Community Theatre Edmonton. Theatre Alberta – Page 11

Introducing the Cast and Creative Team of QUEEN MILLI OF GALT

Cast:

Milli: Stephanie O’Neill
Edward: Owen Emblau
Mona: Lauren Tamke
Mrs. Milroy: Anne-Marie Smyth
Godfrey: Robert Klakowich

Production Team:

Liz Cook – Director
Paula Blanco Longa – Assistant Director
Anne Marie Szucs – Mentor Director
Laura Young – Stage Manager
Glenn Cook – Production Manager
Catherine Wenschlag – Mentor PM
Jim Herchak – Set Designer
Roy Jackson – Lighting Designer
Phil Kreisel – Sound Designer
Geri Dittrich – Costume Designer
Karin Lauderdale – Costume Ass’t/Assigned DoP
Alayna Hunchak – Props Master
Assistant Stage Manager – TBA
Lighting Operator – TBA
Sound Operator – TBA
Richard Hatfield – Master Builder
Joan Hawkins – Master Painter
Kimberly North – Assistant Painter

Meet the Cast of LADY WINDERMERE’S FAN – Miranda Broumas is Lady Windermere

Who are you and what is your role in Lady Windermere’s Fan? My name is Miranda Broumas, and I’m playing Lady Windermere.

What is your background in theatre? At Walterdale? I took drama, advanced acting, and oral communication classes from junior high through post-secondary. In 2013, I retired from competitive and professional dance to focus my extracurricular efforts on theatre. 2016 roles include Lucy in Raine (New Works Festival 2016), Cunningham in The Last Days of Judas Iscariot (University of Alberta), and Dawn in Seven Lost Minutes (35^th Annual Edmonton Fringe Festival). Lady Windermere’s Fan will be my first production at Walterdale Theatre.

What brought you out for this show? Why did you want to be a part of it? I’m a big fan of Oscar Wilde, a major nerd for Victorian literature, and I liked the challenge of learning a proper English accent. Lady Windermere is also a rather interesting character to play. She and I share distaste for egocentric and smug people, but we differ in that she holds very black-and-white views. Personal growth and maturity entail learning at least some level of elasticity, and it’s really fun to navigate that journey with her.

Why should audiences check out the show? Lady Windermere’s Fan brilliantly juxtaposes the amusing and the serious, putting a comedic and melodramatic twist on themes that everyone can relate to. If you’ve ever felt pressure to uphold reputation, save face, or create the illusion that everything is fine when it really isn’t; if you’ve ever witnessed hypocrisy, felt burdened by social mores and conformity, or faced social ostracism at school or work; if you’ve ever withheld information to protect someone you love, or experienced the joyous complexity of family and romantic relationships, then you’ll surely identify with a character or two. Plus, it’s written by Oscar Wilde…how could you miss it?

What has been the most fun part of working on the show? Among a host of other aspects, like our fantastic team, I’d say the costumes are a pretty fun part of the show. The play takes place at a time in history when manners and mannerisms were held to the highest standard – when folks scrutinized over every minute detail of their posture, breath, and physical interactions with others. When the ladies started rehearsing in corsets, long trains and character shoes, you could really see life breathed into our characters (while the oxygen was simultaneously pushed out of our lungs) – everybody’s spines straightened and upper lips stiffened just a bit more. It’s also pretty entertaining to see the gentlemen commit to period-appropriate facial hair.

Favourite Oscar Wilde quote: “Some cause happiness wherever they go; others whenever they go.”

Meet the Cast of LADY WINDERMERE’S FAN – Craig Sephton is Mr. Hopper

Who are you and what role are you playing in Lady Windermere’s Fan? I’m Craig Sephton, playing the Nature’s Gentleman from Australia, Mr. Hopper. A fun character to play as he has come to 1800 London as a business man who’s invited to the gatherings of the Upper Echelon class, it may have something to do with the character’s family money.

What is your background in theatre? At Walterdale? This is my first role at the Walterdale, and my first time in a long time getting out from backstage and into the light. I grew up performing in theatre, pantomimes as well as a singer/songwriter, but had expanded my skills into the technical side. I am ever so grateful to be back on stage with such an incredible cast, crew and in a beautiful venue.

