On Staging

Discussion Opening January 30th and running through February 13th at the Pumphouse Theatre in Calgary, Morpheus Theatre presents Kate Hammill's Little Women, directed by Corinne Nairn and Colleen Bishop. Kyle sits down with them both to discuss the themes and meaning of this story and how relevant all of it is in today's world. Gender stereotypes, civil war, and the importance of family will have you leaving the theatre thinking about the themes of this production long after your drive home. Tickets: https://www.morpheustheatre.ca/?portfolio=little-women About the Show: Share this timeless and enduring classic about the March sisters’ journey from childhood to maturity during the American Civil War.  Audiences of all generations will enjoy acquainting — or reacquainting — themselves with the sisters:  Meg, the eldest; Jo, the high-spirited tomboy; Amy, the self-centered beauty; and gentle Beth, as well as their beloved Marmee and Father.  Together the March family learns to endure both good times and bad as they share the joys and pains of growing up.

Discussion Opening January 23rd and closing February 7th at the Old Church Theatre in Okotoks, Dewdney Players presents The Great Gatsby: A Live Radio Play directed by Sherene Seders. Kyle sits down with Sherene to discuss the difficulties of realizing this novel in radio play form and how to market this work to an audience in new and novel ways. Link to Tickets: https://www.showpass.com/dewdney-players-presents-the-great-gatsby-the-old-church-theatre-8/ About the Show: Scott Fitzgerald's beloved classic comes to life as a 1940s radio broadcast in this spirited adaptation of The Great Gatsby. An ensemble brings more than two dozen characters from the novel to the stage of the WBFR radio station for a live broadcast, punctuated by 40s-era commercials. A story of triumph and tragedy that reflects the decadence of the Jazz Age and the perils of the American Dream. Still, ain't we got fun?

Discussion Opening January 9th and running through January 24th at the Pumphouse Theatre in Calgary, Front Row Centre Players presents Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, directed by Jamie Eastgaard-Ross, musical direction from Becky Salmond and choreography from Katie Bernardo. Kyle sits down with Katie and Becky to discuss how the movement and music has come together for this comedy and the work that went into making this production come to life. Tickets: https://werklundcentre.ca/whats-on/dirtyrottenscoundrels About the Show: Dirty Rotten Scoundrels takes us to the French Riviera for high jinks and hilarity. Lawrence Jameson makes his lavish living by talking rich ladies out of their money. Freddy Benson more humbly swindles women by waking their compassion with fabricated stories about his grandmother's failing health. After meeting on a train, they attempt to work together, only to find that this small French town isn't big enough for the two of them. They agree on a settlement: the first one to extract $50,000 from a young female target, heiress, Christine Colgate, wins, and the other must leave town. A hilarious battle of cons ensues that will keep audiences laughing, humming and guessing to the end!

Discussion At the Bert Church Theatre in Airdrie on December 19th and 20th, Nose Creek Players present All Roads Lead to the Station, written and directed by Haley Day. Kyle sits down with Haley over zoom to discuss the efforts taken to put up her first written work and the unexpected difficulties and joys that come from that experience. Tickets are limited: https://tickets.airdrie.ca/TheatreManager/1/login?event=578 About the show: It is 1917 when we meet fourteen-year-old Peter Harris, who has been uprooted from his home in Nova Scotia and sent to stay with his Uncle Hubert in the small but bustling town of Airdrie. With his sister serving as a nurse overseas to help with the war efforts, Peter dreads having to spend Christmas away from his home, his sister and everything he holds dear to him. While in Airdrie, he starts working at his uncle’s general store and soon meets the colourful folks of Airdrie, each with their own holiday hopes, hardships and humour. Through these encounters, Peter begins to understand that Christmas isn’t just about where you are- it’s about the people who make a place feel like home.

Discussion Opening December 17th and closing on December 20th at the West Village Theatre, Full Circle Theatre presents A Full Circle Holiday Special of Riverona Actually and Holding. Kyle sits down with directors Danielle Baker and Kendra Hutchinson to talk about what a holiday special means and the complications of directing not only performers during the holidays but for performers who also wrote the work they are directing. Kyle ends with a quote from Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol about the meaning of the Holiday Season and hopes that you will find time to take in this delightful production. Tickets: https://events.humanitix.com/a-very-full-circle-holiday-show About the shows: A Very Full Circle Holiday Show turns a late-December slot into a brand-new festive tradition — a double feature of romance, chaos, and Riverona-style mischief. Featuring Holding, a brand-new rom-com, and Riverona Actually, a lost holiday special packed with fan favourites and holiday shenanigans.

