Conceived and originally directed by JOHN-MICHAEL TEBELAK
Music and New Lyrics by STEPHEN SCHWARTZ
Originally Produced on the New York Stage by
EDGAR LANSBURY/STUART DUNCAN/JOSEPH BERUH
JULY 16 - 27, 2014
VENUE 16 PTE MAINSTAGE
PORTAGE PLACE
WINNIPEG
STUDIO
THEATRE
Photo by: Cynthia Bettencourt
Robert Piche
Sam Plett
Jennifer Garcia
Jacqueline Harding
Adrian Pecold
Wes Rambo
Emma Stefanchuk
Haley Vincent
Tatiana Carnevale
Paul De Gurse
Reanna Joseph
Elliot Lazar
CAST
ROBERT PICHE (JESUS) is a Winnipeg native
completing a performance degree at the University
of Winnipeg. His past credits include: The Power of
Yes (Author), 13 The Musical (Brett), and The 25th
Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (Chip). Fringe
Credits: The Who’s Tommy, Cabaret, The Brain from
Planet X. To his family and friends, remember,
“Where there is love there is life.”
SAM PLETT (JUDAS) is thrilled to be a part of
this amazing cast. Previous credits include Forever
Plaid (Harbourfront Theatre and Rainbow Stage);
CATS (Theatre Calgary and Rainbow Stage), A
Closer Walk with Patsy Cline, Joseph… Dreamcoat,
Wizard of Oz, Beauty and the Beast, and Miss Saigon
(Rainbow Stage); The Gondoliers, The Mikado, Pirates
of Penzance, and HMS Pinafore (Gilbert and Sullivan
Society of Winnipeg). He sincerely hopes you enjoy
the show. *Appears with permission of Canadian Actors
Equity Union
JENNIFER GARCIA (ENSEMBLE / TURN BACK
O MAN) is excited to be appearing in Godspell.
Jennifer was involved in Winnipeg Studio Theatre’s
production of Forbidden Broadway and recently
completed a role in the film Fleeting Encounters. She
is a graduate of the University of Winnipeg’s Theatre
program. She is grateful to be a part of the theatre
and film community in Winnipeg and would like to
thank all those that supported her. Ohana, 8G7S,
and CFC Youth, this one’s for you!
JACQUELINE HARDING (ENSEMBLE / LEARN
YOUR LESSONS WELL) is excited to be making
her Winnipeg Fringe Festival debut with this talented
cast and creative team! Originally from Winnipeg,
Jacqueline is a graduate of the University of
Manitoba (Bachelor of Music, Vocal Performance)
and The Boston Conservatory (Master of Fine Arts,
Musical Theatre). Past Winnipeg credits include:
A Man of No Importance (Dry Cold), Three Sisters: A
Black Opera (Who is John Moe), The Sound of Music
(Rainbow Stage).
ADRIAN PECOLD (ENSEMBLE / WE BESEECH
THEE) believes theatre and music have been a
“saving grace” (Godspell pun intended). Since
arriving in Canada eight years ago from Poland,
Adrian has immersed himself in theatre and music
including singing with Prairie Voices. He has
become a performing member of Hinode Taiko, a
Japanese drumming group. Currently, “Mr. Pickled”
is working on his Education degree at the University
of Winnipeg..
WES RAMBO (ENSEMBLE / ALL GOOD GIFTS)
hails from Landmark, Manitoba. He is currently
enrolled in his final year of the Vocal Performance
stream of the Bachelor of Music degree program at
the University of Manitoba’s Desautels Faculty of
Music. He has been seen on various stages around
Winnipeg and Southeastern Manitoba, including at
the Winnipeg Fringe. He has also performed several
lead roles with the Winnipeg Gilbert and Sullivan
Society.
EMMA STEFANCHUK (ENSEMBLE / DAY BY
DAY) is delighted to be appearing in Godspell with
a group of actors she loves and admires. There’s
nothing like getting up on stage with a group of
friends! Previous credits include Little Women (Dry
Cold), Into the Woods (District Theatre Collective)
and Bloodless (White Rabbit Productions). She
would like to thank the people in her life for putting
up with listening to the cast recording over and over
again. Enjoy the show!
