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S ingin’ In the R ain Screenplay By Betty Comden and Adolph Green
Songs By Nacio Herb Brown and Arthur Freed
Based on the classic Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer film, by special arrangement with Warner Bros. Theatre Ventures, Inc. Music published by EMI, all rights administered by Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC. (Original Movie Choreography by Gene Kelly and Stanley Donen) Produced by Arrangement with Maurice Rosenfield, Lois F. Rosenfield and Condy Pritzker, Inc.
SINGING IN THE RAIN Submitted by: Colin MacLean Singing in the Rain is the best movie ever made. I state that after a lifetime obsession with the bubbly film (The American Film Institute places it as 10th in their list of the 100 Greatest Films Ever Made).It was a revelation for a 15 year old kid in the Regent Theatre in Saint John, New Brunswick on a blustery afternoon in March of 1952. The origin of the film showed little promise. It was cobbled together out of old songs producer Arthur Freed had written for other films. It was shot on the MGM back lot using sets from other movies. One of the featured players was a 19 year old gymnast, Debbie Reynolds. She had no experience singing and dancing. The other two stars were Gene Kelly and Donald O’Connor, one an established song-and-dance man and the other a one-time vaudevillian. By some tinsel-town miracle it all came together. Gene Kelly’s exuberant, rain-soaked title dance is remembered as the best solo dance number in the history of movies. It’s going to be interesting to see how director Linette Smith is going to create that deluge live on stage. Debbie Reynolds once told me that Kelly was a hard taskmaster but that he made her a star. Donald O’Connor’s Make ‘Em Laugh is a non-stop kinetic delight. In a conversation, he recounted that he had to shoot that scene in one day because he knew that his body would never make it to day two. He also related how, when he tried to recreate it for a “live” television program a few years later, he fell off the wall and broke his arm. If you’ve seen Singing in the Rain before, enjoy the experience again. If you’re seeing it for the first time – you’re in for a rare treat.
Synopsis Don Lockwood is a silent film star with humble roots as a musician, dancer and stunt man. Don barely tolerates his vapid leading lady, Lina Lamont, who is convinced that their screen romance is real. After the first talking picture, The Jazz Singer, proves to be a smash hit, the head of the studio, R. F. Simpson, decides he has no choice but to convert the new Lockwood and Lamont film, The Dueling Cavalier, into a talkie. The production is beset with difficulties, by far the worst being Lina’s comically grating voice. After a disastrous test screening, Don’s best friend, Cosmo Brown, comes up with the idea to overdub Lina’s voice and they convince Simpson to turn The Dueling Cavalier into The Dancing Cavalier, a musical comedy film. Meanwhile, Don falls in love with an aspiring actress, Kathy Selden, who is providing the voice for Lina. When Lina finds out, she is furious and does everything possible to sabotage the romance. She maliciously demands that Kathy continue to provide her voice in all future films, but remain uncredited. An irate, but desperate Simpson is forced to agree; Kathy has no choice because she is under contract. The premiere is a tremendous success. When the audience clamors for Lina to sing live, Don and Cosmo improvise and get Lina to lip-synch while Kathy sings into a second microphone while hidden behind the curtain. Unbeknownst to Lina, as she starts “singing”, Don, Cosmo and Simpson gleefully raise the curtain behind her, revealing the deception. Kathy becomes a star, and Lina is finished.
Musical Numbers Overture Act 1 Fit As A Fiddle You Stepped Out Of A Dream All I Do Is Dream Of You Make ‘Em Laugh
Beautiful Girls You Are My Lucky Star You Were Meant For Me Moses Moses Reprise Fit As A Fiddler Reprise Good Mornin’ Singin’ In The Rain
Act 2 Would You Would You Reprise What’s Wrong With Me Broadway Melody You Are My Lucky Star Singin’ In The Rain
Orchestra Names Reed I - Brandy Lee MacLean Reed II - Laurel Sadownik Reed III - Melissa Sadownik
Drum Kit - Dale Osbaldeston Percussion - Jacob Kryger Keyboard - Keat Machtemes
Trumpet I - Smokey Walters (Alt. Martin Walters) Trumpet II - Harold Emas Trombone - Kaleen Clark
Violin I - Valerie Sim (Alt. Ken Heise) Violin II - Grace Huang Viola - Darrell Soetaert Cello - Joshua Ching Bass - Troy Majewski (Alt. Rich Stenson)
