A Fitting Confusion is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Samuel French, Inc. www.concordtheatricals.com
Walterdale Theatre acknowledges that our theatre is located on Treaty 6, a traditional territory of the Cree and has been an important trading place of the Saulteaux, Blackfoot, Nakota Sioux, Dene, Saulteau, and Métis peoples of western Canada for many thousands of years. We also recognize and honour that we are Treaty people and therefore seek to uphold the spirit and intent of this Treaty of Peace and Friendship.
Walterdale Mission Statement
We are an Edmonton-based community theatre committed to the production of engaging and vibrant works and providing our member volunteers opportunities to participate in all aspects of theatre production.
Want to get involved with Walterdale?
Have you ever wanted to try your hand at stage management, acting, directing, or even media relations in theatre?
Walterdale Theatre has been successfully run by its volunteers for over 60 years now, and we invite you to join our team. Whether you can donate a few hours or a few seasons, we are always looking for new volunteers to help grow our theatre.
The best way to get involved at Walterdale is to become a member today! You will receive news about shows, special events, opportunities to volunteer or audition, and discounts on tickets.
For more information about joining Walterdale, go to our website at www.walterdaletheatre.com, e-mail us at walterph@telus.net, or call us at 780-439-3058. We will get back to you!
Walterdale’s COVID Protocols During the Performance
- Masks are encouraged but not mandatory
- Follow all instructions from our Front-Of-House volunteers
- Enjoy the show!
For more information regarding Walterdale’s COVID-19 response, please click here.
Dramatis Personae
| Characters | Cast Members |
|---|---|
| Moulineaux | Christoff Lundgren |
| Bassinet | Dustin Berube |
| Dartagnan | James Ostime |
| Etienne | Dan Fessenden |
| Yvonne | Victoria Skorobohach |
| Suzanne | Lauren Tamke |
| Mimi | Wendy Shobe |
| Madame Aigreville | Donna Call |
| Madame D’Herblay | Anglia Redding |
| Lily Leluxe | Murriel Mapa |
Production Team
| Production Position | Team Member |
|---|---|
| Director | Zack Siezmagraff |
| Mentor Director | Kristen M. Finlay |
| Costume Designer | Laura Eschak |
| Fight and Intimacy Choreographer | Sarah Spicer |
| Lighting Designer | Richard Hatfield |
| Set Designer | Pierre Valois |
| Sound Designer | Phil Kreisel |
| Production Manager | Louise Mallory |
| Stage Manager | Lauren Gagnon |
| Master Builders | Richard Hatfield & Pierre Valois |
| Master Painter | Brooke Emberly |
| Properties Master | Debbie Caseburg Tyson |
| Assistant Stage Manager | Jordyn Carr |
| Lighting Operator | Doug Verdin |
| Running Crew | Laura Eschak, Christine Gold, Richard Hatfield, Andrew Selwood, Samantha and Guy Woolsey, Tracy Wyman |
| Sound Operator | Justine Makowecki |
| Build Crew | Tye Dubrule, Dennis Bedard, Joan Heys Hawkins, Ken New, Andrew Selwood, Doug Verdin |
| Drapery Crew | Richard Hatfield |
| Lighting Crew | Andrew Selwood, Doug Verdin |
| Master Baker | Brent Tyson |
| Paint Crew | Joan Heys Hawkins |
| Stitchers | Geri Dittrich, Joan Heys Hawkins, Jennifer Johnson, Julieanna Lazowski, Pauline McKown, Ava Wood |
| Wardrobe Assistant | Julieanna Lazowski |
| Publicity Co-Directors | Christine Gold & Ed Medeiros |
| Technical Advisor | Richard Hatfield |
Director’s Notes
It’s time to laugh again.
After everything we’ve been through these past 2+ years, I thought the time was right to bring this delicious French farce to Edmonton audiences. Feydeau is the master of farce; he established the conventions of slamming doors, mistaken identities, double entendres, and writing his plots as intricately as a Swiss watch. The text of A Fitting Confusion sparkles as much today as it did when it was written 136 years ago. I am particularly fond of this play as it made me fall in love with farce.
