Explore every episode of the podcast On Staging

Opening January 11th and running through January 25th at the Pumphouse, Front Row Centre Players present La Cage Aux Folles directed by Fred Amdur. Kyle sits down with Fred to discuss how this production came to be and where it fits in the season for FRC.

Tickets: https://www.artscommons.ca/whats-on/la-cage-aux-folles

About the Show: This crowd-pleasing, rollicking and heartwarming musical about family, commitment, show biz and drag remains one of musical theatre's all-time biggest hits! After 20 years of partnered bliss, Georges and Albin, two men partnered for better or worse, get a bit of both when Georges' son (fathered during a one-night fling) announces his impending marriage to the daughter of a bigoted, right-wing politician. Further complicating the situation is the "family business": Albin and Georges run a drag nightclub in St. Tropez, where Albin is the star performer, "Zaza." Georges reluctantly agrees to masquerade as "normal" when he meets the family of the bride-to-be. But Albin has other plans, with hilarious results.

Opening December 19th through the 22nd in Bragg Creek at the Swamp Donkey Theatre, Trisha Gizen directs Nuncrackers, by Dan Goggins, presented by Swamp Donkey Musical Theatre Society. Kyle sits down with Zoe Farrell, choreographer, Trisha Gizen, director, performer and properties master as well as first time performer Kristi Kraychy.

Tickets are no longer on sale as this podcast was recorded before the production, but could only be released after the show had ended.

Nuncrackers is the fourth Dan Goggins 'Nunsense' story set at Christmas with hijinks, hilarity, improv and a laugh a minute good time.

Opening October 30th and running until November 9th at the Brookfield Residential YMCA at Seton Evan Hazell Theatre in Calgary, Dewdney Players present Noise's Off directed by Katie Fournell. Kyle Gould sits down with Katie to discuss the technical complexities of bringing this masterpiece to the stage.

Tickets: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/dewdney-players-presents-noises-off-by-michael-frayn-tickets-1016997174927?aff=odsjfcfb&fbclid=IwY2xjawFRjaZleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHWWoya6JdeyE-6rlCC_mJiix52v9IDx2N5i8E1wepZxwXlFhnaxZ7ajQNQ_aem_RUGPs0Ic4em3TVPCRXyklg

Intimacy Coordinators Canada: https://www.intimacycoordinatorscanada.com/pathway-to-certification

About the Show: Noises Off is a theatrical farce by English playwright Michael Frayn. It is often described as the funniest play ever written.

Opening October 4th through October 12th at the Pumphouse Theatres in Calgary, Morpheus Theatre presents Tom Smith's Drinking Habits directed by Nicola Payton. Kyle sits down with Nicola to discuss what it's taken to bring this production to stage.

Tickets: https://tickets.morpheustheatre.ca/

About the show: Accusations, mistaken identities, and romances run wild in this traditional, laugh-out-loud farce. Two nuns at the Sisters of Perpetual Sewing have been secretly making wine to keep the convent’s doors open, but Paul and Sally, reporters and former fiancés, are hot on their trail. They go undercover as a nun and priest, but their presence, combined with the addition of a new nun, spurs paranoia throughout the convent that spies have been sent from Rome to shut them down. Wine and secrets are inevitably spilled as everyone tries to preserve the convent and reconnect with lost loves.

Running September 27 through October 6 at Hull's Wood in Fish Creek Park in Calgary, Alberta, Incendiary Festival presents Abigail written and directed by Rebecca Orion. Kyle sits down with Rebecca and performer Jack Orion to discuss what it takes to bring an original work into the woods and attract an audience.

Tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/abigail-tickets-1000237064987

About the Show: Abigail Williams is in love. She has never known anyone like John Proctor, and if she has to burn down the entire town of Salem to be with him, so be it. However, as her words command more power than she ever thought possible, she learns that John isn’t the only one staking claim to things that aren’t his. Can she protect the girls in her town and still get her man? Does she even want to? This loose retelling of The Crucible looks at the politics of love, power, and teenage angst. " This is a site-specific theatre piece located in Hull's Wood. Please dress for outdoor weather. As the show is performing in an intimate space, audience sizes are limited. You won't want to miss out! In regards to wheelchair accessibility, there is a cement path leading up to the performance space, and then a bit of dirt to enter the area. If you have any access needs you are unsure about, please email us at incendiaryfest.info@gmail.com and we will be happy to accommodate you! Trigger Warnings: Abigail deals with themes of grooming, sexual assault, and death.

Additional trigger warnings include: blood and strong language.

Kyle sits down in Melbourne to chat with community theatre company GSOV - Gilbert and Sullivan Opera Victoria's president Andrew McGrail and Director Ron Pidcock to talk about the successes of their recent production, now closed, of Ruddigore: The Witches Curse.

GSOV: https://gsov.org.au/

Running September 13 through September 28th at the Pumphouse Theatre in Calgary, Front Row Centre Players presents Nunsense, directed by Joey Sayer, choreographed by Karen Iwanski with musical direction from Donna Pearson. Kyle sits down with Joey Sayer to discuss the good sense it took to bring Nunsense to stage.

