On Staging

Robin Hood Discussion Opening May 24th and running through May 25th at the Bert Church Live Theatre in Airdrie, Nose Creek Players presents Mary Lynn Dobson's "The Somewhat True Tale of Robin Hood" directed by Taylor Amanda Burton and Mandi Fusaro, starring Chloe Jorgerson as Robin Hood. Kyle sits down with Mandi and Chloe to discuss the staging of this production. Tickets: https://tickets.airdrie.ca/TheatreManager/1/tmEvent/tmEvent418.html About the Show: It sure is hard to be humble when you're a swashbuckling, egocentric super-hero. But our gallant guy-in-green tries his best as he swaggers through The Somewhat True Tale of Robin Hood, a frantically funny, Monty Pythonesque retelling of the classic. This time around, the legendary legend, in his never-ending quest to aid the needy, encounters a lovely damsel-in-distress (oddly obsessed with skin conditions); an ever-scheming sheriff who would rather bowl a strike than hit a bull's-eye; a gold-hoarding, bad-guy monarch wannabe; and a good-natured "Town's Guy" who manages to make his way into every scene, whether he belongs there or not. Combine them with an expandable band of spoon-wielding Merry Men whose collective IQs equal six, and you've got an irreverent jaunt through Sherwood Forest you won't soon forget! Join the Patreon: www.patreon.com/onstagingpodcast

The Game's Afoot Discussion Opening May 2nd and running through May 18th at the Hope Covenant Church in Strathmore Alberta, Strathmore Theatre Players presents Ken Ludwig's The Game's Afoot, directed by Robert Cole. Kyle Gould sits down with Robert to discuss the labour involved in setting a show like this up for success, prop knives and where all of those lovely set pieces get stored. Tickets: https://thevaultonline.ca/products/the-games-afoot About the Show: Winner of the 2012 Edgar® Award for Best Playfrom The Mystery Writers of America. Breathtaking mystery and high hilarity in equal parts, this play tells the story of Broadway star William Gillette, who has invited his fellow cast-members to his Connecticut castle for a weekend of revelry. But when one of the guests is stabbed to death, the festivities in this isolated house of tricks and mirrors quickly turn dangerous. Then it’s up to Gillette himself, who just happens to think he’s Sherlock Holmes, to track down the killer before the next victim appears. The danger and laughter are non-stop in this glittering whodunit set during the Christmas holidays. Patreon: www.patreon.com/onstagingpodcast

Saturday, May 4, 2024 Running May 3rd through May 12th at the Swamp Donkey Theatre in Bragg Creek, Kyle reviews Swamp Donkey's production of Oklahoma! and his enjoyment of the trip out to Bragg Creek and getting to go for dinner there too. Tickets: https://www.showpass.com/s/events/all/?q=oklahoma+swamp About the Show: Rodgers & Hammerstein’s first collaboration remains, in many ways, their most innovative, setting the standards and rules of modern musical theatre. In a western territory just after the turn of the 20th century, a high-spirited rivalry between local farmers and cowboys provides a colorful background for Curly, a charming cowboy, and Laurey, a feisty farm girl, to play out their love story. Their romantic journey, as bumpy as a surrey ride down a country road, contrasts with the comic exploits of brazen Ado Annie and hapless Will Parker in a musical adventure embracing hope, determination, and the promise of a new land. Join our Patreon: www.patreon.com/onstagingpodcast

Dead and Breakfast Discussion Opening May 9th and running through May 12th at the Symons Valley United Church in Calgary, Symons Valley Players presents Craig Sodaro's Dead and Breakfast, directed by Brenda Watt and produced by Ann Crawford. Kyle sits down with Ann and Brenda to discuss how Symons Valley Players brings their productions to life. Tickets: https://symonsvalleyuc.com/events/list/ About the Show: Join Nick Noir and Selma in a honeymoon twist like no other in ‘Dead and Breakfast’! When their romantic getaway sails into a hurricane, they find themselves at the Jolly Rodger Bed and Breakfast, mistakenly identified as a notorious tycoon and his mother. From poison candy to a chilling discovery in the freezer, their honeymoon turns into a hilarious whodunit. Will they untangle this web of mystery or become the next victims? Discover laughter, suspense, and a dash of romance in this thrilling comedy by the Symons Valley Players! Patreon: www.patreon.com/onstagingpodcast

