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THANK YOU TO OUR valued SUPPORTERS Presenting Partner
MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET Government Support
Book by
COLIN ESCOTT and FLOYD MUTRUX
Original Concept and Direction by FLOYD MUTRUX Inspired by ELVIS PRESLEY, JOHNNY CASH, JERRY
LEWIS, and CARL PERKINS
Season Partners
LEE
FEATURING
(in alphabetical order)
Julien Arnold: Sam Phillips Matt Cage: Elvis Presley Meaghan Chenosky: Dyanne Maxwell Theodore Lebeuf: Johnny Cash Elliott Loran: Jerry Lee Lewis Edward Murphy: Carl Perkins Kris Ruston: Fluke Alexander Ward: Brother Jay
Million Dollar Quartet Show Sponsors
Artistic Personnel
Spotlight Sponsor
Pre-Show Salon Partners
PWYC Mainstage Matinée Sponsor
Student Club Sponsor
GENERAL NOTES In consideration of your fellow audience members’ comfort and enjoyment of the show, we ask the following: Electronic Devices: We request that all cellular phones and watch alarms be turned off prior to the show. Late Seating Policy: Patrons who arrive after a performance has begun will not be seated until an appropriate interval in the program. Scent-free Facilities: Please arrive perfume/cologne-free and do not bring flowers into the lobby or theatre. Children: WCT Productions, unless they are identified as Family Friendly, are not suitable for children or babes in arms. Every patron, regardless of age, requires a ticket. For more information, please visit the FAQs on wctlive.ca. Recording Policy: Due to copyright regulations, the use of cameras and other video or audio recording of this performance by any means is strictly prohibited. Services for Patrons with Disabilities: Both the Pavilion and Sagebrush theatres are wheelchair accessible and equipped with wheelchair seating locations; please see the House Manager for details.
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James MacDonald: Director Kraig Waye: Music Director Cory Sincennes: Set Designer Cindy Wiebe: Costume Designer Gillian Gallow: Costume Designer, Elvis and Jerry Lee Hugh Conacher: Lighting Designer Doug Perry: Sound Engineer Crystal MacDonell: Stage Manager Madison Henry: Assistant Stage Manager Michelle Chabassol: Apprentice Stage Manager Million Dollar Quartet is presented through special arrangement with and all authorized performance materials are supplied by Theatrical Rights Worldwide (TRW), 1180 Avenue of the Americas, Suite 640, New York, NY 10036. www.theatricalrights.com. Originally developed and produced by Relevant Theatricals, John Cossette Productions and Northern Lights, Inc. at the Goodman Theatre, Robert Falls, Artistic Diretor - Roche Shulfer, Executive Director, and transferred to the Apollo Theatre, Chicago, IL, 2008. Produced by the Village Theatre, Issaquah, Washignton, Robb Hunt, Producer - Steve Tomplins, Artistic Director, 2007 & Seaside Music Theater, Daytona Beach, FL, Tippin Davidson, Producer - Lester Malizia, Artistic Director, 2006. Western Canada Theatre is a professional non-profit company. It is an active member of the Professional Association of Canadian Theatres (PACT) and engages, under the terms of the Canadian Theatre Agreement, professional artists who are members of Canadian Actors’ Equity Association. Program Producer: Western Canada Theatre • wctlive.ca • 250-372-3216 Printer: Wayside Press • www.waysideco.ca • 250-372-3373 Box Office: Kamloops Live! Box Office • kamloopslive.ca • 250-374-5483
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director’s notes Since its Broadway premiere in 2010, Million Dollar Quartet has blazed across the world, sparking hundreds of productions on several continents. The script is based on a real event, which occurred in December 1956, where these four icons of Rock and Roll, each at varying stages of their careers, converged on Sun Records for a fateful recording session (the scrappy quality of the session itself, which is easily available, bears little resemblance to the polished hits of the stage version). The backbone of the show is terrific music, but it is also about the lives of these great musical artists – their genius and ambition, the ups and downs of their legendary careers and lives, and the demons which tormented them all. We regard them as figures of ages past, ones who grew old or died tragically, but in this story we get to see them as fresh, idealistic young men with the best parts of their lives yet to come. We also get a glimpse into the birth of modern music – the relationships between its most significant players, how popular music was born out of the “theft” of the songs of lesser-known and minority artists, and how the expression of this music shaped an entire generation and changed society’s idea of “popular” music, the effects of which are seen to this day. We’re also thrilled on this production to launch a brand new initiative – the WCT Students’ Club. Before every Wednesday night mainstage performance, students on a discount subscription are invited to have a piece of pizza and join me and a special guest to discuss aspects of the play in an informal talkback session. It’s an excellent opportunity for us to keep encouraging young people to embrace the joys of live theatre. There’s still space available to join us on this evening for the rest of the season, so if you know any young people who are interested in the opportunity, please contact Terri at terri@wctlive.ca. It’s a delight to share with you this great story, as well as this fantastic music. Enjoy! James MacDonald, WCT Artistic Director
CIFM PROUDLY SUPPORTS WESTERN CANADA THEATRE 4
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ABOUT THE PLAYWRIGHTS Colin Escott – Born in England, Colin Escott lives near Nashville, Tennessee. He is the author of Good Rockin’ Tonight: Sun Records and the Birth of Rock ‘n’ Roll, the first in-depth account of the Sun Records story. His book Hank Williams – The Biography has been adapted into the movie I Saw the Light, starring Tom Hiddleston and Elizabeth Olsen. His multi-CD box set, ‘The Complete Hank Williams’, won a Grammy, and another of his productions, ‘B.B. King – King of the Blues’, was nominated for a Grammy. Million Dollar Quartet received three Tony nominations, including Best Book and Best Musical. Escott was part of the writing/producing team adapting the show for CMT/Viacom. The first season aired in 2016. Floyd Mutrux – Floyd Mutrux apprenticed at the Alley Theatre in Houston and worked at Second City in Chicago; he attended Columbia University. He has conceived, written, directed, or produced 50 films, including Dusty and Sweets McGee; Freebie and the Bean; Aloha, Bobby and Rose; The Hollywood Knights; American Hot Wax; Dick Tracy; American Me; Blood In, Blood Out; There Goes My Baby; and Mulholland Falls. With his wife, Birgitte, he is preparing a new film Moon Over Memphis (a rock-and-roll Field of Dreams). He also co-wrote the musical Baby It’s You! with Colin Escott and helped adapt Sun Records, the new television series based on Million Dollar Quartet. Million Dollar Quartet received three Tony Award nominations in 2010, including best book and best musical.