Tickets: https://www.artscommons.ca/whats-on/frc-save-my-seat

About the show: A zany, wholesome, hilarious musical revue presented by the Little Sisters of Hoboken, Nunsense is a hilarious spoof about the misadventures of five nuns trying to manage a fundraiser. Sadly, the rest of the sisterhood died from botulism after eating vichyssoise prepared by Sister Julia Child of God. Thus, the remaining nuns – ballet-loving Sister Leo, street-wise Sister Robert Anne, befuddled Sister Mary Amnesia, the Mother Superior Sister Regina, and mistress of the novices Sister Mary Hubert – stage a talent show in order to raise the money to bury their dearly departed. With catchy songs and irreverent comedy, Nunsense is sure to keep audiences rolling with laughter.

Running June 14th through June 29th at the Pumphouse Theatre in Calgary, Kyle reviews Untold Stories Theatre's production of The Prom while waxing philosophical about what Prom means.

Tickets: https://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/6175703

About the Show: Four eccentric Broadway stars are in desperate need of reviving their careers. So when they hear that trouble is brewing around a small-town prom, they know that it’s time to put a spotlight on the issue…and themselves. The town’s parents want to keep the high school dance on the straight and narrow—but when one student just wants to bring her girlfriend to prom, the entire town has a date with destiny. On a mission to transform lives, Broadway’s brassiest join forces with a courageous girl and the town’s citizens and the result is love that brings them all together.

Join the Patreon: www.patreon.com/onstagingpodcast

Running June 26th through July 14th at the Evergreen Community Spaces in Calgary, Full Circle Theatre presents Riverona, the Complete Box Set, directed by Troy Couillard, Kevin Weir, Megan Baldrey and Hans Wackershauser. Kyle sits down with director Kevin Weir, show runner Erin Weir and performer Ciorstadh Reid to discuss how this four episode extravaganza has come to be.

Details and Tickets: https://aflimsyplan.com/full-circle-theatre/

About the Show: Get ready to immerse yourself in the dramatic world of Riverona like never before. Whether you’re joining us for the first time or coming back for more, this summer promises a theatrical experience that will leave you talking long after the curtains close. Riverona, here we come!

Join the Patreon: www.patreon.com/onstagingpodcast

Running June 14th through June 29th at the Pumphouse Theatre in Calgary, Untold Stories Theatre presents The Prom, directed by Gad Gijon and Jason Bakaas. Kyle sits down with Jason and Gad to discuss what it takes to bring a high school prom to life as a musical.

Tickets: https://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/6175703

About the Show: Four eccentric Broadway stars are in desperate need of reviving their careers. So when they hear that trouble is brewing around a small-town prom, they know that it’s time to put a spotlight on the issue…and themselves. The town’s parents want to keep the high school dance on the straight and narrow—but when one student just wants to bring her girlfriend to prom, the entire town has a date with destiny. On a mission to transform lives, Broadway’s brassiest join forces with a courageous girl and the town’s citizens and the result is love that brings them all together.

Join the Patreon: www.patreon.com/onstagingpodcast

Running June 7th through June 22nd at the Beddington Theatre Arts Centre, Front Row Centre presents Something Rotten, directed by Josef Vermeulen, choreographed by Stephen West, musical direction from Neil West and produced by Sam Bellamy. Kyle sits down with Stephen and Neil to discuss what it has taken to bring this production to stage.

Tickets: https://www.artscommons.ca/whats-on/something-rotten

About the show: Set in the 1590s, brothers Nick and Nigel Bottom are desperate to write a hit play but are stuck in the shadow of that Renaissance rock star known as "The Bard." When a local soothsayer foretells that the future of theatre involves singing, dancing and acting at the same time, Nick and Nigel set out to write the world’s very first musical. But amidst the scandalous excitement of opening night, the Bottom Brothers realize that reaching the top means being true to thine own self, and all that jazz. Nothing’s as amazing as a musical

Join the Patreon: www.patreon.com/onstagingpodcast

Running June 7th through June 22nd at the Beddington Theatre Arts Centre, Front Row Centre presents Something Rotten, directed by Josef Vermeulen, choreographed by Stephen West, musical direction from Neil West and produced by Sam Bellamy. Kyle sits down with Joe Vermeulen to discuss what it has taken to bring this production to stage.

Tickets: https://www.artscommons.ca/whats-on/something-rotten

About the show: Set in the 1590s, brothers Nick and Nigel Bottom are desperate to write a hit play but are stuck in the shadow of that Renaissance rock star known as "The Bard." When a local soothsayer foretells that the future of theatre involves singing, dancing and acting at the same time, Nick and Nigel set out to write the world’s very first musical. But amidst the scandalous excitement of opening night, the Bottom Brothers realize that reaching the top means being true to thine own self, and all that jazz. Nothing’s as amazing as a musical

Join the Patreon: www.patreon.com/onstagingpodcast

Opening December 13th and running until the 21st at the Pumphouse in Calgary, Morpheus Theatre presents Puss in Boots, a Pantomime, directed by Carl Bishop. Kyle sits down with Carl to talk about directing pantomimes and the complications that come from this unique form of theatre.

Tickets: https://www.morpheustheatre.ca/?portfolio=puss-in-boots

About the Show: Poor Tom! His father, the miller, has died. Tom, our hero, is bequeathed a cat in his father’s will. An unusual cat. A cat with the gift of the gab. A gift for getting Tom into trouble – and out of it again in his quest to marry a princess. Packed with music, dance, comedy and of course audience participation, Puss in Boots will be your purr-fect accompaniment to your Christmas celebrations, ‘Oh yes it will!’

