The Fringe Festival is getting ready to Stage a Revolution! Get it? “Stage”?? Plays – on the stage??? Cool, eh…Anyways, here’s what you’ve been waiting for: your guide to the revolution. Man your barricades, let’s get busy with some serious theatre.
Since it is a revolutionary theme, one would expect to see some cutting edge works and topics, and this year should not disappoint. There are works about Louis Riel, a Canadian revolutionary if ever there was one (“The Seven Lives of Louis Riel”), as well as a musical telling the story of St Joan (“Saint Joan and Me”). There are works about George Orwell, who wrote on revolutionary themes (“George Orwell Is Not My Real Name”), and a new staging of the ancient play “Lysistrata”, which tells of a revolutionary approach to the end of war. We have early plays by the late Harold Pinter, who revolutionized modern English theatre (“Pinter’s Briefs”), and of course, a couple of interpretations of Shakespeare (“The Secret Love Life of Ophelia”; “Full of Sound and Fury”). We have Pulitzer-nominated drama from Jon Marans (“Old Wicked Songs”), and a unique collaboration from Pulitzer-winner Sam Shepard and Patti Smith (“Cowboy Mouth”).
Some of my favourite overseas performers have returned this year: Kevin Williamson, Marcus Fernando, and Erik deWaal are all masters at their craft. These men all show you how it should be done, Between them, they appear in 5 productions (“Pinter’s Briefs”, “George Orwell is Not My Real Name”, “Red Wine & Canvas”, “Full of Sound and Fury”, and “Blue is the Water”). Be sure to catch at least one.
For those of you longing for more B-Movie-style theatre, this is your year. We have not one but TWO zombie plays (“Captain Hook vs. The Zombies”; “For the Love of a Zombie”), Sci-fi sounding titles (“She Came From Planet X”, “Adventures in X-Ray Theatre”, and the grand-daddy of them all – “The Rocky Horror Show”. Cheese galore – fantastic!!!
Curiously, the human body seems to figures prominently in a number of this year’s offerings: “Tasha Diamant’s Human Body Project”, “Never Trust a Naked Marriage Counsellor”, "Full Frontal Nudity" , "Cadaver", and numerous others. Must be something in the water this year.
For all you hippies out there, we have a John Denver retrospective in “John Denver: Rocky Mountain Memories”, and “Transcanada ’69”, which pays homage to the music of Neil Young, Joni Mitchell, Leonard Cohen, et al. Bring your headband and your guitar.
This year is full of opportunities to see new works by local playwrights. From veterans such as Stewart Lemoine, Chris Craddock and David Belke, to playwrights you may never have heard of, but have talent oozing out of every pore, there is no excuse to not support our outstanding local talent. Edmonton is a hotbed of quality writing for the theatre – check it out. Go see something new.
For myself, my personal “don’t miss” list includes “Jack and Jill Deconstruct”, “The Year of Magical Thinking”, “Cabaret Terrarium” and “The Snow Queen”, among others. And who knows what the surprise find of the Fringe will be – we’ll find out sometime in the next week.
And, as you know, I offer this list only as a guide through the many offerings at the Fringe -- I don’t normally “plug” shows. I will make something of an exception this year, however. “From Something” will not appear in your guide, as it is a last-minute replacement for “The Particulars”. The show is written and directed by Kristen Finlay, and stars Joyce LaBriola, Julie Sinclair and Anne Marie Szucs. All are outstanding performers, but this show does not have the benefit of placement in the Fringe guide. Check it out, mention it to friends, and let’s give these artists the audience they deserve. (Remember, they are replacing “The Particulars” – so make the change in your program now – I’ll wait while you get a pen...)
So, go and see as many shows as you can. Ask other patrons what they recommend. If you see an artist whose show you enjoyed, tell them, and spread the word to others. Remind your friends and colleagues that going to the Fringe and not seeing a show is like going to taste of Edmonton and not eating, or going to the Folk Festival and leaving before the music starts. IT’S A THEATRE FESTIVAL – GO SEE A PLAY!!!