HALEY VINCENT (ENSEMBLE / BLESS THE
LORD) is currently working her B.A Honours
in Theatre at the University of Winnipeg. Most
recently Haley was involved in a production of Into
the Woods where she played Little Red. Haley is also
the recipient of the 2014/15 Jean Murray – Moray
Sinclair scholarship, presented to her by the Royal
Manitoba Theatre Centre. She is extremely excited
to be working on Godspell this summer with such a
talented group of people!
CREW AND CREATIVE
KSENIA BRODA-MILIAN (DESIGNER) is
delighted to be back at Fringe and working with
WST. She holds an Honours BA from UWinnipeg in
theatre design and is looking forward to pursuing
an MFA at UAlberta in 2015. Recent design credits
include Killing Game, Power of Yes, Sainte-Carmen…,
and Seven Doors (UW), a youth outreach project for
Sarasvati Productions, assistant lighting designer on
Handmaid’sTale (RWB), and apprentice on Buddy…
(Rainbow) and The Seagull (RMTC).
JORREL CAMUYONG (ASSISTANT
PRODUCTION MANAGER / SOUND
TECHNICIAN) is a graduate of the University of
Winnipeg’s Theatre and Film program, and has
recently completed his Bachelor of Education. Past
Winnipeg Fringe credits include Zanna Don’t! (Stage
16), Fresher: the Musical (WST), and The Studio
(Coffee Guy Productions). He is very excited to be
working with WST again on this amazing production
of Godspell, and would like to thank his friends and
family for all of the love.
TATIANA CARNEVALE (DIRECTOR) LOVE,
LOVE, LOVE to Mom, Dad, Leigha, Aiden, friends,
and this amazing Godspell group. Favourite directing
credits: The Seagull (Royal Manitoba Theatre
Centre, apprentice), Avenue Q (District Theatre
Collective, assistant), and [title of show] (Pocket
Frock Productions). Training: BA Theatre, University
of Winnipeg; MA Theatre Studies, University of
Guelph. This August, Tat will be heading to Toronto
to take part in the SummerWorks Leadership
Intensive Program. Enjoy the show!
PAUL DE GURSE (MUSIC DIRECTOR) is a
Winnipeg based music director and piano player.
Favourite theatre credits: Avenue Q (Music Director,
WST), Closer Than Ever (MD, Dry Cold), Ordinary
Days (MD, WST/Angelwalk Theatre), Assassins
(Keyboard II, RMTC). Apprentice Music Director:
Mary Poppins (Rainbow), Little Women (Dry Cold).
Other: Appearances for the past four years in
the Winnipeg Jazz festival. Training: University of
Manitoba.
ALI FULMYK (PRODUCTION MANAGER)
is a local Stage Manager completing her
apprenticeships. She is lucky to have her first
Production Managing job with the cast and crew
of Godspell! Past credits include The Producers
(Rainbow Stage), A Man of No Importance (Dry
Cold), La Boheme (Manitoba Opera), Jane Eyre
(RMTC), Don Pasquale (Manitoba Opera), The Miser
of Middlegate (TPM/zone41), Mary Poppins (Rainbow
Stage), Other People’s Money (RMTC), Ordinary Days
(WST/Angelwalk Theatre).
KAYLA GORDON (PRODUCER) is just thrilled to
be working with such a talented group of emerging
artists. Godspell has been a love of hers since she
saw it in the early 80’s. Enjoy the show and this
fabulous group of artists!
REANNA JOSEPH (CHOREOGRAPHER)
received training at the Royal Winnipeg Ballet and
is currently working towards a degree in theatre at
U of W. She was the involved in the ACI Mentorship
program, under Brenda Gorlick. Through this
program she began her career in choreography
assisting on Spring Awakening, Salomé and Altar Boyz.
Reanna has had many opportunities working with
different levels of ability by her involvement in flash
mobs. She treasures telling stories through dance.
ERIN LAFORET (STAGE MANAGER) is thrilled to
be working with such amazing talent at this year’s
Fringe. Erin is pursuing an Honours BA in production
& stage management at the U of W. When she’s
not working as a production assistant with Sarasvati
Productions, she tries to work on as many shows as
possible. Her most recent credit is stage managing
for the University of Winnipeg’s production of The
Laramie Project, directed by Christopher Sigurdson.
