ovation volume 22, number 6 (april/may 2015)

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vol 22 • no 6 apr/may 2015 JOHN HIRSCH MAINSTAGE BY JOE DIPIETRO

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The house program of the Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre.

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Page 1: Ovation Volume 22, Number 6 (April/May 2015)

vol 22 • no 6apr/may 2015

JOHNHIRSCH

MAINSTAGE

by JOE DIPIETRO

Page 2: Ovation Volume 22, Number 6 (April/May 2015)

To most, it’s open space. To a dancer, it’s endless possibility.

PROUDLY SUPPORTING THE INNOVATION & IMAGINATION OF WINNIPEG’S ARTS COMMUNITY

Page 3: Ovation Volume 22, Number 6 (April/May 2015)

I HAVE BEEN THINKING LATELY

ABOUT OUR THEATRE’S DNA,

the parental strands that united amateur and profes-sional theatre artists under one vision in 1958. One of those strands goes back to the Community Players of Winnipeg who risked their “amateur purity” in 1930 by hiring their first paid, profes-sional artist: director JohnCraig. An editorial in the Winnipeg Free Press looked forward to a theatrical renaissance under the influence of Craig’s “kindly ruthlessness,” noting that his rule of conduct was simple: “Good plays, well acted, will attract attention.”

However, his hiring was not without risk. Craig’s $250 per month fee, modest though it seems now, would increase the theatre’s total annual expenses by 50 per cent. To cover these costs, they would need 1,200 subscribers, and all four plays would have to sell out. And so the theatre set out to convince Winnipeggers that the organiza-tion belonged to the community, not just to a small band of volunteers who enjoyed putting on plays.

The important things haven’t changed since the Community Players of Winnipeg became the Winnipeg Little Theatre in the 1931/32 season and then MTC and now Royal MTC. We still strive for great performances in wonderful plays, like Clever Little Lies by Joe DiPietro, the same playwright who made us laugh and cry with Over the River and Through the Woods. You may remember how four Italian-American grandparents joined forces to keep their grandson from moving across the country.

Their battle cry was “tengo familia,” which means so much more than the literal translation of “I have family.” The words celebrate the responsibility and fulfillment that comes with nurturing each successive generation, and DiPietro’s heart draws him back to the same source for Clever Little Lies. This time, adultery threatens

a family, and a new grandchild’s cradle swings precariously in the storm. Will a series of lies keep the three generations together, or will it take the truth to set them free?

Tengo familia. Not a bad motto, particularly if you extend it beyond the family and into the public sphere. After all, where do our ideas of family end? With blood? Or with bonds of kinship that transcend biology? The Community Players, in their subscrip-tion appeal in 1930, wrote that they needed everyone’s help if they were to achieve their goal: “to represent truly and artistically every strata of mind and every distinction of type in the community.” They needed the larger family, just as we need this generation today. Our artistic and financial success still rests on your commitment, your belief in us. We need many more subscribers because we now employ hundreds of professionals each year rather than one. And John Craig? Well, he virtually doubled the size of the audience in a single year, thanks to a community made up of people like you.

Yours always,

Message from the Artistic Director

Steven Schipper

april/may 2015 Ovation 3

Page 4: Ovation Volume 22, Number 6 (April/May 2015)

ONLINERoyalMTC.ca

IN PERSONRoyal MTC Box Office

174 Market Avenue

PHONE204 942 6537

TOLL-FREE1 877 446 4500

MAILRoyal MTC Box Office

174 Market Avenue Winnipeg, MB

R3B 0P8

S E A L Y O U R F A T E P A C K A G E S S T A R T A T $ 1 2 0 R O Y A L M T C 2 0 1 5 / 1 6

Fate can bring us luck and a helping hand just as fast as it can throw our lives into disarray. But one thing is certain: fate knows how to create great drama. In 2015/16, the Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre is thrilled to present a season of stories that give us hope and show us

that regardless of circumstance, we have the power to forge our own destinies.

MAINSTAGE

THE MAN WHO SHOT LIBERTY VALANCE ALICE THROUGH THE LOOKING-GLASS

BILLY ELLIOT THE MUSICAL CHIMERICA

UNNECESSARY FARCE BOOM

WAREHOUSE

SEMINAR WIESENTHAL THINGS WE DO FOR LOVE MYTH OF THE OSTRICH

RENEWAL DEADLINE: MAY 16

Page 5: Ovation Volume 22, Number 6 (April/May 2015)

ONLINERoyalMTC.ca

IN PERSONRoyal MTC Box Office

174 Market Avenue

PHONE204 942 6537

TOLL-FREE1 877 446 4500

MAILRoyal MTC Box Office

174 Market Avenue Winnipeg, MB

R3B 0P8

S E A L Y O U R F A T E P A C K A G E S S T A R T A T $ 1 2 0 R O Y A L M T C 2 0 1 5 / 1 6

Fate can bring us luck and a helping hand just as fast as it can throw our lives into disarray. But one thing is certain: fate knows how to create great drama. In 2015/16, the Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre is thrilled to present a season of stories that give us hope and show us

that regardless of circumstance, we have the power to forge our own destinies.

MAINSTAGE

THE MAN WHO SHOT LIBERTY VALANCE ALICE THROUGH THE LOOKING-GLASS

BILLY ELLIOT THE MUSICAL CHIMERICA

UNNECESSARY FARCE BOOM

WAREHOUSE

SEMINAR WIESENTHAL THINGS WE DO FOR LOVE MYTH OF THE OSTRICH

RENEWAL DEADLINE: MAY 16

Page 6: Ovation Volume 22, Number 6 (April/May 2015)

6 Ovation april/may 2015

Theatre Abbreviation Legend

Arts Club Arts Club Theatre Company • Vancouver, BCATF Atlantic Theatre Festival • Wolfville, NSATP Alberta Theatre Projects • Calgary, ABBAM Brooklyn Academy of Music • NYCBard on the Beach Bard on the Beach Shakespeare Festival •

Vancouver, BCBelfry The Belfry Theatre • Victoria, BCBlyth Blyth Theatre Festival • Blyth, ONBroadway Theatre district • New York, NYCBC Canadian Broadcasting CorporationCentaur Centaur Theatre Company • Montreal, QCCitadel The Citadel Theatre • Edmonton, ABCOC Canadian Opera Company • Toronto, ONCS Canadian Stage • Toronto, ONDora Dora Mavor Moore Award • Toronto, ONDrayton Drayton Entertainment • OntarioDry Cold Dry Cold Productions • Winnipeg, MBFactory Factory Theatre • Toronto, ONGCTC The Great Canadian Theatre Company • Ottawa, ONGrand The Grand Theatre • London, ONMirvish Mirvish Productions • Toronto, ONMoving Target Moving Target Theatre Company • Winnipeg, MBMTYP Manitoba Theatre for Young People • Winnipeg, MBNAC National Arts Centre • Ottawa, ONNecessary Angel Necessary Angel Theatre Company • Toronto, ONNeptune Neptune Theatre • Halifax, NSNFB National Film Board of CanadaNTS National Theatre School of Canada • Montreal, QCPersephone Persephone Theatre • Saskatoon, SKPTAM Popular Theatre Alliance of Manitoba • Winnipeg, MB

PTE Prairie Theatre Exchange • Winnipeg, MBRainbow Rainbow Stage • Winnipeg, MBRNT Royal National Theatre • London, EnglandRoyal Alex The Royal Alexandra Theatre • Toronto, ONRSC Royal Shakespeare Company • Stratford-upon-Avon, EnglandRWB Royal Winnipeg Ballet • Winnipeg, MBSarasvàti Sarasvàti Productions • Winnipeg, MBSegal The Segal Centre for Performing Arts • Montreal, QCShaw Shaw Festival • Niagara-on-the-Lake, ONSIR Shakespeare in the Ruins • Winnipeg, MBSoulpepper Soulpepper Theatre Company • Toronto, ONStratford Stratford Festival • Stratford, ONSummerWorks SummerWorks Theatre Festival • Toronto, ONTA Theatre Aquarius • Hamilton, ONTarragon Tarragon Theatre • Toronto, ONTBTR Theatre by the River • Winnipeg, MBTC Theatre Calgary • Calgary, ABTNB Theatre New Brunswick • Fredericton, NBToronto Free Toronto Free Theatre • Toronto, ONTPM Theatre Projects Manitoba • Winnipeg, MBTSO Toronto Symphony OrchestraU of M University of ManitobaU of T University of TorontoU of W University of WinnipegVP Vancouver Playhouse Theatre Company • Vancouver, BCWest End Theatre district • London, EnglandWJT Winnipeg Jewish TheatreWSO Winnipeg Symphony OrchestraYPT Young People’s Theatre • Toronto, ONzone41 zone41 theatre • Winnipeg, MB

6 Ovation april/may 2015

Ushers • Royal MTC’s loyal volunteer ushers are avail-able at every performance to assist patrons.Latecomers • Latecomers will be seated at the discre-tion of the House Manager.Courtesy to others • Talking, candy wrappers and coughing are distracting to fellow patrons and actors. We ask each patron to please keep noise to a minimum during a performance. Thank you for your cooperation.Scents and Allergies • A number of Royal MTC patrons have expressed concerns regarding medical reactions caused by scented products, so much so that they can’t enjoy the show. Please consider others before using items such as colognes, perfumes and hairspray. Your thoughtfulness is appreciated.

Hearing enhancement • Sennheiser Infrared Listening Devices are available free of charge in the lobby at the John Hirsch Mainstage and Tom Hendry Warehouse, supplied by the Royal MTC Volunteer Corps of Ushers Capital Campaign donation. Please see the House Manager for details.Prohibited • The use of cameras and recording devices is strictly prohibited. Mobile devices must be turned off. To be contacted in an emergency, leave your name and seat number with the House Manager.Warnings • On occasion, Royal MTC’s productions may contain script-specific smoking of non-tobacco products, special effects and language/content warnings. For more information on specific productions, please visit royalmtc.ca.

OVATIONVOLUME 22, NUMBER 5

MARCH/APRIL 2015

Ovation is published six times per theatre season and has an approxi-mate yearly circulation of 100,000.

printing: Premier Printing Ltd.

ADVERTISING INQUIRIESThomas Urishtelephone: 204 954 6413email: [email protected]

Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre174 Market AvenueWinnipeg, MB r3b 0p8Canada

RoyalMTC.ca

box office: 204 942 6537administration: 204 956 1340 fax: 204 947 3741

Royal MTC is a member of the Professional Association of Canadian Theatres and engages, under the terms of the Canadian Theatre Agreement, professional artists who are members of the Canadian Actors’ Equity Association.

Scenery, Carpentry and Show Running Crew at the John Hirsch Mainstage and the Tom Hendry Warehouse are members of IATSE Local 63.

Page 7: Ovation Volume 22, Number 6 (April/May 2015)

Creating value where we live and work. Together.

Applauding the Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre.