AND LET’S SELL MORE TICKETS THAN WINNIPEG THIS YEAR!!!! Honestly folks, it’s embarrassing that we’re being beaten by Winnipeg…. Do your part for the cause.See you at the Fringe!
Thursday, August 13, 2009
Friday, March 20, 2009
Spring 2009
Spring projects...
Crazy for Gershwin -- CD project with Martin Galba is in final preparation, and we hit the studio in April!! Watch this space for details on the CD release and how to purchase your very own copy.
Hansel und Gretel -- I will be performing as the 10-finger orchestra for this operatic production, performing late May/early June. Again, watch this space for complete details.
Crazy for Gershwin -- CD project with Martin Galba is in final preparation, and we hit the studio in April!! Watch this space for details on the CD release and how to purchase your very own copy.
Hansel und Gretel -- I will be performing as the 10-finger orchestra for this operatic production, performing late May/early June. Again, watch this space for complete details.
Sunday, October 26, 2008
Fall Theatre Season
"Anne of Green Gables" is in rehearsals, and the beloved characters of Avonlea are starting to come to life. The show runs Feb 20-28, 2009, at Festival Place. Tickets go on sale soon, check Ticketmaster for details.
The Gershwin project records shortly -- "Crazy for Gershwin", featuring Martin Galba on vocals and myself on piano, will be available sometime in the new year. Details on the CD release will be posted here.
Finally, there are a number of shows coming up involving friends and colleagues that I'd like to suggest to you:
Three Viewings/Three Hotels -- Nov 6-9 at Festival Place (Sherwood Park)
"Three Viewings" is a set of 3 monolgues, set in a funeral home. It features Norm Usiskin, Anne-Marie Szucs, and Francie Goodwin-Davis. The second play, "Three Hotels", is the story of a pharmaceutical executive and his wife. Featuring Cory Christensen and Anne-Marie Szucs. Both plays are directed by Richard Winnick.
The Three Musketeers -- Nov 27- 29 at Horizon Stage (Spruce Grove)
Horizon Players presents this swashbuckling adventure, full of suspense, action, adventure and sword-fighting! Directed by Jon Shields.
Crazy for You -- Dec 19-30 at Festival Place (Sherwood Park)
This musical features some of the best-known songs by George & Ira Gershwin. A holiday treat for the whole family. Directed and choreographed by Shelley Tookey.
Enjoy the fall, and see you at the theatre!
The Gershwin project records shortly -- "Crazy for Gershwin", featuring Martin Galba on vocals and myself on piano, will be available sometime in the new year. Details on the CD release will be posted here.
Finally, there are a number of shows coming up involving friends and colleagues that I'd like to suggest to you:
Three Viewings/Three Hotels -- Nov 6-9 at Festival Place (Sherwood Park)
"Three Viewings" is a set of 3 monolgues, set in a funeral home. It features Norm Usiskin, Anne-Marie Szucs, and Francie Goodwin-Davis. The second play, "Three Hotels", is the story of a pharmaceutical executive and his wife. Featuring Cory Christensen and Anne-Marie Szucs. Both plays are directed by Richard Winnick.
The Three Musketeers -- Nov 27- 29 at Horizon Stage (Spruce Grove)
Horizon Players presents this swashbuckling adventure, full of suspense, action, adventure and sword-fighting! Directed by Jon Shields.
Crazy for You -- Dec 19-30 at Festival Place (Sherwood Park)
This musical features some of the best-known songs by George & Ira Gershwin. A holiday treat for the whole family. Directed and choreographed by Shelley Tookey.
Enjoy the fall, and see you at the theatre!
Sunday, October 12, 2008
More Peas, Please!
The Peas are back!
Judy McFerran, Timothy J. Anderson and I return to Third Space on October 17th & 18th for our 5th annual Cabaret.
This year's show features music by Kander & Ebb, Kurt Weill, David Yazbek, Mel Brooks, Eric Idle, Tom Lehrer, and many others.
The Third Space: 11516-103 Street
Doors at 7:15, show at 8:00, cash bar
Tickets $20 for adults, $15 for students and seniors, available in advance at Tix on the Square.
