Ghost Light

Kate Ryan, director of Plain Jane Theatre Company, talks about the company's upcoming musical revue and 10-year anniversary celebration, Get Happy! The Plain Janes formed a decade ago with the mission to dust off and present lesser-known musicals, the hidden gems of the canon that had been mostly forgotten. Mel also talks about skin colour and theatre reviews, the transactional nature of media comps, and gives a mini review of Catalyst Theatre's The Invisible.   Show notes and listings: The colour of criticism – story in the Globe and Mail Every Brilliant Thing, Citadel Theatre, until Feb 23 The Invisible: Agents of Ungentlemanly Warfare, Catalyst Theatre, Maclab Theatre in the Citadel, until Feb 23 Wildfire, Rapid Fire Theatre, until Feb 23 As You Like It, Citadel Theatre, until Mar 15 Les Belles-soeurs, L’Uni Théâtre, La Cité, Feb 20 – 22 Get Happy!, Plain Jane Theatre, Varscona Theatre, Feb 20 – 29 Unleashed, Alberta Ballet, Jubilee Auditorium, Feb 21 – 22 Little Women, Scona Alumni Theatre Co., EPSB Archives: Assembly Hall – Mackway Ave School (10425 99 Ave) – Feb 25 – 29

It's an episode of long titles! Jonathan Christenson, artistic director of Catalyst Theatre, and performer Tara Jackson talk about Catalyst Theatre’s newest show, The Invisible: Agents of Ungentlemanly Warfare. This is a woman-centric story of several based-on-true-stories of female spies, saboteurs and other agents in WWII.  Mel also reviews Theatre Network's latest show: The Society for the Destitute Presents Titus Bouffonius. Sorry, she just doesn't like clowns. Link to the online consultation form for Alberta Budget 2020 APAC Response to the Government of Alberta’s 2020 Budget Consultation Survey Happy Birthday Baby J, Shadow Theatre, Varscona Theatre, Jan 22 – Feb 9 The Crucible, MacEwan University, Theatre Lab in Allard Hall, Jan 29 – Feb 8 The Society for the Destitute Presents Titus Bouffonius, Theatre Network, The Roxy on Gateway, Jan 30 – Feb 16 Every Brilliant Thing, Citadel Theatre, Feb 1 – 23 The Marriage of Figaro, Edmonton Opera, Jubilee Auditorium, Feb 1/4/7 The Invisible: Agents of Ungentlemanly Warfare, Catalyst Theatre, Maclab Theatre in the Citadel, Feb 4 – 23 1984, Walterdale Theatre, Feb 5 – 15 Chinook Series 2020, ATB Financial Arts Barns, Feb 6 – 16 Shakespeare’s Dog, Studio Theatre, Timms Centre, Feb 7 – 15 Second-hand Dances for the Crude, Crude City, Mile Zero Dance, Spazio Performativo, Feb 7 – 8 Dear Evan Hansen, Broadway Across Canada, Jubilee Auditorium, Feb 11 - 16 Epilogos, Brian Webb Dance, Triffo Theatre in Allard Hall, Feb 14 – 15

This week Mel speaks with Colleen Murphy, playwright of the effusively titled show going up at Theatre Network this week: The Society for the Destitute Presents Titus Bouffonius. Colleen is an award-winning and much celebrated playwright who has a long history with Theatre Network. They’ve staged numerous productions of her scripts, including the 2013 world premiere of her controversial play Pig Girl, which earned one of her two Governor General Awards for English-language drama. Titus Bouffonius is a reimagining of Shakespeare’s Titus Andronicus, done in bouffon-style – think clown, only with less whimsy and more…whatever the opposite of whimsy is. Colleen gives an excellent and thoughtful interview about bouffon, staged violence, arts funding, climate change and other good stuff. Mel also talks about the Citadel's new-ish sippy cups and the Broadway Across Canada and Citadel's new season launches.   Show notes and listings: Happy Birthday Baby J, Shadow Theatre, Varscona Theatre, Until Feb 9 The Crucible, MacEwan University, Theatre Lab in Allard Hall, Until Feb 8 The Society for the Destitute Presents Titus Bouffonius, Theatre Network, The Roxy on Gateway, Until Feb 16 Every Brilliant Thing, Citadel Theatre, Feb 1 – 23 The Marriage of Figaro, Edmonton Opera, Jubilee Auditorium, Feb 1/4/7 The Invisible: Agents of Ungentlemanly Warfare, Catalyst Theatre, Maclab Theatre in the Citadel, Feb 4 – 23 1984, Walterdale Theatre, Feb 5 – 15 Chinook Series 2020, ATB Financial Arts Barns, Feb 6 – 16 Shakespeare’s Dog, Studio Theatre, Timms Centre, Feb 7 – 15 Second-hand Dances for the Crude, Crude City, Mile Zero Dance, Spazio Performativo, Feb 7 – 8