Page 8: Ovation Volume 22, Number 6 (April/May 2015)

High InfidelityThe secret in Joe DiPietro’s Clever Little Lies is out and – spoiler alert! – Billy is cheating on his wife.A new baby, pressure at work and a marriage that is strug-gling to stay on course are all reasons Billy gives his father to justify what drove him into the arms of his personal trainer. Bill Sr.’s shock at the confession is warranted – is there ever really a good reason to cheat on your spouse?Billy’s behaviour is likely to evoke the ire of audiences, but we can’t deny his actions set us up for a roller coaster of emotions and opinions. Have we ever kept a secret or lied to protect someone we care about? Can we sympathize with Billy, and does that make us bad if we do?

Setting the Stage CLEVER LITTLE LIESPHOTO BY GERRY KOPELOW

PHOTO BY BRUCE MONK

Page 9: Ovation Volume 22, Number 6 (April/May 2015)

april/may 2015 Ovation 9

Opposite, top left: Jill Dyck as Anna and Ben Carlson as Dan in Closer (Tom Hendry Warehouse, 2000). Opposite, bottom: Michael Ball as Jerry and Leueen Willoughby as Emma in Betrayal (Tom Hendry Warehouse, 1980). Above: Zoe Alexander as Amanda Prynne and David Calderisi as Elyot Chase in Private Lives (John Hirsch Mainstage, 1976).

Theatre has taught us that romantic betrayal has the potential to create great drama. Can you imagine if everyone had just “done the right thing” in Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing, or if John Proctor had never taken up with his servant Abigail in The Crucible? If there’s one thing Royal MTC has been faithful to, it’s showcasing the complex nature of love and relationships on our stages.

PRIVATE LIVESJohn Hirsch Mainstage (1963 & 1976) Regional Tour (1964) Tom Hendry Warehouse (2015)

Can you even call it infidelity when you cheat on one husband with another? There must be a special clause in the rulebook

for Amanda Prynne and Elyot Chase who, after a messy divorce years earlier, reconnect while on honeymoon with their new spouses in this Noël Coward comedy. While Amanda and Elyot are engaging in their clandestine affair in a Paris apartment, their jilted partners are presumably left to stew together at the honeymoon resort. The four are eventually reunited, resulting in a confrontation filled with emotional, verbal and physical fireworks.

BETRAYALTom Hendry Warehouse (1980)

Harold Pinter’s drama looks at different permutations of betrayal spawned by a seven-year affair between a woman and her husband’s best friend. Told in reverse

PHOT

O BY

GER

RY K

OPEL

OW

Page 10: Ovation Volume 22, Number 6 (April/May 2015)

Setting the Stage CLEVER LITTLE LIES

chronology, Betrayal uncovers just as many mysteries as it solves as we find out who lied to whom and who actually knew what. Pinter drew inspiration for the play from his own extramarital affair with BBC reporter Joan Bakewell and friendship with her husband, BBC radio producer Michael Bakewell.

CLOSERTom Hendry Warehouse (2000)

Patrick Marber’s saga about sexual betrayal among four star-crossed Londoners has been described as “one of the great plays about the human heart.” Two separate couples – Dan and Alice, Anna and Larry – find themselves intertwined after Dan propositions Anna when the two meet at a photo shoot. Though she initially rejects him, Anna eventually succumbs to Dan’s advances – leaving the door open for Alice and Larry to turn to one another, throwing the group into a never-ending circle of duplicity.

THINGS WE DO FOR LOVETom Hendry Warehouse (2016)

When Barbara agrees to rent out her top floor to a former school chum and her fiancé, she unwittingly unleashes a firestorm of unexpected and violent passions between the three housemates and their downstairs neighbour. Barbara’s well-ordered world comes undone as she juggles uninvited affections from all angles in Alan Ayckbourn’s comedy, which plays at the Tom Hendry Warehouse next year as Royal MTC’s outing in AyckbournFest 2016.

Ross McMillan as Larry and Angela Vint as Alice in Closer.

PHOTO BY BRUCE MONK

N E W TOyogapubl ic?

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Page 11: Ovation Volume 22, Number 6 (April/May 2015)

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Page 12: Ovation Volume 22, Number 6 (April/May 2015)

*Position funded through the Jean Murray – Moray Sinclair Theatre Apprenticeship Program

Steven Schipper, Artistic Director • Camilla Holland, General Manager

PRESENTS

12 Ovation april/may 2015

Clever Little Liesby Joe DiPietro

April 23 – May 16, 2015preview April 22

Director ....................................................................................... Steven SchipperSet & Costume Designer ........................................................... Snezana PesicLighting Designer ............................................................................. Bill WilliamsVideo Creator .................................................................................Deco DawsonSound Designer ............................................................................... John Bent Jr.Apprentice Director .....................................................................Kendra Jones*Stage Manager ......................................................................... Margaret BrookAssistant Stage Manager ..................................................... Michael DugganApprentice Stage Manager ..............................Kali Claire Grenier-Prieur

THE CAST (IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER)

Billy .............................................................................................................. Eric BlaisBill Sr. .............................................................................................John BourgeoisJane ...................................................................................................Daria PuttaertAlice ....................................................................................................Maria Ricossa

Clever Little Lies is performed without an intermission.

Premiere Production Presented by George Street Playhouse

November 22, 2013 David Saint, Artistic Director Kelly Ryman, Managing Director

Special thanks: Joe DiPietro; Dr. Michael Eleff; Chris Hall; Mark Kelly, General Sales Manager, Mercedes-Benz Winnipeg; Heather Russell

Page 13: Ovation Volume 22, Number 6 (April/May 2015)

Artists CLEVER LITTLE LIES

For a complete list of theatre abbreviations, please refer to legend on page 4

april/may 2015 Ovation 13

Eric BlaisBilly

ROYAL MTC The Woman in Black, Private Lives, Good People, Brief Encounter (with VP), Looking Back – West.OTHER THEATRE Angels in America: Perestroika (WJT); King’s Park (Moving Target); The Vertical Hour, Munsch Ado About Nothing (PTE); Proud, North Main Gothic, Age of Arousal, Stretching Hide (TPM); The Taming of the Shrew, Romeo and Juliet, The Odyssey (SIR); Kindness, Romeo and Juliet (MTYP); The Winter’s Tale, Troilus and Cressida (Tom-Tom Theatre).FILM/TV The Pinkertons, Cashing In, Keep Your Head Up, Kid: The Don Cherry Story, Men with Brooms, Zooey & Adam, Falcon Beach, Northern Town, 2030 CE, Wishmaster 4.TRAINING/TEACHING BA Honours, U of W; MFA, York University. Taught acting at MTYP and York University.

John BourgeoisBill Sr.

ROYAL MTC Actor: The Price, The Goat or, Who is Sylvia?, Cherry Docs, Frankie & Johnny in the Clair de Lune, The Tempest, Oleanna, Lost in Yonkers. Director: After Miss Julie, Broadway Bound.OTHER THEATRE God of Carnage, The Normal Heart (Studio 180).FILM/TV Heartland, The Listener, A Day Late and a Dollar Short, The Interrogation of Michael Crowe, Ginger Snaps, Murder at 1600, The Prince and Me.TEACHING Program Director, Screen Acting, Humber College School for the Creative and Performing Arts.

Daria PuttaertJane

ROYAL MTC The Secret Annex, The Fighting Days, The Shunning, Top Girls, Pride and Prejudice, Shakespeare’s Dog (with NAC), The Tempest, A Christmas Carol. Assistant Director: August: Osage County.OTHER THEATRE Proud, The Moonlight Sonata of Beethoven Blatz, Stretching Hide (TPM); Strawberries in January, Unity (1918) (PTE); Honour (PTE/Belfry); Troilus and Cressida, Measure for Measure (Tom-Tom Theatre); To the Country (Winnipegger Ensemble); Stripped-Down Hamlet (SIR).FILM Zooey & Adam.TRAINING Graduate of the National Theatre School and the University of Winnipeg.ET CETERA Love to Jamie and Malcolm.

Maria RicossaAlice

ROYAL MTC Frankie and Johnny in the Claire de Lune, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, The Sisters Rosensweig, Brighton Beach Memoirs.OTHER THEATRE King Lear, Twelfth Night, Love’s Labour’s Lost, Henry IV, Part 1 (Stratford); The Misanthrope, Bea’s Niece, The Cryptogram (Tarragon); House of Blue Leaves, Tribes (TA); The Maids (Buddies in Bad Times); The Arab-Israeli Cookbook, Clybourne Park (Studio 180).FILM/TV The In-Laws (Warner Bros.); The State Within (BBC); To Love, Honor & Betray, And Never Let Her Go (CBS); Love is Dead (NBC); Flashpoint (CTV); The Strain (FX); Riverdale (CBC).TEACHING Teaches acting at Humber College.

Page 14: Ovation Volume 22, Number 6 (April/May 2015)

Artists CLEVER LITTLE LIES

For a complete list of theatre abbreviations, please refer to legend on page 4

14 Ovation april/may 2015

ET CETERA Maria is thrilled to be working with her husband John Bourgeois again at Royal MTC.

Joe DiPietroPlaywright

Joe DiPietro is a Tony Award-winning play-wright and lyricist. He received two Tony Awards for writing the book and lyrics for Memphis, which also received the 2010 Tony, Drama Desk and Outer Critics Circle Awards for Best Musical. He was nominated for a 2012 Tony Award and won a Drama Desk Award for Nice Work If You Can Get It starring Matthew Broderick. His other plays and musicals include I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change (the longest-running musical revue in Off-Broadway history); The Toxic Avenger and The Thing About Men (both winners of the Outer Critics Circle Award for Best Off-Broadway Musical); the much-pro-duced comedy Over the River and Through the Woods; Fucking Men, his modern take on Schnitzler’s La Ronde, The Art of Murder (Edgar Award winner for Best Mystery Play); and the Broadway musical All Shook Up. His new play, Clever Little Lies, starring Marlo Thomas, debuted at George Street Playhouse, and his new musical, Chasing the Song debuted at LaJolla Playhouse. His work has received thousands of productions around the world.

Steven SchipperDirector

ROYAL MTC Over 35 productions, including: Late Company, The Glass Menagerie, Gone With the Wind, The Drowsy Chaperone, Fiddler on the Roof, the world premieres of Maureen Hunter’s Atlantis, Mark Stein’s Mating Dance of the Werewolf, Olaf Pyttlik’s The Wave and Bruce McManus’ A Christmas Carol, and the Canadian premieres of Quills,

Proposals and Steve Martin’s Picasso at the Lapin Agile.OTHER THEATRE Stratford, Shaw, Centaur, Segal, Mirvish, Theatre Plus (Toronto), Toronto Free, YPT, Persephone, TC, VP, Rubicon Theatre (Ventura, CA).TRAINING McGill, Bishop’s, National Theatre School of Canada.ET CETERA In 2000, Steven conceived and directed Ross McMillan’s The History of Manitoba from the Beginning of Time to the Present in 45 Minutes, an award-winning play that tours Manitoba high schools. He has directed A Midsummer Night’s Dream with theatre students at the University of Winnipeg, Les Misérables at Balmoral Hall Senior School and Little Red Riding Hood with members of the Aboriginal Arts Mentorship and Training Program in the 2011 Winnipeg Fringe Festival. In 2007, Steven received an Honorary Doctorate of Letters from the University of Winnipeg, and, in 2012, was appointed to the Order of Canada and was awarded the Queen’s Jubilee Medal. At the end of May, he will receive an Honorary Doctorate of Letters from the University of Manitoba.