780-420-1757, online at http://www.tixonthesquare.ca/
Thursday, September 4, 2008
Anne of Green Gables Auditions
Auditions for Sherard Musical Theatre's upcoming production of Anne of Green Gables will be held September 15, 16 & 17.
Complete audition requirements and details available on the link below:
http://www.sherardmusicaltheatre.com/upcomingauditions.htm
Complete audition requirements and details available on the link below:
http://www.sherardmusicaltheatre.com/upcomingauditions.htm
Saturday, August 30, 2008
The Season Begins
The season is about to get back in full swing, and it will be a busy fall.
Anne of Green Gables -- I will be conducting this show for Sherard Musical Theatre. Auditions take palce Sept 15, 16 and 17. For full details, please visit www.sherardmusicaltheatre.com.
Walterdale Theatre celebrates 50 years of Footlights this year! Their Annviersary Gala is coming up on September 27th. I have the honour of co-ordinating some musical numbers for your edification and enjoyment. A few familiar Walterdale faces will be on stage, strutting their stuff! For tickets, please contact Tix on the Square (780-420-1757), or visit www. tixonthesquare.ca.
Three Peas Cabaret returns October 17 & 18, at the Third Space. Full details shortly! This is our 5th year, and we have a whole bunch of new material. This year's show should be lots of fun, and we'd love to see you there!
Anne of Green Gables -- I will be conducting this show for Sherard Musical Theatre. Auditions take palce Sept 15, 16 and 17. For full details, please visit www.sherardmusicaltheatre.com.
Walterdale Theatre celebrates 50 years of Footlights this year! Their Annviersary Gala is coming up on September 27th. I have the honour of co-ordinating some musical numbers for your edification and enjoyment. A few familiar Walterdale faces will be on stage, strutting their stuff! For tickets, please contact Tix on the Square (780-420-1757), or visit www. tixonthesquare.ca.
Three Peas Cabaret returns October 17 & 18, at the Third Space. Full details shortly! This is our 5th year, and we have a whole bunch of new material. This year's show should be lots of fun, and we'd love to see you there!
Friday, August 8, 2008
Sally's Fringe Picks 2008
I had no idea that “Sally’s Fringe Picks” wielded so much power over the Fringe Festival.
I decided to take a year off, and the festival went to hell. Lousy weather, ticketing problems, empty beer tents – and all because the Fringe Picks list didn’t happen! Sorry abut that, kids, won’t happen again.
But we’re back, rejuvenated, refreshed, and ready to Fringe along to the Big Kahuna. If you check your guide (which you’ve already bought, of course!), you will notice some of last year’s “issues” are no longer issues – available tickets to be sold at the door, the beer tent where it should be, and most importantly, the return of Sally’s Fringe Picks – the universe is back in balance.
Our team of theatre experts has been working through the program to give you a rough guide of what to expect, and to give some assistance in working through the hundreds of artistic possibilities. Now, there were several drinks with umbrellas involved, so that might color things just a tiny little bit…
Usual caveats – I am not affiliated with any of these shows, and have seen none of them, so I cannot tell you if they will move you artistically. You might have really weird taste that can’t be predicted, so don’t blame me if you think the biggest hit in Fringe history totally sucks -- there is art for everyone, some of you just have to work harder to find it.
So put on your grass skirt, pour yourself a Mai Tai and get ready for some serious theatre!
The Big Kahuna must start with Shakespeare. This is a theatre festival, after all, so it only right that we have works by The Bard. Catch Hamlet (solo), Hamletmachine, ‘Beth (an adaptation of The Scottish Play), or even The Shakespeare Show. Plenty of opportunity to enjoy the greatest playwright in the English language.
Canadian works: Canada produces some of the most interesting theatre in the world. Notable Canadian works being presented this year include 3 different plays from Daniel MacIvor (House, See Bob Run, and Wild Abandon). Also playing: Albertine in Five Times (Michel Tremblay), Jumpin’ Jack (Lyle Victor Albert), and Possible Worlds (John Mighton)
Edmonton works: Edmonton playwrights are represented in abundance. Best value for money must be 25 Plays About Love – featuring works by some of Edmonton’s best young creative artists. Other Edmonton notables include Spiral Dive (Kenneth Brown), Meat Farce (Gerald Osborn), Stars & Sons (Mark Stubbings), and The Etymology of Iroquois, by my esteemed Three Peas cabaret collaborator Timothy J. Anderson (our 5th annual cabaret performs in October—watch this space for further details!!!).