Director’s Notes “You dance love, and you dance joy, and you dance dreams. And I know if I can make you smile by jumping over a couple of couches or running through a rainstorm, then I’ll be very glad to be a song and dance man.”- Gene Kelly Singin’ in the Rain is all about the song and dance. The beautiful artists who make up the world of first brought to us by Comden and Green have created new laugh lines on my face since we started back in September. Singin’ in the Rain is one of the greatest movie musicals ever made but to direct the stage musical is a dream come true. This musical is one of enormous artistic risk as it is both challenging and exciting on every level. Singin’ in the Rain re-creates – both hilariously and accurately – the difficulties of transitioning from silent films to talkies. The story lives between what was and what is to be and the possibility of creating something truly magical based on the risks taken. The significance of this is that Hollywood was acknowledging its own creation story. Not only is Singin’ in the Rain a breathtaking example of studio filmmaking, and one of the greatest musicals ever filmed, it is also one of the greatest shows ever made about the history of the movies. Based on a song by the same name Singin’ in the Rain was originally penned by the powerhouse duo Comden and Green. The show started simply as just a song. That song become the title and the story emerged. Throughout our journey on this show the music has moved us, the dance has made us stronger and the story has connected our storied lives with a sense of nostalgia and magic. I am grateful to the incredible team of artists who have helped me build this incredible show. From the backstage to the studio to the stage each person has left their mark and may they now share with you something that will make you smile. Love, Joy and Dreams Linette J. Smith Director
Thank you’s River City Events - ad Uof A props and wardrobe department Shelley’s Dance Company Scona High School Citadel Theatre Chester Developments Ltd. Rob Swyrd Photography
cast bios Alyson Horne (Lina Lamont) Alyson Horne is a recent graduate from MacEwan University’s Theatre Arts program and is delighted to make her Festival Place debut with this production of Singin’ in the Rain. “To my family and friends, thank you for your endless support no matter how near or how far you may be.”
Anthea Lavergnea (Ensemble) Starting at the age of three, Anthea has been dancing in various styles and has been in La Jeunesse Classique and the Nutcracker. She has also been in a multitude of musicals including Thoroughly Modern Millie, 13 the Musical and James and the Giant Peach. Anthea is also a two-time Futures Fest winner for musical theatre.
Astrid Deibert (Ensemble) Astrid Deibert has been singing and dancing for as long as she’s walked and talked. She plans to continue with theatre arts further into adulthood, and she is as enthusiastic in life as she is on stage. This is her first production with Festival Place; previously she has performed with Bev Facey Fine Arts.
Bob Klakowich (Roscoe Dexter) This is Bob’s second stint with Festival Players. Previous musical credits include; Matthew in Anne of Green Gables, Mr. Lawrence in Little Women, Arvide in Guys and Dolls and the title role in The Mikado. It is a pleasure to share the Christmas season with all of you. Enjoy the show!
Carson Griffiths (Young Don/ Ensemble) Carson is thrilled to be back on the Festival Place stage with The Festival Players. As always this has been such a fun cast to work with and it has been amazing seeing this whole show go from our read through to this full production you are about to enjoy! Feel free to hum along!
Elana Svenningsen (Girl #2/ Lady in Waiting/ Burlesque Dancer/ Ensemble) Elana is currently in her second year at the University of Alberta and has been involved in the performing arts for the past 16 years. She performed in her first Festival Place Christmas show 10 years ago and is very excited to be back for Singin’ in the Rain. She hopes you enjoy the show!
Filip Fufezan (Assistant #1/ Muskateer/ Ensemble) Filip Fufezan has been in Peter and the Starcatcher as Prentiss, Thoroughly Modern Millie as George Gershwin, Peter in the Diary of Anne Frank, and Centipede in James and the Giant Peach. He is super excited to try his tapping skills and bring life to this amazing story set in 1927 Hollywood.
Georgia Cooney (Ensemble) Georgia is so excited to be returning to the festival players stage! This is Georgia’s fourth show with Festival Place, James and the Giant Peach, Charlottes Web and Anne of Green Gables. Georgia truly has a “musical theatre” song in her heart and can’t wait for you to enjoy the show!
NICE TO MEET YOU!
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EYESIGHT PUBLISHING is a new venture from previous long-time VUE WEEKLY staff Charlie Biddiscombe (Production) and James Jarvis (Sales). With over six-and-a-half years experience each with publications like this we will be focusing our attention on local arts-based projects such as, but not limited to, the production and publication of playbills and festival guides. EYESIGHT PUBLISHING stands for dedicated service and quality products. We are happy to be starting off our journey already working with organizations such as Festival Place, Metro Cinema, the Edmonton Poetry Festival Society, U of A Studio Theatre, and the Edmonton Pride Festival Society, to name a few.
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cast bios cont. Jacob Dittaro (Assistant #2/ Muskateer/ Ensemble) Jacob is very excited to be a part of Singin’ in the Rain! This is his fifth production at Festival Place following roles in Peter Pan, Anne of Green Gables, Charlotte’s Web and Fiddler on the Roof. Jacob has a passion for theatre, watching and critiquing movies, singing, and playing guitar. Enjoy the show!