This week’s jam-packed episode features an interview with Barry Bilinsky, assistant director of Pawâkan Macbeth – A Cree Takeover. The script was written by Reneltta Arluk and produced by Yellowknife’s Akpik Theatre. It debuted as a staged reading in 2017; the 2020 version is a full production commissioned by The Stratford Festival. It will be staged as part of the Chinook Series in partnership with Azimuth Theatre’s Expanse Festival. Bilinsky has been with the show from the beginning and we have a fascinating talk about Wihtiko, Shakespeare, Cree language, storytelling and Alberta’s history. Mel also gives a mini-review of the Winter Shakespeare Festival's staged reading of The Witch of Edmonton and Shadow Theatre's newest show, Happy Birthday Baby J. Show notes and listings: Mel’s review of Crave Mel’s interview with John Richardson Julius Caesar and A Midsummer Night’s Dream, playing as part of the Winter Shakespeare Festival, Malachite Theatre, Holy Trinity Anglican Church, until Feb 2 The Merry Devil of Edmonton: staged reading, Winter Shakespeare Festival, Holy Trinity Anglican Church, Jan 22 Everybody Loves Robbie, Northern Light Theatre, Studio Theatre in ATB Financial Arts Barns, until Jan 25 Crave, Fringe Theatre, Backstage Theatre in ATB Financial Arts Barns, until Jan 25 Cost of Living, Citadel Theatre, until Feb 2 Happy Birthday Baby J, Shadow Theatre, Varscona Theatre, Jan 22 – Feb 9 The Crucible, MacEwan University, Theatre Lab in Allard Hall, Jan 29 – Feb 8 The Society for the Destitute Presents Titus Bouffonius, Theatre Network, The Roxy on Gateway, Jan 30 – Feb 16

This week’s interview features the cast of Crave – Alex Dawkins, Sarah Emslie and Gabriel Richardson – which is being staged as part of the Fringe Theatre’s off-season by local indie company StoneMarrow Theatre. Local theatre news includes the expansion of the SkirtsAfire festival, The Roxy Theatre's continued efforts to rebuild after the fire five years ago, and Theatre Network's new fund for the commission of new plays. Also, a review of Everybody Loves Robbie currently running in Northern Light Theatre's season. Show notes and listings: Mel's review of Everybody Loves Robbie SkirtsAFire festival expands to three neighbourhoods in 2020 Donate to the Capital Campaign to rebuild The Roxy Theatre Morris Foundation/Theatre Network Fund for Commission of Plays Julius Caesar and A Midsummer Night’s Dream, playing as part of the Winter Shakespeare Festival, Malachite Theatre, Holy Trinity Anglican Church, until Feb 2 The Witch of Edmonton: staged reading, Winter Shakespeare Festival, Holy Trinity Anglican Church, Jan 22 Everybody Loves Robbie, Northern Light Theatre, Studio Theatre in ATB Financial Arts Barns, until Jan 25 Cost of Living, Citadel Theatre, until Feb 2 The Professors, Rapid Fire Theatre, Zeidler Hall in Citadel Theatre, until Feb 1 Crave, Fringe Theatre, Backstage Theatre in ATB Financial Arts Barns, until Jan 25 Diavolo, Alberta Ballet, Jubilee Auditorium, Jan 21 – 22 Happy Birthday Baby J, Shadow Theatre, Varscona Theatre, Jan 22 – Feb 9