MDQ Fun Facts AGES, AS OF DEC/’56:
Jerry Lee – 21 Elvis – 21
Carl – 24 Johnny – 24
Proud to sponsor the Western Canada Theatre
New Afton welcomes your feedback. Call us at 250.377.2100 or email us at info@newgold.com Follow us on Twitter @NewAfton www.newgold.com
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ARTISTS’ BIOGRAPHIES Julien Arnold Sam Phillips At WCT: Debut. Elsewhere: Although he grew up on Vancouver Island, Julien has been based in Edmonton, AB for the last 25 years or so, having completed his BFA in Acting there at the University of Alberta. One of his classmates during that time was none other than James MacDonald, director of this production and current artistic director of WCT. Julien has performed at many of Edmonton’s major theatres (Citadel Theatre, The Free Will Shakespeare Festival, Teatro La Quindicina, Theatre Network, Workshop West Theatre, Mayfield Dinner Theatre), as well as venues across Canada (The National Arts Centre in Ottawa, The Globe Theatre in Regina, Factory Theatre in Toronto, The Chatlottetown Festival, Theatre Calgary). Julien also runs his own little company in Edmonton, “Atlas Theatre”.
MDQ Fun Facts Printing | Signs + Displays | Responsive Marketing
During its 16 years in production, Sun Records produced 226 singles, and produced more Rock and Roll records than any other label at the time.
Matt Cage Elvis Presley At WCT: Debut. Elsewhere: Elvis Presley in Million Dollar Quartet: Stage West - Calgary, Royal MTC - Winnipeg, Drayton Entertainment - Cambridge, Penetanguishene, Grand Bend, Drayton. Other: Hailing from Toronto, Matt Cage is a multi-award winning tribute artist and actor, plying his craft all around the world. Recently, he appeared in Las Vegas as the featured Elvis performer in All Shook Up: A Tribute to the King at Planet Hollywood. Matt has portrayed Elvis Presley in theatres, festival headlining shows, television and more. He is very excited to be joining the talented production team and cast at WCT! See more about Matt at his website, www.mattcage.com Michelle Chabassol Apprentice Stage Manager At WCT: Debut. Elsewhere: This is my first experience with stage management, and I am so grateful to WCT for this opportunity to be a part of such a great team. Thank you to the ladies at Kamloops Live! Box Office for letting me take the time off and being so excited for my new adventures in life. And thank you to my husband, Bill, for generally being amazing and supporting me through this change in career. Love you!
CONGRATULATIONS to WCT on another great production!
(250) 554-5413 peter.milobar.mla@leg.bc.ca @PeterMilobar
PETER MILOBAR,
MLA Kamloops – North Thompson
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MDQ Fun Facts Elvis played only five concerts outside the U.S., all on a 3-day tour of Canada in 1957.. 9
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Meaghan Chenosky Dyanne At WCT: Debut. Elsewhere: Meaghan Chenosky originally hails from London, Ontario. She received her training at the University of British Columbia in their Bachelor of Fine Arts in Acting Program. Selected theatre credits included: Judith in Miss Shakespeare (Escape Artists) Ariel in Small Parts (Solo Collective) Lindsay in Best Laid Plans: The Musical (Patrick Street/ Touchstone) Mel in the award winning production of Stationary: a Recession Era Musical (Delinquent Theatre). Meaghan was honoured with a Jessie Richardson Award for Best Supporting Actress for her performance as Dottie in ITSAZOO’s production of Killer Joe and can next be seen in Solo Collectives production of Satellites. Hugh Conacher Lighting Designer At WCT: First Engagement. Elsewhere: Hugh Conacher is a lighting and multi-media designer and a photographer. He has collaborated with choreographers, directors, visual artists, and dance and theatre companies throughout Canada and around the world, in venues large and small. He approaches each project as an individual work of art. Hugh enjoys working beyond the constraints of traditional lighting design, using various forms of interactive media, video and photography. His multidisciplinary process has grown from many years of experience experimenting with light and expanding those experiments to include new possibilities across artistic mediums, embracing new technologies, and culminating in the production of cutting edge work. His photographic work resides in private collections and has been published worldwide. Hugh has been a member of the Associated Designers of Canada since 1982 and is a member of l’Association des professionnels des arts de la scène du Québec. www.pellucid.me
Madison Henry Assistant Stage Manager At WCT: Stage Manager: The House at Pooh Corner; Bird Brain (with WCT/TRU Young Company). Apprentice Stage Manager: The Comedy of Errors, Mamma Mia!, Made In Italy, In A Blue Moon, Habib’s Unforgettable All Night House Party, A Closer Walk with Patsy Cline, I’ll Be Back Before Midnight, Mary Poppins. Elsewhere: Stage Manager: Th’owxiya: The Hungry Feast Dish (Axis Theatre Company); Assistant Stage Manager: The Wizard of Oz (Project X Theatre). Other: Maddy is thrilled to be a part of another season at WCT. Many thanks to James, Heather, and Lori for allowing her to be a member of this amazing team! Maddy would also like to thank her family and Greg for all of their love. Enjoy the show! Maxwell Theodore Lebeuf Johnny Cash At WCT: First time at WCT! Elsewhere: Maxwell has been walking the line as Johnny Cash over the past year and is excited to bring the legend’s spirit to the WCT stage. Previous roles include Oedipus in Oedipus the King, Will in Oklahoma, The Officer in A Dream Play, and Roger in RENT. website: www.maxwelltheodore.com IG: Maxwell_ Mischief.