Jaelynne Gervais (Charlie Chaplin/ Ensemble) This is Jaelynne’s Festival Place debut and she could not be more excited to be a part of Singin’ in the Rain. She would like to thank her family, friends and mentors for their endless support and she hopes you enjoy the show! (Follow her on Instagram! @jaelynnegervais)
Jasper Eng (Policeman/ Muskateer/ Ensemble) Jasper Eng is an avid dancer, studying genres such as; ballet, jazz, contemporary, lyrical, hip-hop and tap at Edmonton Dance Factory. He also received a scholarship to train at the Edge Performing Arts Center in Los Angeles this summer. He hopes you have a great night!
Jen McConnell-Palindat (Wardrobe Assistant/ Ensemble) Jen is a recent graduate from Holy Trinity High School where she played many parts in numerous productions. She is also an avid improv member. She is thrilled to be in Singin’ in the Rain, as this is her first musical, but hopefully not her last.
Jericho Cabinas (Pedestrian 2/ Ensemble) This is Jericho’s musical debut and he’s very happy to be a part of Singin’ in the Rain here at Festival Place. He is grateful to his friends and family for their support and love. He would like to thank the cast and crew for making this musical special to him.
Josephine Herbut (Dora Bailey/ Ensemble) Josephine is delighted to be a part of this year’s production! Previous theatre credits include; Hodel in Fiddler on the Roof, Penelope Pennywise in Urinetown, Brenda Strong in Catch Me If You Can and Baker’s Wife in Into the Woods. She would like to thank her family and friends for their limitless support and hopes you all enjoy the show!
Julianna Heft (Ensemble) Julianna is thrilled to be sharing the story of Singin’ in the Rain with all of you. She was most recently seen in Shrek the Musical. Julianna trains at Shelley’s Dance Co and she was also a part of Next Festival 2018. She would like to thank the cast & crew for making this show possible.
Keisha Wong (Woman #1/ Ensemble) This is Keisha Wong’s first production with Festival Place. Keisha was last seen onstage in Rent and Bring it on the Musical (Strathcona High School). Currently Keisha is enrolled in the University of Alberta’s BA/Bed program in hopes of becoming a drama teacher.
Linda Hoddinott (R.F’s Wife) Linda is over the moon to be on stage for the first time with the Festival Players and to be working with such a youthful talented cast. Thank you to the most amazing production team for your dedication to Musical Theatre and your tireless work with those who love this art.
Lisa Kotelniski (Olga/ Girl #2/ Ensemble/ Dance Captain) Lisa Kotelniski is thrilled to be joining the cast of Singin’ in the Rain. This is her second show with Festival Place; her first was as Chava in Fiddler on the Roof. Thanks to her family, friends and teachers for their unwavering guidance and support. Enjoy the show!
Maren Richardson (Kathy Selden) Maren is grateful for the opportunity to make her lead character debut. Credits include: Thoroughly Modern Millie, Fiddler on the Roof, and Bring it On. Outside of school and theatre, Maren works as a Disney Princess, and enjoys composing music! She hopes this show will make you gleam and smile.
Mark Sinongco (Cosmo Brown) Mark is a graduate of the Canadian College of Performing Arts. This is his first show with Festival Place and he is very excited to be a part of this production. Recent credits include: Zach in Cult Cycle: A New Musical, Gabe in Next to Normal, and Moritz Stiefel in Spring Awakening.
Maxim Bahri (Flick/ Workman/ Muskateer/ Tenor/ Ensemble) Maxim Bahri’s first taste of theatre was Oliver! He has also been in Cats, West Side Story, Mary Poppins, Anne of Green Gables and Fiddler on the Roof. Max dances at Shelley’s Dance Company, and with the Volya School of Ukrainian Dance. He is enthused to be acting with the Festival Players again this year!
Nadia Small (Zelda/ Ensemble) Nadia is thrilled to be in one of her favourite classics Singin’ in the Rain! Nadia has most recently appeared in Follies (Walterdale Theatre), Heathers: The Musical (Scona Alumni Theatre Co). She is now dancing with Orchesis Dance at the University of Alberta.
Owen Connolly (Assistant #3/ Photographer/ Ensemble) Owen plays the flute in his school’s symphonic band and he is a part of their junior varsity cheer team. He loves being on stage acting. His favourite holiday is Christmas and he snowboards during the winter. When it’s snowing he loves going on long walks with his dog, Shadow.
Peter Gregg (Male Vocal Teacher/ Ensemble) Peter appeared for eight seasons on Access Television’s nightly nationally broadcast live program HELP!tv. When not in the theatre, Peter enjoys automobile restoration and maintains a private psychology practice, and works at Alberta Hospital Edmonton. Enjoy the show!
Quinn Fisher (Flack/ Muskateer/ Workman/ Ensemble) This is Quinn’s third show with the Festival Players. He was Malcom Andrews in Anne of Green Gables, Mendel in Fiddler on the Roof and Mr. Brownlow in Oliver! Quinn is currently a 2nd year apprentice carpenter working for Habitat Studio. He enjoys Taekwondo and playing the drums and guitar. He would like to thank everyone for coming out to the show and hopes you enjoy it.