Local Edmonton playwright Ellen Chorley gives us the scoop on her new script, Everybody Loves Robbie, which is currently on stage as part of Northern Light Theatre's new season. Chorley talks about working on the script, her time being a drama kid in high school, and mentoring a new generation of artists.  Mel also talks about the Citadel's new accessibility upgrades and gives a review of Julius Caesar, which is part of the inaugural Winter Shakespeare Festival.   Show notes and upcoming: Mel's review of Julius Caesar Edmonton’s Citadel Theatre upgrades accessibility for actors and patrons with disabilities Julius Caesar and A Midsummer Night’s Dream, playing as part of the Winter Shakespeare Festival, Malachite Theatre, Holy Trinity Anglican Church, until Feb 2 Everybody Loves Robbie, Northern Light Theatre, Studio Theatre in ATB Financial Arts Barns, Jan 10 – 25 Deep Freeze: A Byzantine Winter Festival, Alberta Avenue, Jan 11 – 12 Cost of Living, Citadel Theatre, Jan 11 – Feb 2 The Professors, Rapid Fire Theatre, Zeidler Hall in Citadel Theatre, Jan 11 – Feb 1 Crave, Fringe Theatre, Backstage Theatre in ATB Financial Arts Barns, Jan 14 – 25 Diavolo, Alberta Ballet, Jubilee Auditorium, Jan 21 – 22  

Welcome back to Ghost Light for the second half of Edmonton's 2019-2020 theatre season! A brand new Shakespearean theatre festival - the Midwinter Shakespeare Festival - launched at the beginning of January. Artistic director Benjamin Blyth tells us about the two plays being staged in the festival, Julius Caesar and A Midsummer Night's Dream. He talks about the relevance of these plays to our modern political climate, populist leaders, societies recovering from war, and more. Mel also talks about the staged readings of two Elizabethan plays that are running in the festival, The Merry Devil of Edmonton and The Witch of Edmonton, Walterdale Theatre's announcement of a new artistic director, and getting theatre history textbooks for Christmas.

This is the last episode of the year! Ghost Light is taking a mid-season break but will return promptly in January 2020. Until then, enjoy this lovely conversation with playwright David van Belle, who adapted the Citadel Theatre's brand-new production of A Christmas Carol. This show updates the old version - which ran for 19 years  - with a new setting, cast and crew.  I'd like to ask you, dear listener, in this season of giving, to consider taking the time to post a review of the show and also to become a supporter on Patreon. By now you have seen the kind of stuff that we do here every week and if this has value to you, the best way you can help ensure we keep it going is to become a patron. Show notes and listings: Bed and Breakfast, Theatre Network, The Roxy on Gateway, until Dec 8 Mr. Burns, a post-electric play, Fringe Theatre, Westbury Theatre in ATB Financial Arts Barns, until Dec 8 A Christmas Carol, Citadel Theatre, until Dec 23 Altar Boyz, Walterdale Theatre, until Dec 14 Cinderella: A Christmas Pantomime, Fort Edmonton Park, Dec 12 – 29 Sara Does a Solo, Mile Zero Dance, Spazio Performativo, Dec 13 – 14 Hey Ladies!, Theatre Network, The Roxy on Gateway, Dec 13

This week's episode dives into myth-making, storytelling and oral history through the lens of a nuclear apocalypse - and The Simpsons. Mr. Burns: a post-electric play, is currently running as part of Fringe Theatre's off-season and director Andrew Ritchie and performer Paula Humby talk about this ambitious and fascinating show. Mel also gives a review of Mr. Burns, as well as reviews of Bright Young Things' The Skin of Our Teeth and Theatre Network's Bed & Breakfast.  Upcoming Shows: Mr. Burns, a post-electric play, Fringe Theatre, Westbury Theatre in ATB Financial Arts Barns, Nov 26 – Dec 8 Bed and Breakfast, Theatre Network, The Roxy on Gateway, Nov 21 – Dec 8 – listen to last week Waitress, Broadway Across Canada, Jubilee Auditorium, Nov 26 – Dec 1 Revolt. She Said. Revolt Again., Studio Theatre, Timms Centre, Nov 29 – Dec 7 A Christmas Carol, Citadel Theatre, Nov 30 – Dec 23 Altar Boyz, Walterdale Theatre, Dec 4 – 14 The Nutcracker, Alberta Ballet, Jubilee Auditorium, Dec 5 – 8