Snezana PesicSet & Costume Designer

ROYAL MTC First engagement.OTHER THEATRE Arms and the Man, The Game of Love and Chance, The Fan (Odyssey Theatre); One (Ghost River/SummerWorks); Munsched!, Spring Awakening (George Brown); Nightmare Dream (IFT/Obsidian); The Cherry Orchard, Roberto Zucco, Antigone, After the Fall, One Flea Spare (University of Alberta); Three Little Birds, Mighty Carlins (Workshop West).TRAINING Graduate of the MFA program in Theatre Design at the University of Alberta and the BFA program in Costume Design at the University of Belgrade, Serbia.

Page 15: Ovation Volume 22, Number 6 (April/May 2015)

Artists CLEVER LITTLE LIES

ET CETERA Recipient of a Betty Mitchell Award for Lighting Design, nominee of the Prix Rideau Award for Production Design and Pauline McGibbon Award for emerging artists. Snezana has exhibited her designs across the world, including at the Prague Quadrennial and World Stage Design exhibitions.

Bill WilliamsLighting Designer

ROYAL MTC Bill is delighted to have designed the lighting for more than 70 Royal MTC productions (both Mainstage and Warehouse) since 1971.OTHER THEATRE Bill has designed more than 500 productions for theatre, opera and dance companies across Canada, Europe, Asia, South America, the UK and the US.ET CETERA Bill is also actively involved as a theatre consultant, architectural lighting designer, teacher, author and photographer.

Deco DawsonVideo Creator

ROYAL MTC The Glass Menagerie, Brief Encounter (with VP), Grumpy Old Men: The Musical.OTHER THEATRE Video Designer: Rick: The Rick Hansen Story (MTYP/VanOC-Cultural Olympiad, MTYP/Citadel); 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea (Weird Prod/Pan Am Games); Tough Case, Rich, Kindness, Silverwing (MTYP); To the Country (The Winnipegger Ensemble). Writer/Director (selected): The Leitmotif Lives of Nero and Samdi (Little Theatre/Northwest Film Forum); The Incidental Tribulations of Wake Me and My (Endstop and Elsewhere/Fringe).FILM/TV Writer/Director (selected): Keep a Modest Head, Sins of the Father, Help I’m Alive, The Last Moment, Defile in Veil, Dumb

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Page 16: Ovation Volume 22, Number 6 (April/May 2015)

Artists CLEVER LITTLE LIES

16

Angel, FILM(triptych), Lode, FILM(dzama), Elizabeth Short, Sluice Box and a Rocker, www.decodawson.com.ET CETERA Recipient of 12 international awards, including two TIFF Best Short Film Awards for Keep a Modest Head (2012) and FILM(dzama) (2001). Deco won the Province of Manitoba Filmmaker Award and the City of Winnipeg Mayor’s Award in 2013. Big thank you to Heather, Metro and Miro.

John Bent Jr.Sound Designer

ROYAL MTC More than 50 shows since 1998, including The Woman in Black, Cabaret (2015), Sherlock Holmes and the Case of the Jersey Lily, Good People, The Glass Menagerie, A Christmas Story, Next to Normal, The 39 Steps, The Drowsy Chaperone (with TC), The Boys in the Photograph (with Mirvish), The Syringa Tree, Fiddler on the Roof, The Rocky Horror Show (with CS), Evita (with TC), Camelot (with TC/Citadel), King Lear, Wit.OTHER THEATRE The Shadowy Waters (Eternal Rose Theatre); The Diary of Anne Frank (Segal/Neptune); The Search for Signs of Intelligent Life in the Universe, Keely and Du, The Heart As It Lived, Grace (ATP); Lion in the Streets (Sage Theatre); Some Assembly Required (Northern Light Theatre).ET CETERA Two Betty Mitchell Awards (Grace, Lion in the Streets). Member of IATSE Local 63 and the Eclub. Founding member of Eternal Rose Theatre. Clever Little Lies marks John’s last show as the Head of Audio for Royal MTC and he’d like to thank everyone for 17 wonderful years of creativity. John dedicates this show to John Bent Sr.

Kendra JonesApprentice Director

ROYAL MTC First engagement.OTHER THEATRE (Selected) Director: Drunk Enough to Say I Love You? (Selardi); Shorts! (Sarasvàti); L’amour la Mort, No More Prayers, Forc’d to Woo (RADA). Performer: Dionysus is Getting Impatient (Theatre Incarnate); Dear Mama (Impel). Playwright: Dear Mama (Impel); Hide Away (Sarasvàti).TRAINING/TEACHING BA (Hons), University of Winnipeg; MA, Text & Performance, Royal Academy of Dramatic Art. Teaches at U of W Department of Theatre and PTE School.ET CETERA Kendra is a proud company member of Theatre by the River, and writes about theatre at impeltheatre.blogspot.com. She is a four-time recipient of the Jean Murray – Moray Sinclair Scholarship.

Page 17: Ovation Volume 22, Number 6 (April/May 2015)

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Page 18: Ovation Volume 22, Number 6 (April/May 2015)

Artists CLEVER LITTLE LIES

Michael DugganAssistant Stage Manager

ROYAL MTC The Glass Menagerie, Other People’s Money, Mrs. Warren’s Profession, in the next room or the vibrator play, The Shunning, Brief Encounter, The Seafarer, Steel Magnolias. Props: Gone With the Wind.OTHER THEATRE Recent credits include: All Your Wants and Needs Fulfilled Forever (Playground Collective, NZ); John & Beatrice (TPM); Annie, Cats (Rainbow); Angels in America: Millennium Approaches (WJT).TRAINING Michael is a graduate of the U of W, with a BA (Hons.) in stage management and production.ET CETERA Michael has recently returned from travelling to New Zealand, having worked on several projects there. Enjoy the show!

Kali Claire Grenier-PrieurApprentice Stage Manager

ROYAL MTC First engagement.OTHER THEATRE Zed (Cirque du Soleil); Divertimento #15, Carousel (A Dance), Seventh Symphony (Banff Centre); Freda and Jem’s Best of the Week (Buddies in Bad Times); Le Jardin, Le Destin tragi-comique de Tubby et Nottubby (Cercle Molière).TV Just for Laughs galas.TRAINING National Theatre School of Canada.

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Page 19: Ovation Volume 22, Number 6 (April/May 2015)

“Someday I will have a movie featured in a panel at San Diego Comic-Con’s Hall H.”

– Sonya Ballantyne, 2014 winnerRBC Emerging Filmmakers Competition

If you’re an emerging filmmaker with aspirations of making it big on the silver screen like Sonya, the RBC Emerging Filmmakers Competition at Gimli Film Festival can be your foot in the door. Apply by June 12, 2015 at gimlifilm.com.

rbc.com/someday

®/TM Trademark(s) of Royal Bank of Canada. RBC and Royal Bank are trademarks of Royal Bank of Canada.

Theatre artists give everyone who experiences their work an extraordinary gift. You are moved to tears or laughter. Your eyes opened to new points of view.

In pursuit of their artistic calling, many artists struggle throughout their lives to make ends meet. The Performing Arts Lodge is a new initiative to give them concrete support.

PAL Winnipeg wants to make affordable housing spaces within the reimagined new Gas Station Arts Centre available for theatre artists and other cultural workers.

If you’ve ever sprung from your seat to applaud an outstanding performance, consider standing up again for Winnipeg artists.

Be a PAL. Become a member for $20 or make a donation.

204.339.9750 palwinnipeg.org

Page 20: Ovation Volume 22, Number 6 (April/May 2015)

20 Ovation april/may 2015

Like concerts, sporting events and stand-up comedy, live theatre thrives on the energy of an audience. Whether you buy a ticket to a single play or subscribe to the entire playbill, we need you in our seats. While we love our single ticket buyers, subscribers are the foundation of our success. Why? Our mission is to celebrate the widest spectrum of theatre art and subscribers participate most fully in this process.

Why should I subscribe?First of all, there’s the “life is busy” factor. Too often, if activities aren’t scheduled, plans fall by the wayside. Do you really want to miss out on the performance that lifts your spirits in the dead of winter? In a post-show survey, one patron wrote about The Devil’s Music, “I’m still smiling inside!” You can bet that individual made the right choice to head out to the theatre.

Still, you may wonder, “why can’t I just buy single tickets when I want to see a show?” In theory, there’s nothing wrong with that idea except that hot shows sell out. This past season, several performances at the Mainstage and Warehouse sold out and theatre-goers had to be turned away. Subscribing guarantees your seat to the big shows and the runaway hits.

Most importantly, seeing multiple shows gives us the greatest opportunity to be surprised. In audience surveys, subscribers are often amazed by a show they might not have seen otherwise. Sometimes these unexpected gems are the plays we remember for a long time. One patron wrote about Vanya and

Sonia and Masha and Spike, “I didn't know what to expect because I hadn’t heard much about the story or play – but I absolutely loved it… BRAVO!”

Even familiar shows can thrill us in unan-ticipated ways. Although Robin Hood is a known commodity, our high-flying production was not. Audiences certainly didn’t expect a 35-foot grass slide and live music! One theatre-goer wrote, “The story of Robin Hood is so familiar but this show has opened up our imaginations to fresh perspectives and unexpected dimensions in all directions. We were inspired mentally, physically and emotionally.”

Realistically, you may not love every show in a given season. But we encourage you to be open. You never know when a musical may touch your heart (you don’t have to admit it to anyone), a hard-hitting drama might challenge the way you see the world or a zany comedy could cheer you up.

Next season, we’re offering everything from the sublime to the ridiculous. We hope you’ll come along for the ride.

Why subscribeto Royal MTC?

Page 21: Ovation Volume 22, Number 6 (April/May 2015)

VANYAAND SONIA AND MASHA

AND SPIKE

VANYAAND SONIA AND MASHA

AND SPIKE

april/may 2015 Ovation 21

ARE YOU INTERESTED IN SHARING YOUR FEEDBACK WITH US? JOIN OUR E-LIST! NOT ONLY WILL YOU RECEIVE POST-SHOW SURVEYS, BUT YOU’LL ALSO GET

PRE-SHOW REMINDERS, SPECIAL OFFERS AND MORE. SIGN UP AT ROYALMTC.CA.

Why subscribeto Royal MTC?

Splendid evening! Great music! Top-notch production!

It was AMAZING. I have notlaughed that hard in a long time.

This was my first live theatre show and in a word, it was amazing.

Funny, charming, challenging, thoughtful, timely in light of

recent national events.

I just sat transfixed.

I loved every moment of the production.

Daring, cheeky & fun!

A good laugh, withsparkling dialogue.

Very powerful.I will be thinking about it

for a long time.

It was beautiful and atmospheric! A great pleasure to see something

like this onstage in Winnipeg.

Page 22: Ovation Volume 22, Number 6 (April/May 2015)

ARE YOU INTERESTED IN WRITING A STUDY GUIDE FOR ROYAL MTC?We’re looking for teachers, retired teachers, professors, and other experts to create study guides for 2015/16. Contact our Outreach Manager at 204 934 0304 or [email protected] for more information.

