Amigo’s Blue Guitar was first produced by Tarragon Theatre, Toronto, in 1990 and is staged by arrangement with Pam Winter, GGA, www.ggaagency.ca
Amigo’s Blue Guitar is presented by a special arrangement with Joan MacLeod

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 more than 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!

  1. Masks are encouraged but not mandatory.
  2. Follow all instructions from our Front-Of-House volunteers.
  3. Enjoy the show!

For more information regarding Walterdale’s COVID-19 response, please click here.

RoleActor
EliasAldrick Dugarte
Martha Sandy Roberts
OwenRichard Wiens
CallieCrystal Poniewozik
SanderGraham Schmitz
RoleName
DirectorBob Klakowich
Cultural AdvisorLeo Campos Aldunez
Costume DesignersLaura Eschak, Amber Chaba
Fight and Intimacy ChoreographerSarah Spicer
Lighting DesignerRebecca Cave
Projection DesignerBob Klakowich
Set DesignerLeland Stelck
Sound DesignersBob Klakowich, Andrew Selwood
Costume Design MentorCherie Howard
Properties MentorDebbie Tyson
Production ManagerAndrew Selwood
Stage ManagerLaura Eschak
Master BuilderRichard Hatfield
Master PainterBrooke Emberly
Properties MasterRichard Hersley
Special Effects MakeupRae Desmarais
Assistant Master PainterIsabelle Kuzio
Assistant Stage ManagerKalin Jensen
Lighting OperatorEmma Pardy
Property AssistantSarah Marstaller
Sound OperatorAlberto Rodriguez
Build CrewAndrew Selwood, Pierre Valois, Ken New, Cade Bara, Leland Stelck, Laura Eschak, Barbara Mah, Tye Dubrule, Kyrsten Lofts, Ed Medeiros
Paint CrewAnnika Schultz, Fay Fletcher, Laura Eschak, Joan Heys Hawkins, Alison Murata, Afrah Collier-Potts, Carol Ljuden
StitchersAva Wood, Jennifer Sue Johnson
Poster/Cover Art DesignGabi Sakita
Publicity TeamStephanie Swensrude, Merrin Fraser, Kristen Finlay
Technical AdvisorRichard Hatfield
CaptionerShannon Wiebe
Opening Night Reception HostTracy Wyman

Joan MacLeod wrote Amigo’s Blue Guitar in 1990 at a time when the internet was just beginning to pave the way towards cultural awareness of first, second and third world nations. Today’s more advanced technology notwithstanding, we are setting the play firmly in its time, as the playwright intended, even though for her it was a contemporary tale, and for us, something of a “period piece”. Could Joan MacLeod have known that she was writing something that would be even more relevant 30-plus years in the future as it was then? The story is built around misconceptions about Elias, a refugee from war-torn El Salvador, by the Canadian family that sponsors him. MacLeod movingly layers the narrative to the point, at the end of the play, where the two cultures are just beginning to appreciate their differences.

It would be an understatement to say that the process of staging this award-winning piece has been a joyous experience. I have not yet told our immensely gifted cast and crew that they have helped me live out a dream, but the debt of gratitude I have for them is immeasurable. I have been especially privileged to work with Leo Campos Aldunez as Cultural Consultant. Himself a migrant from Chile and having endured a life of fear and oppression under Pinochet’s dictatorship, Leo not only offered us a mirror of Elias’ experience in the play, but through his professional work as a cultural leader in our community, he has lent to our approach a measure of authenticity.

And now we are pleased to share it with you. Enjoy!

~Bob Klakowich

Aldrick Dugarte – Elias

Aldrick is honoured to play Elias in Amigo’s Blue Guitar. He thanks the cast and crew for their fellowship. “I would like to go home.” Elias desires nothing more than to return. May all refugees, from El Salvador to Palestine, have the right of return, and the dignity of home.

Sandy Roberts – Martha

New to theatre in Edmonton, Sandy is honoured to participate in Amigo’s Blue Guitar with this talented Walterdale group. After many years owning a business and finally closing it down, she is returning to theatre. Sandy first studied theatre at University of Lethbridge and more recently with Grindstone Theatre School.