MDQ Fun Facts Johnny Cash was well known for his “outlaw” image based on his reputation as a hellion, particularly in the 60s. After marrying June Carter in 1968, he re-examined his life that culminated in two and a half years of studies in the late ‘70s, after which he obtained a degree in theology and became a minister. – biography.com
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Elliott Loran Jerry Lee Lewis At WCT: Debut. Elsewhere: Award-winning actor, singer, composer and creator born and raised in Victoria, BC, Loran has worked with and performed in many of Canada’s leading theatrical institutions, including the Stratford Festival, the Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre, The Globe Theatre, The Citadel, Alberta Theatre Projects, The Arts Club, The Yukon Arts Centre, The Belfry Theatre, Theatre Passe Muraille, Crows Theatre and more. As a pianist, composer and creator, Loran has worked with SNAFU Dance Theatre (Snack Music, Table Top Tales, Pretty Little Instincts, Ginger Ninjas), Sex T-Rex (Bendy Sign Tavern), Loose Leaf Theatre (Me With You), Mochinosha Puppet Company (Space Hippo, Shadow Kingdom), and Forever Epic Films (Dragon’s Heart), creating original scores and scripts for new works. Recent acting roles include Edmund in Long Day’s Journey Into Night (Blue Bridge Repertory Theatre) and Jerry Lee Lewis in Million Dollar Quartet (MTC and The Globe), as well as performing in the ensemble of award winning Canadian clown duo Morro & Jasp’s production In Stupefaction. Loran is best known for his portrayal of Ricky Potts in the original cast of the Canadian smash hit musical Ride the Cyclone, for which he was awarded a Toronto Theatre Critics Award and BroadwayWorld Toronto Award for Best Supporting Actor. @ElliottLoran
MDQ Fun Facts Jerry Lee Lewis is the only one of the stars still alive. He just celebrated his 82nd birthday on September 29th by playing at B.B. King Blues Club & Grill in NYC! 12
James MacDonald Director At WCT: James is the artistic director of Western Canada Theatre, and he is thrilled to direct this production as his debut in Kamloops. Elsewhere: Originally from Edmonton, James is the former associate artistic director at the Citadel Theatre, where he directed or acted in 36 productions over 15 years. He has directed for theatres across the country, including the Stratford and Shaw Festivals, Canadian Stage, the Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre, and Alberta Theatre Projects. He is also the founding artistic director of the River City Shakespeare Festival and the former Program Director of the Citadel/Banff Centre Professional Theatre Program. Upcoming: This season at WCT, he is looking forward to directing his own adaptation of A Christmas Carol and the world premiere of GLORY, based on an incredible true story of Canadian hockey.
MDQ Fun Facts
KAMLOOPS
Between the four stars, they had a total of 11 wives. Seven of the wives were Jerry Lee’s.
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SINCE THEN REBECCA BELMORE DANA CLAXTON LEAH DECTER + CHERYL L’HIRONDELLE DEMIAN DINÉYAZHI’ MARK EMERAK CLIFF EYLAND HELGA JAKOBSON GARRY NEILL KENNEDY JANET KIGUSIUQ KENT MONKMAN
PETER MORIN LISA MYERS JUDE NORRIS RÚRÍ JUSTIN SORENSEN DEREK SULLIVAN IONE THORKELSSON RACHAEL THORLEIFSON CHIH-CHIEN WANG CHRISTOPHER WOOL + FÉLIX GONZÁLEZ-TORRES
A curatorial investigation by Kegan McFadden, exploring histories of survival, endurance, cross-cultural exchange and legacy.