ELLIOT LAZAR (ASSOCIATE MUSIC DIRECTOR)
is excited to join the Godspell team! He was last
seen at Fringe in Bare: a pop opera (Winnipeg
Broadway Theatre). Elliot has been an apprentice
with WST’s StudioWorks program on 13 the musical
and Urinetown. Other asst. directing / asst. music
directing credits include Massad: Live @ 60 (Camp
Massad Manitoba) and Taking Off (Creative Minds).
Watch for Elliot as Flounder in Disney’s The Little
Mermaid at Rainbow Stage this August!
ANGELICA SCHWARTZ (ASSISTANT STAGE
MANAGER) is thrilled to be working with WST
for the first time with such a wonderful team! She
has completed a year of Theatrical Production at
the U of W and will be attending Studio 58 in the
upcoming year. Past credits include: Power of Yes,
The Killing Game (UW), A Funny Thing Happened ...
(Kiss the Giraffe -Sondheim Fest), Diss (Sarasvati).
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THE BAND
Rachel Dueck, Matt Abraham
Cole Moreau
CHOREOGRAPHY ASSISTANTS
Emily King, Chase Winnicky
PROMOTIONAL PHOTOGRAPHY
Cynthia Bettencourt
GRAPHIC DESIGN
Ryan Segal
THANK YOU TO:
Steve Vande-Vyvere, Hope McIntyre:
Sarasvati Productions,
Alison Loat and Patty Hawkins:
The University of Winnipeg,
Garden City Collegiate,
Bill Weissman:
Shaarey Zedek Synagogue,
Wayne Buss, and Cherry Karpyshin:
Prairie Theatre Exchange,
Chris Thompson: Rainbow Stage,
Nancy and Tarra:
Woodydell Family Resource Centre,
Phil Corrin, Trish Orton,
Erin Meagan Schwartz,
Brendan Thompson, Jessina Cheffins
and of course, all our wonderful
families and friends!
WINNIPEG STUDIO THEATRE
Kayla Gordon
Artistic Director
Brenda Gorlick
Associate Artistic Director
THE BOARD
Eveyln Hecht - President
Debbie Shaen - Officer
Benjamin Wiebe - Director
Romey Whitwell - Director
Lorna McLarty - Director
Philipa Caplan - Director
Pam Sigurdson - Director
Ted Preston - Director
Rona Perlov - Director
Tracy Goltzman - Director
Ray Padua - Director
Victor Bargen - Honorary Solicitor
Leanne Slobodian - Finance
SONGS
Day by Day...............................................................................EMMA AND ENSEMBLE
Learn Your Lessons Well............................... JACQUELINE, JESUS, AND ENSEMBLE
Bless the Lord.........................................................................HALEY AND ENSEMBLE
All for the Best.......................................................... JESUS, JUDAS, AND ENSEMBLE
All Good Gifts............................................................................ WES AND ENSEMBLE
Turn Back O Man................................................. JENNIFER, JESUS, AND ENSEMBLE
Alas for You.......................................................................................................... JESUS
By My Side................................................................................................... ENSEMBLE
We Beseech Thee................................................................ ADRIAN AND ENSEMBLE
Beautiful City....................................................................................................... JESUS
On the Willows.................................................................................................. JUDAS
Finale............................................................................................................. ENSEMBLE
JOHN-MICHAEL TEBELAK (CONCEPT AND
ORIGINAL DIRECTION) originally wrote Godspell
as his Master’s thesis project at Carnegie Mellon
in 1971. Subsequently, he directed productions of
Godspell at LaMaMa, the Cherry Lane Theatre, the
Promenade Theatre and on Broadway. He received
the 1971 Drama Desk Award for Most Promising
Director. In 1972, Mr.Tebelak directed the play
Elizabeth I on Broadway, and Off-Broadway staged
The Glorious One in 1975 and Ka-Boom in 1980. He
was also co-writer with David Greene of the 1973
film of Godspell. He was dramaturgy for the Cathedral
Church of St. John the Divine in New York, where he
staged liturgical drama, and the church’s theatre
bears his name. John-Michael Tebelak died of a heart
attack in 1985 at the age of 35.