My favourite nights spent in the theatre are when I leave with tears of laughter streaming down my face. Strap in, sit back, and prepare to be entertained at the speed of light. – Zack Siezmagraff, Director
| Summary |
|---|
| In chic 1930s Paris, a society doctor is desperately trying to conceal his attempted affair from his new wife. One hilarious confusion follows another as his meddling butler, angry mother-in-law, bumbling friend, a misplaced wife, another cheating husband, an absent dressmaker, and the Queen of Greenland add to the entanglements. A Fitting Confusion is a sparkling masterpiece of French farce complete with mistaken identities, fast and furious complications, and multiple sets of slamming doors. |
| Setting |
|---|
| The play is set in Paris, early 1930s Act 1 – The upscale living room of Dr. Balthazar Moulineaux Act 2 – Immediately following; an extremely shabby apartment, formerly home to a third-rate dressmaker who ran off without paying rent Act 3 – The next day; the upscale living room of Dr. Balthazar Moulineaux |
| Run Time |
|---|
| The play runs approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes plus one 20-minute intermission after Act 2 |
| Acknowledgements |
|---|
| Scott Henderson and Henderson Images, Giorgia Severini and Silvia Alesia-Severini, Melanie Lafleur, Francie Goodwin-Davies, Roberta Rolf |
Cast Biographies
Dustin Berube – Bassinet
This is Dustin’s 3rd appearance in a Walterdale Theatre production, previously appearing as William Shepherd in The Triangle Fire Factory Project in 2018 and as Buddy Plummer in Follies in 2017. Dustin has loved working with the cast and crew of this excitingly ridiculous story. Please enjoy the confusion!
Donna Call – Madame Aigreville
A Fitting Confusion is Donna’s third show with Walterdale, two less than Madame Aigreville’s marriages. Coincidence? We think not! During this long pandemic, Donna is thrilled for the chance to pull out your funny button with this ridiculous cast and crew. Merry Christmas and enjoy!
Dan Fessenden – Etienne
Dan is thrilled to be in his third show with Walterdale. He is humbled to be a part of such a dedicated and talented cast and crew. Dan also sends a special thanks to his family as without their patience he’d be restricted to headlining folk concerts from his shower.
Christoff Lundgren – Moulineaux
Christoff is delighted to work with this amazing cast/crew in his second Walterdale production after The Realistic Joneses. An actor and comedian, Christoff has been performing for over twenty years. He has appeared in recent productions of Tape, Some girl(s)and principal TV roles including Supernatural and the Flash.
Murriel Mapa – Lily Laluxe
Bonjour! Mademoiselle Murriel is excited to be back at Walterdale; her past credits include The Attic, The Pearls, and Three Fine Girls and 1984. Murriel was recently in Well Behaved Women Part 2 at the 2022 Edmonton Fringe and will also be in Shakespeare’s Court at the 2023 Stage Struck! Festival.
James Ostime – Dartagnan
James is thrilled to be making his Walterdale Theatre debut. He obtained his BFA from University of Regina and has since performed for theatres and festivals across Saskatchewan and Toronto. His writing has appeared in Interview!, Men’s Health, Reductress, Exclaim!, and on CBC Radio. Thanks to Zack, cast and crew!
Anglia Redding – Madame D’Herblay
You might not recognize Anglia from various Walterdale shows such as Copenhagen (2022), and The Attic, The Pearls, And Three Fine Girls (2019) because she was busy being the stage manager! When not at the theatre, she is a freelance writer and stay-at-home dog mom with a cross-stitching addiction.
Wendy Shobe – Mimi
Last seen at the Walterdale in Leave of Absence, Wendy is excited to be a part of this fun and funny show. Wendy has played many “women of loose morals” in her theatre career and is starting to wonder if she gives off some kind of vibe…
Victoria Skorobohach – Yvonne
Victoria is delighted to be in her second show at Walterdale. She has a Theatre Arts diploma from MacEwan University. Credits include Sister Act (MacEwan), The Robber Bridegroom (Chimera Theatre), Urinetown (Grindstone Theatre), and Brigadoon (ELOPE). She can also be found teaching young artists with Puddle of Mud Productions.
Lauren Tamke – Suzanne
Lauren is delighted to be onstage again at Walterdale with such an amazing team. Lauren’s other Walterdale credits include her current role as Artistic Director; performing in The 39 Steps and Queen Milli of Galt; and directing Boeing Boeing and the upcoming production of The Mousetrap (February 2023).
Production Team Biographies
Jordyn Carr – Assistant Stage Manager
Jordyn Carr is thrilled to be part of her first Walterdale Theatre production. Finding herself immersed in the world of film and theatre, she’s diving headfirst into what it means to create something amazing. Confident and ready for anything, she’s looking forward to helping make this show better than ever!