Rhonda Kozuska (Wardrobe Lady/ Ensemble) Rhonda is elated to hoof across the Festival Place stage again! Other projects have included Jack’s Mother in Into the Woods, Yenta in Fiddler on the Roof and Katie Nana in Mary Poppins. Rhonda would like to thank her family for being so supportive of her theatrical pursuits.
Rylie Munro (Young Cosmo/ Ensemble) This is Rylie’s first show with Festival Place. He has always loved performing and entertaining even from a young age. Rylie would like to thank his family and friends for their love and support in what he loves, and he would like to thank everyone involved with the production for this amazing opportunity.
Sarah Hart (Fan #2/ Ensemble) Sarah is thrilled to be a part of the Christmas production Singin’ in the Rain! This will be Sarah’s second Festival Place show, her first was James and the Giant Peach as Aunt Sponge! This will be Sarah’s first time learning tap and she is more than excited! She hopes you enjoy this wonderful musical as it comes to life.
Shawn Smallwood (Rod Phillips/ Villian/ Man on Screen/ Ensemble) This is Shawn’s third show at Festival Place. He previously played Mr. Northbrook in Mary Poppins and Mordcha the innkeeper in Fiddler on the Roof. He is thrilled to be back on the stage this Christmas season as Rod.
Shawn Wells (R.F.) Shawn’s select credits include Young Frankenstein, Kiss Me Kate, 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, The Full Monty, Miss Saigon, RENT and Carousel. He apologizes to everyone for the fact that Singin’ in the Rain is now going to be stuck in your head just from reading this bio! Bwahahahaha…. Mission accomplished!
Stacey Grubb (Miss Dinsmore/ Pedestrian 2/ Ensemble) Stacey is delighted to return to this stage having recently performed in Fiddler on the Roof, Anne of Green Gables and Mary Poppins. A love of dance and a passion for performing lead her into the world of theatre. When not at the theatre or in a dance studio, Stacey is a lawyer and works for Alberta Health. Merry Christmas!
Stephen Allred (Don Lockwood) Stephen is so excited about this amazing opportunity to return to Festival Place in Singin’ in the Rain. He previously performed in Festival Place productions of Mary Poppins as Bert and West Side Story as Bernardo. His recent credits include Mark in Cult Cycle: A New Musical, Laurie in Little Women: The Musical and Scott in Evil Dead: The Musical
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production bios Allene Hodgins (Production/Stage Manager) Allene is thrilled to be in her 20th production at Festival Place. Productions have included Joseph, White Christmas, Oliver, Cats, Mary Poppins and Fiddler on the Roof to name a few. It is a true passion of Allene’s to be working with such amazing and talented people. Allene can’t thank the production team enough for all their hard work, as well as the group of talented actors who make a stage manager’s job easier. This show is dedicated to her father, this one’s for you “Popski”
Brian Bast (Costume Designer) Brian Bast is a designer by destiny and has designed numerous productions. He is a multiple Sterling Award Nominee for his set and costume designs. He has designed for many theatres in Alberta: Citadel Theatre, Shadow Theatre, Grant MacEwan University, Theatre Network, Alberta Opera, Grande Prairie Live Theatre, Theatre Yes, Red Deer College and Victoria School of the Arts. This is for K,Q,H. Enjoy the show.
Brooke Emberly (Set Painter) Brooke is a Grant MacEwan alumni who specializes in scenic painting. After her wonderful experience being Master Painter for “The Women” and “The Triangle Factory Fire Project,” at the Walterdale theatre, she is looking forward to expanding her painting expertise with the lovely cast and crew at Festival Place. Brooke is honoured and excited to take on the challenge of the ever iconic “Singing in the Rain.”
Chris Szott (Stage Hand) Chris has been a stage technician for several years at Festival Place. He has his own Foley sound company which keeps him busy.
Cody Boyd (House Technician) Cody is a House Technician at Festival Place and is thrilled to be involved with this year’s production of Singin’ in the Rain. He hopes you enjoy the show!
James Odenbach (House Technician) James trained at MacEwan in the Theatre Production program and is a house technician. Over the past 10 years he has designed lighting for productions including Crazy for You, Joseph, Oliver, Cats, West Side Story, Mary Poppins, and last year’s Fiddler On The Roof. James also has worked on many other projects such as the Strathcona County Digital LED Tree. Enjoy the show!
Leland Stelck (Set Designer) Leland is an Architectual Technologist by trade and set designer by passion.