STEPHEN SCHWARTZ (MUSIC AND LYRICS)
has contributed music and/or lyrics to Godspell, The
Magic Show, The Baker’s Wife, Working (which he
also adapted and directed), Rags, Children of Eden,
My Fairytale, Pippin, and the current Broadway hit
Wicked. He collaborated with Leonard Bernstein on
the English texts for Bernstein’s Mass and wrote the
title song for the play and movie Butterflies are Free.
For children, he has written songs for two musicals,
Captain Louie and My Son Pinocchio. For films, he
collaborated with Alan Menken on the songs for
Disney’s Enchanted, as well as the animated features
Pocahantas and The Hunchback of Notre Dame, and
wrote the songs for the DreamWorks animated
feature The Prince of Egypt. He has released two
CDs of new songs entitled “Reluctant Pilgrim” and
“Uncharted Territory.” His first opera, Séance on a Wet
Afternoon, premiered with Opera Santa Barbara in
the fall of 2009 and was recently produced by New
York City Opera. A book about his career, “Defying
Gravity,” has recently been released by Applause
Books. Under the auspices of the ASCAP Foundation,
he runs musical theatre workshops in New York
and Los Angeles, and is currently the President of
the Dramatists’ Guild. Mr. Schwartz has recently
been given a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame
and inducted into the Theatre Hall of Fame and the
Songwriters Hall of Fame. Other awards include three
Academy Awards, four Grammy Awards, four Drama
Desk Awards, and a tiny handful of tennis trophies.
A MESSAGE FROM THE MUSIC DIRECTOR
It was about 10 months ago that Tatiana and I went to lunch at Stella’s and
began to talk about putting a piece in the Fringe Festival. We had had a lot of
success at the Fringe in 2010 with [title of show], and we were both longing
to do something creative and collaborative. We discussed a lot of different
shows that day, but kept coming back to Godspell. The original idea was to reorchestrate the show to have the cast play as many instruments as possible
(backed up by a very small band), and to stage it in a non-traditional location.
I knew we would need permission for that scale of music re-orchestration, so
that night I sent Stephen Schwartz an email directly, describing our project
and asking whether we had his blessing to go ahead. To my surprise, his
representative got back to me within a couple days saying that Schwartz said,
“go for it”.
Since then, this project has gone through many changes in order to get to the
July 16th opening. We partnered with Kayla Gordon and Winnipeg Studio
Theatre, who have shown an incredible amount of support and trust throughout
this process. The show was nearly cancelled when our chosen non-traditional
location fell through at the last second and we were fortunate to be able to
secure PTE (thanks largely to hard work from Kayla, Ali Fulmyk, and Cherry at
PTE). The orchestrations themselves went through several different iterations
as we figured out what skills our wonderful cast had to offer. Overall, it’s been
an incredible journey with Tat, Ali, Kayla and everyone else who has helped
us at various points along the way. I’m so thrilled with the organic way this
show has grown and the way the cast has embraced our ideas and made them
happen in a way that feels natural and joyful.
I had planned on talking about the logic behind our musical concept on the
show; about how having the cast play instruments that would traditionally be
found in an elementary school music room highlights the theme of Jesus as
teacher and the disciples as students. However, hopefully all of that and more
will be apparent when you see the show. In place of that, I just want to say
enjoy the show and spread the love!
Paul DeGurse
A MESSAGE FROM THE DIRECTOR
In his notes on Godspell, Stephen Schwartz states that this show, is a deceptively
difficult one to direct. He cautions against the piece appearing formless or
haphazard, because despite the seeming lack of a linear plot, there is a story
underneath all these songs and parables that you are about to see. It may not
be evident as we begin this journey. However, I challenge you as an audience
member to find your own personal meaning while you watch this phenomenal
cast and carry it with you out of PTE and into the world.