Brooke Emberly – Master Painter
Brooke, a Grant MacEwan alumnus, specializes in scenic painting. She’s been Master Painter for The Women, Triangle Factory Fire Project, 1984, The Mask, Copenhagen,The39 Steps and TheGlace Bay Miners Museum. In 2022, she became Walterdale’s Paint Head. Brooke is excited to add A Fitting Confusion to her list!
Laura Eschak – Costume Designer
A Fitting Confusion is Laura’s first Costume Designer credit at Walterdale. Laura is usually working with costumes, painting sets, backstage as ASM, in Front of House, or performing at Walterdale or with other Edmonton theatres. Laura enjoys storytelling and entertaining audiences. A Fitting Confusion will have the audience in stitches. Enjoy!
Kristen M. Finlay – Mentor Director
A teacher at all times, Kristen is always happy to answer any questions from directors new to Walterdale. Previously she has mentored Louise Mallory on 5@50, and Laura Ly on Blue Stockings. Next, Kristen is directing The Penelopiad at Walterdale, onstage in May 2023.
Lauren Gagnon – Stage Manager
Lauren (she/her) is grateful for the opportunity to once again be working with Walterdale Theatre! While this is her first experience stage managing, she previously worked as assistant stage manager and assistant production manager for The Realistic Joneses (2022). She hopes you enjoy the show!
Richard Hatfield – Lighting Designer / Co-Master Builder / Technical Advisor
Richard is thrilled to be back on a show. He wasn’t actively involved in Walterdale’s last show, a first since he became Walterdale’s Technical Director in 2010, and it made him absolutely stir crazy. This proves that Richard doesn’t take breaks well and will continue helping present shows as long as people let him.
Phil Kreisel – Sound Designer
Fresh from doing the soundscape for Elope Theatre’s production of Brigadoon, Phil is delighted to provide the sound design for A Fitting Confusion. Selected past sound designs from close to 85 productions since 2005 include Walterdale shows The Triangle Factory Project, Summer and Smoke, Perfect Pie and Sweet Charity.
Justine Makowecki – Sound Operator
Justine graduated from Vancouver Island University with the Technical Theatre diploma. She’s excited to be back at Walterdale as sound operator for A Fitting Confusion. She previously worked on The Realistic Joneses as stage manager and The Glace Bay Miners’ Museum as assistant stage manager. Enjoy the show!
Louise Mallory – Production Manager
Louise’s first Walterdale opportunity was Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum (ASM) in 2013. In February 2023 her play Girls Don’t Play Hockey will be produced at the Bailey Theatre in Camrose. She’s enjoyed supporting Zack, Lauren, and the rest of this great team.
Zack Siezmagraff – Director
Zack is an Edmonton-based playwright and actor. Walterdale acting credits: Realistic Joneses, Boeing-Boeing, Anything Goes!, A Day in Hollywood/A Night in the Ukraine. Also Don’t Dress for Dinner (East of Sixty), Dirty Rotten Scoundrels (FDP). His latest play Other Duties as Assigned was workshopped at Script Salon last year. www.zacksiezmagraff.com.
Sarah Spicer – Fight and Intimacy Choreographer
Sarah (she/her) is thrilled to be on board as the intimacy and fight choreographer. Past credits include The 39 Steps, The Realistic Joneses, and The Glace Bay Miners’ Museum. She has her intermediate certification through Fight Directors Canada. Thanks to her partner, family and friends for all their support.
Debbie Caseburg Tyson – Props Master
Debbie Caseburg Tyson explores her world through colour, texture, print and stitch. Certain she was a magpie in a former life, she collects all manner of things and gravitates to the shiny and outrageous. She loves that every show brings opportunities to explore new materials, methods and constructions.
Pierre Valois – Set Designer and Co-Master Builder
Pierre has been involved with Walterdale Theatre since 2009, when he built the set for Charlie Brown. Since then, he’s built and designed sets, trod the boards, operated lights and sound. Many thanks to his spouse Parazanda for her support, and to the talented painters and builders for bringing his vision to life.
Doug Verdin – Lighting Operator
Doug is very happy to be back at Walterdale after a 3-year hiatus. Please enjoy the wonderful work of this cast and crew. Cheers.
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2021 – 2022 DONORS AND SPONSORS
Walterdale Theatre extends thanks to the generous support of local business, government grants, partners, and our patrons and members for their donations of time and funding. Without your support we could not continue.
Public Funders and Partners
Artistic Sponsor
Gorilla Property Services Edmonton
Community Partners
College Copy Shop
Valtone Cleaners
Donors
Benefactors ($1,000 plus)
The Cinders Fund at the Edmonton Community Foundation
Champions ($500-$999)
AbleIT Inc.