Mel talks to Mathew Hulshof and Chris Pereira, the two performers in Theatre Network's production of Bed and Breakfast. This fast-paced, hilarious script is written by Canadian playwright Mark Crawford and tells the tale of a Toronto couple who inherit a B&B from their parents and have to return to their small town to run it. Mat and Chris talk about their own experiences with small towns, what it's like to play 10 characters at once, overcoming the small town/big city divide, and what they had for breakfast.  Show notes/listings:  Six, Citadel Theatre, Nov 1 – 24 Madame Catherine preparé sa classe de troisième a l’irrémédiable, Surreal SoReal, La Cité, Nov 20 – 23 Pippin, MacEwan University, Triffo Theatre in Allard Hall, Nov 20 – 30 Bed and Breakfast, Theatre Network, The Roxy on Gateway, Nov 21 – Dec 8 The Skin of Our Teeth, Bright Young Things, Varscona, Nov 22 – 30 Mr. Burns, a post-electric play, Fringe Theatre, Westbury Theatre in ATB Financial Arts Barns, Nov 26 – Dec 8 Waitress, Broadway Across Canada, Jubilee Auditorium, Nov 26 – Dec 1 Revolt. She Said. Revolt Again., Studio Theatre, Timms Centre, Nov 29 – Dec 7

How does a script change when you translate it into another language? Mel finds out the answer on this week's show, where playwright Elena Eli Belyea gives us the lowdown on their show, Madame Catherine preparé sa classe de troisième a l’irrémédiable, which is running at L'UniThéâtre November 20 to 23. They talk about the inspiration behind the script and the phenomenon of school shootings, what it’s like to have your work translated into French, how the meaning changes when a show is done in another language, and more great stuff. Mel also talks about how SIX might not quite live up to all the hype, and the appointment of Heather Inglis as Workshop West's new artistic producer and how it's great that Edmonton is finally getting a bit more diversity in theatre leadership.  

This week, Mel speaks with Lady Vanessa Cardona: poet, performer, artist and community builder. Her show, Three Ladies, is opening Fringe Theatre’s off-season. In Three Ladies, Lady Vanessa weaves together monologue, ceremony, poetry, hip-hop and traditional Colombian dance in a story of healing. She is also one of the founders of Remix the Ritual, an interdisciplinary artist collective that hosts monthly workshops that aim to ground intersectional equity within BIPOC-identifying communities by centering holistic learning through Afro-Indigenous interpretations of theatre, hip-hop and community building. Mel also reviews The Particulars by Matthew Mackenzie, which was in town for a super quick stop, and talks about The Ballad of Peachtree Rose, Nicole Moeller's new show.    Show notes and theatre listings: Mel’s review of The Ballad of Peachtree Rose Edmonton Journal interview with Matthew Mackenzie about The Particulars Remix the Ritual’s website The Ballad of Peachtree Rose, Workshop West, Backstage Theatre in ATB Financial Arts Barns, until Nov 10 The Roommate, Shadow Theatre, Varscona Theatre, until Nov 10 Six, Citadel Theatre, until Nov 24 Blithe Spirit, Concordia University, Al and Trish Huehn Theatre, until Nov 10 Girl Brain, Citadel Theatre, Nov 8 – 9 Three Ladies, Fringe Theatre, Studio Theatre in ATB Financial Arts Barns, Nov 13 – 17 

We don't often get to hear from the perspective of stage managers when talking about theatre, so this week Mel spoke with Millie Winzinowich, the apprentice stage manager for Workshop West's new show, The Ballad of Peachtree Rose. We talk about what stage management even is and why every show needs one, theatre unions, boxes, spike tape, organized crime and Edmonton's seedy underbelly, and more. Show notes and theatre listings: Mel’s review of Baroness Bianka’s Bloodsongs Mel’s review of The Roommate The Roommate, Shadow Theatre, Varscona Theatre, until Nov 10 The Ballad of Peachtree Rose, Workshop West, Backstage Theatre in ATB Financial Arts Barns, until Nov 10 Welcome to Thebes, Abbedam Productions, Timms Centre,  until Nov 3 Six, Citadel Theatre, until Nov 24 The Particulars, Punctuate! Theatre, La Cité, Nov 1 – 2 Running Piece, Mile Zero Dance, Spazio Performativo, Nov 1 Blithe Spirit, Concordia University, Al and Trish Huehn Theatre, until 10 Girl Brain, Citadel Theatre, Nov 8 – 9

