L – R: Jaden Carmichael (Tiny Tim), David Ludwig (Scrooge), Scott Carmichael,  Jacquelyn French, Maeve Hildebrand and Thea Lale (The Cratchit family)



Redemption.  It's the theme of countless tales throughout history including the popular holiday story, A Christmas Carol, by Charles Dickens.  So touching and beloved is his story that it hasn't once been out of print in the 169 years of its existence!

Awaa -  Photo by Kim Williams

 

Erin MacKinnon and Sweeney MacArthur in Storm Warning.  Photo by Aron Goss

 Sweeney spoke with Nick Krewen about Storm Warning and the advantages of working with his spouse. Here's what he had to say:


But having two actors in the family can lead to a battle of wills... even unintentionally.

The wonderful and talented Marisa McIntyre sings "Goodbye Until Tomorrow" from Jason Robert Brown's The Last 5 Years. Catch Marisa and Jay Davis on stage in the Rose Theatre Studio until July 28.



Mike Rainey - Lighting Designer

 What is the role of the Lighting Designer?

The lighting designer works with the director to help create the overall visual element of the show. During prep, I meet with the director and set designer to talk about the preliminary ideas of the direction of the show. I find brainstorming ideas with the creative team to be one of the most exhilarating parts of the design. This is where the tone of the show is set. During rehearsals, it is time to take all of the ideas and tailor them to the show itself. Further ideas will come from how the actors move, interact and the emotions they create. During the run of the show, I’m out of there. My job ends on opening night. Much like the director, I turn the show over to the stage manager to present the final product to the audience.

When does your involvement with the production begin?
The creative team is usually selected around the same time as auditions for actors, so everyone is in on the ground floor. My first steps include reading the script and, if it’s a musical, listening to the score. Then it’s time to meet with the director. The script and score are only a reference at this point. I don’t start in on anything creative until the meeting because the director may have a very different direction in mind for the show than I do. After this meeting is when I really start my creative process. I take those ideas into rehearsal and sort of “put the meat on the bones”.

Technically speaking, what makes for a “good” or “bad” production? How can it affect the audience experience?
As with any art, theatre is subjective. It is difficult to say an artistic choice is “good” or “bad”. I have seen strange choices made before, and consequently, talked to the director or designer afterwards in regards to them. More often than not, they will have a reason for what they did, and it will be something I had not even considered. Beyond that, I think that poorly integrating a design into the overall show can lead to a “bad” production. If an audience member had a light pointed in their eyes for the entire show, or the actors can’t be heard, or the set has horrible sight lines…. These are issues that are going to irritate an audience. I think a “good” production results from a complete vision and balancing that vision across all of the show's elements.

What are some of the shows you’re working on or have worked on at The Rose?
I work full time in the Brampton Theatres technical department. Oftentimes I am working on a different show every day. Designing a show from the ground up is very rewarding but, often that time is not allotted. When a musical act comes in, they usually arrive around 2pm for an 8pm show so, there is no time to program cues. These shows are often run live by the in house technicians who have never seen the show before. I find these shows equally rewarding due to the “thinking on your feet” that has to be done and the quick pace of the day. Brampton Theatres also include the Lester B. Pearson theatre, Cyril Clark lecture hall, Studio Two and a mobile stage that goes to numerous events such as New Years Eve and Canada Day. With this array of venues and the variety of shows that come through, every show is a unique and new experience. I am currently working on the design for Barefoot in the Park which opens on the Rose Theatre main stage August 17th.

How did you get involved in theatre and lighting design?
For the longest time I just enjoyed lights, especially ones that flashed or changed colour. There was a time I wanted to be a police officer just so I could drive a car with flashing lights on it. This progressed into puppet shows that I would put on for my cousins in the basement. The shows eventually became so lighting heavy that I would forget to operate the puppet. I began doing actual theatre tech in high school as part of the stage crew and fully designed and operated my first full show in grade 12. When it was time to see the guidance counselor in my OAC year, I told her I was interested in lighting concerts and theatre. She directed me to some university lighting design programs and I chose to study at York University. Going into that meeting, I had never thought there were actual careers in theatre lighting.

What would be your dream show to work on?
Well, at the risk of stealing Molly’s answer, I would love to light Les Mis. The locations and score are both very dramatic; a great opportunity to play with light and shadows. I also tend to be a dark designer so the sewer, barricade and tavern really cry out for that grungy dim lighting. I think it would be a lot of fun. In the same vein, Phantom of the Opera would be pretty spectacular in the way it lends itself to special effects. I have done Jesus Christ Superstar in a smaller venue and I would love to do it again somewhere like the Rose.

What are some of the biggest challenges you’ve come up against?
I think, doing live theatre is a challenge itself. It can be very challenging to deal with all of the little curve balls that get hurled around especially during the transition from the drawing to the stage. I often say that theatre is an exercise in compromise. There is often very little time to get a show up and running so any hold up can be chaotic. There is always a struggle for real estate both backstage and onstage, even in a venue as large as The Rose. These obstacles must be navigated quickly because the opening date will not change. As they say, “the show must go on”. Every show creates its own unique challenges but, that’s half the fun of doing it. Have a plan, a back-up plan and a back-up for the back-up.