I have loved Godspell for a long time, mostly at first because of the amazing
music. As I have explored the show further from a director’s perspective, I’ve
come to appreciate it even more than I did as a fifteen year old listening to
the soundtrack. Schwartz and his collaborator, the late John-Michael Tebelak,
were extremely smart individuals. They created something that is complex and
layered yet extremely accessible for everyone regardless of age, background,
religious perspective, or taste. With this production, we as a company have
tried to give the show a contemporary feel without losing any of the edge or
experimentalist spirit that made this piece such a hit in the 70’s and allowed
it to endure. This Godspell was truly a collaborative endeavour and it would
not have been possible without the hard work, love, smarts, and spirit of this
incredible company.
Thank you for coming to sing about love with us this Fringe! If you enjoyed the
show please connect with us on Twitter at @GodspellWpg14 or on Winnipeg
Studio Theatre’s Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/groups/
winnipegstudiotheatre/ and tell all your friends, family, and strangers to come
check out our little skit.
All the best,
Tatiana Carnevale
A CHAT WITH SOME OF THE
CAST AND CREATIVE CREW
How did you become interested in musical directing /
choreographing / performing / production / etc?
ROBERT: I was a very fortunate child and was raised surrounded by the music
and movies of Disney, and that’s definitely where my passion for performing
began. The exact moment of my calling to the stage was when I first saw the
touring company of Phantom of the Opera perform at the Centennial Concert
Hall, I was singing the Christine Daae part for months after that.
EMMA: I had wonderful teachers growing up who inspired me and were able to
help me become exactly the performer I wanted to be. The first musical I ever
saw was Annie and from that point on I knew theatre had to be something I
pursued within whatever capacity I could.
JACQUIE: My dad always played the full-length, double-cassette, cast
recording of The Phantom of the Opera on road trips, and it was always my dream
to play Christine Daae. Finally, in middle school, I convinced my parents to let
me take voice lessons. After that came countless Music Festival performances
and school plays. I was hooked!
ADRIAN: When I arrived in Canada from Poland, I had a really hard time with
English and communicating with others was difficult until coming across the
theatre and choral departments in high school. The first time that my friends
heard me really talk was when I spoke my lines in my first play! Singing with
a choir has taught me correct pronunciation and I’ve learned an incredible
amount of new words! Choir’s also where I found my passion for percussion
and drumming. I’ve got a big collection of percussion instruments from all
around the world, which you’ll see, in the show. I highly recommend that any
newcomer should join the theatre and/or choral programs in their school
because it’s changed my life!
KSENIA: As a child, I was always designing little sets with my Barbies and
Playmobil, and loved making outfits for paper dolls - early costuming! I trained
in musical theatre for many years, including several with the StudioWorks
program (back when it was still called YoungStars!) and have always loved
theatre, especially musicals. I am happiest when contributing to a show in a
creative capacity and love the problem-solving and collaborative aspects of
design, and it’s exciting to use experiences from my past training to help make
a show the best it can be.
ERIN: This is actually the very first musical I have ever worked on. I guess what
got me interested in working on a musical production is it’s such a challenge.
It takes a lot of moving parts coming together harmoniously to make a musical
happen. As a stage manager, I love the challenge.
ANGELICA: When I saw my very first professional production I was completely
awestruck by the production sets, costumes, lights, and transitions and I
whispered to myself “I want to do that.” I can tell you right now that I am one
of the only people I know that gets goose bumps watching really clever and
smooth scene transitions!
TATIANA: I have been involved in theatre since grade school as a performer.
I kind of fell into directing in 2010, when I really wanted to produce [title of
show] at the Winnipeg Fringe Festival, but I wanted to make sure it went my
way! I really enjoyed that experience, though I promised myself I would never
act (I played Heidi) and direct at the same time again, and I realized I kind of
like directing things more than acting, and was better at it. You can eat as many
donuts as you want and don’t have to go to the gym when you’re a director!
Since [tos] I have been pursuing almost exclusively directing opportunities.
While I was studying at the University of Guelph, I got to assistant direct two
shows. Then I moved back to Winnipeg and was involved with local director
Krista Jackson in the awesome mentorship program supported by ACI.