Moon over Buffalo Discussion Opening May 10th through May 18th at the Pumphouse Theatre in Calgary, Alberta, Workshop Theatre presents Ken Ludwig's Moon over Buffalo, directed by Jeremy McKenzie. Kyle sits down with Jeremy to discuss bringing this show to life and Jeremy's history with community theatre. Tickets: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/moon-over-buffalo-tickets-809486705527?aff=ebdsoporgprofile About the Show: George and Charlotte Hay, a husband-and-wife team of actors, struggle to perform Cyrano de Bergerac and Private Lives in repertory while dealing with family crises and the possibility of a Hollywood director's visit. Patreon: www.patreon.com/onstagingpodcast

Saturday, April 27, 2024 Running April 26th through May 11 at the RPAC in Okotoks, Kyle review Dewdney's production of Hansel & Gretel with maybe too many dessert metaphors Tickets: https://www.showpass.com/dewdney-players-presents-hansel-and-gretel/ About the Show: Charlotte Chorpenning has taken the Grimm Brothers' story and given it a poetic beauty that brings a value to its young audience. Her treatment of the stepmother does not accent the cruelty — an outlook important today. The evil witch is portrayed as a comedy character, but the teaching value is there — teaching through a comedy device rather than fear. Hansel and Gretel's safe return to their father and mother gives the children a sense of security. Kelly Kozak’s stage adaptation brings Chorpenning’s unique characters to life in a sympathetic and sensitive performance. Join the Patreon: www.patreon.com/onstagingpodcast

Oklahoma! Discussion Opening May 3rd and running through May 12th at Swamp Donkey's Theatre in Bragg Creek, Swamp Donkey presents Rogers and Hammerstein's Oklahoma!, co-directed by Trisha Gizen and Melanie Baux. Kyle sits down with Melanie, also the musical director, and Trisha, also the set designer and both performers in the production, to discuss wearing all of these hats and how to bring this elder musical, one of the progenitors of the modern musical, to stage. Tickets: https://www.showpass.com/s/events/all/?q=oklahoma+swamp About the Show: Rodgers & Hammerstein’s first collaboration remains, in many ways, their most innovative, setting the standards and rules of modern musical theatre. In a western territory just after the turn of the 20th century, a high-spirited rivalry between local farmers and cowboys provides a colorful background for Curly, a charming cowboy, and Laurey, a feisty farm girl, to play out their love story. Their romantic journey, as bumpy as a surrey ride down a country road, contrasts with the comic exploits of brazen Ado Annie and hapless Will Parker in a musical adventure embracing hope, determination, and the promise of a new land. Join our Patreon: www.patreon.com/onstagingpodcast

Friday, April 26, 2024 Running April 26th through May 4th at the Pumphouse Theatre in Calgary, Kyle review Morpheus's production of The Gondoliers with much enthusiasm Tickets: https://tickets.morpheustheatre.ca/ Morpheus's Production: https://www.morpheustheatre.ca/?portfolio=the-gondoliers About the Show: It is with all the necessary and appropriate pomp, that we announce, pronounce and soundly declare, our final show of the season will be: Gilbert and Sullivan’s, The Gondoliers! This 12th collaborative operetta by the beloved pair is set in Venice and is rife with Nobility, mistaken identities, Royalty, young lovers married to the wrong people, commoners, wit, patter, a Cachucha and of course, Rapture!

Grease Discussion Opening April 19th and running through April 26th at the Highwood Centre in High River, Windmill Theatre Players presents Grease, directed by Karen Stevenson with Musical Direction from Laura Ferguson, Kyle sits down with both of them to discuss what is so special about this 50+ year old musical. Tickets: https://www.windmilltheatreplayers.com/tickets.php About the show: Good girl Sandy Dumbrowski and greaser Danny Zuko fell in love over the summer. When they unexpectedly discover they're now in the same high school, will they be able to rekindle their romance?