Discussion Opening December 18th and running until December 21st, Swamp Donkey Musical Theatre presents Nuncrackers, directed by Trisha Gizen. Kyle sits down with Trisha to discuss what putting up the show a second Christmas in a row means and the complications, and easements, that happen when you do something again. Tickets: https://www.showpass.com/s/events/all/?search_string=nuncrackers About the Show: The Nunsense Christmas musical, Nuncrackers, is the first TV special taped in the Cable Access Studio built by Reverend Mother in the convent basement.  It stars the nuns you love, plus Father Virgil and Mount Saint Helen’s most talented students.  This show is filled with wacky Nunsense humour!  Certain to tickle your funny bone and likely to tug at your heartstrings, Nuncrackers is the perfect way to make your holiday season merry and bright (synopsis from concordtheatricals.com)!

Opening December 12 and running through the 20th at the Pumphouse Theatre in Calgary, Morpheus Theatre presents Peter Pan: An Awfully Big Pantomime, directed by Janos Zeller. Kyle sits down with Janos to discuss the scope of a pantomime, the labour involved in theatrical comedy and and in depth discussion about how this project came to be. A must listen. Tickets are Limited: https://www.morpheustheatre.ca/?portfolio=peter-pan-2025 About the Show: All children, except one, grow up… On the hunt for his pesky shadow, Peter Pan meets the Darling children in their Nursery. With a sprinkling of Tinkerbell’s fairy dust, Wendy, John and Michael leave Nana the Dog behind on a flight to Neverland – a magical place home to lost boys, mermaids and the most villainous pirate of them all; Captain Hook! With Mrs Starkey and her bumbling son Smee by his side, Hook seeks revenge against Peter Pan who fed his hand to a tick-tocking crocodile. Will the boy who never grew-up rid Neverland of Captain Hook forever? Will the Darlings find their way home to London? And, most importantly, do you believe in fairies? Find out in this swashbuckling pantomime that will have you ‘hooked’!

Discussion With only four shows - December 11, 12 and 13th at the Glenmore Christian Academy in Calgary, Small Time Theatre presents the Junior production of The Sound of Music, directed by Lena Chalmers. Kyle sits down with Lena and Ingrid Koller (part of the set design team) to talk about the meaning of this Rogers and Hammerstein musical, and what theatre for young people with Small Time has meant to them and their families. Tickets: https://smalltimetheatre.shop/ (as of publishing the performance is sold out) About the Show: The final collaboration between Rodgers & Hammerstein was destined to become the world’s most beloved musical. Featuring a trove of cherished songs, including “Climb Ev’ry Mountain,” “My Favorite Things,” “Do Re Mi,” “Sixteen Going on Seventeen” and the title number, The Sound of Music won the hearts of audiences worldwide, earning five Tony Awards and five Oscars. The inspirational story, based on the memoir of Maria Augusta Trapp, follows Maria, an ebullient postulant who serves as governess to the seven children of the imperious Captain von Trapp, bringing music and joy to the household. But as the forces of Nazism take hold of Austria, the von Trapp family must make a moral decision.

Discussion Opening November 28th and closing December 7th at the Cochrane Ranchehouse, Take a Bow Community Theatre presents Goldilocks and the Three Bears, a Pantomime by Ron Hall and directed by Anita McDonald. Kyle sits down with Anita to discuss bringing a pantomime to life and trying to keep a production marching towards the same goal. Tickets: https://www.takeabow.ca/calendar/goldilocks-pantomime About the Show: Join Goldilocks and her family as they work together with three bears to stop the Squire's evil plan! A silly, topsy-turvy re-telling of the classic story that the whole family will enjoy!

Discussion opening November 28th and running until December 13 at the Hope Community Church in Strathmore, the Strathmore Theatre Players Guild presents A Christmas Carol, adapted by Lynn Stevens, directed by Angela Woodford-Reeves and Jeanette Brown, produced by Lauren Nelson and starring Courtney Nelson as Scrooge. Kyle sits down with Courtney and Lauren to discuss how important this work is not only in general, but to Strathmore itself and how many groups have come together to bring this show to life to inspire audiences this Holiday Season. Tickets: https://thevaultonline.ca/collections/strathmore-theatre-players-guild About the Show: By suggesting famous Christmas carols, this talented author incorporates appropriate music for the re-telling of this classic story. You’ll meet all the great characters: Christmases Past, Present, and Future; Tiny Tim; Bob Cratchit; and, of course, Ebenezer Scrooge! This is an inspiring musical that captures the essence of the great tale, and of the meaning of Christmas.