What brought you out for the show? Even though it is set over 100 years ago, I feel a lot of its themes and messages still resonate today. And what drew me in were the characters throughout the play, it would be hard pressed to not relate to one of them and I know everyone knows someone like each of the characters.

Why do you think audiences should come see this show? It is a hilarious, tense and relatable story. The cast is stunning and again I feel so honoured to share space with them on stage. Everyone will be in for a treat, and everyone will take something different away from it.

What has been the most enjoyable thing about being in the show? The most challenging? By far the most fun part of working on the show is the connection with everyone working on it, it’s become like a big family. Some people (like myself) are new and some are veterans but we are all treated equally and given the respect and room to create what we see in this play. The most challenging thing… for my character is his background, having done a lot of research you can’t find all too much on him. But really, that makes it an extremely exciting part to create parts of him.

What’s your favorite Oscar Wilde quote?

“The same words that 20 years ago…” – is one that sticks out to me. Not because I have many years under my belt, but makes me think of what I am doing now and what decisions I am making now that will impact me 20 years from now… a deep thinker.

Meet the Cast of LADY WINDERMERE’S FAN – Dan Fessenden is Lord Darlington

Who are you and who do you play? My name is Dan Fessenden and I play the suave and debonair Lord Darlington.

What is your background in theatre? I am excited to return for my second show at the Walterdale. Last year I was in Ravenscroft.

What brought you out for this show? I love Walterdale Theatre! I’ve seen lots of shows and have wanted to be on the stage for a while. Last year was my first one which was the culmination of that goal! There’s a lot of room for growth as an actor, and I’m happy to have another chance to do so. I’m also excited to be working with many of the same talented cast and crew at the Walterdale again!

What is the most enjoyable thing about working on this production? The entire production is full of some excellently talented and creative people. We’ve had a lot of fun putting together the show and I think that will come across for anyone who comes to see it. The script itself is full of great lines and moments!

What is the most challenging thing? One of the most interesting things for me by far has been the fact that my character is not actually the character I relate most to in the story. So playing this other person has been both fun and challenging.

Got a favourite Oscar Wilde quote? “The pure and simple truth is rarely pure and never simple”

Meet the Team of LADY WINDERMERE’S FAN – Elis Blouin is Stage Manager

Who are you and what is your role on this production? I’m Elis Blouin. As Stage Manager I track and attend every rehearsal, set scenes, call lines, give cues, assist the director, and act as general liaison for all facets of production for the cast and crew members.

What is your background in theatre? My first taste of theatre came to me in grade 3, with my role as Queen of Hearts in Alice and Wonderland. I attended drama and choir classes throughout junior and senior high school, working in numerous productions on and behind the scenes with makeup, costumes, painting, managing, and directing. I took some theatre classes in college and developed a drama club in Wyoming for children ages 8-12 where I singlehandedly directed, managed, wrote, and produced two productions a year.

What brought you out for this show? I’m new to Canada and I figured the theatre should be my first stop in becoming acquainted with my new city. I live near-by and took notice of the beautiful building right away. I made some inquiries and Walterdale came highly recommended from local theatre goers.

Why do you think audiences should come and see this show? Oscar Wilde’s insight on what it means to be a part of society is always refreshing. Lady Windermere’s Fan was written in the 1800’s, when European fashion was held as high as morality. We have a talented cast that does a beautiful job of displaying its own camaraderie in the delivery of their characters.

What has been the most fun so far working on the show? The most challenging thing? A large cast of 16 (not to mention the loads of crew members) make this a very fun and challenging circus to keep organized.

What is your favorite Oscar Wilde quote?

There are too many to choose just one!

“An idea that is not dangerous is unworthy of being called an idea at all,” is from Wilde’s essay titled The Critic as Artist. It’s one of my favorites, but there are so many good lines in Lady Windermere’s Fan as well. This one, “Whether the fogs produce the serious people or whether the serious people produce the fogs, I don’t know, but the whole thing rather gets on my nerves…” always makes me giggle.

Meet the Cast of LADY WINDERMERE’S FAN – David Owen is Lord Augustus Lorton

Who: I am David Owen and I play Lord Augustus Lorton.

What is my background in theatre: I have a PhD in theatre and performance studies from York University, an MFA in Directing from the U of C, and an MA in Dramatic Theory and Criticism from the U of A. I am also a member of the Playwright’s Guild of Canada. At the Walterdale, I was the Artistic Director from 1999-2001 and directed Doctor Faustus and The Birthday Party. As an actor at the Walterdale, I was in The Grace of Mary Traverse, Jehanne of the Witches, and the one-act Enter the Giants.