September 23 to December 30, 2017 Generously sponsored by Funk Signs Inc. Free admission every Thursday sponsored by BCLC 465 Victoria St • 250-377-2400 • kag.bc.ca
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Crystal MacDonell Stage Manager At WCT: Debut. Elsewhere: Crystal is excited to have the opportunity to explore Kamloops further after having been here for only a day with the touring show Laurier last year. Some of her previous credits include: Million Dollar Quartet, Laurier (Charlottetown); Stag & Doe, Seeds, If Truth Be Told, Vimy (Blyth); Sweeney Todd, A Christmas Story, Elf - The Musical, The Wizard of Oz (Neptune); Where The Blood Mixes, The Black Bonspiel of Wullie MacCrimmon (Theatre NorthWest); Discovering Elvis (Victoria Playhouse Petrolia); Buddy – The Buddy Holly Story, A Closer Walk With Patsy Cline (Sudbury Theatre Centre). Enjoy the show! Edward Murphy Carl Perkins At WCT: Debut. Elsewhere: Edward is a Toronto-based singersongwriter with a strong inclination toward older genres – delta blues, folk, country and western. With various bands, he has been a regular performer at renowned Toronto roots-music venues like the Horseshoe Tavern, Cameron House and Dakota Tavern. While studying Popular Music at Western University, Edward won the Western Idol (2007) singing competition. He co-wrote music for and performed in the short film Monobrow,
a 2013 Tropfest Australia finalist, and has scored other films, including Flushing Lacan (2010) and TOAST (2011) – both awarded Jury Prizes at the Montreal ACTRA Short Film Festival. This marks Edward’s third production of Million Dollar Quartet playing Carl Perkins; he played the role at the Segal Centre (Montreal) and most recently at the Charlottetown Festival. Doug Perry Sound Engineer At WCT: Doug has been involved in many WCT productions over the last 20 plus years, including Heat Wave, Little Shop of Horrors, The Black Bonspiel of Wullie MacCrimmon, Seussical, Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, My Fair Lady, A Christmas Carol, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dream Coat, Boeing Boeing, Waiting for the Parade, Don’t Dress for Dinner, and, as Sound Engineer, Ring of Fire. Elsewhere: Boeing Boeing, Waiting for the Parade, The Birds and The Bees, Only Drunks and Children Tell the Truth (Thousand Islands Playhouse); and Buddy – The Buddy Holly Story (Theatre Northwest). MDQ Fun Facts While Carl Perkins, nicknamed the “King of Rockabilly”, didn’t go on to have the same success in his solo career as the other three, his influence was such that Paul McCartney claimed that “if there were no Carl Perkins, there would be no Beatles.”
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Kris Ruston Fluke At WCT: Mamma Mia!, A Closer Walk with Patsy Cline, Are We Cool Now?, Les Misérables, and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. Elsewhere: Rhythms on the Rails (Train Track Productions); Musical Director: Webley Awaits (BC Living Arts). Other: Kris has been an integral part of the music scene in Kamloops for almost 20 years. A multi-instrumentalist, he holds a Diploma of Music in Jazz Studies from Capilano University in North Vancouver and plays in several ensembles in the Kamloops area that vary in musical genres. He composed music for the 2011 Western Canada Summer Games and was recently a featured artist in the Vancouver TD International Jazz Fest Festival. This is his sixth show with WCT. Cory Sincennes Set Designer At WCT: Made in Italy, Mary Poppins, Liberation Days, Peter and the Starcatcher, Les Misérables and Where the Blood Mixes. Elsewhere: Anne of Green Gables (Charlottetown Festival); Shakespeare in Love, Crazy for You (Citadel Theatre); Next to Normal, (Theatre Calgary/Citadel Theatre); Romeo and Juliet, Monty Python’s Spamalot,
MDQ Fun Facts – #1 HITS Between them, the 4 legends recorded around 76 #1 pop & country singles & albums. Elvis, alone, had 36 of the #1 hits. 16
The Rocky Horror Show (Citadel); Mump and Smoot (Alberta Theatre Project); The Huron Bride (Vertigo); Julius Caesar, The Tempest (Freewill Shakespeare Festival); Bigshot (Surreal SoReal/Ghost River); Michel and Ti-Jean, Let The Light Of Day Through, Little One, Woman in Black (Theatre Network). Other: Cory is an award-winning designer, currently residing in Edmonton. His set, costume, lighting and video designs have received both national and international recognition. His work has been seen throughout Canada, as well as Germany, Austria, England, Belgium and Russia. Cory earned a degree in Architectural Studies from Carleton University before studying design at Ryerson Theatre School in Toronto. He also holds a MFA in Theatre Design from the University of Alberta. www.corysincennes.com
Alexander Ward Brother Jay At WCT: Mamma Mia! Elsewhere: Alexander Ward began his studies of music at an early age performing violin, eventually taking up trombone, bass, and organ. After graduating from Beattie School of the Arts, Alexander has performed with Provincial Honour Band, District Honour Band, Kamloops Big Band, various community groups, and Project X Theatre’s You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown. Hope you enjoy the show!