Richard Wiens – Owen

This is Richard’s first performance with Walterdale Theatre and his second show since moving from B.C., where he was heavily involved with theatre in the lower mainland. He is very excited to be working with such a talented cast and crew. He hopes you enjoy the show.

Crystal Poniewozik – Callie

Crystal (BFA 2019) is eager to share this beautiful story with Walterdale! They’ve worked on Macbeth, Henry V, Arcadia (Greystone), Rockin’ the Jukebox, Mighty Shrek (Jubilations), and The Dangers of VD (Valentine’s Day) (St. Albert), and been in commercials (AGLC) and TV shows (Billy the Kid, The Last of Us).

Graham Schmitz – Sander

Graham is thrilled to be back at Walterdale for this production of Amigo’s Blue Guitar. He has been taking part in community theatre his entire adult life, both in Saskatoon and Edmonton, and couldn’t be more happy to work with such a talented cast and crew on this heartfelt show.

Leo Campos Aldunez – Cultural Advisor

A Chilean by birth, Leo wears many hats as a community cultural leader – adult educator, interpreter, writer, political organizer, and more. Participating in Amigo’s Blue Guitar as Cultural Advisor has prompted him to reflect on our country’s multi-ethnic landscape and how we can build a more just society.

Rebecca Cave – Lighting Designer

After seven years at Walterdale, Rebecca is as thrilled as ever to contribute to Amigo’s Blue Guitar, their first show this season. Last year she worked on The Mousetrap and The Penelopiad. She’s delighted to work with this committed, thoughtful cast and crew, and hopes you enjoy the show!

Rae Desmarais – Special Effects Makeup

Rae Desmarais is a student with Alberta Academy of Aesthetics completing the Masters Makeup Artistry Program. She has supported high school theatre productions such as Shrek the Musical and Addams Family. Rae worked as a member of the Makeup Department for the haunt attraction Deadmonton in the 2023 season.

Brooke Emberly – Master Painter

Brooke became Walterdale’s Paint Head in January 2021. Previous Master Painter roles include The Women, Triangle Factory Fire Project, 1984, The Mask, Copenhagen, 39 Steps, Glace Bay Miners Museum, A Fitting Confusion, The Mousetrap, Penelopiad, and Austentatious. Brooke is thrilled to add Amigo’s Blue Guitar to her ever-growing roster!

Laura Eschak – Stage Manager, Costume Designer, Build Crew, Paint Crew

Amigo’s Blue Guitar is Laura’s first production as Stage Manager. Laura has enjoyed the growth and challenge of a thoughtful story. Laura enjoys storytelling through stage crew roles, performing on stage, sewing costumes, painting sets… Laura thanks her family’s support and all volunteers for the number of hours they contribute.

Richard Hatfield – Master Builder, Technical Advisor

Richard has been performing many roles at Walterdale since 1991. Some of these roles include Set Builder, Technical Director, Lighting Designer and many more. Richard has no idea how many shows he has worked, but still gets a thrill from seeing the finished project as an audience member!

Richard Hersley – Properties Master

From Winnipeg, at age 11 Richard Hersley played Santa in Santa Comes to Town, later playing several stage and screen roles. He graduated from the professional theatre program at University of Winnipeg. Richard, a professional television producer/director/writer, has created many television productions and documentaries. This is Richard’s second Walterdale show.

Kalin Jensen – Assistant Stage Manager

Kalin was active in the theatre scene in Oregon and is enjoying her time now at Walterdale Theatre. This is her second show at Walterdale, previously volunteering as Props Assistant for Six Degrees of Separation in 2014.

Bob Klakowich – Director, Projection Designer, Sound Designer

After frequent appearances on Walterdale’s stage over countless years, Bob takes the reins as Director for this award-winning Canadian play. His previous directorial credit here was Sondheim’s A Little Night Music in 2001. A nod, please, to all the gifted volunteers making our little theatre the magical place it is.