In rehearsal for Forever Plaid with Rob & Molly


The biggest challenge for Forever Plaid has been "this is the way its always done". There is a delicate balance between homage to the original production and the creative process of putting on a unique stamp of our own. All in all, it is really working well and I'm really pleased with how it turning out.

As for Barefoot in the Park, the main point of reference to most people is the iconic movie with Jane Fonda and Robert Redford. Its a great movie, but the differences to the stage play will make it easier to provide a fresh take of our own.

Both are great projects which I'm sure will be audience pleasers. I hope to see you there.

P.S. Don't forget to check out the Forever Plaid rehearsal video posted on the blog last week.

Molly Cramer - Stage Manager Extraordinaire

In a nutshell, what is the role of the stage manager?
To sum it up in one sentence: a stage manager’s main job is to maintain the artistic integrity of the show and liaise with the cast and technicians. We schedule rehearsals for the cast, costume and wig fittings, and technical rehearsals, as well as communicating the director’s “vision” to the designers and builders. During rehearsals we take detailed notes of the actors’ movements, prop business, and costume changes in a master copy of the script, which is called a prompt book. This way, if an actor forgets where they need to be or what they need to be doing, there’s someone there to point (or push!) them in the right direction. During the run of the show, the stage manager calls all the lighting, sound, fly piece and set change cues so the show stays exactly the same every time it’s performed, both onstage and backstage. This can get very complicated when you’re working on a show that has hundreds and hundreds of cues in it, as everything needs to be timed perfectly to look right. It’s certainly not a job for everyone, but I wouldn’t want to do anything else!

What shows are you working on in the 2012 Summer Theatre Season and what are your thoughts on them so far?
I’m currently in rehearsals for Forever Plaid, which runs on the main stage from July 13-28, and I will be stage managing Barefoot In The Park on the main stage from August 17-25. Forever Plaid is shaping up wonderfully so far…we have an incredible cast and creative team who are so talented and lovely to work with, it’s a dream come true! I’m very excited to be stage managing both of the shows on the main stage this summer; I worked in the studio for the 2011 Summer Theatre Season, and it’s great to experience working in two very different spaces.

What would be your dream show to work on?
I would love to work on a massive show like Les Misérables. There are so many elements that are involved in that production, I think it’d be incredible to see all that goes into it. I’m also a huge fan of the music in it, so it would be a joy to hear it performed every day!

Do you find it difficult to watch other productions without critiquing what’s happening?Working in theatre can be a bit of a curse in that regard! I tend to notice strange things that a “normal” audience member might not, so it’s easy for me to get distracted while watching a lighting cue, or wondering how a particularly complicated scene change was executed, or thinking about how many people it took to change an actor from a wedding dress and a skin-tight leather body suit and a different wig in under 10 seconds.

Any advice for up and coming theatre lovers who are considering a career behind the curtain?
Get involved with community theatre! There are tons of community theatres all over Ontario, with people of all different experience and skill levels. It’s a great way to try out the theatre world and see if it’s something you’d like to pursue professionally.

As in past seasons, audiences are invited to stay for the Post-Show Talk Back following each Wednesday performance and Saturday Socials (light receptions) following the first Saturday performance of each production.

Tickets for the Summer Theatre Season range from $27-$37 and are on sale now through the Rose Theatre Box Office. Visit http://www.rosetheatre.ca/ or call 905-874-2800 for more information.

The City of Brampton thinks that you Haven’t Had Enough this Canada Day! Marianas Trench, the all-Canadian Pop-Rock band from Vancouver stops off at the Powerade Centre on July 1st 2012 during their Ever After North American tour. Wanna go? Well I would love to as well, but aren’t tickets usually at least thirty dollars to see them? Not this time! Venture to the Powerade Centre at 7575 Kennedy Road South during the Celebrate Canada Day Brampton event on July 1st and see Marianas Trench perform on the main stage for FREE! That’s right, for FREE. Cross My Heart! Enjoy hits from their latest album live such as 'Desperate Measures', 'Fall Out', and 'Haven’t Had Enough' as well as some of their older hit singles like 'Cross My Heart', 'Celebrity Status', 'Good To You' and more! They go on at 8:30 PM so be sure that you are there this Canada Day!

Please note there is no parking on site. Enjoy FREE Brampton Transit service all day including free shuttle service to the Powerade Centre. For more information, visit The City of Brampton website or call 311 (Brampton Residents) or (905) 874-2000 (non-Brampton Residents).

Entry by Adam Scott
Marketing Assistant, Rose Theatre Brampton



Centre Stage 2012 Volunteer Group

 

Sheena Easton will be live at the Rose Theatre on Saturday April 28.



Entry by
Adam Scott
Marketing Assistant, Rose Theatre Brampton

Celebrating Women's Day, Rose Theatre brings Quebec Violin Super Star Angèle Dubeau and La Pietà to the stage. As a omnipresent woman, Dubeau can be found in different places. You can watch her hosting television programs; listen to her on the radio or right in your own home if you are one of the 450,000+ fans who own one of her albums. A nod to her success, Dubeau is accredited with two gold records which she recorded with her prominent violin "Des Rosiers" Stradivarius 1733 by her side.