Running June 5th through June 9th at the Vertigo Theatre in Calgary, Seniors Acting Lab presents Christopher Heatherington's stage play "Mudpie." Kyle sits down with writer and performer, Christopher Heatherington to talk about the inspiration for this production and how a screenplay is adapted into a staged performance for Senior's Acting Lab.

Tickets: https://tickets.vertigotheatre.com/TheatreManager/1/tmEvent/tmEvent695.html

About the Show: The journey through grief is many things. Predictable isn't one of them. After the death of her husband, Ella Coulter's life takes a decidedly different turn. One that puts her on a wildly winding path of discovery, mystery, rejection, obsession and ultimately restoration. It's a heartfelt, hope-filled and often hilarious exploration of a journey everyone takes, but not one ever plans for. "Mudpie is an unexpected voyage of discovery for hearts of all ages."

Join the Patreon: www.patreon.com/onstagingpodcast

Running May 29th through June 1st at the Pumphouse Theatre, Kyle reviews Morpheus and Workshop productions of Teach Stede, Jamie and Like and Subscribe, two one act plays from the Calgary One Act Festival back in March after thoughtful and careful consideration for the merits and themes of these two intelligent works.

About the Show: Fresh off a sold-out performance at the Calgary Region One-Act Play Festival, come two exciting one-act plays:

Teach Stede, Jamie by Greg Miller presented by Grandora Players One dark night Jamie ends up somewhere a very long ways away. She meets Stede, who has suspicions. As they learn about each other, one of the fiercest characters in history appears. All have their own hidden truths, revealed in due course, until all is finally clear. Or is it? Drama | Comedy | 45 min | ADVISORY: Strong Language, gun shots, depiction of drinking

Like and Subscribe by AJ Pearce presented by Workshop Theatre The Olsen family have a very successful YouTube channel. Although, as they approach a new record for subscribers, their eldest daughter has decided she no longer wants to create content. This throws the family’s dynamic, and livelihood, into turmoil. Drama | 30 min

Tickets: https://tickets.morpheustheatre.ca/TheatreManager/160/tmEvent/tmEvent1004.html

Patreon: www.patreon.com/onstagingpodcast

Running May 24th through May 25th at the Bert Church Live Theatre in Airdrie, Kyle reviews Nose Creek Players production of May Lynn Dobson's The Somewhat True Tale of Robin Hood with genuine delight and good humour.

About the Show: It sure is hard to be humble when you're a swashbuckling, egocentric super-hero. But our gallant guy-in-green tries his best as he swaggers through The Somewhat True Tale of Robin Hood, a frantically funny, Monty Pythonesque retelling of the classic. This time around, the legendary legend, in his never-ending quest to aid the needy, encounters a lovely damsel-in-distress (oddly obsessed with skin conditions); an ever-scheming sheriff who would rather bowl a strike than hit a bull's-eye; a gold-hoarding, bad-guy monarch wannabe; and a good-natured "Town's Guy" who manages to make his way into every scene, whether he belongs there or not. Combine them with an expandable band of spoon-wielding Merry Men whose collective IQs equal six, and you've got an irreverent jaunt through Sherwood Forest you won't soon forget!

Join the Patreon: www.patreon.com/onstagingpodcast

Running May 29th through June 1st at the Pumphouse Theatre, Morpheus and Workshop present Teach Stede, Jamie and Like and Subscribe, two one act plays from the Calgary One Act Festival back in March. Kyle sits down with the director/writer of "Teach Stede, Jamie" Greg Miller and the director/writer/performer of "Like and Subscribe" AJ Pearce to discuss wearing multiple hats and why they are re-mounting these one acts for a wider audience.

About the Show: Fresh off a sold-out performance at the Calgary Region One-Act Play Festival, come two exciting one-act plays:

Teach Stede, Jamie by Greg Miller presented by Grandora Players One dark night Jamie ends up somewhere a very long ways away. She meets Stede, who has suspicions. As they learn about each other, one of the fiercest characters in history appears. All have their own hidden truths, revealed in due course, until all is finally clear. Or is it? Drama | Comedy | 45 min | ADVISORY: Strong Language, gun shots, depiction of drinking

Like and Subscribe by AJ Pearce presented by Workshop Theatre The Olsen family have a very successful YouTube channel. Although, as they approach a new record for subscribers, their eldest daughter has decided she no longer wants to create content. This throws the family’s dynamic, and livelihood, into turmoil. Drama | 30 min

Tickets: https://tickets.morpheustheatre.ca/TheatreManager/160/tmEvent/tmEvent1004.html

Patreon: www.patreon.com/onstagingpodcast

Running May 2nd through May 18th at the Hope Covenant Church in Strathmore, Kyle reviews Strathmore Theatre Players production of Ken Ludwig's The Games Afoot with much thought about how it all came to be and how much he would have enjoyed seeing it a second time.