Linette Smith (Director) Linette J. Smith is the artistic director of the award winning Scona Theatre Co. and Scona Alumni Theatre Co. Select credits include; direction and choreography for Xanadu, Heathers, Dogfight, Hedwig and the Angry Inch (Sterling nominated), American Idiot, RENT (Edmonton Fringe), directing the Canadian premier of Calvin Berger (3form theatre), Footloose, Nevermore, In the Heights, Les Miserables, Bring It On, West Side Story (Scona Theatre Co.), Rocky Horror, Jane Eyre, Avenue Q, Chicago (TOWTTB). Smith is thrilled to be working with the Festival Folks on this dream show!
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production bios Madison Hucal (Assistant Stage Manager) Madison is thrilled to be involved in her 4th Christmas show and her 8th production here at Festival Place. Madison is enthralled by the theatre constantly, and Singin’ in the Rain will be no exception. She hopes you are as captivated by these wonderfully talented actors as she is!
Mhairi Berg (Assistant Director) Mhairi Berg has a MA in Music Theatre Performance from the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland and is excited to return to Festival Place to assist in the direction of Singin’ In The Rain with the Festival Players alongside the rest of the wonderful cast and crew. Previous shows directed at Festival Place include James and the Giant Peach as well as Charlotte’s Web. Mhairi is a choreographer, actor, and theatre and music educator within the Edmonton area. She hopes you enjoy the show!
Michael Clark (Music Director) Michael holds a Master’s degree in Music and has been music director for over a dozen musicals including Festival Place’s productions of Cats, West Side Story, Mary Poppins, Anne of Green Gables and Fiddler on the Roof. He was involved in premieres of the Broadway musicals Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson and Irving Berlin’s Holiday Inn. Michael is the Artistic Director of the Edmonton Pops Orchestra and this January will be premiering his own work “Once Upon a Frost” at Festival Place. He is thrilled to perform Singin’ in the Rain for you!
Raegan Ladd (Assistant to the Choreographer) Raegan Ladd is a grade 12 student who is honoured to be assisting Shelley Tookey with the production of Singin’ In The Rain. Her love of dancing and tap began when she was just 3 years old, and has taken her on many journeys such as Germany to compete in the Worlds with Team Canada. Raegan can’t wait for you to see what the cast and crew have been working so hard on, so sit back, hold your umbrellas and enjoy the show!!
Robbie Tkachyk (Technical Director) Robbie is a graduate of the Grant MacEwan Theatre Production program and has been with Festival Place for 21 years (???). Having worked numerous productions such as Cats, The Wizard of Oz, Oliver, West Side Story, Mary Poppins and last year’s Fiddler on the Roof the annual Christmas musical is always a highlight of the season. He is excited to be involved once again in this year’s production of Singin’ in the Rain.
Ron Smith (House Technician) Ron Smith has been an audio engineer for 24 years specializing in concert sound. As part of his work at Festival Place he was thrust into the world of the theatre where he has witnessed the hard work and dedication of those who perform for the LOVE of their craft. He has worked on such shows as Cats, West Side Story, Mary Poppins and last year’s Fiddler on the Roof.
Shelley Tookey (Choreographer) Shelley has choreographed and directed many musicals over the past 18 years. White Christmas, Oliver, Kiss Me Kate, Wizard of Oz, Annie Get Your Gun, Crazy For You, Sound of Music, Joseph, Cats and West Side Story just to name a few. Shelley is pleased to be working with such a fabulous production team, cast and crew. Please enjoy this fun filled and classic musical!
Synopsis
O nce Upon a Frost
Once upon a time in a place not too different from your own, the most peculiar season came to pass. For you see on this year, when the time arrived for the first frost of winter, none came… This brand new musical follows the heartwarming story of Elly, a young women who returns home after inheriting her Grandmother’s coffee shop. What once was a small town is now a burgeoning city, and the aging coffee shop is not making enough to stay open. On the morning after the first frost, the shop receives an unlikely visitor who introduces himself as Jack. On the eventful morning of his visit, Jack inadvertently turns the focus of two developers to the shop who become eager to purchase the land and begin to pressure Elly to sign a contract to sell the shop. On leaving the shop Jack drops one of his gloves: the source of his power to bring winter. A young girl in the shop picks it up and takes it with her. Jack returns to the shop the next morning, desperate to find his glove. Feeling the glove is close and with no other options, Jack takes up employment in the shop and continues his search. As the weather gets increasingly warm and fearful Elly will sell the shop without first finding his glove, Jack works with Elly to save the shop by throwing a grand re-opening and in doing so, befriends her. But when Elly finds out it was Jack who turned the developers on to her shop, she asks Jack to leave and feeling hurt, decides to sell the shop. On her way to deliver the contract, Elly witnesses the young girl playing with Jack’s glove and she has a revelation about Jack’s true identity. Elly returns to her shop without delivering the contract to find Jack has organized the grand re-opening in an effort to make it up to her. Elly returns Jack’s glove so he can continue to bring winter, and the grand re-opening leaves promise that the shop will stay.
