargent

Ensemble
Goran Simonji
Graham Schmitz
Jericho Cabinas
Kosta Max Lemermeyer
Samuel Bronson
Ricardo Espinoza
Veronica Masik
Jeannine Naboye
Anika Plitt
Julianna Hunt
Juhi Gupta
Dara Michelle Downey

CREATIVE TEAM:

Production Manager: TBD
Director: Bethany Hughes
Assistant Director: Rachel Love Haverkamp
Musical Director/Composer/Coordinator: Matt Graham
Stage Manager: Jordan Campion
Choreographer: Jennifer Bilyk
Fight Choreographer: Adara Broyles
Costume Designer: Julieanna Salisbury Lazowski
Lighting Designer: TBD
Sound Designer: Rachel Love Haverkamp/ Matt Graham
Set Designer/Master Painter: Joan Hawkins
Master Builder: Pierre Valios
Props Master: Alyssa Paterson
Sound Op: TBD
Lighting OP: TBD

The Cast and Creative Team of THE TRIANGLE FACTORY FIRE PROJECT!

Introducing the Cast and Creative Team of The Triangle Factory Fire Project, up first in our 60th Season!

CAST:

AHMED ALMOKDAD – Abe Gordon, Samuel Gompers
ALLIE CONNOP – Dinah Lifschitz
DANIELLE YU – Rose Friedman, Ida Mittleman
DUSTIN  BERUBE – William Shepherd
EARL DANGWA – William Bernstein/Thug 2
ERIC RICE – Issac Harris
HEATHER MORROW – Bertha Schwartz
JAMES TOUPIN – Fire Chief Crocker
JESSICA RAMISCH – Ensemble
KENT SUTHERLAND –  Max Blanck
KINGSLEY LEUNG – Eddie Markowitz, John Moore
MARC TRILLANES – Max Schwartz
MARIAM GILL – Kate Alterman
MATT BEAIRSTO – Max Steuer, John Meehan
MEGHAN SCHRITT – Margaret Schwartz, May Lavantini
REBECCA BISSONNETTE – Rose Schneiderman, Yetta Lubitz
RUDY SMITH – Charles Bostwick
SAMANTHA WOOLSEY – Mrs. Belmont, Mary Alter
STEPHANIE SWENSRUDE – Ethel Monick
TAHA RIZVI – Samuel Bernstein

CREATIVE TEAM:

BARBARA MAH – Director/Choreographer
MARY ELLEN PERLEY – Stage Manager
M.J. KREISEL – Production Manager
KARIN LAUDERDALE – Costume Designer
LELAND STELCK – Set Designer
PHIL KREISEL – Sound Designer
BRAD MELROSE – Lighting Designer
DEBBIE TYSON – Properties Manager
ROBIN SHINA – Assistant Stage ManagerASM
BROOKE  EMBERLY – Master Painter
JOAN HAWKINS – Assistant Painter
RICHARD HATFIELD – Set Builder
JODE TOEWS – Light Operator
LOUISE MALLORY – Sound Operator
SALLY HUNT – Music Advisor

The Triangle Factory Fire Project runs from October 10-20, 2018.

Click here for tickets! 

Meet the Cast of THE WOMEN – Roseanna Sargent is Mary!

What is your role in The Women? The role I play in this production is Mary. She is a high society lady, happily married with 2 wonderful children and life is rather enjoyable for her until she finds out her husband is having an affair. 

What is your background in theatre? At Walterdale?  My first production at the Walterdale was part of the cradle to stage festival and I played Sophie the daughter of Emily, in The Sunset Syndrome which portrayed Emily’s inner turmoil and emotions of a women with dementia. This production was the first play I was a part of in Canada. I then went on to be apart of Lady Windermere’s Fan and got to wear the most beautiful dress.

What brought you out for the show?  I loved the idea of an all women cast and the play is just hilarious with some deeper meaning and issues that slowly arise throughout the story. It was a production that I knew would be awesome to be apart off.

Why should audiences come see this show? This play has all the emotions in it. You will laugh your head off one moment, nod your head with understanding the next and be sobbing within 10 minutes. The play is about women, in all societies and in all classes. It tells the story of friendship, betrayal and deals with real life issues that many women deal with every single day. There is so much depth to this play that most people will walk out with understanding, however what they exit with, will be entirely up to them.

What is the most challenging obstacle that you think women have overcome in the last century? I think the most challenging obstacle women have overcome this last century is the right to their body. History depicts women as secondary citizens who belonged to their father or husband with no voice and no control. The past 100 years has seen women grow and speak up and fight for equality in all areas. As a women living in a western society today I have a voice, I have a choice as to who I will marry, love, be apart of my family. I have opportunities that many women all over the world do not have. I am lucky and very grateful for this, but there are so many women and children who do not have a voice, who do not have control over their place in society, I think women have a long way to go to gain equality. I think women’s greatest challenge is uniting all women over the world and reaching a common ground that protects all women in all societies and cultures with respect to the variation of this world.

Meet the Cast of THE WOMEN – Katrina Kunkel is in the Ensemble!

What is your role in The Women? I get the opportunity as an ensemble member to play 1st Hairdresser, Princess Tamara, Miss Watts, and 2nd Girl. I am excited to play a variety of characters from varying social statuses and backgrounds who have differing beliefs of the world around them.

What is your background in theatre? In Edmonton? At Walterdale? This is my first performance with Walterdale! I took some drama classes at the University of Alberta and had the opportunity to perform in ABBEDAM and the New Works Festival at the University. I absolutely fell in love with the experience.
What brought you out for The Women? I was drawn to the story and the cast size and was intrigued that it would be an all female cast. I enjoyed my past theatre experiences and the support and sense of community that is created through being part of a production. I can say I definitely found that here!
What do you think audiences will take away from the show? Why do you think they should come and see it? While the play was written in 1936, it speaks to issues that are still prevalent in society today. While provoking laughter, the story also provokes a deeper reflection into the multiple facets of female relationships, societal privilege and entitlement, the position of women in society, and the judgment and support that comes from making personal choices. While the audience may or may not agree with the choices of the characters, it opens the door to create dialogue about how it compares or contrasts to each audience member’s own view of the world.
What do you think is the most important issue facing women today (in North America? Globally?)? Why? Control and choices over one’s own body and the sigma surrounding it. The problem is a global one and ranges from access to birth control, genital mutilation, safe abortions, to judgement regarding clothing choices. Many of the decisions surrounding women’s bodies are made with little or no input from women themselves or from the individual woman. Women, and everyone for that matter, should be able to feel safe making personal choices regarding their own body without judgement, discrimination, and harassment from others.