Discussion Opening November 29th and running through December 7 at the Bnai Tikvah Temple in Calgary, Chai Life Theatre presents Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dream Coat, directed by Sean Anderson. Kyle sits down with Sean and producer Laura Shuler to discuss the creation of a new theatre company in Calgary and the difficulties in bringing this massive musical to the stage. Tickets: https://www.zeffy.com/en-CA/ticketing/joseph-and-the-amazing-technicolor-dreamcoat-5 About the show: This show is an uplifting and vibrant musical that tells the story of Joseph, a young man with dreams and aspirations. Set in a colourful, fantastical world, it captures his journey of hope, resilience, and self-discovery as he navigates challenges and triumphs. With catchy songs, lively choreography, and a joyous spirit, the show celebrates the power of dreams, family bonds, and the importance of believing in oneself. The dazzling technicolor coat symbolizes Joseph’s uniqueness and the message that everyone has something special to offer.

Discussion Opening November 7 through November 8 at Theatre 1308, The Unicorn Collective presents The War Brides Are Coming, written and directed by Gail Whiteford. Kyle sits down with Gail to discuss the importance of this work, at this time of year and why audiences should take the time to recognize their own immigrant history and some specific Canadiana of the War Brides of the second world war's arrival in Canada for the first time. Tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-war-brides-are-coming-registration-1783334705109?aff=ebdssbdestsearch&keep_tld=1&fbclid=IwY2xjawN6DspleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFYeUpIbkM1Mm5vR3o2eTVNc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHhoQQZB3qDX2VTfPIfDBPG49Vdoukyu49QuRRirAXwXapYt9eXjaZ4kc3XYo_aem_0ZeJBkCdDcw3kXmC6m1P7A&brid=mBlCma7pADd49bwF6d7Xng About the Show: This year is the 80th anniversary of the end of the war in Europe and the 80th anniversary of the War Brides arriving in Canada. Over 65,000 came to Canada with their husbands and their children. The War Brides came from all over the United Kingdom and from nearly every country on the European continent. The women represented a diversity of experiences and backgrounds. The Unicorn Collective is proud to celebrate the arrival of the War Brides by presenting their production of “The War Brides Are Coming”, a play based on the arrival of two war brides about to start a whole new life in Canada. Come celebrate with us.

Discussion Opening November 1 and running through November 8th at The Pumphouse Theatre in Calgary, MisFit Theatre YYC presents, Dads, The Musical directed by Nicola Payton. Kyle welcomes Nicola back to the podcast for the third time to talk about the relevancy of this Canadian made musical about 3 stay at home dads, and how relevant the show is 35 years after it first debuted. Tickets: https://www.zeffy.com/en-CA/ticketing/dad-the-musical About the Show: DADS! The Musical.  Written by Robert More and Tom Doyle. Directed by Nicola Payton & Clark Adams Music Direction by Krista Willott DADS! The Musical is an uproariously funny and poignant look at three first time dads, suddenly without jobs, choosing to stay at home and take charge of fatherhood. DADS! is witty, clever, relevant, and shows the nature of a changing society – it’s where social viewpoint and entertainment meet. The show features loveable characters, hilarious scenes, four puppet babies, and high energy musical numbers! A must see - not to be missed!

Discussion Opening October 17th and running through October 25th at the Pumphouse in Calgary, Scorpio Theatre presents The Affections of May directed by Stuart Bentley and Nicole Dickinson. Kyle sits down with Stuart and Nicole to talk at length about how this production came to be along with Stuart's history with the production and the inextricable link between comedy and tragedy on stage. Tickets: https://www.morpheustheatre.ca/?page_id=7805 About the Show: After being deserted by her husband, a woman suddenly finds herself the centre of attention in a small resort town.

Discussion Opening October 17th and running through November 1st at the Old Church Theatre in Okotoks, Dewdney Players presents The Woman in Black, directed by Claire Hoyer. Kyle sits down with Claire and performer Paarth Kelkar to discuss how important this play is to Claire, how hard it is to direct for the first time, and the differences between live theatre and film. Tickets: https://www.showpass.com/s/events/Okotoks,AB,Canada/?search_string=dewdney About the Show: The framework of this spine-tingler is unusual: a retired lawyer hires an actor to tutor him in recounting to family and friends a story that has long troubled him concerning events that transpired when he attended the funeral of an elderly recluse. There, he caught sight of the woman in black, the mere mention of whom terrifies the locals, for she is a spectre who haunts the neighbourhood. Terrible things occur when anyone sees her! The lawyer has invited some friends and family to watch as he and the actor recreate the events of that dark and stormy night. A classic of the genre. <h6>The Woman in Black, by Stephen Mallatratt and Susan Hill, based on the novel by Susan Hill, presented by special arrangement with Concord Theatricals</h6> *Warning: Implied child death, strobe lights, loud noises, and potentially frightening moments.