MDQ Fun Facts – FIRST #1’s: Elvis – ‘Heartbreak Hotel’ – 1956 (Jan) Carl – ‘Blue Suede Shoes’ – 1956 (Feb) Johnny – ‘I Walk the Line’ – 1956 (May) Jerry Lee – ‘Whole Lot of Shaking’ – 1957 17
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Kraig Waye Music Director At WCT: Ring of Fire, as Actor Elsewhere: Other Theatre: Musical Director/Brother Jay in Million Dollar Quartet (Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre), Musical Director/Brother Jay in the Canadian premiere of Million Dollar Quartet, and Bassist in Ring of Fire (Chemainus Theatre), Whiskey Dick in the world premiere of Fitz Happens (Port Dover/ Port Colborne), Joe B. Mauldin in Buddy – The Buddy Holly Story (Drayton/Stage West Calgary/Theatre Aquarius/Chemainus), Sammy in the Canadian premiere of The Wedding Singer (Stage West Mississauga), Man 2 in Songs for a New World, Sharkey in The War Show, Trent Balfour in The Last Resort (Rose Theatre), Fred in A Christmas Carol (Upper Canada Playhouse), Heart and Soul, Men of Country (Petrolia), Twist and Shout (The Grand Theatre/Drayton), Sparky, Jinx and Frankie in Forever Plaid (TNB/ Drayton/Rose Theatre). Other: When not in theatre, Kraig is an accomplished multiinstrumentalist, songwriter and recording/ session artist. All my love to Stephanie and Cæleigh. Thank you for supporting Canadian theatre, and enjoy the show!
Cindy Wiebe Costume Designer At WCT: Cindy has been Head of Wardrobe since 2003. Past costume designs with WCT include: Made in Italy, Don’t Dress For Dinner (with Thousand Islands Playhouse - Gananoque, ON/ Richmond Gateway Theatre), Closer Than Ever, Dreary and Izzy, Never Shoot a Stampede Queen, A Christmas Story, A Christmas Carol, and The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. Elsewhere: Romeo and Juliet, Elizabeth Rex, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Much Ado About Nothing, and The Tempest (Project X).
MDQ Fun Facts
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special performances OPENING NIGHT reception - Saturday, Oct. 14, after curtain call, join us for a celebratory reception in the lobby for refreshments and a chance to mingle with the cast and crew.
MDQ Fun Facts It was not until 2012 that Elvis was bypassed by Rapper Lil Wayne’s 109 entries as the Artist with the most Billboard Hot 100 Hits. Lil Wayne was lead artist on only 42 of his hits, while Elvis was lead artist on all 108 of his. Also, Elvis recorded another 31 possible hits before the Hot 100 began in 1958.
wednesday night - October 18 Yack with Mac, Come early, at 6:30pm, for a fun and informative interactive session with Artistic Director James MacDonald and a special guest. Learn something about the play you are about to enjoy in a relaxed, informal environment. And if you’ve already seen the play, please join us to talk about your experiences or expectations.relaxed, informal environment. Talk Back. And after curtain call stay for a while for an interactive TALK-BACK session with the cast,.
WCT family EVENT
Proud to Support Western Canada Theatre
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2017/18 SEASon
upcoming
ur StorieS Live
subscription series .
A CHRISTMAS CAROL
By James MacDonald From the book by Charles Dickens
Dec 5, 6, 11, 12 & 13, 2017 • 11:00am
Glory
Fam Holi ily Clas day sic
SAGEBRUSH THEATRE
By Tracey Power February 22 to March 3, 2018
The Birds and the Bees By Mark
Children of God
Crawford
January 31, 2018 • 11:00
Payette March 29 to April 7, 2018
A musical written & directed by Corey
SAGEBRUSH THEATRE
S ex y m Co Rom n Fu
GLORY
By Tracey
Power
February 28, 2018 • 11:00am SAGEBRUSH THEATRE
Rousin g World Premie re
Children of God
A musical written & directed by
Corey Payette
April 4, 2018 • 11:00am SAGEBRUSH THEATRE
A ChristmAs CArol
Adapted by James MacDonald From the book by Charles Dickens
Powerful New Musical
Armstrong’s War By Colleen
November 30 to December 12, 2017
Murphy
April 18, 2018 • 11:00am PAVILION THEATRE
ing Inspir a Dram
On a fateful Christmas Eve, the miserly and miserable Ebenezer Scrooge is taken on a transformative journey by three spirits—and one very unhappy ghost. From cosy hearths to snowy graveyards, from scenes of despair to festive gatherings, here is the classic tale of redemption in a brand-new theatrical version specially created for WCT audiences. An outstanding kick-off to the holiday season—joyous, spooky, funny, and full of heart. Great for the whole family!
A sassy, sexy, modern comedy about beekeeping, turkey farming, and romance. By one of Canada’s funniest and hottest young playwrights, The Birds and the Bees is guaranteed to make you laugh out loud at its hilarious observations on family, being an adult, and finding true love at any age. Perfect for a date night—or for a night at the theatre with your grown children or parents. A playful romantic comedy to heat up our chilly winter nights!
An inspirational new play based on an incredible true story of our national sport. In the 1930s, the Preston Rivulettes women’s hockey team won an astonishing 300 games and several Canadian championships, all while fighting through the Depression, prejudice, and personal upheaval. Featuring electrifying swingdance choreography, this gripping production captures all the thrills, excitement, and tension of a great hockey game. Go Rivulettes!
A gorgeous, powerful musical about an Oji-Cree family whose children were taken away to residential school. The story of Rita, a mother never let past the school’s gate, and her children, who never knew she came, as they push towards redemption. A thrilling blend of ancient traditions and contemporary realities that celebrates resilience and the power of the Indigenous cultural spirit. Payette’s moving score includes echoes of Broadway masterpieces.