Anne Marie Szucs
Harmony Fund at Edmonton Community League
Supporters ($100-$499)
Anonymous
Carole Barton
Michael Buhr
Joan and Alex Hawkins
Kristen M. Finlay
Richard Hatfield
Paul Jankowski
Philip and M.J. Kreisel
Jennifer Kwan
Patricia Luxford
Shell Canada Limited
Sol Sigurdson
Julie Sinclair
Mike Harding & Don Zeman
Friends ($50-$99)
Sally Hunt
Donors ($49 and under)
Vivian Binnema
Player’s Endowment Fund ($200 plus)
5@50 – Cast and Production Team
Copenhagen – Cast and Production Team
The 39 Steps – Cast and Production Team
The Realistic Joneses – Cast and Production Team
If you would like to be a part of the Walterdale Theatre family of sponsors, contact our Administrator by e-mail or phone the theatre at 780-439-3058.
| WALTERDALE THEATRE ASSOCIATES Is a Canadian Registered Charity, and will provide you with an income tax receipt for any donation over $20.00 you wish to make. Thank you to everyone who supports our theatre! |
A Brief History of Walterdale Theatre and Building
Walterdale is one of the longest running community theatres in Canada.
Walterdale Theatre Associates traces its beginnings to Theatre Associates, who produced their first plays (Lady Audley’s Secret and Out of the Frying Pan) in August 1958, playing in the Jubilee Auditorium social room. Before finding its home in the current Fire Hall, there have been two other Walterdale Theatres. The first was an old school on the Walterdale flats (Kinsmen Fieldhouse area), hence our name. The second was a former service men’s club house, which was later demolished for Kingsway Garden Mall.
Our current building was built in 1910 and was Strathcona Fire Hall #1. In 1912 it was re-numbered Edmonton #6 when the City of Strathcona amalgamated with the City of Edmonton. The bell tower houses the Strathcona “Town Bell”. It is topped by an octagonal belfry, covered by an octagonal roof. The tower was used to dry hoses (by hanging them up) after use. The stable (now set-building workshop) was designed to house nine horses.
The building ceased to be a working Fire Hall in 1954 and was used to store furniture. In 1974 Walterdale Theatre Associates took over the building and lovingly restored it, and converted the inside to a 145-seat theatre. The first play produced in this theatre was What the Butler Saw by Joe Orton, which opened November 12, 1974.
Major renovations were again carried out in 1993 (raising the roof and tying the building together with new beams) and in 2011 (new main floor washrooms, renewing the bricks and other major outside work).
Walterdale continues to keep our building updated and efficient, and have replaced the lighting instruments with LED lights, and the aging second floor furnaces with new high-efficiency units.
Walterdale Theatre Board of Directors 2022 – 2023
Executive
Artistic Director – Lauren Tamke
President – Sally Hunt
Vice-President – Anne Marie Szucs
Treasurer – Wylee Johnston
Secretary – Jennifer Robinson
Past-President – Kristen M. Finlay
Directors
Building Director – Matthew Lindberg
Front-of-House Co-Directors – Alexandria Fortier & Matthew Baker
Membership Director – Laura Eschak
Production Co-Directors – John Anderson & Louise Mallory
Public Relations Co-Directors – Christine Gold & Ed Medeiros
Technical Co-Directors – Richard Hatfield & Kahlan Oosterveld
Directors at Large – Jay Sanni & Tracy Wyman
Front of House Volunteers
Front of House Directors
Alexandria Fortier & Matthew Baker
Front of House Committee Members
Volunteer Coordinator
Cinnamon Stacey
Box Office Manager
Anne Marie Szucs
Bar & Concession Manager
John Dolphin
A special and heartfelt thank you to all the wonderful volunteers for Front of House positions during the run of The Realistic Joneses!
Teio Suyal, Dave Wolkowski, Heidi Ryll, Brenda Bell, Leslie Caffaro, Cinnamon Stacey, Natalie Clark, Mary-Ellen Perley, Nicolle Lemay, Claudia Swindler, Adorra sergios, Gloria Carr, Laura Eschak, Richard Hatfield, Mike Cooper, Sunny Bossert, Jackie Lotery, John Anderson, Sally Hunt, Louise Mallory, Minhaal Akbar, Oreva Israel Onoyona, David Bodnar, Brijesh Nagarathinam, Maksym Panchokha, Kelly Santarossa