Education & Outreach

Theatre FOR Young AudiencesWe were thrilled to have our seats filled with young people this season!• 1,500 students joined us for four student-

only matinees – Sherlock Holmes and the Case of the Jersey Lily, Armstrong’s War, Late Company and The Woman in Black.

• 200 students subscribed to the entire six-show John Hirsch Mainstage season.

• 1,900 students and teachers joined us for matinees and evening performances throughout the season.

• 1,300 young people attended evening and weekend performances on their own thanks to discounted individual ticket prices for youth.

Thank you to the educators from all the schools involved, and to Great-West Life for helping us share the amazing experi-ence of live theatre!

With the support of Great-West Life, Royal MTC provides study guides to six plays each season. Available on our website, the guides are intended for any of our audience members to learn more about the production and include pre- and post-show discussion topics, historical context and more.

TMS T R O N G E R C O M M U N I T I E S T O G E T H E R

THEATRE FOR YOUNG AUDIENCES

SPONSORED BY

Page 23: Ovation Volume 22, Number 6 (April/May 2015)

april/may 2015 Ovation 23

Backstage Pass AND ITS BENEFACTORSBackstage Pass is a free high school subscription program that takes place over six Wednesdays during the academic year. The program gives students an opportunity to take an in-depth look at theatre. Applications are open to all students in grades 11 and 12 with a keen interest in the performing arts. No experi-ence is necessary – just a love of theatre and willingness to learn and have fun!At each session, a member of Manitoba’s professional theatre community leads a workshop tailored to the current John Hirsch Mainstage production. Topics include the audition process, stage combat, dialects, playwriting and more. After lunch, students attend the matinee performance

in the John Hirsch Theatre, followed by a Q&A with members of the cast. This season, Deborah Gray and Martha Burns became benefactors of our Backstage Pass program, ensuring the students have a valued and meaningful experience with professional theatre.

Both women were born in Winnipeg, and they share a love of theatre and a history of supporting the Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre. Deborah Gray is a long-time subscriber, patron and sponsor of Royal MTC and we have been grateful recipients of her support and generosity. Actress and producer Martha Burns has worked in theatre, television and film, and played the role of Margie in the Mainstage’s 2013/14 season-closing production of Good People. Martha has pioneered programs for youth in other cities.

We sat down with Deborah and Martha to find out why they felt compelled to support this program.

The 2014/15 Backstage Pass

participants

Page 24: Ovation Volume 22, Number 6 (April/May 2015)

24 Ovation april/may 2015

When did you become involved with theatre?

Deborah Gray: I took drama for my last two years in high school. The second year, we scuttled the play that had been chosen for us (I Remember Mama) and produced our own revue as a fundraiser for grad. Later, I took courses in writing and directing, and worked backstage for a few years in Toronto.

Martha Burns: When I was eight years old – a long time ago – I attended Saturday morning classes at the Manitoba Theatre Centre theatre school. I remember vividly the games and imaginary worlds we were encouraged to create.

Why did you choose to support the Backstage Pass program?

Deborah Gray: Backstage Pass offers another way (in addition to production sponsorship) to support Royal MTC. I like the idea of giving students an opportunity to expand their horizons, get exposure to career options and connect with possible mentors and with others their age who share their interest in theatre.

Martha Burns: My connection to live theatre, making friends in theatre classes and learning from adults who had careers in the arts made my childhood and teenage life fun, interesting and [it] opened doors to many ways of thinking. It is a privilege to offer that opportunity to many “next gener-ations.” A great number of students end up apprenticing and working at Royal MTC – that’s a benefit for all. To get inside an arts organization and see how and why it works, to feel you can have conversations with people who make things happen on and off stage, to be encouraged to talk about what you see – these are wonderful, life-altering opportunities for young people.

With your recent visit with the students, what did you find most exciting/surprising?

Deborah Gray: Visiting with the students was so much fun. I hadn’t realized the prevalence of home-schooling, so that was surprising, but what was exciting was the students’ energy and enthusiasm for exploring what the world has to offer – and what they have to offer. It was great!

Martha Burns: Debbie and I were delighted to learn that the Backstage Pass students were involved in all aspects of theatre – writing, producing, directing, acting, tech support – in their schools and communities. They are already forces, finding their own unique ways to tell stories. Through social media, young people today are part of our cultural land-scape. They’re not waiting to get in. They are in!

Deborah and Martha make a profound difference in the lives of these emerging theatre artists. This year, they helped 26 young people discover the many facets of live theatre through their support of the Backstage Pass program. We are pleased to credit them and our other partners MTS Future First and Subway with the success of this year’s program, and to celebrate their invaluable contributions.

Martha Burns and Deborah Gray

Page 25: Ovation Volume 22, Number 6 (April/May 2015)

(204) 489-0828

Brian PallisterMLA for Fort Whyte

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Bonnie MitchelsonMLA for River East

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Leanne RowatMLA for Riding Mountain

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MLAs Celebrating

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Ian WishartMLA for Portage la Prairie

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Shannon MartinMLA for Morris

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Doyle PiwniukMLA for Arthur-Virden

Page 26: Ovation Volume 22, Number 6 (April/May 2015)

Before & After

Before&

AfterWarm up to some fantastic food and beverages from Winnipeg’s finest restaurants, all minutes from Royal MTC. Whether you crave steak, sandwiches or soufflé, these culinary delights and luscious libations will complete your night out on the town, before or after the show.

FOR SPEEDY SERVICE AT INTERMISSION, DON’T

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Page 27: Ovation Volume 22, Number 6 (April/May 2015)

Before & After

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Page 28: Ovation Volume 22, Number 6 (April/May 2015)

New Creations

WordplayFor 17 years, Investors Group has gener-ously supported our Wordplay program. Their visionary leadership has been a critical factor in our development of new plays. Since Steven Schipper took the helm, he has premiered an average of one new play each season, an exciting accom-plishment for the company, for the artists who created the work, and for the corpo-ration that funds this artistic exploration.

Wordplay is Royal MTC’s vitally important “R&D” wing, where we foster new work, and invest in the creation and develop-ment of plays for our stages, and for the Canadian theatre canon. We commission new plays, provide dramaturgical support, program readings and workshops, and review and analyze script submissions.

Plays like Sherlock Holmes and the Case of the Jersey Lily made it to our stage via one of the theatre’s freelance script analysts, another aspect of the Wordplay program sponsored by Investors Group. Artistic staff search endlessly for great plays, and they need help with the hundreds of resulting submissions each year. The play-wrights and dramaturgs who work for us as script analysts often read the scripts first, then provide a synopsis and analysis to staff, along with recommendations about which stage, if any, might be a good fit.

One of our analysts recommended Katie Forgette’s Sherlock Holmes adaptation, in part because of Forgette’s clever mash-up of Arthur Conan Doyle’s fictional charac-ters with real-life theatre artists Oscar Wilde and Lillie Langtry.

While plays read by analysts usually take the form of final drafts, the theatre also invests in the creation of new plays. This season was an especially busy one for artistic staff, as we currently have nine projects in development, instead of our usual three. Artistic Director Steven Schipper attributes the increased activity to great playwrights with unique ideas: “Each writer has introduced us to excep-tional characters who tackle big chal-lenges, often while navigating a seismic social shift. Each project was irresistible and, thanks to Investors Group, we’re able to support all these playwrights on their creative journeys.”

Jay Hindle as Sherlock Holmes and Ryan James Miller as Oscar Wilde in Sherlock Holmes and the

Case of the Jersey Lily. PHOTO BY BRUCE MONK

WORDPLAY SPONSORED BY

Page 29: Ovation Volume 22, Number 6 (April/May 2015)

Because we care about our communitiesWe know there’s more to life than dollars and cents. There’s passion, endurance, commitment and community. As part of the community, Investors Group is proud to share in this and all of life’s special moments.

In Support OfRoyal Manitoba Theatre Centre

www.investorsgroup.com

™ Trademark owned by IGM Financial Inc. and licensed to its subsidiary corporations.® Imagine Canada’s logo, “Imagine Canada”, Imagine’s logo and “Imagine” are all trademarks used by Imagine Canada, and are used with permission.

Page 30: Ovation Volume 22, Number 6 (April/May 2015)

30 Ovation april/may 2015

This year’s Regional Tour was marked by our exciting return to Churchill. Touring to the tundra creates some interesting challenges that our superb team met with ingenuity and aplomb. Upon arriving at the Churchill airport, we were greeted with the news that most of our set was still in Thompson and was unlikely to make the rest of the journey. Our crew and community partners got to work pulling together various set elements (we borrowed a mattress from our hotel and repurposed a set left at the venue after our Bad Dates tour). The result was a nearly perfect replica of what we’d left in the Thompson airport and the show was a hit! The kindness and generosity with which we were met in every commu-nity reminded us just how wonderful Manitobans can be.

The intrepid company faced over 3,600 kilometres of white outs, frozen sets, and many, many plates of poutine to bring Armstrong’s War to almost 3,000

jan. 28 | Snow Lake, MB • Aurora Borealis Arts Council

jan. 31 | Churchill, MB • Churchill Arts Council

feb. 4 | Thompson, MB • Recreation, Parks and Culture, City of Thompson

feb. 6 | Flin Flon, MB • Flin Flon Arts Council

feb. 9 | Binscarth, MB • Vagabond Theatre Company

feb. 10 | Strathclair, MB • Strathclair & District Theatre Committee, Ltd.

feb. 11 | Neepawa, MB • Kaleidoscope Concert Series

feb. 12 | Minnedosa, MB • Minnedosa Performing Arts Committee

feb. 14 | Pinawa, MB • Winnipeg River Arts Council

feb. 16 | Gimli, MB • Kiwanis Club of Gimli and District

feb. 17 | Steinbach, MB • Steinbach Arts Council

feb. 18 | Carman, MB • Golden Prairie Arts Council

feb. 19 | Crystal City, MB • Parklane Theatre Committee

feb. 20 | Portage la Prairie, MB • William Glesby Centre

feb. 23 | Atikokan, ON • Atikokan Entertainment Series

feb. 24 | Sioux Lookout, ON • Sioux Hudson Entertainment Series

feb. 25 | Dryden, ON • Dryden Entertainment Series

feb. 26 | Red Lake, ON • Wilderness Entertainment Series

feb. 27 | Kenora, ON • Lake of the Woods Concert Group

mar. 2 | MacGregor, MB • Heartland Recreation Commission

mar. 3 | Brandon, MB • 7 Ages Productions

mar. 4 | Souris, MB • Souris District Arts Council

mar. 5 | Deloraine, MB • Southwest Showcase Inc.

mar. 7 | Virden, MB • Virden Community Arts Council

In 2015, the Royal MTC regional tour visited these communities

Regional Tour ARMSTRONG’S WAR

The Armstrong’s War 2015 touring company: Chris Hadley, Tour Technician; Heather Russell, actor; Justin Otto, actor; Kathryn Ball, Stage Manager; Airyn Lancaster, Apprentice Stage Manager; Ian Kirk, Tour Technical Director.