A story of courage, consequences, and compassion. Two very different Armstrongs meet in a rehabilitation centre: Michael, a 21-year-old soldier injured on tour in Afghanistan, and Halley, a spirited young girl paralyzed in a car accident. Haunted by their experiences, the two form an unlikely bond in this hard-hitting, uplifting drama about bravery and survival by the two-time Governor General’s Award winning Colleen Murphy.
FAMILY series .
Norman Foote
Musical Masquerade Hallowe’en Howl
The Birds and The Bees
By Mark Crawford January 25 to February 3, 2018
October 23, 2017 SAGEBRUSH THEATRE
TH’OWXIYA
THE HUNGRY FEAST DISH By Joseph
Armstrong’s WAr By Colleen Murphy April 12 to 21, 2018
PAVILION THEATRE
apt pass d a n a h it w % 15 r e v o e you can stiLL sav e.ca .374.5483 • wctliv s: 250 passes & ticket preSentinG pArtner
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A. Dandurand
October 17 to 20, 2017 10:00am and 1:00pm
Government Support
SeASon SponSorS
In “The Howl”, music, laughter, and the creative spirit of Hallowe’en all come together in an engaging concert for youth and families. JUNO award-winning entertainer Norman Foote encourages youth to believe in themselves and celebrate their own voice. Every voice is unique like the concert itself and everyone gets into the Halloween spirit! Community connections make this concert a true family event. Age Recommendation: All elementary school ages
The mouth of Th’owxiya holds the most wonderful foods from around the world. But if you steal from her, you will pay a terrible price, for Th’owxiya eats children! When a brave young mouse takes a piece of cheese from Th’owxiya, he is caught. To appease the goddess, he must find two young spirits to sacrifice to her before the moon rises or she will eat his whole family! With the help of two young bears, a raven and a sasquatch, the young mouse sets forth on a journey for knowledge and forgiveness. Six Storytellers from the Kwantlen First Nations Village of Squa’lets spin the tale told through mask and music. Age Recommendation: Grades 2 to 6
* *Suggested donation to the Kamloops Food Bank
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VW turtle river race
Award Presentation at Volkswagen Kamloops: LEFT TO RIGHT, BACK: Richard Smith, Alla Awad, Cheryl Simmons, Lori Marchand (WCT), James MacDonald (WCT); LEFT TO RIGHT, FRONT: Susan Edgell, Kelly Walker, Jessica Buchanan (WCT), Terry Lowe (Volkswagen Kamloops), Bryce Herman (WCT)
Western Canada Theatre’s major fundraiser, the VW Turtle River Race, was once again a great success! We heartily thank Terry Lowe and his team at Volkswagen Kamloops for sponsoring the race and for all their support in the fundraising efforts. Thank you to everyone who participated, we raised $24,000 for WCT youth arts programs! Our youth programming includes fabulous, interactive shows that introduce the very young to the wonders of theatre, such as the two advertised here.
CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR WINNERS!! RACE 1 (1:00pm): First - Susan Edgell Second - Richard Smith (5th Avenue Jewelers) Third - Alla Awad RACE 2 (2:00pm): First - Pat Hart (Chances Casino) Second - Rick Walker (Family Glass) Third - Cheryl Simmons (B-100) CORPORATE CHALLENGE: Reflex Kamloops
VW turtle river race
THANK YOU to the following companies and volunteers and to you, our Turtle Ticket Buyers! SPONSORS Volkswagen of Kamloops – Terry Lowe and Staff Westjet – Robin Clark and Staff Save-On-Foods Rocky Mountaineer Surplus Herby’s Aberdeen Mall Interior Whitewater Expeditions Advance Hospitality Consulting – Bryce Herman Andre’s Electronic Experts Ocean Pacific Water Sports Treetop Flyers Mittz Kitchen Kamloops Community YMCA — YWCA Rivershore Golf Links RE/MAX Best Western PLUS Kamloops 98.3 CIFM B-100
CFJC TV7 Atlas Steak & Fish KamloopsCity.com Brimacombe Design Associates Visual Signs & Awards Wayside Press Race Day All our amazing Volunteers! Interior Display Services – Neil MacDonald Kamloops Arts Council Paddlewheelers, Lion’s Club Tim Rodgers Westjet – Robin Clark and Staff OtherS Kamloops Live! Box Office Home Hardware Building Centre Purity Feed Farm & Garden Centre
Corporate CHallege Participants
5th Avenue Jewelers B100 Best Western PLUS Kamloops Brendan Shaw Real Estate Cates Ford Oien Epp Century Glass Chances Casino Clear View Glass Columbia Property Management The Consenheim Group Crawford Electric Family Glass First Place Detailing Gord’s Appliance & Mattress Centre
Great Lakes Enterprises Holmes Is Where the Heart Is – Tara Holmes Horizon Dental Hub International Barton Insurance Brokers Kamloops Airport Kamloops Herbal Products Kamloops Insurance Services Kelson Group Kennedy, Russell, & Company Ltd. KEY Financial Group The Noble Pig PC Doctor Protex
amily WCT f
R & S Autobody RBC Financial Reflex Kamloops Rivershore Ram Chrysler Dodge Jeep Royal LePage – Brian Ledoux Royal LePage – Mike Shannon Scorpion Technologies Seymour Dental Centre Top 40 Woodworks Travelwise Travel & Cruise Centre Zimmer Auto Group
series
o : Kamlo Tickets
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ffice ! Box O ps Live opslive.ca lo kam 4-5483 250-37