Local Interest: The Office Tower Tales, by Edmonton’s poet laureate, Alice Major. How cool is it that we live in a city with a Poet Laureate! (Take THAT, Calgary!). And, do you what Alberta’s biggest political sex scandal was? Check out Respecting the Action for Seduction and find out!
The Classics: It’s just not the Fringe without some Greek drama – this year, it is The Trojan Women by Euripedes. Settings of other classic tales re-interpreted for the stage this year include Crusoe: All Washed Up (a re-telling of the Robinson Crusoe tale), and Quixote (a setting of the works of Cervantes). Some of my colleagues are particularly familiar with this material, as we spent many months in La Mancha earlier this year. This interpretation is by Fringe veteran Erik de Waal, so it should be fascinating.
Modern Classics: There are a number of outstanding modern plays, including Art (Yasmina Reza), Closer (Patrick Marber) and a couple of David Mamet plays -- Oleanna, and Bobby Gould in Hell. The latter is ably stage managed by my other Three Peas cabaret collaborator Judy McFerran. (A reminder that our 5th annual cabaret performs in October!! More details coming soon)
Musical: I’m pleased to see so many interesting musical choices. If you like traditional musicals, we’ve got both Putting It Together (Stephen Sondheim), and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat ( Andrew Lloyd Webber). If you want theatre dynasty, check out Myths and Hymns, by Adam Guettel – the grandson of Richard Rodgers, and a brilliant young composer in his own right. Other musical offerings include the tabloid-inspired Bat Boy, the Musical, and a trio of apparently morbidly-themed musicals Death’s Godson, Pushin’ Up Daisies, and Dead Lovers Day. Who said musicals had to be cheery and sappy? Go to the dark side…
If you prefer your music less “pop” and more “serious”, check out Pagliacci (full-blown opera, in a tent! Fantastic!). If operetta is more your scene, check out Aloha Pinafore (a “Love Boat” style setting of the Gilbert & Sullivan classic HMS Pinafore), and, of course, the return of Fringe favorites The PreTenors. Also, if you’re uncertain about this genre called “classical music”, check out Rainer Hersch’s All Classical Music Explained.
If German Punk Rock is your thing, don’t miss Die Roten Puntke: Super Musikant. According to last year’s show they are “best band in ze vorld, ja!”
Dancing at the Fringe: this year’s dance shows range from Tap Attack, to The Official Napoleon Dynamite Dance Class. Sweet…
Sequels: Maggie Now, parts 3 & 4, run this year! Maggie 1 & 2 were huge hits last year – see how the story resolves. A
Good bets: one I will try not to miss is A Body of Water. This is presented by Blarney Productions, a local company fast building a reputation for outstanding theatre. This production is directed by Wayne Paquette, who directed Orange Flower Water this past season, which was far and away the most powerful and moving production I’ve seen in a long, long time. I expect this production will not disappoint.
Many of you loved Maggie Now, Parts 1 & 2 last year. You’ll be pleased to know that the story continues this year with Maggie Now, Parts 3 & 4. This sold out quickly last year, so get your tickets early, or you’ll never know what happens…
Performance Art: All artists at the Fringe are taking a chance, and, as audience members, we should take a chance also. Go for something different – try The Monkey King and the Iron Fan Princess (Chinese performance art), or try Is It Better to Ride the Dung Beetle Than it is to Tread on Soft Carpet. The performer says she is “not re-telling a story, but creating an experience which we share together). And isn’t that exactly what live performance is about? Take a chance, you might be surprised…
Curious Titles: there are always a few, and the 3 that stood out for me this year are The Genghis Khan Guide to Etiquette, Green Eggs and Keruoac, and Transcendental Masturbation. (A note for all you singletons out there – while this might be the best show of the Fringe, based only on the title, I would not recommend this as a first date.)