Gondoliers Discussion Opening April 26th and running through May 4th at the Pumphouse Theatre in Calgary, Morpheus Theatre presents Gilbert & Sullivan's The Gondoliers, directed by Sean Anderson. Kyle sits down with Sean, Musical Director Winnifred Hume and Choreographer Mya Swedburg to discuss creating a light comic opera from over 130 years ago in today's modern times with a cast of 28. Tickets: https://tickets.morpheustheatre.ca/TheatreManager/160/online?event=0 About the Show: This 12th collaborative operetta by the beloved pair is set in Venice and is rife with Nobility, mistaken identities, Royalty, young lovers married to the wrong people, commoners, wit, patter, a Cachucha and of course, Rapture! Join our Patreon: www.patreon.com/onstagingpodcast

Hansel & Gretel Discussion Opening April 26th and running through May 11th at the RPAC theatre in Okotoks, Dewdney Players present Hansel & Gretel, adapted by Kelly Kozak. Kyle sits down with Kelly, the performer of Father - Brad Snowden and Oli Heidt, performer of Hansel to discuss what it means to bring fairy tales to life and the complexities that come from staging them. Tickets: https://www.showpass.com/dewdney-players-presents-hansel-and-gretel/ About the Show: Charlotte Chorpenning has taken the Grimm Brothers' story and given it a poetic beauty that brings a value to its young audience. Her treatment of the stepmother does not accent the cruelty — an outlook important today. The evil witch is portrayed as a comedy character, but the teaching value is there — teaching through a comedy device rather than fear. Hansel and Gretel's safe return to their father and mother gives the children a sense of security.  Kelly Kozak’s stage adaptation brings Chorpenning’s unique characters to life in a sympathetic and sensitive performance.  Join our Patreon: www.patreon.com/onstagingpodcast

Friday, April 12, 2024 Running April 12th through the 21st with 6 performances at the Cochrane Ranchehouse Theatre, Kyle reviews Take a Bow's production of Marriage: A Demolition in Two Acts. Tickets: https://www.takeabow.ca/tickets-2024 Wayne and Julie embark on that emotional roller-coaster ride known as “renovating the kitchen” when they probably should be renovating their marriage instead. Their contractors are a twenty-something couple with issues of their own. A hilarious new play that looks at renovation addiction, the friction between baby-boomers and millennials, and the nature of lifelong commitment in marriage… and in kitchen cabinet choices. This show contains mature subject matter and is recommended for ages 16+ Join our Patreon: www.patreon.com/onstagingpodcast

Bridges of Madison County Discussion With shows April 12th and 13th at the CSpace Theatre in Calgary, Kyle sits down with Nightingale Arts Collective founders and performers in the production, Melissa Jackson and Meaghan Schulz to discuss what this production is all about and how it is being brought to life by this new theatre group. Tickets: https://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/6243302 About the Show: Nightingale Arts Collective is excited to announce its first production, the Tony Award-winning musical The Bridges of Madison County, in concert. It is being held at cSPACE Studio Theatre on April 12 and 13th, doors open at 6:00 pm and show starts at 7:00 pm. Arrangements and Direction by John Goulart. Starring Stuart Howe, Meaghan Schulz, Kal Macdonald, Melissa Jackson, Ainsley Soutiere, Val Hudson and Paul Lloyd. Narration by Colin Martin. Come along on the emotional four-day love story between the characters Robert and Francesca as they sing the popular uplifting songs Falling into You, To Build a Home, One Second and a Million Miles and the fun and folksy State Road 21. Join our Patreon: www.patreon.com/onstagingpodcast

Friday, April 5, 2024 Running April 5th through the 13th at the Pumphouse in Calgary, Kyle reviews Misfit Theatre's production of The Rocky Horror Show. The production: https://www.morpheustheatre.ca/?portfolio=the-rocky-horror-show Tickets: https://tickets.morpheustheatre.ca/ About the Show: Join Misfit Theatre YYC and Morpheus Theatre as we take you on a science-fiction, double feature journey through Richard O’Brien’s iconic rock-n-roll musical. A hilarious, campy, and thrilling tribute to the sci-fi and horror B films from the golden age of Hollywood to the 1960s, “The Rocky Horror Show” tells the tale of a recently engaged couple and their wild misadventure. While on their way to visit an old friend, they find themselves with a flat tire and nowhere to go in the middle of a stormy night, until they find an old castle seemingly in the middle of nowhere. What starts as a trip to ask for help, turns into a topsy-turvy evening of the strangest events where they are subjected to bizarre whims at the hand of a fabulously dressed mad scientist and his servants. Will our intrepid couple make it out unscathed, or will the darkness completely transform them?