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T R U A C T O R S W O R K S H O P T H E AT R E 2 0 1 7 / 1 8 S E A S O N
Fresh Horses
by Larry Ketron
directed by Wesley Eccleston
OCT 5–7, 12–14
WCT STAFF James MacDonald, Artistic Director Lori Marchand, Executive Director
Administration Ron Thompson, Financial Manager Catrina Crowe, Marketing & Comm. Director Suzan Goguen, Growth & Engagement Director Terri Runnalls, Education Coordinator Bryce Herman, Fund Development Consultant Randy Chow, Accounting Assistant Jessica Buchanan, Events & Outreach Asst; GSD Sophia de Zeeuw, Marketing & Research Assistant Production Heather Cant, Associate Artistic Director Ross Nichol, Production Manager Bill Chabassol, Production Technical Director Brian St-Amand, Sagebrush Technical Director Paul Cuthbert, Sagebrush Assistant Technical Director Cindy Wiebe, Head of Wardrobe Rory Lynch, Head of Carpentry Angela Frye, Head of Properties Joel Feenstra, Production Assistant Ken Wells, Scenic Painter Liam Befurt, Technician Laurie Harder, Carpenter Kathy Schwab, Second Painter Charlotte Wagner, Wardrobe Susan Dixon, Wardrobe
Front of House Kristi Williams, Client & Facilities Services Manager Jean Choi, Volunteer Coordinator Guest Services Directors (GSD): Carlin Bolt, Allison Clow, Krystine Lucas, Celine Majcher, Christina Poirier, Carling Ryan Kamloops Live! Box Office Geraldine Penny, Box Office Manager Judy Day, Box Office Staff Linda McLean, Box Office Staff
WCT board Tim Rodgers - President Grant Chu - Past President Gordon Miller - Vice President Francis Barnett * Richard Block Lori Bregoliss Marilyn Crossen Beverley DeSantis Wesley Eccleston Sharon Frissell †
David Ross † Tom Kerr ‡ Judge T.W. Shupe § D. Michael Dobbin * Peggy Gilmour * Mike Latta * Anne Manson * Maureen Marshall * Lanni Shupe *
Honorary Life Artistic Producer ‡ Founding Artistic Director § Honorary Life Chairman * Honorary Life Member
SPECIAL THANKS Charlottetown Festival, Charlottetown, PEI • Citadel Theatre, Edmonton, AB • Classic Eyewear Today • Paul Cuthbert • Ted Dykstra • Hilltop Barber Shop • Kelvin @ Record City in Vernon • Peter @ Harmonie Antiques • Perry’s Recording Studio • Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre • Marian Truscott • Actors Workshop Theatre, Thompson Rivers University • All our Volunteers!
TRU, Old Main, Student Street Curtain Nightly @ 7:30pm Warning: adult language and content Tickets $15 available boxoffice@tru.ca or 250-377-6100 For more information: tru.ca/arts/vpa/theatre actorsworkshoptheatre.ca
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MDQ Fun Facts – REUNIONS: The 4 stars never again played all together. However, Carl, Johnny and Jerry Lee did record ‘The Survivors Live’ while Cash was on tour in 1982. And they came together again, along with Roy Orbison, in 1986 to record ‘Class of ‘55’, partially in tribute to Elvis.
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BRAVO!
a christmas
carol
Adapted by James
MacDonald From the book by Charles Dickens
Western Canada Theatre gratefully acknowledges the following government agencies, corporations, foundations, and individuals for their generous financial contributions through sponsorship and/or charitable donations. We are very thankful to everyone who plays an important part in helping us to bring the highest quality of work to the broadest possible audience. (Listings based on annual contributions, July 1, 2016 to July 31, 2016.) Operating Grants The City of Kamloops Canada Council for the Arts Department of Canadian Heritage Canada Cultural Spaces Fund Government of Canada The Province of BC British Columbia Arts Council
Diamond Companions ($10,000 and above) Michael E. Black & Denise Fortier
Foundation BC Interior Community Foundation The Hamber Foundation
Silver Patrons ($2,000-3,499) Peter Baron Roland & Anne Neave
Presenting Partner Kelson Group, Ron & Rae Fawcett
Copper Patrons ($750-1,999) Anonymous Edith Pletzer Russ & Jane Reid Bud & Daphne Smith David & Rosemarie Stoltze James & Barb Wentworth
Season Sponsors CFJC TV Home Hardware Kamloops This Week New Gold Stone Hazell & Company Wayside Show Sponsors 98.3 CIFM Alastair Murdoch Accounting Group Ltd. B-100 British Columbia Lottery Corporation CFBX 92.5 FM Country 103.1 Schoening & First Memorial Funeral Services ideaLEVER Kamloops Airport Overland Press Radio NL Ramada Kamloops Hotel The River 97.5 The Riverland Inn & Suites Simply Computing TNRD Watson Engineering Ltd. Pre-Show Salon Sponsors Celista Winery Terra Restaurant
November 30 to December 12, 2017 Pay-What-You-Can 2pm Matinées: Dec 2 & 9 SAGEBRUSH THEATRE • wctlive.ca
TICKETS:
Kamloops Live! Box Office 250-374-5483 • 1025 Lorne Street
wctlive.ca SHOW SpOnSOrS
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Mainstage PWYC Matinée Sponsor BEST WESTERN PLUS Kamloops Hotel Spotlight Sponsors Canadian Mortgage Experts Canadian Tire Edward Jones - Brant Hasanen Kamloops Insurance Services KPMG Westland Insurance
Platinum Patrons ($5,000-9,999) Rae Nixon Gold Patrons ($3,500-4,999) Put your name here!