Musical Numbers Act 1 “Overture” (Instrumental) “This is My Story” (Elly, Ensemble) “Jack” (Jack, Ensemble) “Brand New” (Suits) “Best Brew” (Elly, Jack, Ensemble) “Young Again” (Mother) “A Grand Re-opening” (Elly, Jack, Gale, Ensemble) “Exciting Things” (Elly) “A Perfect Fit” (Jack) “What Are You Supposed To Do?” (Elly)
Act 2 “Entr’acte” (Instrumental) “Burnin’ Up” (Ensemble) “Put On A Smile” (Gale) “If I Had Enough” (Delivery, Elly) “Young Again” - Reprise (Mother) “Make A Move” (Jack, Ensemble) “Could It Be Magic?” (Elly) “Perfect Fit” - Reprise (Elly) “Exciting Things” - Reprise (Elly, Jack) “Finale” (Elly, Ensemble)
Thank you’s University of Alberta Department of Drama Edmonton Pops Orchestra
Shelley’s Dance Company Strathcona High School
Director’s Notes Hello and welcome to Once Upon A Frost: A New Musical. For the last six years I have had the privilege of directing the music for the annual musical at Festival Place. I have worked with a fantastic team to help build experiences in the theatre for cast, crew, musicians and audience alike. As Music Director I have coached vocals, played piano in rehearsal and conducted the orchestra for every performance. This year I am proud to be involved in celebrating musical theatre in Sherwood Park by creating a new story for the stage. The story of Once Upon A Frost started at the Banff Centre for the Arts and Creativity where I first began composing music for the show. After being peer pressured into performing on a Friday night set, I hurriedly wrote a song and asked two fellow musicians in residence to perform it with me. Saddled between the performance of a Beethoven piano sonata and work for experimental vibraphone and electronics, my musical theatre inspired pop song left me waiting to walk on stage with the feeling that my ‘share and tell’ piece was better suited to a Kindergarten class. To my surprise, the end of the song brought thunderous applause and was very well received. It encouraged me to continue work on developing a new musical. Over the next year, I spent countless hours creating the material for the show: writing songs, writing scenes, then re-arranging songs, re-arranging scenes, writing new songs, writing new scenes…repeat. Then, this summer, Festival Place held auditions for the production of the new musical where we recruited some of Sherwood Park’s finest performers to join the creative process. The newly minted team met for a table read and one-day staging of the show where everyone had the unique opportunity to interpret and shape an original character. Then in the fall, after input from the cast and crew and even more changes to the material, rehearsals began for the world premiere production of Once Upon A Frost. Sharing original material continues to be a challenge. Competing opinions and differing points of view make staging new work daring and often impossible. With special thanks to the Rotary Club of Sherwood Park, Festival Place has committed to building capacity in community theatre education where the opportunity to develop a new work for the theatre provides an unparalleled outlet for individuals to participate in a meaningful process of discovery and understanding. In addition to building skills in acting, music and dance, the cast and crew have the opportunity to shape a brand new story, with brand new music and brand new characters and then share them with the wider community. I am thrilled to be a part of a strong team of artists and a community interested in sharing stories through music. I am passionate about music in the theatre and believe this new musical is only the beginning of a grander story at Festival Place that will be told for years to come. Please enjoy - Once Upon A Frost: A New Musical
Michael Clark Book, Music & Lyrics Director
cast bios Andy Northrup (Delivery Man understudy Suits #1) Andy Northrup is a Sterling award winning and Ampia award nominated actor in addition to being an accomplished singer/songwriter. Andy has been active in the Edmonton theatre community for an extended period of time and has tread the boards in Canada, the US and in Australia. Next up for Andy is writing and recording his fourth album.
Anthony Hurst (Jack) Anthony is from Medicine Hat and moved to Edmonton to pursue theatre. Favourite shows he has taken part in are Legally Blonde the Musical, Rent, Sister Act and the Outsiders. He hopes you enjoy the show.
Bella King (Elly) Bella is a recent graduate of the MacEwan Theatre Arts program. She drank nearly 150 cups of coffee in preparation for this show. Enjoy!
Chris Horobec (Dean/ Ensemble) Christopher is thrilled to return to the Festival Place stage in this exciting, original production. Previously on this stage in A Little Night Music and Gypsy. Other credits include Young Frankenstein, City of Angels, Guys and Dolls, The Full Monty, Sweeney Todd and Aloha Pinafore.
Dustin Stewart (Ensemble understudy Jack) Dustin is thrilled to be a part of this production. Thanks to the talented and hard-working cast & crew for bringing this delightful new musical to life. Previous productions include Fiddler-on-the-Roof (Mendel, Russian Soloist), Days-of-the-Klondike (Robert Service, Johnny Matson) and Into the Woods (Mysterious Man, Rapunzel’s Prince).