About the Show: Winner of the 2012 Edgar® Award for Best Playfrom The Mystery Writers of America. Breathtaking mystery and high hilarity in equal parts, this play tells the story of Broadway star William Gillette, who has invited his fellow cast-members to his Connecticut castle for a weekend of revelry. But when one of the guests is stabbed to death, the festivities in this isolated house of tricks and mirrors quickly turn dangerous. Then it’s up to Gillette himself, who just happens to think he’s Sherlock Holmes, to track down the killer before the next victim appears. The danger and laughter are non-stop in this glittering whodunit set during the Christmas holidays.

Patreon: www.patreon.com/onstagingpodcast

Running May 9th through the 12th at the Symons Valley United Church in Calgary, Kyle reviews Symons Valley Players presents Craig Sodaro's Dead and Breakfast with great thanks to everyone involved in the production.

About the Show: Join Nick Noir and Selma in a honeymoon twist like no other in ‘Dead and Breakfast’! When their romantic getaway sails into a hurricane, they find themselves at the Jolly Rodger Bed and Breakfast, mistakenly identified as a notorious tycoon and his mother. From poison candy to a chilling discovery in the freezer, their honeymoon turns into a hilarious whodunit. Will they untangle this web of mystery or become the next victims? Discover laughter, suspense, and a dash of romance in this thrilling comedy by the Symons Valley Players!

Patreon: www.patreon.com/onstagingpodcast

Running May 10th through May 18th at the Pumphouse Theatres in Calgary, Kyle reviews Workshop's production of Moon Over Buffalo and expands on how director Jeremy McKenzie's direction has given him new appreciation of the time the production is set in.

About the Show: George and Charlotte Hay, a husband-and-wife team of actors, struggle to perform Cyrano de Bergerac and Private Lives in repertory while dealing with family crises and the possibility of a Hollywood director's visit.

Patreon: www.patreon.com/onstagingpodcast

Opening May 24th and running through May 25th at the Bert Church Live Theatre in Airdrie, Nose Creek Players presents Mary Lynn Dobson's "The Somewhat True Tale of Robin Hood" directed by Taylor Amanda Burton and Mandi Fusaro, starring Chloe Jorgerson as Robin Hood. Kyle sits down with Mandi and Chloe to discuss the staging of this production.

Tickets: https://tickets.airdrie.ca/TheatreManager/1/tmEvent/tmEvent418.html

About the Show: It sure is hard to be humble when you're a swashbuckling, egocentric super-hero. But our gallant guy-in-green tries his best as he swaggers through The Somewhat True Tale of Robin Hood, a frantically funny, Monty Pythonesque retelling of the classic. This time around, the legendary legend, in his never-ending quest to aid the needy, encounters a lovely damsel-in-distress (oddly obsessed with skin conditions); an ever-scheming sheriff who would rather bowl a strike than hit a bull's-eye; a gold-hoarding, bad-guy monarch wannabe; and a good-natured "Town's Guy" who manages to make his way into every scene, whether he belongs there or not. Combine them with an expandable band of spoon-wielding Merry Men whose collective IQs equal six, and you've got an irreverent jaunt through Sherwood Forest you won't soon forget!

Join the Patreon: www.patreon.com/onstagingpodcast

Opening May 2nd and running through May 18th at the Hope Covenant Church in Strathmore Alberta, Strathmore Theatre Players presents Ken Ludwig's The Game's Afoot, directed by Robert Cole. Kyle Gould sits down with Robert to discuss the labour involved in setting a show like this up for success, prop knives and where all of those lovely set pieces get stored.

Tickets: https://thevaultonline.ca/products/the-games-afoot

About the Show: Winner of the 2012 Edgar® Award for Best Playfrom The Mystery Writers of America. Breathtaking mystery and high hilarity in equal parts, this play tells the story of Broadway star William Gillette, who has invited his fellow cast-members to his Connecticut castle for a weekend of revelry. But when one of the guests is stabbed to death, the festivities in this isolated house of tricks and mirrors quickly turn dangerous. Then it’s up to Gillette himself, who just happens to think he’s Sherlock Holmes, to track down the killer before the next victim appears. The danger and laughter are non-stop in this glittering whodunit set during the Christmas holidays.

Patreon: www.patreon.com/onstagingpodcast

Running May 3rd through May 12th at the Swamp Donkey Theatre in Bragg Creek, Kyle reviews Swamp Donkey's production of Oklahoma! and his enjoyment of the trip out to Bragg Creek and getting to go for dinner there too.

Tickets: https://www.showpass.com/s/events/all/?q=oklahoma+swamp

About the Show: Rodgers & Hammerstein’s first collaboration remains, in many ways, their most innovative, setting the standards and rules of modern musical theatre. In a western territory just after the turn of the 20th century, a high-spirited rivalry between local farmers and cowboys provides a colorful background for Curly, a charming cowboy, and Laurey, a feisty farm girl, to play out their love story. Their romantic journey, as bumpy as a surrey ride down a country road, contrasts with the comic exploits of brazen Ado Annie and hapless Will Parker in a musical adventure embracing hope, determination, and the promise of a new land.

Join our Patreon: www.patreon.com/onstagingpodcast

Opening November 29th and running until December 7th at the Pumphouse in Calgary, Misfit Theatre YYC presents The Complete Works of Shakespeare, abridged, revised, again! directed by Terry Schmidt. Kyle sits down across the ocean with Terry to discuss directing and the meaning behind being there for every show.