Patrons ($500-$749) Ben & Lorene Anders Grant & Nancy Chu Sheila Collier Lois Crown Tom & Paulette Eccleston Glen & Sara Farrow Jessie & James Fedorak Jaylene Hanna Mirella Holden Michael & Debbie Kowbel June McClure Thomas & Sharon Moore Shirley & Kelly Rowland Murphy & Katharine Shewchuk Investors ($200-$499) Francis & Helen Barnett Dr. Anise Barton and Dr. Tom Wallace Dr. James and Anne Baughan R.C. Bidnell Ed & Patti Bruzzese Ann Byard John Corbishley Ian Dalgleish & Melisa Hunter David & Laura Farrow Lois Hollstedt Bob & Jo-Mary Hunter Cora Jones Joseph & Joyce Kalfics Gwyneth Lamperson Fred & Nancy Leake Ray LePage Sandy & Ellen McCurrach James MacDonald Terry & Joan McQuillan Donna Marchand Nathan & Marie Matthew Tanya Mihura Vic & Sally Mowbray Jim & Beverley Mundle Richard Olthuis
Colene Palmer Guy & Jeanine Parker Dennis & Sue Reedman Sulwen (Cookie) Reimer Ray & Susan Sewell Colleen Stainton Shirley Sze Val Takahashi Trisha Watkinson Dave & Maryanne Whiting Lois & David Williams Benefactors ($100-$199) Anonymous Dianne Almond Barbara & Agnus Balle Walter & Odell Black Jack & Pauline Braaksma Mavis Chalmers Kathy & Randall Chan Ken & Brenda Christian Frank & Anne Churchley Bill & Evey Chursky Sally Cornies & Hap Ryan Brent & Eija Cryderman Joan Cummings Donald Dalgleish (In memory of Melanie McIntosh) Kathryn Dalgleish Roxanne Dauncey Pat Decker Rhonda Diaper Ross & Judy Dickson Larry & Edie Dixon Dan & Denise Douglas Vivian Edwards Robert & Patricia Esdale Shirlee Ezowski Reno & Marie Fabbro Ronald Fairhurst Ruth & Michael Fane Faye Fike Marvyn Fitzpatrick Grayden & Sangita Flanagan Gillian Gaiser Adah Gruver Barb Hannah Homer & Ivana Hamm Susan Hammond Marianne Hardy Helena Hasler Rosemary Hibbard Dave & Dorothy Hilton Ken & Marylyne House Matthew Howes Rob & Lila Jennejohn Darrel Jones Sharon Kika Bob & Pat King Maryann Kowalsky Kirsten McDougall
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BRAVO! continued Doris McNutt Heather K. Murdoch Wendy Nielsen Maria Paccagnella Carl Pentilchuk Robert & Lorraine Pick Sandra Pryce Tracy Quewezance Terry Rogers Family Lynn Rutherford Susie Safford Rosemary Saint-Michaels Beverley Schroeder Tricia L. Sellmer Craig & Sharlene Sharpe Terry Shupe Barbara Smith Don & Sandy Staff Peggy Swanson Florence Thomson Lynne Totten Judith Treherne Bob & Jennifer Trudeau Gwen Watson Shirley Wiklund Friends ($10-$99) Anonymous Lynn Albertson
Karen Albiston Denise Lynn Anderson Ashlin Armstrong Jeanne Berdan Barry & Judy Brown Margaret Brown Shirley Buchanan Patrick Callahan Michael & Gerrianne Clare Marilyn Crossen John & Jean Crowe Donna Demarni John Dittrich Anne Dunn Elizabeth Dye Dave & Irene Edamura Blake & Linda Fox Jeanne Gagne Yanni Giftakis Peter & Judy Gray Sydney Griffith Cathy Hall-Patch Lance & Sue Jang Bill & Sally Jennejohn Bob & Robbie McLaren Dean & Wendy McLean Beverley Martin Heather Murdoch Stan & Louise Oakes
Wilma Pagan Mavis Paravantes Pauline Pollock Valentina Putoto Jay Rilkoff Bea Smith Rev. Dawne Taylor Nicole Tougas Edward Walsh Diane Webb Carman & Diane White In Memoriam of Sheila Collier Dianne Almond Francis & Helen Barnett Olga & Donald Baron Peter Baron Anita Barton Rita Belks Patricia Chamberlain Dr. Todd Collier Ronald & Doreen Fairhurst Majid Faridi C. Gonnet Ken & Marylyne House Dwight Koss Kathleen Otterstrom Sagewood Community Terry Simpson Wes & Phyliss Stephens L.D. Taylor
Enjoy the Show!
Western Canada Theatre continues a history of delivering VIBRANT, professional theatre to our community.
The City of Kamloops is a proud sponsor and
wishes the company all the best in its 2017-2018 season. 30
Presenting Partner
Ron & Rae Fawcett k e l s ong ro up.c om
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