After that I directed a new play by a high school playwright for the Scirocco
High School Playwriting Competition. I love directing because of the unique
challenges it presents. There is the opportunity to be really creative and
innovative. There’s also a ton of hard work and research involved, but it’s so
collaborative. I feel like directing is a great way for me to combine the practical
training I received while studying acting at the University of Winnipeg, and the
theoretical knowledge from my MA at the University of Guelph. The support
of amazing mentors like Krista and Kayla has really encouraged me to continue
making my way in this field.
HALEY: I became interested in performing at a very young age. I started taking
singing and acting lessons when I was about 10 years old, which led me into
not wanting to do anything else but perform. I also remember watching Grease
repeatedly as a child and thinking it was thee best thing! So John Travolta could
have been my muse…
Is there any special preparation you did to prepare for this
production?
EMMA: When we found out we were cast, I ran into Reanna (the Choreographer)
who said, “Better get your cardio up!” with a smirk. I knew she meant it, and I
was terrified. I’ve been running…hopefully that helps.
JACQUIE: Working out to get ready for Reanna’s tough choreography!
ADRIAN: In the show I’m going to have to tell a story as I drum! To be able to
sing or speak while drumming it takes quite a bit of practice, which I’m
excited to put in to make it entertaining and fun!
KSENIA: this show is unique because the actors are basically playing
themselves. I’m looking at the text a lot and getting to know everyone to
see how we can help their personalities shine onstage. I’ve also thought
about different everyday materials and objects that can be used in a fun
way for storytelling and choreography – everything onstage has to be there
for a reason and we need it all to contribute to the actors’ portrayal of the
text and ideas beyond it. Soon I’ll be trying to determine the moods and
themes of each scene to work out lighting design.
ERIN: Besides making paperwork? I’ve been trying to teach myself to read
music… and also make more paperwork.
ANGELICA: PREVENTING MY STAGE MANAGER FROM STRESS AND
MAKING THE ACTORS LOOK SUPER FABULOUS ON STAGE
ROBERT: In preparation for Godspell I am committing to regular gym
sessions to build up my stamina and also increased voice training. This
is the hardest score I’ve had to sing yet, and boy, these orchestrations are
something special.
TATIANA: The other evening I watched the old movie version of Godspell
starring Victor Garber, which was… interesting. Stephen Schwartz has been
very forthcoming in various interviews about Godspell, so I have done a lot
of reading about him. In his notes to the director in the Godspell libretto,
he also references an old book called A Feast of Fools by theologian Harvey
Cox, which was John Michael Tebelak’s inspiration for the show and really
helped me to embrace the spirit of what this piece is. I have been reading
some more practical books about directing as well, which offer advice on
everything from how to coach actors to how to talk to your designer to how
to run an effective tech. It’s been a great learning experience so far.
HALEY: In preparation for the show I’ve been spending a lot of time on
learning my harmonies. The show is pretty challenging musically so the
more time I spend on it now the better! I’ve also been trying to figure out
who my character is and how to infuse myself into what’s already written.
JEN: Growing up in the Catholic faith, I am personally very interested in
the connections and interpretations in the script that were taken from the
original Gospel readings. I feel that it is crucial to go back to these readings
to get into the mindset of the disciples, as it would make for a truthful
performance. All of this, and working on my egg shaking skills.
What is it about the Fringe that makes doing theatre so much
fun?
EMMA: This is my first time in the Fringe Festival! It’s the coolest
atmosphere to now be a part of as a performer rather than an audience
member. There’s something magical about roaming through the Exchange
and being surrounded by people who are there to be a part of that magic,
too. There’s a lot of camaraderie between the companies and actors- that
is something special about Winnipeg’s theatre community in general
though, not just Fringe.
JACQUIE: It’s my first Fringe show, so I guess I’m about to find out! As
an audience member though, I think what makes Fringe so exciting is the
amount of theatrical diversity that you can always expect to find. I love
seeing actors and directors experiment and explore, and I think the Fringe
Festival is always rich with that.
KSENIA: building a beautiful show on a shoestring budget, working with
a fabulous team of my fellow emerging artists, collaborating with up-andcoming talent, an attitude of trying new things is encouraged, presenting
the show in a time and place when theatre fills the city!
ERIN: Working on a show for the Fringe Festival is always such a unique
experience. Every show you work on is completely different from the last.