Alberta's new budget slashes funding for the arts and Mel goes on a rant about it. But then she has a wonderful conversation with Gerry Morita, artistic director of Mile Zero Dance Society, about their upcoming season. Contemporary dance is fascinating both to experience and to talk about, and this conversation is no exception. Along the way we talk about punk shows, climate protests, that creepy girl from The Ring, treadmills, old Italian men, and more. Show notes and listings: Mel’s Twitter rant Mel’s review of Fight Night Mel’s review of E Day E Day, Serial Collective, The Roxy on Gateway, until Oct 27 Simone et le Whole Shebang, L’Uni Théâtre, La Cité, until Oct 26 Fight Night, Citadel Theatre, until Oct 27 Baroness Bianka’s Bloodsongs, Northern Light Theatre, Studio Theatre in ATB Financial Arts Barns, until Nov 2 The Roommate, Shadow Theatre, Varscona Theatre, until Nov 10 Oblivion, Mile Zero Dance, Spazio Performativo, Oct 25 – 26 The Ballad of Peachtree Rose, Workshop West, Backstage Theatre in ATB Financial Arts Barns, Oct 30 – Nov 10 Frankenstein, Alberta Ballet, Jubilee Auditorium, Oct 31 – Nov 2 Six, Citadel Theatre, Nov 1 – 24 The Particulars, Punctuate! Theatre, La Cité, Nov 1 – 2 Running Piece, Mile Zero Dance, Spazio Performativo, Nov 1 & 8 Blithe Spirit, Concordia University, Al and Trish Huehn Theatre, Nov 1 – 10

This week is all about taking back the stage for the middle-aged ladies. First up is Kristin Johnston, who is starring in Northern Light Theatre's season opener Baroness Bianka's Bloodsongs. After that is Nancy McAlear, director of The Roommate, which is opening Shadow Theatre's new season. We talk about learning to play the accordion, terrible roommate antics, roles for women on stage, how turning 40 means turning invisible, and more. (You have to listen to the show to figure out which of those things is from which interview.) Mel also gives the lowdown on Studio Theatre's production of Richard III.    Show notes and upcoming theatre:  Mel’s review of Richard III Dead Centre of Town XII, Catch the Keys, Fort Edmonton Park, until Nov 1 Richard III, Studio Theatre, Timms Centre, until Oct 19 Clue: Improv Edition, Rapid Fire Theatre, Citadel Theatre, Oct 19 E Day, Serial Collective, The Roxy on Gateway, until Oct 27 Simone et le Whole Shebang, L’Uni Théâtre, La Cité, until Oct 26 Fight Night, Citadel Theatre, until Oct 27 Baroness Bianka’s Bloodsongs, Northern Light Theatre, Studio Theatre in ATB Financial Arts Barns, until Nov 2 Eve 2050, Brian Webb Dance, Triffo Theatre in Allard Hall, Oct 18 – 19 Rigoletto, Edmonton Opera, Jubilee Auditorium, Oct 19/22/25 The Roommate, Shadow Theatre, Varscona Theatre, Oct 23 – Nov 10

Things get political this week with a pair of interviews that fit perfectly with the upcoming Canadian federal election. First is Dave Horak, who is directing Theatre Network’s first show of the season, E Day – a new comedy by local Edmonton playwright Jason Chinn that was inspired by Chinn’s work on the 2015 Alberta NDP election campaign. After that, Max Rubin – director of Studio Theatre’s upcoming production of Richard III – talks about demagogues and how Shakespeare is more relevant than ever. Mel also talks about the bad news for Theatre Ontario and hopes that the new Alberta provincial budget doesn’t jeopardize our own province’s theatre service organization.   Show notes: Provincial funding cuts threaten future of Theatre Ontario Globe & Mail story Silent Sky, Walterdale Theatre, Oct 2 – 12 Open Invitation, Saint Maggie Productions, Backstage Theatre in ATB Arts Barns, Oct 3 – 12 Dead Centre of Town XII, Catch the Keys, Fort Edmonton Park, Oct 10 – Nov 1 Richard III, Studio Theatre, Timms Centre, Oct 11 – 19 HINKYPUNK, Brian Webb Dance, Theatre Lab in Allard Hall, Oct 11 – 12 SEARCH – a Song and Dance Drama, Chinese Benevolent Association, Winspear Centre, Oct 11 Clue: Improv Edition, Rapid Fire Theatre, Citadel Theatre, Oct 12 & 19 E Day, Serial Collective, The Roxy on Gateway, Oct 15 – 27 Simone et le Whole Shebang, L’Uni Théâtre, La Cité, Oct 16 – 26 Fight Night, Citadel Theatre, Oct 17 – 27