What brought me out: I moved back to Edmonton last year and I wanted to audition for Glengarry Glen Ross but my schedule wouldn’t allow it. This year, finding myself back in Edmonton again and with a more forgiving schedule AND an Oscar Wilde show to try out for, I jumped at the chance! It feels great to be back.

Why should audiences come out: Who doesn’t like to laugh? Audiences should come see the show because it is ridiculously funny but also because it allows us to laugh at ourselves and at relationships and false appearances and societies pressures. These can all be very stressful at times, and taken too seriously, and we can all benefit from a playful critique of this “demmed thing we call society.”

The most fun thing: The outrageous accents!

The most challenging thing: The outrageous accents!

Favourite Wilde quote: “All women become like their mothers. That is their tragedy. No man does, and that is his.” Algernon, The Importance of Being Earnest.

Meet the Cast of LADY WINDERMERE’S FAN – Hannah Haugen is Lady Agatha Carlisle!

Who are you and what is your role in Lady Windermere’s Fan? My name is Hannah Haugen and in Lady Windermere’s Fan I play Lady Agatha Carlisle-the contained daughter of a Duchess and soft spoken young lady of the upper class. Agatha is a joy to play and a creative challenge with her limited and joyous dialogue.

What is your background in theatre? At Walterdale? I have been acting since nine years old and just graduated from Jasper Place High School as a very involved drama student. Over my time there I took part in lots of productions, the most recent as Emily Webb in Our Town. The past three years I have preformed on the Walterdale stage at the Zone 8 City One Act Festival in anything from Chekhov to MacIvor.

Why do you think audiences should come see the show? Lady Windermere’s Fan is a funny and vibrant piece that audiences will come to enjoy the aristocratic energy, classic humor and insightful moments on life and class. I personally love the ability of so many characters in this piece to house eccentricity and hilarity whilst never losing their realism or worth.

What has been most enjoyable part of the process so far? So far the most fun moments in rehearsal have been working with Leslie Caffaro who plays my Mother (The Duchess of Berrwick) as she pushes around her doting daughter with some serious style. Or the cupcakes at lasts week’s rehearsal, it’s a tie really. Either way Lady Windermere’s Fan will be a pulsing and comical production I hope to see lots and lots of people enjoy!

Meet the Cast of RED – Mark Finlay is Mark Rothko

What is my role in this production? I am playing Mark Rothko – Rothko was an artist, considered one of the forefront Abstract Expressionists of the 1950’s. Rothko was very secretive about his process and very philosophical about his work and its impact.

What is your background in theatre? I am a very sporadic performer, usually only doing a show once every 5-7 years. These past few months have been an exception, as this is the second in a row that I am acting in. I was cast as Molokov in the Walterdale’s production of Chess this past summer, which was my very first show here. Unquestioningly, Rothko is by far the most difficult and challenging part I have ever been asked to take on – there is no singing, and no comedy… it is a dramatic role with TONS of dialogue.

What brought you out for this show? I heard that they might be looking for large guys that yell, and thought I might get to shave my head… I’m kind of typecast that way! Actually, Bethany Hughes (the director) was choreographer on Chess, and I enjoyed working with her and she seemed like she would be fun to work with in a different capacity!

Why did you audition? I have been asking myself the same question…I don’t undertake the audition process often, and I felt that maybe if I did more of them I would learn something or get better at it. A number of people from Chess auditioned, and I didn’t fully decide until very late in the process. I had no real expectation of even being considered for such a significant role in a production, and was quite surprised when I was offered the part!

What about this show intrigues you? I am curious to see which character the audience most identifies with: Ken or Rothko? The two have vastly disparate views on art, intention, experience and mortality. Of late, I have been able to identify with Rothko.

What is the most challenging thing about working on this show? The most challenging thing is easily THE SCRIPT!! There are SO MANY WORDS – Words that many people I know wouldn’t commonly use in conversation! Getting a handle on the monologues was probably my biggest challenge, as well as being able to “see” art in the same way Rothko does. I am able to identify with aspects of Rothko, so I think the character came easier to me than the dialogue did.