You have to be adaptable and make peace with the fact that you are always
going to be kept on your toes. It’s never dull, that’s for sure!
ANGELICA: This is the first time I have actually been apart of shows in the
Fringe Festival. In the past I only volunteered. I love the Fringe so much
because it brings everyone in the arts together. All the different categories
of art come together for two and a half weeks and just bond and celebrate
life and the enjoyment of theatre. Fringe also allows up and coming artists
(Like the fantastic ones in Godspell) have chances to show their talents
which I find really amazing.
ROBERT: The sense of community always makes Fringe a must during the
summer. There are always new friendships to be made and old ones to
enjoy during the festival as well as this insurmountable feeling of joy at
being able to live in such a supportive, creative environment for the whole
of Fringe and months beforehand.
ELLIOT: The Winnipeg Fringe is one of the most fun and rewarding
theatrical experiences I have ever come across. Everything is so accessible,
while at the same time being wild and wacky!
TATIANA: My first Fringe was fourteen years ago, and I have been hooked
ever since then. It’s so much fun! There’s all the people traffic in Old
Market Square, and the food, and the stage, and the vendors. Plus there is the
opportunity to connect with local artists and artists from all over the world!
You get to see shows that you might have never seen otherwise and so many
of them for so cheap! It’s a blast. It’s also a great and fairly low-risk opportunity
for young artists to get involved and learn about producing and directing and
marketing. Many of my best memories and stories stem from my involvement
at the Winnipeg Fringe Festival.
HALEY: In Fringe you get some of the wackiest, most beautiful shows that you
would never see be put on in the regular theatre season! The Fringe also brings
this amazing energy that makes doing a show or seeing one incredibly fun!
KAYLA: One of my first Fringe shows was Origin of the Species. It was an
unusual play and I had the great pleasure of working with actors Nancy Drake
and Laura Schroeder. We had such a ball that summer and I was hooked. I
have done a number of fringe shows since and it’s really one of my favorite
vehicles for trying new works and taking unusual risks. It has been a pleasure
working with Tat and Paul and such a tremendous, enthusiastic group of young
emerging artists.
Why should people come see this show?
EMMA: Godspell is about finding love and truth and beauty in everything you
do. We are such a diverse group of people and the show manages to bring
out all of our talents and special quirks in cool ways. Plus, the harmonies are
incredible. It’s going to be a fun, refreshing, energizing show!
JACQUIE: The music is so fantastic and fun. It is a vibrant score that is full of
energy and stellar arrangements. Hearing this talented cast bring the music
off the page has been incredibly exciting for me, and I think that everyone else
should hear it too!
ADRIAN: People should come see this show because I know it’s going to make
them leave with a huge smile! It’s not just a show where you sit back and
relax... Get ready for some audience participation!
KSENIA: The show is filled with so much joy! Everyone involved is putting their
heart and soul into the process and that will be evident onstage. I hope it will
be an uplifting experience for the audience.
ERIN: People should come see Godspell because, like grandma’s homemade
pie, a lot of love went into it.
ANGELICA: Whether you are religious or not - Godspell is a very positive show
that all audiences will enjoy. My favourite part is the story invites audience
participation and really allows everyone in the theatre to share a moment
together. Come see Godspell and come SING ABOUT LOVE!
ROBERT: The music and the amazing cast and creative team are definitely one
of the most important elements of this show but I encourage people to come
see this show for the story above all else. It is not only religious doctrine but
an exploration of human nature, emphasizing our relationships, fears and need
for love. Most important is love and how it will always prosper through every
circumstance.
ELLIOT: People need to come see Godspell because this cast is going to blow
the roof off of PTE with their insane talent and movie-star good looks!
HALEY: People should come see this show because it is about a community
coming together no matter their walks in life, which is exactly what Fringe is
about! It also allows the cast to be so creative, and to actually shape their
individual characters into whatever they’d like, which I think will be very
interesting to watch! Who knows what we’ll come up with…
JEN: This might sound redundant, but it is definitely a kind of show that
everyone can take something from. The overall message of love to one another
to the challenging yet utterly gorgeous musical score will definitely take you on
a roller coaster of emotions.
ENJOY THE SHOW!