Fringe Institutions: Some of us like stability and consistency, so for those of you, we have, among others: Jem Rolls, TJ Dawe, Stewart Lemoine, David Belke, Keir Cutler, Die-Nasty, and Guys in Disguise. These are shows from experienced and talented artists. Catch them again, or, if you’ve never seen them, see them for the first time. They’re Fringe favorites for a reason!
Finally, if you are:
A World War II vetran
A member of the Orchid Society
A Radio Announcer
Wearing a grass skirt
Wearing a Cosplay or Anime costume
An Equity member
…there is a deal on tickets for you! But you have to read the Fringe Guide to find out which shows!
And this should get you started. So, go buy a program – they’re only$6 – take a look, and catch a couple of shows. Visit with other Fringe goers, discuss what you’ve seen, and find out what they’ve seen – there are hidden gems out there, and talking to other patrons is usually the best way to find them.
Finally, don’t just see shows at the Fringe. Edmonton has interesting theatre running all year – so switch off the TV, get up off the couch, and go see some live theatre! You won’t regret it.
Aloha, and hang ten at the Fringe!
I decided to take a year off, and the festival went to hell. Lousy weather, ticketing problems, empty beer tents – and all because the Fringe Picks list didn’t happen! Sorry abut that, kids, won’t happen again.
But we’re back, rejuvenated, refreshed, and ready to Fringe along to the Big Kahuna. If you check your guide (which you’ve already bought, of course!), you will notice some of last year’s “issues” are no longer issues – available tickets to be sold at the door, the beer tent where it should be, and most importantly, the return of Sally’s Fringe Picks – the universe is back in balance.
Our team of theatre experts has been working through the program to give you a rough guide of what to expect, and to give some assistance in working through the hundreds of artistic possibilities. Now, there were several drinks with umbrellas involved, so that might color things just a tiny little bit…
Usual caveats – I am not affiliated with any of these shows, and have seen none of them, so I cannot tell you if they will move you artistically. You might have really weird taste that can’t be predicted, so don’t blame me if you think the biggest hit in Fringe history totally sucks -- there is art for everyone, some of you just have to work harder to find it.
So put on your grass skirt, pour yourself a Mai Tai and get ready for some serious theatre!
The Big Kahuna must start with Shakespeare. This is a theatre festival, after all, so it only right that we have works by The Bard. Catch Hamlet (solo), Hamletmachine, ‘Beth (an adaptation of The Scottish Play), or even The Shakespeare Show. Plenty of opportunity to enjoy the greatest playwright in the English language.
Canadian works: Canada produces some of the most interesting theatre in the world. Notable Canadian works being presented this year include 3 different plays from Daniel MacIvor (House, See Bob Run, and Wild Abandon). Also playing: Albertine in Five Times (Michel Tremblay), Jumpin’ Jack (Lyle Victor Albert), and Possible Worlds (John Mighton)
Edmonton works: Edmonton playwrights are represented in abundance. Best value for money must be 25 Plays About Love – featuring works by some of Edmonton’s best young creative artists. Other Edmonton notables include Spiral Dive (Kenneth Brown), Meat Farce (Gerald Osborn), Stars & Sons (Mark Stubbings), and The Etymology of Iroquois, by my esteemed Three Peas cabaret collaborator Timothy J. Anderson (our 5th annual cabaret performs in October—watch this space for further details!!!).
Local Interest: The Office Tower Tales, by Edmonton’s poet laureate, Alice Major. How cool is it that we live in a city with a Poet Laureate! (Take THAT, Calgary!). And, do you what Alberta’s biggest political sex scandal was? Check out Respecting the Action for Seduction and find out!
The Classics: It’s just not the Fringe without some Greek drama – this year, it is The Trojan Women by Euripedes. Settings of other classic tales re-interpreted for the stage this year include Crusoe: All Washed Up (a re-telling of the Robinson Crusoe tale), and Quixote (a setting of the works of Cervantes). Some of my colleagues are particularly familiar with this material, as we spent many months in La Mancha earlier this year. This interpretation is by Fringe veteran Erik de Waal, so it should be fascinating.