Tickets: https://www.zeffy.com/ticketing/9143f010-8b76-445a-aa83-edb10cce5b95

About the Show: 37 plays in 97 minutes!!! It can be done and we are doing it! Opening on November 29th and closing on  December 7th The Complete Works of Shakespeare Abridged revised Again. Tickets are available now! Get ready to Laugh!

Opening May 9th and running through May 12th at the Symons Valley United Church in Calgary, Symons Valley Players presents Craig Sodaro's Dead and Breakfast, directed by Brenda Watt and produced by Ann Crawford. Kyle sits down with Ann and Brenda to discuss how Symons Valley Players brings their productions to life.

Tickets: https://symonsvalleyuc.com/events/list/

About the Show: Join Nick Noir and Selma in a honeymoon twist like no other in ‘Dead and Breakfast’! When their romantic getaway sails into a hurricane, they find themselves at the Jolly Rodger Bed and Breakfast, mistakenly identified as a notorious tycoon and his mother. From poison candy to a chilling discovery in the freezer, their honeymoon turns into a hilarious whodunit. Will they untangle this web of mystery or become the next victims? Discover laughter, suspense, and a dash of romance in this thrilling comedy by the Symons Valley Players!

Patreon: www.patreon.com/onstagingpodcast

Opening May 10th through May 18th at the Pumphouse Theatre in Calgary, Alberta, Workshop Theatre presents Ken Ludwig's Moon over Buffalo, directed by Jeremy McKenzie. Kyle sits down with Jeremy to discuss bringing this show to life and Jeremy's history with community theatre.

Tickets: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/moon-over-buffalo-tickets-809486705527?aff=ebdsoporgprofile

About the Show: George and Charlotte Hay, a husband-and-wife team of actors, struggle to perform Cyrano de Bergerac and Private Lives in repertory while dealing with family crises and the possibility of a Hollywood director's visit.

Patreon: www.patreon.com/onstagingpodcast

Running April 26th through May 11 at the RPAC in Okotoks, Kyle review Dewdney's production of Hansel & Gretel with maybe too many dessert metaphors

Tickets: https://www.showpass.com/dewdney-players-presents-hansel-and-gretel/

About the Show: Charlotte Chorpenning has taken the Grimm Brothers' story and given it a poetic beauty that brings a value to its young audience. Her treatment of the stepmother does not accent the cruelty — an outlook important today. The evil witch is portrayed as a comedy character, but the teaching value is there — teaching through a comedy device rather than fear. Hansel and Gretel's safe return to their father and mother gives the children a sense of security. Kelly Kozak’s stage adaptation brings Chorpenning’s unique characters to life in a sympathetic and sensitive performance.

Join the Patreon: www.patreon.com/onstagingpodcast

Opening May 3rd and running through May 12th at Swamp Donkey's Theatre in Bragg Creek, Swamp Donkey presents Rogers and Hammerstein's Oklahoma!, co-directed by Trisha Gizen and Melanie Baux. Kyle sits down with Melanie, also the musical director, and Trisha, also the set designer and both performers in the production, to discuss wearing all of these hats and how to bring this elder musical, one of the progenitors of the modern musical, to stage.

Tickets: https://www.showpass.com/s/events/all/?q=oklahoma+swamp

About the Show: Rodgers & Hammerstein’s first collaboration remains, in many ways, their most innovative, setting the standards and rules of modern musical theatre. In a western territory just after the turn of the 20th century, a high-spirited rivalry between local farmers and cowboys provides a colorful background for Curly, a charming cowboy, and Laurey, a feisty farm girl, to play out their love story. Their romantic journey, as bumpy as a surrey ride down a country road, contrasts with the comic exploits of brazen Ado Annie and hapless Will Parker in a musical adventure embracing hope, determination, and the promise of a new land.

Join our Patreon: www.patreon.com/onstagingpodcast

Running April 26th through May 4th at the Pumphouse Theatre in Calgary, Kyle review Morpheus's production of The Gondoliers with much enthusiasm

Tickets: https://tickets.morpheustheatre.ca/

Morpheus's Production: https://www.morpheustheatre.ca/?portfolio=the-gondoliers

About the Show: It is with all the necessary and appropriate pomp, that we announce, pronounce and soundly declare, our final show of the season will be: Gilbert and Sullivan’s, The Gondoliers! This 12th collaborative operetta by the beloved pair is set in Venice and is rife with Nobility, mistaken identities, Royalty, young lovers married to the wrong people, commoners, wit, patter, a Cachucha and of course, Rapture!

Opening April 19th and running through April 26th at the Highwood Centre in High River, Windmill Theatre Players presents Grease, directed by Karen Stevenson with Musical Direction from Laura Ferguson, Kyle sits down with both of them to discuss what is so special about this 50+ year old musical.

Tickets: https://www.windmilltheatreplayers.com/tickets.php

About the show: Good girl Sandy Dumbrowski and greaser Danny Zuko fell in love over the summer. When they unexpectedly discover they're now in the same high school, will they be able to rekindle their romance?

Opening April 26th and running through May 4th at the Pumphouse Theatre in Calgary, Morpheus Theatre presents Gilbert & Sullivan's The Gondoliers, directed by Sean Anderson. Kyle sits down with Sean, Musical Director Winnifred Hume and Choreographer Mya Swedburg to discuss creating a light comic opera from over 130 years ago in today's modern times with a cast of 28.