Page 31: Ovation Volume 22, Number 6 (April/May 2015)

Regional Tour ARMSTRONG’S WAR

CalmAir

audience members all over Manitoba and northwestern Ontario. The team spent days off exploring our beautiful province and getting to know as many audience members as they could.

The Regional Tour is important for so many reasons, but one of the biggest reasons is the appreciation of our audience. One audience member in Red Lake, Ontario, sent us a card saying “… we appreciate all the effort put into entertaining us folks in the ‘boonies’ suffering from ‘cabin fever.’”

“Manitoba Liquor & Lotteries is honoured to have been the presenting sponsor of the Royal MTC annual Regional Tour once

again” said John Stinson, CEO, Manitoba Liquor & Lotteries. “Theatre plays an important role in the lives of so many Manitobans and for 38 years, Royal MTC has enriched the lives of others by success-fully bringing theatre and performing arts across the province. We would like to thank the dedicated artists and volunteers who made the tour possible in 24 different communities this winter.”

This tour would not be possible without the assistance of our sponsors: Manitoba Liquor & Lotteries, Manitoba Hydro, CIBC, Calm Air and MacDon. We would also like to thank all of our presenters and volunteers.

Page 32: Ovation Volume 22, Number 6 (April/May 2015)

32 Ovation april/may 2015

The Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre is the only regional theatre in the country to produce a Fringe Festival, and Winnipeg hosts the second-largest Fringe in North America! Artistic Director Steven Schipper explains that “Royal MTC fostered the festival to launch new artists and new work, and to encourage audiences to take theatrical risks. It has become a vital component in fulfilling our mission to present the widest spectrum of theatre art. But, perhaps most importantly, the Winnipeg Fringe Theatre Festival reminds us that we don’t always need an artistic director like me to mediate between the art and the audience.” Be your own artistic director – grab a Fringe program and a Frequent Fringer pass and you can create your own unique festival experience!

I’M NOT SURE IF THE FRINGE IS FOR ME…Have you ever wondered what the Winnipeg Fringe Theatre Festival is really about? Well if you love theatre, the Fringe presents the perfect opportu-nity to try something you’re not used to.The Fringe offers the chance to discover the next big thing, and get the insider’s perspective on what’s hot in independent theatre right now! Taking a risk can have major rewards – imagine being one of the first audience members to see a Fringe show that turned into a mainstream hit: The Drowsy Chaperone, Kim’s Convenience and Jake’s Gift all fit that category.

What will I see at the Fringe? The quick answer: almost anything. The longer answer: a fascinating mix of independent theatre. This year, the Fringe will host more

than 180 companies from across Canada and around the world who will bring their amazing plays to our enthusiastic and adventurous audiences. We have some-thing for everyone: comedy, drama, musi-cals, dance, improv… and so many more unique and original productions that don’t fit into any category. Indoor shows take place daily from noon to midnight in more than 30 venues around downtown.

And the best part? Tickets are ridiculously affordable: only $5 to $10, which means that taking a risk on an unknown show isn’t that risky at all!

Royal MTC’s early bird subscribers receive a free program, an essential tool in plan-ning your own quest to find the perfect show! Open for the adventure? Then join us this summer at the Winnipeg Fringe, July 15–26.

For more details, visit winnipegfringe.com

PHOTO BY LEIF NORMAN

Page 33: Ovation Volume 22, Number 6 (April/May 2015)

Winnipeg Fringe Theatre Festival

Volunteering with the FringeBY HANNAH FOULGER

Volunteering at the Fringe can be a great experience to put on your resumé, but also, as volunteer Barbara Knoll says, a lot of fun. “It’s okay to be silly. It’s okay to not sort of have all the answers to everything.” You do, however, learn what shows to see, by talking to all the funky Fringers.

Knoll has been volunteering with the festival for three years but wasn’t much of a Fringer before that, she says. She and her friend were Royal MTC subscribers who saw advertisements for the festival in the Royal MTC program and wanted to try it out, but they heard “Fringe was weird and the shows were weird.” When they bought tickets

to three shows they learned Fringe shows were, in fact, “fantastic and not weird.”

Knoll and her friend signed up to be volunteers and had such a good time that, when she married her husband Bern Beliski, he joined the party. He notes that you don’t have to be a theatregoer to have a good time.

“These are the kind of important events to grow community and have pride in our community,” Beliski says. “If we don’t do it, who will?”

Reprinted with permission from the July 3, 2014 edition of The Uniter, the student newspaper of the University of Winnipeg.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON VOLUNTEERING WITH THE FRINGE , VISIT WINNIPEGFRINGE.COM

save the date!TICKETS & PASSES ON SALE JUNE 17

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Phot

o by

Lei

f Nor

man

Page 34: Ovation Volume 22, Number 6 (April/May 2015)

1

2 3

4 5

PHOTO © 2014 JOAN MARCUS

Page 35: Ovation Volume 22, Number 6 (April/May 2015)

Your donation will be matched – and that’s no lie!Be prepared to laugh! The season has flown by and we kick off our final produc-tion watching Billy and his parents use “clever little lies” to cover their many secrets. Lies and deceit complicate their lives with inadvertent humour. We hope you enjoy the fast and funny look at the lives of a family with abundant surprises. Your generous donations helped make all the stories come to life on our stages this season. And now, until May 31, your new or increased gift will be matched by an anon-ymous donor. We hope these clever little truths about the shows this year inspire you to give today!

• In Sherlock Holmes and the Case of the Jersey Lily, Dr. Watson, played by Carson Nattrass, develops a sweet crush on the beautiful Lillie Langtry, as portrayed by Sharon Bajer. In real life, Carson and Sharon are married.

• Armstrong’s War impressed not only Warehouse patrons, but also audiences in 24 communities in Manitoba and

northwestern Ontario as part of the Royal MTC Regional Tour.

• The Heart of Robin Hood received five stars from the Winnipeg Free Press and attracted sold-out audiences night after night. Do you wish you had had a chance to enter Sherwood Forest on the 35-foot slide?

• At the Tom Hendry Warehouse, The Devil’s Music: The Life and Blues of Bessie Smith was nearly sold out before the show even opened. This dazzling musical explored the story of Bessie Smith, played by Miche Braden, who last appeared at Royal MTC as Mammy in Gone With the Wind.

• The new year kicked off with Cabaret, selected by Steven Schipper as a tribute to the opening of the Canadian Museum for Human Rights.

• Krista Jackson, director of Private Lives, added her own twist to the end of the play by having Sibyl and Victor lock lips at the last minute.

6 7

8 9

PHOT

O BY

LACE

Y CR

EIGH

TON

Page 36: Ovation Volume 22, Number 6 (April/May 2015)

(1) The cast of The Heart of Robin Hood. (2) Graham Ashmore as Victor and Tracy Penner as Sibyl in Private Lives. (3) Heather Russell and Justin Otto in Armstrong’s War. (4) Charlene Van Buekenhout in The Woman in Black. (5) Fiona Reid in Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike. (6) Robb Paterson. (7) Sharon Bajer as Lillie Langtry and Carson Nattrass as Dr. Watson in Sherlock Holmes and the Case of the Jersey Lily. (8) The cast of Late Company. (9) Jordan Tannahill. (10) Miche Braden in The Devil’s Music: The Life and Blues of Bessie Smith. (11) Mike Nadajewski and the cast of Cabaret. PHOTOS 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 10 & 11 BY BRUCE MONK

36 Ovation april/may 2015

• Fiona Reid delighted audiences with her unforgettable and hilarious imitation of Maggie Smith in Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike.

• Late Company introduced us to Jordan Tannahill, a talented young Canadian playwright who reminded us that theatre can be a powerful vehicle for addressing tough issues.

• In March, Robb Paterson, Associate Artistic Director of Royal MTC, announced his upcoming retirement in 2016. The Woman in Black, which he directed, was his 81st production at Royal MTC since his first appearance in 1981 with 1837: The Farmers’ Revolt.

Your donations all season long made a difference! And now until May 31, your new or increased gift will have more impact. Your contribution will be matched by an anonymous donor, up to a total of $5,000. If you’re looking for more motivation, the following are clever little truths about your donations.

• Every gift over $20 is eligible for a tax receipt, which can benefit you on your tax return.

• Giving is easy when you choose to make monthly gifts. Just $15 a month equals $180 a year and you receive all the benefits at the $150 donor level. Contact Heidi at 204 954 6412 to set up your monthly giving plan.

• A matching gift from your company can boost you to a higher level of donor benefits. Ask your employer today to match your charitable gift!

• Giving feels good; it’s been proven by brain researchers that donating to a favourite cause releases dopamine in the body!

• Become a Star Patron with a minimum $100 donation and receive free ticket exchanges (some exceptions apply).

You can help us reach our goal of $10,000 in new funds by the end of May. You can make a donation by mail, phone or online at royalmtc.ca. For more information, contact Heidi at 204 954 6412 or email [email protected].

11

10

Page 37: Ovation Volume 22, Number 6 (April/May 2015)

YO U R G E N E R OS I T Y I S A P P R EC I AT E D A N D H E L PS E N S U R E F I N A N C I A L V I A B I L I T Y A N D A RT I ST I C I N T EG R I T Y F O R R OYA L M TC .

thank you for donating $132,953 in 2014 to the

royal mtc endowment fund in honour of artistic director

steven schipper’s 25th anniversary.

the canada cultural investment fund matched these gifts at 97 cents.

a total of $261,925 was added to the endowment fund.

CIBC is committed to what matters

to our clients, employees and

communities. With a focus on kids,

cures and community, we are proud to

sponsor the Royal MTC Regional Tour

and celebrate the role it plays

in building stronger and more

vibrant communities.

Making a difference. Groups

of 10 or more save!to book group tickets contact:

Thomas Urish, Sales ManagerP 204 954 6413

e [email protected]

Page 38: Ovation Volume 22, Number 6 (April/May 2015)

Supporters

*Current Royal MTC Board of Trustees/Advisory Board members †Current Royal MTC staff

38 Ovation april/may 2015

Many thanks to our donors who gave a gift between January 1, 2014 and March 20, 2015.

