What is your role on the show?Music Director — basically, preparing the actors and band for performance. I also play piano and conduct the band for this production.What is your background with Walterdale?I’ve been involved, mostly from the music end, for a number of years. I believe my first Walterdale show was in the 1990’s, playing piano for an evening of Canadian songs and poems. My most recent show at Walterdale was Chess, in 2016. I also assisted with some musical elements on two other productions this season.
Favourite thing about rehearsal for Next to Normal? There are some utterly beautiful vocal moments in this show. Hearing them come to life has been lovely. Overall, though, the first time we put band and vocalists together – called Sitzprobe – is my favourite day in the rehearsal schedule.
Someone new visits Edmonton, what do you recommend they check out (other than Walterdale Theatre)? Get out of your car and away from the mall! The River Valley is spectacular, and there are great local neighbourhoods to check out on foot — Glenora, Highlands, French Quarter, and so on.
If you could ask Walterdale’s resident ghost “Walter” a question, what would you ask him? What’s the most surprising theatrical moment you’ve ever seen on this stage?