Tickets: https://tickets.morpheustheatre.ca/TheatreManager/160/online?event=0

About the Show: This 12th collaborative operetta by the beloved pair is set in Venice and is rife with Nobility, mistaken identities, Royalty, young lovers married to the wrong people, commoners, wit, patter, a Cachucha and of course, Rapture!

Join our Patreon: www.patreon.com/onstagingpodcast

Opening April 26th and running through May 11th at the RPAC theatre in Okotoks, Dewdney Players present Hansel & Gretel, adapted by Kelly Kozak. Kyle sits down with Kelly, the performer of Father - Brad Snowden and Oli Heidt, performer of Hansel to discuss what it means to bring fairy tales to life and the complexities that come from staging them.

Tickets: https://www.showpass.com/dewdney-players-presents-hansel-and-gretel/

About the Show: Charlotte Chorpenning has taken the Grimm Brothers' story and given it a poetic beauty that brings a value to its young audience. Her treatment of the stepmother does not accent the cruelty — an outlook important today. The evil witch is portrayed as a comedy character, but the teaching value is there — teaching through a comedy device rather than fear. Hansel and Gretel's safe return to their father and mother gives the children a sense of security.  Kelly Kozak’s stage adaptation brings Chorpenning’s unique characters to life in a sympathetic and sensitive performance. 

Join our Patreon: www.patreon.com/onstagingpodcast

Running April 12th through the 21st with 6 performances at the Cochrane Ranchehouse Theatre, Kyle reviews Take a Bow's production of Marriage: A Demolition in Two Acts.

Tickets: https://www.takeabow.ca/tickets-2024

Wayne and Julie embark on that emotional roller-coaster ride known as “renovating the kitchen” when they probably should be renovating their marriage instead. Their contractors are a twenty-something couple with issues of their own. A hilarious new play that looks at renovation addiction, the friction between baby-boomers and millennials, and the nature of lifelong commitment in marriage… and in kitchen cabinet choices. This show contains mature subject matter and is recommended for ages 16+

Join our Patreon: www.patreon.com/onstagingpodcast

With shows April 12th and 13th at the CSpace Theatre in Calgary, Kyle sits down with Nightingale Arts Collective founders and performers in the production, Melissa Jackson and Meaghan Schulz to discuss what this production is all about and how it is being brought to life by this new theatre group.

Tickets: https://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/6243302

About the Show: Nightingale Arts Collective is excited to announce its first production, the Tony Award-winning musical The Bridges of Madison County, in concert. It is being held at cSPACE Studio Theatre on April 12 and 13th, doors open at 6:00 pm and show starts at 7:00 pm. Arrangements and Direction by John Goulart. Starring Stuart Howe, Meaghan Schulz, Kal Macdonald, Melissa Jackson, Ainsley Soutiere, Val Hudson and Paul Lloyd. Narration by Colin Martin. Come along on the emotional four-day love story between the characters Robert and Francesca as they sing the popular uplifting songs Falling into You, To Build a Home, One Second and a Million Miles and the fun and folksy State Road 21.

Join our Patreon: www.patreon.com/onstagingpodcast

Opening December 6th and running through December 14th, Take a Bow Community Theatre presents, The Wizard of Oz, a British Pantomime directed by Roxanne McCallum. Kyle sits down, half a world away, with Roxanne to discuss this new adaptation to a work that has seen a lot of adaptations over the years.

Tickets: https://www.showpass.com/wizard-of-oz-3/

About the show: Dorothy Gale and her little dog Toto are forever getting into trouble on the farm in Kansas. Alongside her Aunt Em, Uncle Henry and her three hapless farmhand friends, she dreams of traveling to a place where troubles melt like lemon drops over the rainbow. Her wish is granted courtesy of a terrible twister which takes her far away to the magical land of Oz where the beautiful Dame Glinda sends her off down the yellow brick road to the Emerald City. But hot on her ruby heels is the Wicked Witch of the West who is bent on taking over the colourful kingdom. With the help of a scarecrow, a tin man and a cowardly lion, will Dorothy have the brains, heart and courage to save all of Oz and find her way home?

Running April 5th through the 13th at the Pumphouse in Calgary, Kyle reviews Misfit Theatre's production of The Rocky Horror Show.

The production: https://www.morpheustheatre.ca/?portfolio=the-rocky-horror-show

Tickets: https://tickets.morpheustheatre.ca/

About the Show: Join Misfit Theatre YYC and Morpheus Theatre as we take you on a science-fiction, double feature journey through Richard O’Brien’s iconic rock-n-roll musical. A hilarious, campy, and thrilling tribute to the sci-fi and horror B films from the golden age of Hollywood to the 1960s, “The Rocky Horror Show” tells the tale of a recently engaged couple and their wild misadventure. While on their way to visit an old friend, they find themselves with a flat tire and nowhere to go in the middle of a stormy night, until they find an old castle seemingly in the middle of nowhere. What starts as a trip to ask for help, turns into a topsy-turvy evening of the strangest events where they are subjected to bizarre whims at the hand of a fabulously dressed mad scientist and his servants. Will our intrepid couple make it out unscathed, or will the darkness completely transform them?