DIRECTOR’S CIRCLE

HERO • $6,000+

Gail Asper, OC, OM, LLD* & Michael Paterson

BENEFACTOR • $2,000–5,999

Leah Bjarnarson & Robert MalechMorley* &

Marjorie Blankstein, CM, OM, LLDJ.W. Burns, OCHeather Clarke*Kerry Dangerfield*John F. (Jack) Fraser*James R. GibbsSylvia Guertin-RileyRita Gunn* & Greg MasonCamilla Holland† & Colin ViebrockInvestors Group Matching Gift

ProgramMs. Maureen E. JayAndrew & Wendy JensenDerek & Mary JohannsonJohn Kearsey*Terry KlassenDr. P. Kmet & Mr. B. RoslyckyDr. Douglas MacEwanIn memory of Liam Murphy

– Leigh MurphyThe Michael Nozick Family FoundationCam & Carole OslerDonna & Bill ParrishHartley & Heather RichardsonSanford & Deborah RileyTriple A Fund

– The Winnipeg FoundationAnonymous

LEADER • $1,500–1,999

Gus* & Diane CampbellDavid Christianson & Vera SteinbergerDave* & Barb ChristieNeil & Carol DuboffTony* & Jennifer FletcherSusan Glass & Arni ThorsteinsonElba Haid & Lara Secord-HaidGary Hannaford* & Cathy RushtonRobert B. & the late S. June JacksonDavid & Diane JohnstonKevin & Els KavanaghLaurie Lam† & Larry DesrochersBill & Shirley LoewenElizabeth Marr & Nick Slonosky

Jim* & Penny McLandressMr. & Mrs. Lawrie & Fran PollardDr. Bill Pope &

Dr. Elizabeth Tippett-PopeDerek RileySteven Schipper, CM† &

Terri CherniackMaitland & Pat SundmarkSonya & Scott WrightRichard L. Yaffe* & John A. StathamDarcy & Brenda Zaporzan*

MEMBER • $1,000–1,499

Dr. Jerry Baluta & Olga KandiaJim BlanchardSheldon & Penny BowlesDoneta* & Harry BrotchieBrenlee Carrington Trepel &

Brent TrepelTom & Louise CarsonDr. Bonnie Cham & Dr. Lorne BellanDrs. Ernest & Anastasia CholakisGerry* & Chris CoutureRobert* & Florence EastwoodPaulo Fernandes*Donald Fraser & Judy LittleSandy Gousseau*Mintie & Al GrienkeJohn* & Nicola GuttormsonLinda Hamilton & Grange MorrowShayla Harapiak-Green &

Patrick Green*Kevin Hines & Shelly Smith-Hines†Shawn Hughes* & Bruno KoehnKatie Inverarity†Eric & Jenn JohannsonApril & Diamond KassumLaurence Katz & Zoe KoganGordon Keatch*Ian Kirk†Brenda* & Trevor KrissEvan* & Susan KuzJeff* & Jillian LamotheShannon Lawton & Michael LongRick Lee & Laurie ShapiroPeter & Karen LeipsicReginald & Judy LowMark & Gloria ManciniBob McNamara & Dorothy HooperJeffrey* & Mary MortonDrs. Ken & Sharon MouldJames NielsenDr. & Mrs. Kieran O'KeeffeM. Plett-LyleK. Heather Power & Harold KlauseLawrence Prout* & Lisa GardewineMargaret Redmond* & Greg GillisMrs. Shirley RichardsonAndrea* & Michael RobertsonBill & Laurie Speers*Shelley† & Mark Stroski

Glenn SummertonMelinda Tallin† & Glen MitchellJim & Jan TennantLeslie John Taylor Fund

– The Winnipeg FoundationMarcel Van WoenselJoan WrightAnonymous

FRIENDS OF ROYAL MTC

ENTHUSIAST • $500–999

Robert & Ina Abra Family Fund – The Winnipeg Foundation

Robert & Joy AntenbringArchie & Jo-Anne ArnottMargaret & Jim AstwoodMrs. Phyllis Barich & Mr. Helmut EppBruce & Shelley Bertrand-MeadowsRon BlicqHelga & Gerhard BockTodd BourcierCathie & Brian BowermanJames A. BrackenIn memory of Pak-Wai Chan

– Calvin KimSaul Cherniack & Myra WolchJ. DavidsonAl DyregrovDon & Elfie EliasLawrence & Brenda EllerbyShannon ErnstGordon HannonGregg & Mary HansonIn memory of Kristin Dawn Hanson

– Brian & Dawn HansonDr. Ted & Gail HechterGuenter & Crystal JochumHon. Justice William JohnstonFern KarlickiPat & Jim LudwigPeter & Maureen MacdonaldMr. G. MarkhamN. MarrMr. Gerry Matte &

Mrs. Lydia Surasky-MatteIrene & the late Claire MillerVivienne NickersonRichard & Bonnie OlfertLinda & Wayne PaquinDonna PlantIris ReimerCharles & Naida RubinMelanie Sexton† & Ian WalshDebbie SpracklinJames TepperLinda ThomasMargaret WikjordDorothy Y. Young3 Anonymous

Page 39: Ovation Volume 22, Number 6 (April/May 2015)

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Page 40: Ovation Volume 22, Number 6 (April/May 2015)

Supporters

*Current Royal MTC Board of Trustees/Advisory Board members †Current Royal MTC staff

40 Ovation april/may 2015

SUPPORTER • $150-499

Pat & Bob AdamsonAnthony & Marilyn AlexanderDawn AndersenJudy & Jay AndersonBernice AntoniukIan BackusKen Ball & Karen TurnerLarry Beeston & Anna SikoraJoan BenderMr. & Mrs. Ernest BergbuschMark BernsteinLino BettencourtTyler BirchArthur & Ken Blankstein-UreDenise BonnerDr. Elizabeth BoustchaMorva Bowman & Alan PollardDon & Cheryl BreakeySusan Brownstone Brock &

Thomas BrockBilly Brodovsky & Libby YagerSheila & David BrodovskyFrance Adams & Stephen BrodovskyMiriam BronsteinDonna ByrneKevin Cadloff & Susan HuntDon & Carolyne CampbellMary & Allan CartlidgeRosemary ChapmanLawrie & Bea CherniackAgnes & John CollinsThe Colquhoun FamilyPamela & Andrew CookeJoyce CooperMartin & Gail CorneTed & Margaret CuddyEllen CurtisJ. DaleMs. Linda DanielsJ. DawsonAndrea Hector & Kirk DellebuurJohn & Heather DiamondFaye DixonPam DixonDr. Sheila Domke & Stephen RossAdam Dooley & Lynn BillardSally R. DowlerDavid DriedgerJohn & Ada DucasHelene DyckMr. & Mrs. William EastonDr. Micheal Eleff & Chana ThauMr. & Mrs. John & Martha EnnsSelma EnnsLinda FergusonRobert FilukDouglas FinkbeinerMr. & Mrs. D.C. FinnbogasonGayle FischerChristine Fleetwood

Marcia FleisherChris FreemanArnold FriemanMenno H. & Jolanda FriesenFelicia & Trevor FrostColleen & Dan FurlanMr. & Mrs. R. GallantWilliam S. GardnerLynne & Lindsay GauldE. GeorgeDr. & Mrs. Ron & Denise GeorgeRick & Patti GilhulyMs. Heather GillanderDr. & Mrs. Andrew GomoriJeremy & Maureen GordonBarbara GoszerDonald GrahamKari Hagness†Gregory & Heather HammondSylvia & Doug HannahBruce & Judy HarrisSandra & Hans HasenackTeresa A. HayMr. Dennis HodgkinsonJennie HoganGary Hook & Charmine LyonsFrank & Donna HruskaDan IlchynaG.C. Irwin-KilfoyleRudy & Gail IsaakMarlis & David JacobsonIan R. Thomson & Leah R. JanzenRhea & Dave JenkinsonLynne JentschClaire & Gerald JewersIn memory of Sybil Shack for the

benefit of Royal MTC – Jewish Foundation of Manitoba

Lisa JohnstonKatherine Jordan & James TamClaudette JourneDr. Leonard KahaneDr. Arvind & Nancy KatiDr. & Mrs. Philip KatzIn memory of Malcolm Coombs

– Beverley & David KawchukDonald & Sheila KeatchJudith KendleRobert Kennedy & Claudette LeClercM.J. KingPaula KlanSoody & Orah KleimanMyron & Marion KlyshPaul KochanMadeline KohutGloria KoopE. KoopDavid & Denise KossBill & Evelyn KrahnLorraine KraichyCarol Campbell & Andy Krentz

Katarina KupcaTeena LairdDeanne LanderDr. Patricia LandolfoEllen & Stewart LeiblKathy & Saul LeiblGloria LemkeTim & Kate LetkemannCarol & Clifford LeviWayne LoeppkyDr. Simon LucyDr. Sora Ludwig & Dr. Brent SchacterSofia LukieDr. & Mrs. Ted LyonsBurton & Mary LyseckiMr. & Mrs. E.R. MacDonaldJohn MacDonaldSharon M. MacdonaldDennis MacKay, QC &

Annette StapenhorstMr. Jim MacNairWally MahPhil & Miriam Maltz Family FundElaine & Neil MargolisAgatha MasseyNicola MatthewsMarjorie & Robert McCamisJulia & Don McInnesMr. & Mrs. Campbell McIntyreGreg & Gloria McLarenMichael & Debra McMullenBarb MelnychukDr. Jonathan Gabor & Tia MetaxasAlbert MetcalfeMel & Pippie MichenerJim & Karren MiddaghMr. David Cheyne &

Mrs. Audrey Miller-CheyneGrant Mitchell & Catherine

LambethDr. Catherine Moltzan & Paul BraultMarc Monnin & Donna MillerRay MontagueVera MorozBill MuirKen & Suzanne MunroeMarika NerbasEdwin & Pat NichollsRobert NickelHelen NorrieShelagh LinklaterDeborah & George NytepchukJoanne OlchoweckiTruus OliverCam Mackie & Doris Mae OultonMurray Palay & Ivy KopsteinHeather & Harry PanaschukTerry PanychDr. Philip PassBeverly PavlekLouise Pelletier

Page 41: Ovation Volume 22, Number 6 (April/May 2015)

Whether it’s news, photos, entertainment, business or sports, if it’s happening

in your community, the Winnipeg Free Press can deliver it right to your

door six days a week.

Proud supporter of

Subscribe today!Call 204.697.7001 or

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Page 42: Ovation Volume 22, Number 6 (April/May 2015)

Supporters

*Current Royal MTC Board of Trustees/Advisory Board members †Current Royal MTC staff

42 Ovation april/may 2015

Ron & Anita PerronB. Peterson & S. SlonoskyWayne PiettDonna PlattMs. Karen Dawn PowerMaureen Prendiville & Paul JensenBob & Linda PrestonMs. Judith PutterVivian RachlisRudy & Audrey RamchandarAngeline RamkissoonDr. Martin Reed & Joy CooperVance RehillMr. & Mrs. William ReynoldsJoyce RichDr. & Mrs. J. RichtikRicou-ManfredaTony RobbinsJane RobinsonMrs. Linda RobinsonMr. Robert RogersSheryl RosenbergCraig Russell & Janet Shaw-RussellElizabeth RussinMichael T. RutaMorley & Shirley RyppShona ScappaticciBarbara ScheunemanHans & Gabriele SchneiderDr. Meir Serfaty & Bonnie TalbotDr. & Mrs. A.M. ShojaniaMargaret & Paul ShuckettShayna & Merrill ShulmanHenry & Connie ShykaCheryl Samson-Siemens &

Gordon SiemensMeera SinhaJeff Sisler & Cathy Rippin-SislerJennifer Skelly† & FamilyChad SmithMrs. Lorraine SmithDeanne SpiegelJacqueline St. HillYvonne StierHeidi Struck†Richard SwainMr. & Mrs. Paul SwartShayne & Kathryn TabackRoss & Bette-Jayne TaylorKaren TereckMarilyn ThompsonPhyllis A.C. ThomsonMary E. TibbsMalcolm & Shirley TinsleyNorma ToewsW. Tretiak & B. BaydockDr. Stephen Tritt &

Dr. Sharon Goszer-TrittTerry TullySusan TurleyEric Turner

Grant TweedRobert TylerSuzanne UllyotPatricia Van DoninckFran & Bob VannevelIrv & Toby VinskyDr. & Mrs. M.B. VodreyV. Stirling WalkesSherry & Bob WardPeter & Joan WashchyshynDeanna M WatersAl & Pat WherrettFlorence & Donald WhitmoreMurray & Nancy WiegandTrevor WiensPeter & Elizabeth WijtkampArthur WilliamsDennis & Gustine WiltonPaul & Jackie WinestockMr. C. WinstoneDr. David Wiseman & Merilyn KrautDiane WittmierHarry & Evelyn WrayMs. Mary ZadoroznyKen & Pat Zealand14 Anonymous

CORPORATE DIRECTOR’S CIRCLE

GUARANTOR • $5,000–9,999

Johnston Group Inc.Qualico

BENEFACTOR • $3,000–4,999

Cambrian Credit UnionGendis Inc. & Associated CorporationsMaple Leaf Construction Ltd.,

Blake FitzpatrickMelet Plastics Inc., Edward ShinewaldTerracon Development Ltd.