Erin Leflar (Mother) Erin is a recent graduate of the Canadian College of Performing Arts. She is delighted to have the opportunity to participate in the first performances of this brand new musical! Some recent credits include: Player in Blackout (Blackout Sketch Comedy), Ensemble in Working (CCPA), Featured Ensemble in Broadway Lights (Victoria Symphony feat. CCPA), Titania in A Midsummer Nights Dream (CCPA), Bitzy/Crow in Almost Heroes (Igneous Theatre Productions).
Evalena Marsten (Jane) 8 year old Evalena is thrilled to be cast as “Jane” in Once Upon a Frost! She loves musical theatre and this is her third production at Festival Place. In her spare time she enjoys drawing, dancing, and writing her own plays and music. She hopes that you enjoy the show!
cast bios cont Georgia-Rae Cranford (Ensemble) Georgia is very excited to be in Once Upon a Frost! This is her 5th production and first with Festival Players. She loves to sing, dance, and draw.
Jason Cardwell (Ensemble) Jason most recently appeared in an ensemble role in Young Frankenstein after stepping away from theatre for 30 years. He is absolutely thrilled to appear in the original production of Once Upon a Frost! and very happy to be working among friends.
Justin Kautz (Suits #1) Justin Kautz is a dynamic, powerful and high-energy Edmonton area performer and live performance organizer. Most notably he has worked with the Edmonton Opera, Opera Nuova, Toy Guns Dance Theatre, Jubilations Dinner Theatre and his own company Soul Pancakes. He is delighted to return to Festival Place once again to work with this amazing crew on Once Upon a Frost!
Kayla Willsey (Ensemble understudy Mother) Kayla has a Bachelor’s of Music, in classical singing from the University of Alberta and is trying to master both opera and musical theatre. Past productions include The Ever After (Beauty-Impaired Step-sister 2), Young Frankenstein (ensemble), Hansel and Gretel (the Gingerbread Witch), and she will be the first Touriere in Suor Angelica after this production. She is beyond excited to be a part of the debut of Once Upon a Frost!
Keira McLeod (Ensemble understudy Jane) Keira is thrilled to be in her first production at Festival Place. Previous roles include Urchin, Ignorance and Norah’s Child in A Christmas Carol at the Citadel, and Young Fiona/Duloc Child at Victoria School’s production of Shrek. She is very thankful for her parents driving her to all of the rehearsals. (She is also really excited to be a big sister!) “Enjoy the show!”
Kimberly Lang (Paula) Kim is excited to be part of such a thrilling production. The cast is wonderful, and the music is so much fun to sing. Kim’s last production was as set painter for Young Frankenstein (ELOPE 2018); and her last singing/ acting role was as Motel’s mom in Fiddler on the Roof (Festival Players; 2017). Have fun and enjoy the show!
Mariam Gill (Jodi) Mariam has been in love with musicals since the tender age of... whenever she saw her first Disney movie. But never, even in her dizzy daydreams, did she imagine she would be bringing an original musical to life! This is Mariam’s first performance at Festival Place and prays it won’t be her last.
Megan Strong (Ensemble) Megan is super thankful for her experience with such an amazing cast and crew for her first Festival Place show! She hopes the show is a perfect fit;)
Morgan Peters (Ensemble) 13 year old Morgan is thrilled to be back performing on the Festival Place stage. She was last seen in Fiddler on the Roof, Anne of Green Gables, and Peter Pan. In her spare time Morgan likes to sing, play guitar and work on her animal impressions.
Rachel Frey (Gale) After two decades away from the stage, Rachel Frey is thrilled to be returning to originate the role of Gale in this production. Rachel is originally from Texas, where she studied music in university and performed in shows Into the Woods, Working, Big River, and Nunsense II among others. Special thanks to partner Craig and son Leo.
Rebecca Erin Curtis (Suits #2 understudy Elly) Rebecca Erin Curtis is a recent graduate of MacEwan University’s Theatre Arts Program. She has being doing musicals since she was five, which makes Once Upon a Frost! her 26th musical she’s performed. Outside of theatre, she enjoys playing several instruments, writing songs and taking photos.
Sam Michaelchuk (Jimmy) Sam is so excited to be in the production of Once Upon a Frost! This is not his first performance at Festival Place, he’s performed in the children’s productions of Charlottes Web, James and the Giant Peach, and coming soon, The Music Man. He had fun performing at the Edmonton Fringe Festival this year and has attended Foote Theatre School since 2013.