October is here and we have some ghost stories to share! In this extended episode you'll get to hear from the folks behind Dead Centre of Town (DCoT), Edmonton's travelling, immersive theatre show that takes place in literal haunted houses. Mel speaks with Megan Dart, one half of Catch the Keys, the production company behind DCoT. Megan talks about this year's show - which is at the Mellon Farmhouse in Fort Edmonton Park - as well as Dead Centres past, including some actual ghost stories from previous years. Mel also talks to John and Kat Evans, who are part of DCoT's creative team. They do all the SFX, props and costumes for DCoT, so they have lots of fascinating things to share about how they make the magic happen every year. Oh, and they've also got some spooky ghost stories, too! Just in time for the start of Halloween season, this episode is not to be missed.   Show notes and theatre listings: Mel's review of The Color Purple Mel's review of No Change in the Weather Silent Sky, Walterdale Theatre, until Oct 12 Open Invitation, Saint Maggie Productions, Backstage Theatre in ATB Arts Barns, until Oct 12 Taj Express, Alberta Ballet, Jubilee Auditorium, Oct 4 – 5 Firefly High Tea, ATB Financial Arts Barns lobby, Oct 6 Dead Centre of Town XII, Catch the Keys, Fort Edmonton Park, Oct 10 – Nov 1

What even is a clown? This week Mel talks to Christine Lesiak, director of Edmonton's Play the Fool clown festival, to find out the answer. Funny clowns, sad clowns, scary clowns, naked clowns - we talk about all types of clowns in this fascinating conversation.  Show notes and upcoming theatre listings: Media Passes and the Edmonton Fringe No Change in the Weather, a Newfoundland Musical, Arts Barns, Sept 25 to 28 The Color Purple, Citadel, to October 13 Vidalia, Varscona, to October 12 Play the Fool Festival, Backstage Theatre, Sept. 27 to 29 Open Invitation, Backstage Theatre, ATB Arts Barns, Oct. 3-12 Dirt Buffet Cabaret (Tim Mikula, Mile Zero Dance), Oct. 3 Taj Express, Alberta Ballet, Jubilee Auditorium, Oct. 4-5

The Color Purple is opening soon at the Citadel Theatre and Mel spoke to Jesse Lipscombe to get the inside story about the production. Lipscombe is an Edmonton actor, singer, producer and activist who founded the #MakeItAwkward anti-racism campaign in 2016. Mel also talks about Bob Baker being expelled from Equity, what that means and the questions that leaves the Edmonton theatre community.  Show notes:  Bob Baker Ousted from Canadian Actors Equity Association, Globe and Mail Former Citadel Artistic Director Bob Baker Kicked Out of Actors Union, Edmonton Journal Sleeping Beauty, The Roxy on Gateway, Sept 19 to 22 The Color Purple, Citadel, Sept. 21 to Oct 13 No Change in the Weather, a Newfoundland Musical, Arts Barns, Sept 25 to 28 Vidalia, Varscona, Sept. 26 to Oct. 12 Play the Fool Festival, Backstage Theatre, Sept. 27 to 29 Good Women Dance season launch, Café Bicyclette, Sept 23 from 6 to 9

This week, Mel interviews Azimuth Theatre co-artistic producers, Vanessa Sabourin and Kristi Hansen, about Azimuth’s upcoming 2019-20 theatre season. We discuss their upcoming panel discussion and the season to come. Along the way, we talk about the role that art plays in society, whether consuming art can ever be apolitical, the #metoo movement and callout culture and how theatre is engaging with those, supportership vs. leadership, and more.   Show notes: Azimuth Theatre website – season launch panel discussion Sept 16 Kaleido Family Arts Festival – Sept 13-15 Die-Nasty Soap-a-Thon – Sept 13-15 Mile Zero Dance-a-Thon – Sept 21 Vidalia – Sept 26 The Dancing Man video