The most enjoyable thing? There are multiple things that I’m enjoying. I really enjoying getting to know the people I’m working with – that aspect of theatre probably is the part that I enjoy the most. Rehearsals are HARD WORK… anyone that tells you different is either far more skilled than I am, or delusional. There are fun and funny moments, but it’s hard work – that can be enjoyable, but it is also fatiguing. The other thing I am enjoying is trying to be someone that I am most definitely NOT in real life. Having also never seen this play before, I have no frame of reference to base my work off of – which is challenging but enjoyable as well.

Art plays a big role in this show. Who is your favorite artist and why? My favorite artists are my kids…I have a screen saver of a picture my youngest son drew about 4 years ago… it won’t be hanging in a gallery, but it is in my personal collection and continues to make me smile.

As far as other art, I am a fan of Michelangelo and Da Vinci. I have two original Matt Boisvert pictures at home, and my wife and I have a smattering of other pictures from Albertan artists we know and appreciate. As John Cleese once said in a Monty Python sketch: “I don’t know much about art, but I know what I like.”

Meet the Team of RED – Sarah Van Tassel is the Mentor Director

What is your role on this production? I’m the Mentor Director. Walterdale is encouraging newer directors to direct their first show on our stage, and as such pairs them up with a “mentor” – someone who has directed on our stage previously and who can be a resource for the director.

What is your background in theatre? With Walterdale? I’ve been working in independent and community theatre since graduating university in 2006. I have held various roles on the Walterdale Board, including Artistic Director and President, and have been onstage and backstage for a slew of productions, including: W;t, Jeffrey, Burning Vision, Love of the Nightingale, Reasons to be Pretty, and You Are Here.

What brought you out for this show? Why did you join the team? What about this show intrigues you? Bethany and I were working together on W;t when she mentioned that she was thinking of submitting Red for this season. She asked if I’d be willing to be her “mentor” as she hadn’t directed at Walterdale previously and I said yes, without hesitation. I adore working with Bethany and this is such a great script.

For me, the conversations about symbiotic relationship between the art and the viewer are fascinating. I’ve always felt that all art is subjective and what the viewer brings to the table when viewing said art matters – but what about the intention of the artists when they created the piece – is it just as important? It’s so interesting to explore these concepts.

What is the most challenging thing about working on this show? The most enjoyable thing? This has been a really unique experience for me – as mentor it’s about trying to help Bethany realize her vision of the show and support that as the production develops. It’s been really great to watch the show develop and see Bethany’s vision of it come to life.

Art plays a big role in this show. Who is your favorite artist and why? I’ve always loved pop art. Warhol and Lichtenstein, in particular. I love the way that pop art appropriates other mediums and creates new and unique pieces out of it. Lichtenstein’s Drowning Girl is one of my favourites.

Meet the Team of Red – Catherine Wenschlag is Production Manager

What is your role on this production? I’m the Production Manager, so I oversee the logistical needs of the show. I work to ensure all areas are communicating with each other, that deadlines are met, and that we’re within budget. I love this role because it is mostly about organization and communication – two of my favorite activities.

What is your background in theatre? With Walterdale? Walterdale is my home away from home! Since joining in 2009 I’ve filled a variety of roles. Last season I worked on four productions: Ravenscroft (actor), W;t (production manager), The Sunset Syndrome (director), Chess (assistant director), and served on the Board of Directors as Secretary. Outside of Walterdale, I’ve been acting and stage managing for over 30 years.

What brought you out for this show? Why did you join the team? What about this show intrigues you? I wanted to support the director, Bethany Hughes, in any way I could – and I happened to have a skill set that was useful to the team. I’m very excited for this season at Walterdale and am eager to help bring each show to audiences.

What is the most challenging thing about working on this show? The most fun thing? I’ve found that the most challenging thing as a production manager is making sure everyone gets the information they need to do the best job possible. Some people are looking time members, some are new – and some are taking on new roles. It’s easy to say, “if you have any questions, just ask” – but if you’re new, sometimes you don’t know what questions to ask! So I try to anticipate needs and meet those in addition to the other requests that come up. The most fun is definitely the people – this is a stellar creative team and I’m loving watching them create magic.

Art plays a big role in this show. Who is your favorite artist and why? Monet. I find him soothing, comforting, but not simple. The first time I saw an original in person I was incredibly moved. The ones of parliament are among my favourite.