Marriage: A Demolition Discussion Opening April 12th and running through the 21st at the Cochrane Ranchehouse Theatre in Cochrane, Kyle sits down with performers Zoe Farrell, Penny Farrell and Geoffrey Patterson to discuss what it takes to bring this production to life as a four person production. Tickets: https://www.takeabow.ca/tickets-2024 Wayne and Julie embark on that emotional roller-coaster ride known as “renovating the kitchen” when they probably should be renovating their marriage instead. Their contractors are a twenty-something couple with issues of their own. A hilarious new play that looks at renovation addiction, the friction between baby-boomers and millennials, and the nature of lifelong commitment in marriage… and in kitchen cabinet choices. This show contains mature subject matter and is recommended for ages 16+ Join our Patreon: www.patreon.com/onstagingpodcast

Friday, March 29, 2024 Running March 22 through March 30, 2024 at the Beddington Theatre Arts Centre in Calgary, Kyle reviews FRC's production of The Sondheim Musical Revue. The production: https://www.frontrowcentre.ca/show/20232024/SondheimTributeRevue The Stephen Sondheim Society notes that Sondheim was "widely acknowledged as the most innovative, most influential and most important composer and lyricist in modern Broadway history. For more than 50 years, he has set an unsurpassed standard of brilliance and artistic integrity in musical theatre. His accolades include an Academy Award, eight Tony Awards (more than any other composer) including the Special Tony Award for Lifetime Achievement in the Theatre, multiple Grammy Awards, multiple Drama Desk awards and a Pulitzer Prize." Join us in celebrating the work of the incomparable Stephen Sondheim.

Rocky Horror Show Discussion Opening April 5th and running through April 13th at the Pumphouse Theatre in Calgary, Kyle sits down with Director Krista Willott and Musical Director Donna Pearson for a discussion on the creation of a new Musical Theatre company and their reasons for bringing The Rocky Horror Show to the stage as their first production. Tickets: https://tickets.morpheustheatre.ca/TheatreManager/160/online?event=0 About the Show: A hilarious, campy, and thrilling tribute to the sci-fi and horror B films from the golden age of Hollywood to the 1960s, “The Rocky Horror Show” tells the tale of a recently engaged couple and their wild misadventures!

March 16, 2024 Running March 14-16 at the Glenmore Christian Academy in Calgary, Kyle reviews Smalltime Theatre's production of Matilda Jr. Tickets: https://smalltimetheatre.shop/tickets/matilda-jr/ Matilda has astonishing wit, intelligence... and special powers! She's unloved by her cruel parents but impresses her schoolteacher, the highly loveable Miss Honey. Matilda's school life isn't completely smooth sailing, however – the school's mean headmistress, Miss Trunchbull, hates children and just loves thinking up new punishments for those who don't abide by her rules. But Matilda has courage and cleverness in equal amounts, and could be the school pupils' saving grace! Join the Patreon and support the podcast at www.patreon.com/OnStagingPodcast

Sondheim Tribute Revue Discussion Running March 22nd through 30th at the Beddington Centre for the Arts, Kyle sits down with director Gavin Liam Logan for Front Row Centre Players production of the Sondheim Tribute Revue. Tickets: https://www.artscommons.ca/whats-on/sondheim-tribute-revue Hydrogen and Helium by Gavin Liam Logan : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZUlUEcBsPkQ The Stephen Sondheim Society notes that Sondheim was "widely acknowledged as the most innovative, most influential and most important composer and lyricist in modern Broadway history. For more than 50 years, he has set an unsurpassed standard of brilliance and artistic integrity in musical theatre. His accolades include an Academy Award, eight Tony Awards (more than any other composer) including the Special Tony Award for Lifetime Achievement in the Theatre, multiple Grammy Awards, multiple Drama Desk awards and a Pulitzer Prize." Join us in celebrating the work of the incomparable Stephen Sondheim.

March 15, 2024 Running March 15 through March 23rd at the Lantern Church in Inglewood, Kyle reviews Imagine Theatre's production of The Magician's Nephew. Tickets: https://tickets.morpheustheatre.ca/TheatreManager/160/tmEvent/tmEvent998.html About the Show: Before there was the Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, there was Polly, Digory, and the rings. When sinister Uncle Andrew tricks the children into testing his magical theory about travelling to another world, Polly and Digory find themselves caught up in a series of events that not even Uncle Andrew himself could have predicted. There are guinea pigs, great forces of good and evil, and magical apples with the potential to heal sick mothers. Imagine Theatre invites you to join us as we travel back into C. S. Lewis well loved book series, and explore how all the comings and goings between our world and the land of Narnia first began. Join the Patreon: www.patreon.com/onstagingpodcast