Modern Classics: There are a number of outstanding modern plays, including Art (Yasmina Reza), Closer (Patrick Marber) and a couple of David Mamet plays -- Oleanna, and Bobby Gould in Hell. The latter is ably stage managed by my other Three Peas cabaret collaborator Judy McFerran. (A reminder that our 5th annual cabaret performs in October!! More details coming soon)
Musical: I’m pleased to see so many interesting musical choices. If you like traditional musicals, we’ve got both Putting It Together (Stephen Sondheim), and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat ( Andrew Lloyd Webber). If you want theatre dynasty, check out Myths and Hymns, by Adam Guettel – the grandson of Richard Rodgers, and a brilliant young composer in his own right. Other musical offerings include the tabloid-inspired Bat Boy, the Musical, and a trio of apparently morbidly-themed musicals Death’s Godson, Pushin’ Up Daisies, and Dead Lovers Day. Who said musicals had to be cheery and sappy? Go to the dark side…
If you prefer your music less “pop” and more “serious”, check out Pagliacci (full-blown opera, in a tent! Fantastic!). If operetta is more your scene, check out Aloha Pinafore (a “Love Boat” style setting of the Gilbert & Sullivan classic HMS Pinafore), and, of course, the return of Fringe favorites The PreTenors. Also, if you’re uncertain about this genre called “classical music”, check out Rainer Hersch’s All Classical Music Explained.
If German Punk Rock is your thing, don’t miss Die Roten Puntke: Super Musikant. According to last year’s show they are “best band in ze vorld, ja!”
Dancing at the Fringe: this year’s dance shows range from Tap Attack, to The Official Napoleon Dynamite Dance Class. Sweet…
Sequels: Maggie Now, parts 3 & 4, run this year! Maggie 1 & 2 were huge hits last year – see how the story resolves. A
Good bets: one I will try not to miss is A Body of Water. This is presented by Blarney Productions, a local company fast building a reputation for outstanding theatre. This production is directed by Wayne Paquette, who directed Orange Flower Water this past season, which was far and away the most powerful and moving production I’ve seen in a long, long time. I expect this production will not disappoint.
Many of you loved Maggie Now, Parts 1 & 2 last year. You’ll be pleased to know that the story continues this year with Maggie Now, Parts 3 & 4. This sold out quickly last year, so get your tickets early, or you’ll never know what happens…
Performance Art: All artists at the Fringe are taking a chance, and, as audience members, we should take a chance also. Go for something different – try The Monkey King and the Iron Fan Princess (Chinese performance art), or try Is It Better to Ride the Dung Beetle Than it is to Tread on Soft Carpet. The performer says she is “not re-telling a story, but creating an experience which we share together). And isn’t that exactly what live performance is about? Take a chance, you might be surprised…
Curious Titles: there are always a few, and the 3 that stood out for me this year are The Genghis Khan Guide to Etiquette, Green Eggs and Keruoac, and Transcendental Masturbation. (A note for all you singletons out there – while this might be the best show of the Fringe, based only on the title, I would not recommend this as a first date.)
Fringe Institutions: Some of us like stability and consistency, so for those of you, we have, among others: Jem Rolls, TJ Dawe, Stewart Lemoine, David Belke, Keir Cutler, Die-Nasty, and Guys in Disguise. These are shows from experienced and talented artists. Catch them again, or, if you’ve never seen them, see them for the first time. They’re Fringe favorites for a reason!
Finally, if you are:
A World War II vetran
A member of the Orchid Society
A Radio Announcer
Wearing a grass skirt
Wearing a Cosplay or Anime costume
An Equity member
…there is a deal on tickets for you! But you have to read the Fringe Guide to find out which shows!
And this should get you started. So, go buy a program – they’re only$6 – take a look, and catch a couple of shows. Visit with other Fringe goers, discuss what you’ve seen, and find out what they’ve seen – there are hidden gems out there, and talking to other patrons is usually the best way to find them.
Finally, don’t just see shows at the Fringe. Edmonton has interesting theatre running all year – so switch off the TV, get up off the couch, and go see some live theatre! You won’t regret it.
Aloha, and hang ten at the Fringe!
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