Taylor Pfeifer (Tracy) Taylor Pfeifer is a graduate student of Red Deer College’s Theatre Performance and Creation program. Her performance past also includes over 10 years of dance experience. She is excited to be a part of such a magical and original production this year.
production bios Allene Hodgins (Production/Stage Manager) Allene is thrilled to be in her 21st production at Festival Place. Productions have included Joseph, White Christmas, Oliver, Cats, Mary Poppins and Fiddler on the Roof to name a few. It is a true passion of Allene’s to be working with such amazing and talented people. Allene can’t thank the production team enough for all their hard work, as well as the group of talented actors who make a stage manager’s job easier. This show is dedicated to her father, this one’s for you “Popski”
Barbara Vargas (Choreographer) Barbara Vargas’ wide variety of skills and experience allows her to jump into many different types of roles, from choreographer and Instructor, to a Tap Dance percussionist in Generations Jazz quintet. She pursued a Diploma in Music, using her tap shoes as her major instrument and is enjoying applying her knowledge to her work. Once a festival place performer, Barbara is embracing her new role behind the scenes as choreographer for Once Upon a Frost!
Keat Machtemes (Music Director) Keat Machtemes is a seasoned pianist and music director in and around Edmonton. Favourite credits include Title of Show (Straight Edge Theatre), 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (Uniform Theatre), Fiddler on the Roof, and West Side Story (Festival Place). He hopes that you enjoy this brand new musical!!!
Madison Hucal (Assistant Stage Manager) Madison is thrilled to be involved in her 4th Christmas show and her 8th production here at Festival Place. Madison is enthralled by the theatre constantly, and Once Upon a Frost will be no exception. She hopes you are as captivated by these wonderfully talented actors as she is!
Marika Friesen (Sound Design) After graduating from the NAIT Radio and Television program, Marika has continued to pursue her love for audio and music by working in audio production, and transitioning into hosting shows on various radio stations. Currently at 102.3 NOW! Radio, she enjoys working with companies such as Festival Place on the side to further hone her foley work. This is the fifth show she’s had the joy to design sound effects for in the city and is honoured to be the first to create effects for this brand new musical.
Mhairi Berg (Assistant Director) Mhairi Berg has a MA in Music Theatre Performance from the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland and is excited to return to Festival Place to assist in the direction of Once Upon a Frost! with the Festival Players alongside the rest of the wonderful cast and crew. Previous shows directed at Festival Place include James and the Giant Peach as well as Charlotte’s Web. Mhairi is a choreographer, actor, and theatre and music educator within the Edmonton area. She hopes you enjoy the show!
Michael Clark (Director) Michael holds a Master’s degree in Music and has been music director for over a dozen musicals including Festival Place’s productions of Cats, West Side Story, Mary Poppins, Anne of Green Gables and Fiddler on the Roof. He was involved in premieres of the Broadway musicals Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson and Irving Berlin’s Holiday Inn. Michael is the Artistic Director of the Edmonton Pops Orchestra and Once Upon a Frost! is a premiere of his first book and score.
Sarah Karpyshin (Scenic Design/Painter/Costumes/Properties) Sarah is a recent graduate from the UofA Theatre Design program and is currently working as a freelance theatre designer based in Edmonton. Recent credits include; set and lights for Macbeth (Malachite Theatre), production design for Shakespeare’s Will (Thou Art Here Theatre), costume andprops for All Proceeds Go To (Innocent Operations), production design for Three Mysterious Womenas part of Stagelab at the UofA. She will be doing set and props for Leave of Absence at the Walterdale in February and set for Marmalade later this year.
Wade Screpnek (Stage hand and all around helper) Wade has been working at Festival Place as a Day Porter since June, 2005 and enjoys helping out with the annual Christmas production. He attended the Citadel Theatre Acting School from 1989-92, danced with the Arkan Ukrainian dance group and received his Teacher Assistant Certificate from GMCC in 1999. He is presently taking guitar lessons because of his love of music, theatre and the arts. Enjoy the show!
Rotary Apprentice Stage Managers Andraya Diogo This is Andy’s first professional show, but she is no stranger to the theatre. She has worked on and designed many shows in her high school career and is in her fourth and final year in the ABJ Fine Arts program. She is involved in both the Drama and Technical Theatre programs and hopes to continue with designing in university. Previous credits with ABJ include The Addams Family as a costume designer and props master, and acting in Radium Girls. She looks forward to designing again for Chicago in the spring. She hopes you enjoy the show!
Kai Yakichuk Kai has worked on many shows in his high school career and is in his fourth and final year in the ABJ Fine Arts program. He loves the theatre and is enrolled in the Drama, and Technical Theatre program. Kai was the lighting designer and had a lead role in the spring musical The Addams Family. Kai also had a lead role and was lighting designer in ABJ’s production of Radium Girls. He is excited about future shows, and hopes you enjoy this one!
Festival Place Staff Cody Boyd Crysta Brown Kathleen Empey Gavin Farmer Marilyn Farmer Crystal Gibbons Lisa Hamly Allene Hodgins Mim Keryliuk Cassie Maldaner Cindy MacGowan Brandy Morrison Susan Mullen James Odenbach Marcie Pringle Wade Screpnek Ron Smith Peggy Thomas Robbie Tkachyk Rob Swyrd
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