Discussion Opening October 17th and running through October 26 at the Swamp Donkey Theatre in Bragg Creek, Swamp Donkey Musical Theatre presents String, directed by Juleta Severson-Baker. Kyle sits down with Juleta to talk about this new musical and what it took to bring it to life under lights. Tickets: https://www.showpass.com/s/events/all/?search_string=string+the+musical About the Show: String is a captivating musical where myth and modernity intertwine.  After angering Zeus, the Fates, the goddess sisters who spin, measure, and snip the strings of life for every human on Earth, find themselves banished to a modern office building in the mortal world, where they continue their work hidden among the mortals whose destinies they weave into one giant, glorious tapestry.  When eldest sister Atropos accidentally loses her pair of scissors in the building, she meets Mickey, the building’s overnight security guard.  Soon love gets the better of her, and she finds herself falling for him, stealing his string to keep him immortal and defying all of the rules she has to follow as a goddess.  This exception to the rules begins to disrupt the natural order—can the tapestry of the Universe and her sisters stand this flaw?  Fall for this original, uplifting, and belty musical about fate, love, and the imperfections that make us human (synopsis from broadwaylicensing.com).

Discussion Opening on October 8 in Calgary at The Legion #275 Express Entertainers presents an original "Northern Nights." Kyle sits down with co-founder Wayne Arsenault, Media Manager Abby Carey and performer Megan Kerrigan to discuss how this show was created and what it takes these days to attract the attention of potential audiences. Tickets: https://www.expressentertainers.ca/ About the show: Come back with us to the 1800s to a wild west saloon where the whiskey flows and if you fight your horse, you do it outside. The Wild Rose of the West herself, Shania McQueen, is returning to her hometown to put on a show and everyone is coming to see it. Everyone, including a murderer! Lock the doors and watch your sidearm as a classic "Who dunnit" unfolds. Will the hapless deputy Garth Eastwood be able to catch the criminal? Has British newcomer Waylon Wayne sipped his last tea? Can Shania McQueen keep the rowdy crowd entertained? And does the bartender Hank Bronson have enough whiskey to get through the night?  Will you solve the murder or become the next victim? Find out in Northern Nights: A Comedy Country Musical!

Discussion Opening October 3rd and running through October 11th at the Pumphouse Theatre in Calgary, Morpheus Theatre presents There Goes the Bride, directed by Wayne Hunter. Wayne sits down with Kyle for the second time to talk about how different a farce is to direct from a radio play and the obstacles that come with directing Fall shows after summer holidays. Link to Tickets: https://www.morpheustheatre.ca/?page_id=7805 About the Show: When beleaguered advertising executive Timothy Westerby hits his head on the morning of his daughter’s society wedding, he awakes to find himself in the company of Polly Perkins, a 1920’s Flapper girl straight out of his current advertising campaign. It soon becomes all too clear that no-one else can see or hear her, and when another bump on the head transports Timothy back to 1926 and the Savoy hotel, the carefully planned wedding preparations disintegrate into chaos as friends and family attempt to lead Timothy back to reality and his daughter down the aisle before the newly arrived ‘In-Laws’ abandon the wedding.  From the duo that wrote Move Over, Mrs. Markham, and Ray Cooney’s Run For Your Wife, this farce is sure to delight.

Discussion Opening September 12th and closing September 27th, Front Row Centre Players presents Rock of Ages, produced by Haley Dorais and Directed by Stephen West. Kyle sits down to discuss the long development of this production and what 80s rock means to Haley and Stephen. Link to Tickets: https://werklundcentre.ca/whats-on/rockofages About the Show: It’s the tail end of the big, bad 1980s in Hollywood, and the party has been raging hard. Aqua Net, Lycra, lace and liquor flow freely at one of the Sunset Strip’s last legendary venues, a place where sex machine Stacee Jaxx takes the stage and scantily clad groupies line up to turn their fantasies into reality. Amidst the madness, aspiring rock star (and resident toilet cleaner) Drew longs to take the stage as the next big thing (and longs for small-town girl Sherri, fresh off the bus from Kansas with stars in her eyes). But the rock ’n’ roll fairy tale is about to end when German developers sweep into town with plans to turn the fabled Strip into just another capitalist strip mall. Can Drew, Sherri and the gang save the strip – and themselves – before it’s too late? Only the music of hit bands of the decade hold the answer.

Discussion Running July 5 through 12 in Hulls Wood in Fish Creek Park in Calgary, Incendiary Festival presents In the Water by Alyssa Short, directed by Beck and Jack Orion. Kyle sits down with Beck, Jack and Ruby Gaudet to discuss what this show means to them, and how it came to be. About the Show: With everything ready for the campers’ arrival, the staff at Rainy Day only have one thing on their mind: having a good time. When a mysterious force threatens to tear them apart, they have to survive the night without losing each other or their sanity. They say there’s something in the water that makes summer camp so magical, and this something might just be a lake monster…