PATRON • $1,200–2,999

Assiniboine Credit UnionBison Transport, Don StrueberBlüfish Japanese RestaurantBockstael Construction (1979) Ltd.Canada Safeway LimitedDeloitte & Touche Foundation CanadaGeorge Wakefield Foods Inc.,

Judy Wakefield*Maxim Truck & TrailerRuth & Ted NorthamNumber TEN Architectural Group,

Robert Eastwood*PRA Inc.Ranger Insurance Brokers Ltd.Royal Canadian Properties LimitedSofa Logic, Suzi Bonk*Winmar Property Restoration

SPONSOR

Air CanadaThe Asper FoundationBMO Financial GroupMartha BurnsCalm AirCardinal Capital Management Inc.Carlyle Printers Service &

Supplies Ltd./CanonThe Chipman Family FoundationCIBCCNDe Luca Fine WinesDycom Direct Mail ServicesEsdale Printing Co. Ltd.The Fort Garry Hotel, Spa &

Conference CentreFreeman Audio Visual CanadaDeborah GrayThe Great-West Life Assurance

CompanyInvestors GroupLawton PartnersMacDon Industries Ltd.Manitoba Liquor & LotteriesNational LeasingPlanned PerfectlyPwCRBC Royal BankRelishRound Table Steakhouse & PubStantec Consulting Ltd.Subway Franchise World HeadquartersThompson Dorfman Sweatman LLPWawanesa InsuranceWinnipeg Free Press

CORPORATE FRIENDS OF ROYAL MTC

CONTRIBUTOR • $900–1,199

The Manitoba Teachers’ SocietyMitchell Fabrics Ltd.

SUPPORTER • $600–899

Crosier Kilgour & Partners Ltd.Fillmore Riley LLPIntergroup Consultants Ltd.Manitoba’s Credit UnionsNAV CANADAPollard Banknote Ltd.Fay & Max Reich

ASSOCIATE • $300–599

Cowin Steel Co. Ltd.McKenzie Convenience Store,

Hyun Soo NohMid West Packaging LimitedMid-West Quilting

Page 43: Ovation Volume 22, Number 6 (April/May 2015)

&K NGI S Q EEU NSA N I G H T O F

premier sponsor

For information, ticket reservations and to make donations:

204 954 6410 [email protected]

royalmtc.ca/bw

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 7THE FORT GARRY HOTEL

GRAND BALLROOM

MUSIC BY THE DANNY KRAMER DANCE BAND

Proceeds in support of the Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre’s productions and programs.

in support of

Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre and the Manitoba Bar Association present the 2015 Lawyers Play

MAY 5–9, 2015

CONCEIVED BY REBECCA FELDMAN

ADDITIONAL MATERIAL BY JAY REISS

ORIGINALLY DIRECTED ON BROADWAY BY JAMES LAPINE

ORIGINALLY PRODUCED ON BROADWAY BY DAVID STONE, JAMES L. NEDERLANDER, BARBARA WHITMAN, PATRICK CATULLO, BARRINGTON STAGE COMPANY, SECOND STAGE THEATRE

Proceeds from this fundraising play benefit Royal MTC.

THE 25th ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY

PRESENTING SPONSOR

SILVER SPONSOR

WINE SPONSOR

DESIGN SPONSOR

RECEPTION SPONSORS

TICKETS $100 (includes wine, post-show

reception & a $70 tax receipt)

ON SALE NOWCALL 204 942 6537

ROYALMTC.CA/LAWYERSPLAY

RIOTOUSLY FUNNY

– THE NEW YORK TIMES

MUSIC AND LYRICS BY WILLIAM FINN

BOOK BY RACHEL SHEINKIN

DIRECTED BY HEIDI MALAZDREWICH* • MUSICAL DIRECTION BY JOSEPH TRITT • CHOREOGRAPHED BY SOFIA COSTANTINI**APPEARS WITH THE PERMISSION OF CANADIAN ACTORS’ EQUITY ASSOCIATION

Page 44: Ovation Volume 22, Number 6 (April/May 2015)

Supporters

*Current Royal MTC Board of Trustees/Advisory Board members †Current Royal MTC staff‡If you have remembered Royal MTC in your will, please let us know

44 Ovation april/may 2015

Party Stuff/U-Rent-ItPremier Printing Ltd.Winfield Developments Canada

DONOR • $150–299

DGH Engineering Ltd.Leon A. Brown Ltd.MCW/AGE Consulting Professional

EngineersNoble Locksmith Ltd.Patill/St. James InsuranceReitmans (Canada) Limited

TRIBUTE GIFTS

Gifts received between February 14 and March 20, 2015.

In memory of Joyce Graham – The Loves, Gladys & Sharon

In memory of Max Kettner – Ruth Kettner

In memory of Annice Stephens – John Maguire & Susan Collison

FOUNDERS’ CIRCLE

John Hirsch and Tom Hendry shared a dream of creating great professional theatre with mass appeal. With the visionary support of Founders’ Circle members – those who have made a planned gift to Royal MTC – their dream will live on for generations to come. Thank you to our Founders’ Circle members.‡

Gail Asper, OC, OM, LLD*Marjorie & Morley Blankstein*Duane & Pauline BraunTerri Cherniack &

Steven Schipper, CM†Kerry Dangerfield*Edward Fisher & Lyse RémillardLaurie Lam† & Larry DesrochersJames GibbsGary Hannaford & Cathy RushtonMaureen E. JayAndrew & Wendy JensenDr. Leonard & Hope KahaneGordon C. Keatch*

Leona J. MacDonaldBarb MelnychukJeffrey Morton*Heather Power & Harold Klause

ENDOWMENT FUND

In Honour of Artistic Director Steven Schipper

Many thanks to the generos-ity of our Endowment Fund donors who gave a gift or fulfilled a pledge payment between January 1, 2014 and March 20, 2015. Amounts are cumulative.

$5,000,000+

Government of Canada/Gouvernement du Canada

Canadian Heritage/ Patrimoine canadien

$250,000–499,999

Gail Asper, OC, OM, LLD* & Michael Paterson

$100,000–249,999

Morley* & Marjorie Blankstein, CM, OM, LLD

Dick Bonnycastle

$25,000–49,999

James R. GibbsJ.K. May Investments Ltd.Johnston Group Inc.The Michael Nozick Family FoundationIn memory of Doug ShewfeltArni Thorsteinson & Susan GlassAnonymous

$10,000–24,999

The Bowles FamilyGus* & Diane CampbellJohn F. (Jack) Fraser*Bryan Klein & Susan HalprinThe Honourable Guy J. Kroft &

Hester KroftVirginia & the late Robert MartinCam & Carole OslerNorma Anne PadillaLawrie & Fran PollardDr. Bill Pope &

Dr. Elizabeth Tippett-PopeSteven Schipper, CM† &

Terri Cherniack

George SigurdsonTerracon Development Ltd.Darcy & Brenda Zaporzan*

$5,000–9,999

Mr. & Mrs. Kristjan & Shirley Benidickson

Margaret CaieMerv & Jan CaversDr. & Mrs. Farouk S. ChebibDonald Fraser & Judy LittleSusan & Keith KnoxRick Lee & Laurie ShapiroGarry MarkhamJim* & Penny McLandressL. Blair Philpott & Tom KynmanHeather Pullan & Tom FrohlingerWearing Williams Limited,

Don & Sheila KatzJoan Wright

$2,500–4,999

Lee & Wayne AndersonMary CampbellEsther & Hy Dashevsky*Helene DyckGregg & Mary HansonDr. Ted & Gail HechterMargaret & Fred MooibroekIn memory of Liam Murphy

– Leigh MurphyCheryl OgarankoDr. & Mrs. F.C. ViolagoDorothy Y. YoungAnonymous

$1,000–2,499

Robert & Ina Abra Family Fund – The Winnipeg Foundation

Jack Armstrong & Doris QuinnPhilip AshdownGeorge BaldwinDoris & Burton BassArthur & Ken Blankstein-UreThe Bohm FamilySheila & David BrodovskyPaul & Doreen BromleyDavid* & Lianne CarefootDave* & Barb ChristiePamela & Andrew CookeKerry Dangerfield*Bob & Alison DarlingDick & Joan DawsonRoberta DyckErnest EppMichael & Lynn EvansJean* & Dennis GiguereDavid & Ewhenia GnutelJohn & Margaret Graham

Page 45: Ovation Volume 22, Number 6 (April/May 2015)

Scents and SensibilityMany theatre lovers experience adverse medical reactions from scented products. Please consider others before using scented products.

Park Your Mobile DeviceWe know something interesting is happening on social media. It always is. But your neighbours want to watch the play. Please turn off all mobile devices.

The Sound of SilenceOur theatre has great acoustics. So when you’re talking during the show, everyone can hear you. Your neighbours, the ushers and even the actors. We want you to talk about the show… at intermission or after the final bows.

ACT LIKE A STAR!Everyone at the theatre is part of the show. Yes, even you.

You want to be a star, don’t you? These tips will make you a stand-out performer (in a good way)!