Opening April 12th and running through the 21st at the Cochrane Ranchehouse Theatre in Cochrane, Kyle sits down with performers Zoe Farrell, Penny Farrell and Geoffrey Patterson to discuss what it takes to bring this production to life as a four person production.

Tickets: https://www.takeabow.ca/tickets-2024

Wayne and Julie embark on that emotional roller-coaster ride known as “renovating the kitchen” when they probably should be renovating their marriage instead. Their contractors are a twenty-something couple with issues of their own. A hilarious new play that looks at renovation addiction, the friction between baby-boomers and millennials, and the nature of lifelong commitment in marriage… and in kitchen cabinet choices. This show contains mature subject matter and is recommended for ages 16+

Join our Patreon: www.patreon.com/onstagingpodcast

Running March 22 through March 30, 2024 at the Beddington Theatre Arts Centre in Calgary, Kyle reviews FRC's production of The Sondheim Musical Revue.

The production: https://www.frontrowcentre.ca/show/20232024/SondheimTributeRevue

The Stephen Sondheim Society notes that Sondheim was "widely acknowledged as the most innovative, most influential and most important composer and lyricist in modern Broadway history. For more than 50 years, he has set an unsurpassed standard of brilliance and artistic integrity in musical theatre. His accolades include an Academy Award, eight Tony Awards (more than any other composer) including the Special Tony Award for Lifetime Achievement in the Theatre, multiple Grammy Awards, multiple Drama Desk awards and a Pulitzer Prize."

Join us in celebrating the work of the incomparable Stephen Sondheim.

Opening April 5th and running through April 13th at the Pumphouse Theatre in Calgary, Kyle sits down with Director Krista Willott and Musical Director Donna Pearson for a discussion on the creation of a new Musical Theatre company and their reasons for bringing The Rocky Horror Show to the stage as their first production.

Tickets: https://tickets.morpheustheatre.ca/TheatreManager/160/online?event=0

About the Show: A hilarious, campy, and thrilling tribute to the sci-fi and horror B films from the golden age of Hollywood to the 1960s, “The Rocky Horror Show” tells the tale of a recently engaged couple and their wild misadventures!

Running March 14-16 at the Glenmore Christian Academy in Calgary, Kyle reviews Smalltime Theatre's production of Matilda Jr.

Tickets: https://smalltimetheatre.shop/tickets/matilda-jr/

Matilda has astonishing wit, intelligence... and special powers! She's unloved by her cruel parents but impresses her schoolteacher, the highly loveable Miss Honey. Matilda's school life isn't completely smooth sailing, however – the school's mean headmistress, Miss Trunchbull, hates children and just loves thinking up new punishments for those who don't abide by her rules. But Matilda has courage and cleverness in equal amounts, and could be the school pupils' saving grace!

Join the Patreon and support the podcast at www.patreon.com/OnStagingPodcast

Running March 22nd through 30th at the Beddington Centre for the Arts, Kyle sits down with director Gavin Liam Logan for Front Row Centre Players production of the Sondheim Tribute Revue.

Tickets: https://www.artscommons.ca/whats-on/sondheim-tribute-revue

Hydrogen and Helium by Gavin Liam Logan : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZUlUEcBsPkQ

The Stephen Sondheim Society notes that Sondheim was "widely acknowledged as the most innovative, most influential and most important composer and lyricist in modern Broadway history. For more than 50 years, he has set an unsurpassed standard of brilliance and artistic integrity in musical theatre. His accolades include an Academy Award, eight Tony Awards (more than any other composer) including the Special Tony Award for Lifetime Achievement in the Theatre, multiple Grammy Awards, multiple Drama Desk awards and a Pulitzer Prize."

Join us in celebrating the work of the incomparable Stephen Sondheim.

Running March 15 through March 23rd at the Lantern Church in Inglewood, Kyle reviews Imagine Theatre's production of The Magician's Nephew.

Tickets: https://tickets.morpheustheatre.ca/TheatreManager/160/tmEvent/tmEvent998.html

About the Show: Before there was the Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, there was Polly, Digory, and the rings. When sinister Uncle Andrew tricks the children into testing his magical theory about travelling to another world, Polly and Digory find themselves caught up in a series of events that not even Uncle Andrew himself could have predicted. There are guinea pigs, great forces of good and evil, and magical apples with the potential to heal sick mothers. Imagine Theatre invites you to join us as we travel back into C. S. Lewis well loved book series, and explore how all the comings and goings between our world and the land of Narnia first began.

Join the Patreon: www.patreon.com/onstagingpodcast

Opening March 15th through March 23rd, Kyle sits down with Harold Squire and Charlotte Loeppky, co-directors of Imagine Theatre's forthcoming production to talk about how one goes about adapting a beloved children's novel for the stage.

Tickets: https://tickets.morpheustheatre.ca/TheatreManager/160/tmEvent/tmEvent998.html

About the Show: Before there was the Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, there was Polly, Digory, and the rings. When sinister Uncle Andrew tricks the children into testing his magical theory about travelling to another world, Polly and Digory find themselves caught up in a series of events that not even Uncle Andrew himself could have predicted. There are guinea pigs, great forces of good and evil, and magical apples with the potential to heal sick mothers. Imagine Theatre invites you to join us as we travel back into C. S. Lewis well loved book series, and explore how all the comings and goings between our world and the land of Narnia first began.