Sarah Marstaller – Properties Assistant

This is Sarah Marstaller’s first time volunteering for Walterdale Theatre in the props department. She is working to gain more experiences in stage and film productions in the future.

Emma Pardy – Lighting Operator 

Emma is a university student with a passion for theatre and the arts. This is her first time working tech at Walterdale and she is immensely enjoying the experience.

Alberto Rodriguez – Sound Operator

As a member of Walterdale Theatre he is very excited to be part of Amigo’s Blue Guitar. For many years now, Alberto has performed numerous short roles as a Standardized Patient, thus playing an important role in the health sciences education across all disciplines.

Andrew Selwood – Production Manager, Sound Designer

Andrew has been volunteering with Walterdale for a few years now by building sets, being on running crew, running sound and production management. He really enjoys working with all the great people here at Walterdale, and is excited to be the Production Manager for Amigo’s Blue Guitar.

Sarah Spicer – Fight and Intimacy Choreographer

Sarah Spicer (she/her) is a graduate of Rosebud School of the Arts and has been pursuing fight and intimacy choreography since moving back to Edmonton. She’s excited to have the opportunity to work with this team to bring this show to life!

Leland Stelck – Set Designer

When first asked to design this show, Leland’s response was, ‘If this is the play I think it is – I’m in!’ It was. Other designs at Walterdale include: Anything Goes, Copenhagen, Nine, The Women, and Happy Birthday Wanda June. Thanks to the builders and painters! You make it look great!

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

Community Facility Enhancement Program—Government of Alberta

Artistic Sponsor
Gorilla Property Services Edmonton

Community Partners
Valtone Cleaners

Champions ($500+)
AbleIT Inc.
Alexander Family in Memory of Shelley Superstein Alexander
Anne Marie Szucs
Harmony Fund at ECF

Supporters ($100-$499)
Joan & Alex Hawkins, Kristen M. Finlay, Michael Buhr, Mike Harding & Don Zeman, Moira Walker, Philip & M.J. Kreisel, Richard Hatfield, Sol Sigurdson, Margaret Booker, Julie Sinclair, David Wolkowski, Anonymous

Friends ($50-$99)
Brent Christopherson, Jean Guertin, Gerry and Barbara Sinn, Sally Hunt, Ruby Swekla

Donors ($49 and under)
Vivian Binnema, Isabelle Cave, Andrew Marriott, Roberta Rolf, Trish Mallet, Louise Mallory

Player’s Endowment Fund ($200 plus)
 The Penelopiad – The Cast and Production Team
Austentatious – The Cast and Production Team
All My Sons – The 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!

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.

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 Co-Directors – Ed Medeiros & Doug Verdin
Front-of-House Co-Directors – Matthew Baker & Martin Stout
Membership Co-Directors – Laura Eschak & Christine Gold
Production Co-Directors – John Anderson & Louise Mallory
Public Relations Co-Directors – Merrin Fraser & Stephanie Swensrude
Technical Co-Directors – Rebecca Cave & Richard Hatfield
Director at Large – Afrah Collier-Potts & Tracy Wyman

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 Harvey.

ADORRA SERGIOS, ANDREA NEWMAN, BANAFSHEH NURANY, BOB KLAKOWICH, BRENDA NOBLE, CASEY POWLIK, CHRISTINE GOLD, CINNAMON STACEY, DAN FESSENDEN, DAVE WOLKOWSKI, DAVID BODNAR, DOUG VERDIN, GENEVIEVE TU, GLORIA CARR, HEIDI RYLL, IAN HICKS, JACKIE LOTERY, KENDALL SAUNDERS, LEIGH BORNN, LOUISE MALLORY, MARNIE WANG, MARTIN STOUT, NEERA GARGA, NICOLLE LEMAY, PIERRE VALOIS, ROB CAUTI, ROBYN CLARK, SHABAB KHAN, SHANNON HARRINGTON, SHAUNA REBUS, VERONICA KEUCHEL.