We’re always happy to see you at the theatre. Thank you for coming!

proudly sponsoring MTC

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The PropertyRegistry

A Service Provider for the Province of Manitoba

Page 46: Ovation Volume 22, Number 6 (April/May 2015)

Supporters

*Current Royal MTC Board of Trustees/Advisory Board members †Current Royal MTC staff

46 Ovation april/may 2015

In memory of Irene Karasick-McMurrich

Rita Gunn* & Greg MasonAmy RichmondMarilyn & Helios HernandezGary & Maureen HunterJohn Kearsey*Carol Campbell & Andy KrentzDr. G.H. LawlerBarbara MainMark & Gloria ManciniTerri & Jim McKercharIrene & the late Claire MillerVera MorozLillian Neaman*Jean & Lisa NeronMyron Pawlowsky & Susan BoulterMarina Plett-LyleClaude & Pat PrecourtJoy Cooper & Martin ReedRuth SimkinBill & Laurie Speers*Frits & Joan StevensMelinda Tallin† & Glen MitchellSuzanne UllyotFaye WarrenBarbara & Ken WebbRichard L. Yaffe* & John A. StathamDr. James & Mrs. Kim Zacharias2 Anonymous

$500–999

Joan & Ed AlexanderPeggy Bainard AchesonBruce & Joyce BerryDonald & Edith BesantSuzi Bonk*Ron & Joan BoydRuth & Kris BreckmanMargaret E. ClarkeKatherine Cobor & Gordon SteindelJohn K. & Agnes CollinsDorothy DavidsonRobert* & Florence EastwoodNelma FettermanMarcia FleisherChris FreemanBrent & Debbie GilbertTeresa A. HayEvelyn & Larry HechtIn memory of David Landy

– Edith LandyDon LawrenceDr. Stan & Susan LipnowskiPatrick & Clarice Matthews*Gerry & Corinne McCallumDr. & Mrs. Donald McInnesPaul & Elaine NeelonE.M.L. PoulterBill & Norma RennieAmy Richmond

Patricia & James RichtikMarc & Sherri RittingerMichael T. RutaFaye ScottJim & Susan ShawHowie & Sue SimpsonElaine TomsUnitarian Church Theatre Group4 Anonymous

UP TO $499

Jacqueline AndersonDonald AronovitchMargaret & Charles AventArmand & Judy BaccusMs. Jean BissettDr. John BondH.F. BowenBrenlee Carrington Trepel &

Brent TrepelJeanetta CasselmanBetty & Bruce CatchpoleArthur & Donna ChowMs. Simone I. CohenChristine H. ColtartMaxine CristallSharon EadiePaulo Fernandes*Dr. & Mrs. D.D. & B.M. FillisLee FinchElizabeth FosterCarole GiesbrechtSandy Gousseau*L.D. GrahamKaren HerdMrs. Audrey HildermanDorothy HodgsonCamilla Holland† & Colin ViebrockShawn Hughes* & Bruno KoehnElizabeth E. JacksonJordan Janisse & Teresa CooperL. KampeasSheila & Ken KatzMr. & Mrs. Fred KisilBrenda* & Trevor KrissBarbara LatockiMs. Nancy LatockiVi LeaneyFrances LemieuxMarilyn LindquistSylvia L. MainNick Martin & Dr. Evelyn FergusonKeith MayohPeggy BarkerAnthony & Joyce McWhaMarcel & Louise MollotMarlene A. MortimerPat & Sherry O’ConnorTheresa OyeRobb† & Heather PatersonCarolyn Porhownik

Myrna ProtosavageBill & Heather QuinnHenry & Sheila RiendeauAndrea* & Michael RobertsonEvan & Audra RoitenbergJack & Regina SchipperJoan ShepsRoslyn SilverVern & Ann SimonsenEleanor SudermanBrenda TaylorPeter & Sharon TaylorMarilyn ThompsonMary & Gordon ToombsW. Tretiak & B. BaydockTim Valgardson*Judy* & Michael WakefieldVeralyn R. WarkentinWalter & Shirley WattsDonna Webb6 Anonymous

Page 47: Ovation Volume 22, Number 6 (April/May 2015)

Step Up for Royal MTCIn addition to our wonderful corps of volunteer ushers, Royal MTC benefits from

the generosity of volunteers on a number of Board of Trustees and Special Event

committees, including the Lawyers Play and the Black & White Ball. If you’re inter-

ested in supporting Royal MTC with your leadership volunteer skills, or for more

information about our Board of Trustees and Special Event committees, please

contact Daphne MacMillan at [email protected] or 204 954 6400.

If you’re interested in joining a dedicated usher team at the Mainstage or

Warehouse, or participating in the Winnipeg Fringe Festival this summer as a

volunteer, visit www.royalmtc.ca/volunteer.

to the

1,743 volunteerswho generously contributed

31,566 hoursof time, expertise and energy to royal mtc in the 2014/15 season

THANKYOU

the show goes on because of you!

Page 48: Ovation Volume 22, Number 6 (April/May 2015)

Supporting Partners

48 Ovation april/may 2015

TMS T R O N G E R C O M M U N I T I E S T O G E T H E R

SEASON PARTNERS

REGIONAL TOUR

WORDPLAY

JOHN HIRSCH MAINSTAGE PERFORMANCE SPONSORS

TOM HENDRY WAREHOUSE SEASON SPONSOR

TOM HENDRY WAREHOUSE PRODUCTION SPONSOR

Chipman Family Foundation

CORE FUNDERS

CalmAir

PRODUCTION SUPPORTER

JOHN HIRSCH MAINSTAGE PRODUCTION SPONSOR

BACKSTAGE PASS

THEATRE FOR YOUNG AUDIENCES CORPORATE MATCHING GIFT

BENEFACTORS

Deborah GrayMartha Burns

Page 49: Ovation Volume 22, Number 6 (April/May 2015)

Supporting Partners

april/may 2015 Ovation 49

TMS T R O N G E R C O M M U N I T I E S T O G E T H E R

2014 WINNIPEG FRINGE THEATRE FESTIVAL

MEDIA SPONSORS

COWARDFEST 2015

CAPITAL ASSISTANCE

BLACK & WHITE BALL

EXCLUSIVE EVENT SPONSOR PLATINUM SPONSOR SILVER SPONSOR

LAWYERS PLAY DESIGN SPONSOR

Insurance Brokers and Consultants

BRONZE SPONSORS

Page 50: Ovation Volume 22, Number 6 (April/May 2015)

Behind the Scenes

50 Ovation april/may 2015

Board of TrusteesHonorary MembersHis Honour, Lt. Governor Philip S. LeeThe Honourable Greg Selinger, Premier of ManitobaHis Worship, Mayor Brian BowmanExecutive OfficersJim McLandress, ChairKerry Dangerfield, Past ChairDavid Carefoot, TreasurerBrenda Zaporzan, SecretarySuzi Bonk, Chair, Community RelationsDavid Christie, Chair, Governance & Strategic PlanningPatrick Green, Chair, Organizational PerformanceAnthony C. Fletcher, Chair, Resource DevelopmentTrusteesHeather ClarkeRobert EastwoodPaulo FernandesSandy GousseauRita GunnJohn Guttormson

Shawn HughesJohn KearseyBrenda KrissEvan KuzJeff LamotheAndrea Robertson

Laurie A. SpeersTim J. ValgardsonJudy WakefieldRichard L. Yaffe

Advisory CouncilGary Hannaford,

FCA, ChairGail AsperMorley BlanksteinDoneta BrotchieAngus CampbellGerry CoutureHy DashevskyGlen Dyrda, FCAJohn F. FraserJean Giguere

Charron HamiltonYude HenteleffKen HoussinGordon KeatchColin R. MacArthur,

QCPatrick J. MatthewsJeffrey Morton, FCAHon. Jack MurtaLillian NeamanShelley Nimchonok

James PappasJohn PetersmeyerLawrence ProutJeff QuintonPatricia RabsonMargaret RedmondSusan SkinnerAl SnyderMaureen Watchorn

StaffAccounting/FinanceSharon Burden, Payroll AdministratorYvonne O’Connor, Accounts Payable AdministratorShelley Stroski, ControllerAdministrationBrian Adolph, IT ManagerJennifer Cheslock, Outreach ManagerDevan Graham, Director of Human ResourcesCamilla Holland, General ManagerDaphne MacMillan, Administrative AssistantJennifer Skelly, IT AdministratorArtisticJeff Kennedy, Literary CoordinatorLaurie Lam, ProducerRobb Paterson, Associate Artistic DirectorSteven Schipper, CM, Artistic DirectorCasey Shapira, Archives CoordinatorMelinda Tallin, Artistic CoordinatorBox OfficeSheena Baird, Ticketing Services ManagerLaurie Fletcher, Box Office ManagerMelanie Sexton, Director of Box Office ServicesBox Office Representatives: Katie Adamson, Laura Bergen, Gwendolyn Collins, Robyn Pooley, Tori Popp, Jessica Ross, Katie Schmidt, Caitlin Turner, Elizabeth WhitbreadCarpentryLouis Gagné, Layout CarpenterBrent Letain, Master CarpenterChris Seida, Scenic CarpenterDevelopmentMichael Joyal, Development AssistantStephanie Lambert, Special & Donor Events CoordinatorShelly Smith-Hines, Director of DevelopmentHeidi Struck, Individual Giving Manager

John Hirsch Mainstage Front-of-HouseDeborah Gay-de Vries, Front-of-House ManagerAssisted by: Sheena BairdJamie Chapman, Kim Cossette, Hunter Davis, Rylen de Vries, Caroline Graham, Jonny Hall, Elfie Harvey, Talia Kowalchuk, Tia Levine, Graeme Olson, Jessica Olson, Kayla Parke-Wilson, Amariah Peterson, Angela Rajfur, Jennifer Schmidt, Rita Vande Vyvere, Kira WatsonMaintenanceAndrew Drinnan, Building SuperintendentChris Fletcher, Assistant Building SuperintendentMarketing & CommunicationsHayley Brigg, Publicity & Communications CoordinatorSue Caughlin, Marketing & Communications ManagerKatie Inverarity, Director of Marketing & CommunicationsMark Saunders, Marketing & Communications CoordinatorThomas Urish, Sales ManagerPaintSusan Groff, Head Scenic ArtistLawrence Van Went, Scenic ArtistProductionLaura Enns, Touring & Production CoordinatorIan Kirk, Assistant Technical DirectorPaige Lewis, Assistant Production ManagerRick MacPherson, Technical Director, Tom Hendry WarehouseRussell Martin, Director of ProductionBen Ross, Technical Director, John Hirsch MainstagePropertiesLarry Demedash, Senior Properties BuilderKari Hagness, Head of PropertiesJames Sutherland, Properties BuilderStage CrewArlo C. Bates, Acting Head of SoundJohn Bent Jr., Head of SoundJoan Lees-Miller, Head of WardrobeClaude Robert, Head ElectricianChris Thomson, Head CarpenterJohn Tomiuk, House Stage HandTom Hendry WarehouseRandy Zyla Harder, Head ElectricianRick MacPherson, Technical DirectorAlison Nutt, Head CarpenterLawrence Van Went, Head Scenic ArtistMichael Wright, Head of SoundTom Hendry Warehouse Front-of-HouseKim Cossette, Front-of-House ManagerJamie Chapman, Rachael Neal, April Smith, Chelsea ZachariasWardrobeThora Lamont, Acting Head of WardrobeLorraine O’Leary, Head of WardrobeLois Powne, First HandJackie Van Winkle, Head Buyer & Accessories CoordinatorWigsBeverly Covert, Wigs & Makeup SupervisorWinnipeg Fringe Theatre Festival & Master Playwright FestivalJennifer Cheslock, Festival ManagerChuck McEwen, Executive ProducerTori Popp, Festival AssistantHonorary StaffZaz Bajon, General Manager Emeritus

Additional Production StaffClever Little LiesChris Hadley, CarpenterKim Hamin, Assistant Scenic ArtistVan McLean, Carpenter

Additional crew provided by IATSE Local 63

Page 51: Ovation Volume 22, Number 6 (April/May 2015)

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Page 52: Ovation Volume 22, Number 6 (April/May 2015)

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