Join the Patreon: www.patreon.com/onstagingpodcast

Opening February 13 through 17th, sadly too late now for this interview, Kyle sat down with Director Sally Čačić and Lead Performer, Martina Laird-Westib to discuss what Night Ducks is all about as a theatre company and what Seagulls, the production, was like.

The Ghost Next Door Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-ghost-next-door/id1718413223

Night Ducks presents “Seagulls” by Caryl Churchill — onboard the Elbow Entertainment River Cruise for Charity for the Short-Sighted Seagulls Awareness Association with Captain Logan Lawrence, featuring Telekinesis Wonder Valery and her Manager Di! Oh — and some guy called Cliff. Join us for a 1-hour of rollicking absurdist comedy, on board the Elbow River Entertainment “cruise” for a play within a play as we perform Seagulls by Caryl Churchill… cruise ship style!

Join the Patreon: www.patreon.com/onstagingpodcast

Opening March 14th through 16th, Kyle sits down with Tanya Woodruff and Katie Gross with Small Time Theatre to discuss their upcoming production of Matilda Jr presented at the Glenmore Christian Academy.

Tickets: https://smalltimetheatre.shop/tickets/matilda-jr/

Matilda has astonishing wit, intelligence... and special powers! She's unloved by her cruel parents but impresses her schoolteacher, the highly loveable Miss Honey. Matilda's school life isn't completely smooth sailing, however – the school's mean headmistress, Miss Trunchbull, hates children and just loves thinking up new punishments for those who don't abide by her rules. But Matilda has courage and cleverness in equal amounts, and could be the school pupils' saving grace!

Join the Patreon and support the podcast at www.patreon.com/OnStagingPodcast

Opening December 5th and running until December 7th at the Glenmore Christian Academy in Calgary, Small Time Theatre presents The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, the Musical, written by Jahnna Beecham and directed by Tanya Woodruff. Kyle sits down virtually with Tanya and her son and one of the performers, Oliver Woodruff to discuss how Small Time Theatre came upon this production.

Tickets: https://smalltimetheatre.shop/

About the Show: The Herdmans are the worst kids in the history of the world – so when they crash Sunday school and demand parts in the Christmas pageant, the whole town panics. There’s not supposed to be biting, or cigar-smoking in Bethlehem, and while these kids have never even heard the Christmas story, they definitely have rewrites! Soon, everyone is calling for reluctant director Grace Bradley to cancel the whole thing. it’s up to the Bradleys to help their community see the Christmas story and the Herdman kids through new eyes in this buoyant musical adaptation of the funny and touching holiday classic.

Running February 23rd through March 2nd at the Joyce Doolittle theatre at the Pumphouse, Kyle review Workshop's production of Agatha Christie's Rule of Thumb.

Tickets: https://ruleofthumb-workshoptheatre.eventbrite.ca/

This triple bill of one act murder mysteries combines: The Wasps Nest which sees Hercule Poirot come between a bitter triangle to prevent a sinister murder before it takes place; The Rats, a dark and chilling tale in which a pair find themselves lured to a flat, trapped like rats and framed for murder; and finally, The Patient, a tense thriller in which a woman has been hospitalized after seemingly falling from her balcony.

Join the Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/OnStagingPodcast

Opening February 23 through March 2 at the Pumphouse in Calgary, Kyle sits down with Jacquie Goth Brennan, costumer, Cathe Busswood, stage manager and Hamish Crawford, director to discuss what it's like putting up a show that is essentially three one-acts.

Tickets: https://ruleofthumb-workshoptheatre.eventbrite.ca/

This triple bill of one act murder mysteries combines: The Wasps Nest which sees Hercule Poirot come between a bitter triangle to prevent a sinister murder before it takes place; The Rats, a dark and chilling tale in which a pair find themselves lured to a flat, trapped like rats and framed for murder; and finally, The Patient, a tense thriller in which a woman has been hospitalized after seemingly falling from her balcony.

Join the Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/OnStagingPodcast

Kyle continues his interview with community theatre critic Louis B. Hobson. With over 50 years in Calgary reviewing all manner of the arts and entertainment, Louis B. Hobson shares valuable insight into how theatre, and Community Theatre, has changed over the years.

In a broad discussion covering many topics Louis delves into his humble beginnings in theatre leading from Blairmore, Alberta, through University in Edmonton and on to teaching in Calgary along with directing, writing and producing.

Thanks to Louis B. Hobson

Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/OnStagingPodcast

Consider supporting On Staging as the podcast grows and develops to better serve the needs of Community Theatre in Calgary and the surrounding areas.

Kyle is joined by community theatre critic Louis B. Hobson. With over 50 years in Calgary reviewing all manner of the arts and entertainment, Louis B. Hobson shares valuable insight into how theatre, and Community Theatre, has changed over the years.

In a broad discussion covering many topics Louis delves into his humble beginnings in theatre leading from Blairmore, Alberta, through University in Edmonton and on to teaching in Calgary along with directing, writing and producing.

Thanks to Louis B. Hobson

Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/OnStagingPodcast

Consider supporting On Staging as the podcast grows and develops to better serve the needs of Community Theatre in Calgary and the surrounding areas.