Her success can be attributed to more than thirty years of hard work and a special combination of classic and contemporary music. Along with the all female string ensemble of La Pietà, which she founded in 1997, Dubeau travelled the world sharing the group’s musical beauty and feminine power. This is the perfect show to celebrate Women’s Day! Let us celebrate together tonight at the Rose.


Happy Women's Day!

Angèle Dubeau and La Pietà can be found in the March edition of Odeum Magazine

Similar to early musicians, Michael Kaeshammer is living a nomadic life by choice. This 35-years-old musician says this is a time in his life for freedom.  With no forwarding address, he is taking the opportunity to soak up a new world. Kaeshammer started following  this “philosophy” a few months ago and it makes sense when you see his schedule from 2011 which included more than 50 concerts throughout Canada, U.S., Germany and Israel.

As a child, growing up in Germany, Michael was surrounded by his father's favourite music  – ragtime, boogie and gospel.  Those influences are evident in his current style which showcases repertoire with hints of 20s and 30s jazz blended with pop, rock and a whole lot of soul. Tonight, Canada's Boogie Woogie King makes his home in Brampton where he will share his experience and talent with the audience at the Rose Theatre.

There are still a few tickets available for tonight's performance.  Call the Box Office at 905-874-2800.  

Are you curious to know more about Michael Kaeshammer? Click here to read Nick Krewen's article in the March issue of Odeum Magazine. 

If you liked Replay The Beatles, you might enjoy an upcoming tribute to another classic band, The Doors.  Classic Albums Live presents L.A. Woman on April 18 at 8pm.  

To put it simply, the work of Indian-born artist Kaamar Thiya, is stunning and unforgettable.  His canvas captures a sense of mystery, with vibrant colors that play with light and shadow.
         
 Discovered by the actor and celebrity Suresh Menon in 2004, Thiva specializes in works that express a photographic effect.  His work will be exhibited in the Rose Theatre Gallery from March 8 – June 7.  When you see it for yourself you will quickly understand why Menon has made many pieces part of his personal collection. Most of Kaamar's famous pictures display Indian women presented with sensuality and an unusual mysticism. It's a style that truly intrigues the naked eye.

Kamar was born in India, the youngest of seven children and started painting at six years of age. An insatiable artist, he was encouraged by his family to pursue artistic proficiency by taking his Masters in Fine Arts. There, he developed a unique style of drawing he terms “psychological line drawings”.  The critics say he's following in the footsteps of another important Indian artist Anish Kapoor.  

Visitors to the gallery are welcome any time the Rose is open.  Check in with the Box Office or Security for complimentary access.  The current show by Janet Simmons Sweet runs until March 3.

Peter Appleyard performs to a sold out Studio Two audience - Feb. 24/12

The great jazz vibes player, Peter Appleyard, recently played to a full house in the Rose Theatre Studio Jazz Series. As usual, Appleyard left the audience hankering for more, and to their delight, he had a new CD for sale. I should probably say new-old CD, as the title, “Peter Appleyard and the Jazz Giants – Lost Sessions 1974”, very aptly describes,. That’s right – 1974. And what a gem it is, featuring Peter Appleyard – vibes; Hank Jones – piano; Zoot Sims – tenor sax; Slam Stewart – bass; Bobby Hackett – cornet; Mel Lewis – drums; Urbie Green – trombone.


Appleyard toured with Benny Goodman in the 1970’s and in 1974 The Benny Goodman Sextet brought together this incredible aggregate of musicians. Appleyard took advantage of having these all-stars together and brought them into the studio to record some of the best tunes ever written – “Sophisticated Lady”, “After You’ve Gone”, “Tangerine”, You Don’t Know What Love Is”, “But Beautiful”, “You Go To My Head”, “Dancing on the Ceiling”, and more. It has been nearly 40 years since the recording and every tune still holds up today. No great surprise with these guys making it happen!


Click here to get your copy of Peter Appleyard and the Jazz Giants - Lost Sessions 1974. 

This was a weekend for the kids of all ages at Rose Theatre. Along with Splash & Boots, they played with color, music and dance. Backstage Pass asked Sylvia Eng, whose husband attended with her son Emery (2.5)  his friend William (2.5) and William's father, to comment on the experience.

Sylvia told us the boys loved it a lot, "Although at this age they did not have the attention span to sit and watch the whole show it seems they spent half the show watching and participating as asked and the other half being wild animals with the other kids. I was worried about that type of reaction, but the performers and the whole atmosphere was inviting and playful, the kids playing did not seem to be a disturbance".

Was this your first interview with Mr. Appleyard?
I had the good fortune of interviewing Peter Appleyard for the first time more than 20 years ago. I was co-host of a live talk show in the southwestern Ontario region called Daytime. Peter appeared on the to perform and it was my pleasure to chat with him on-air. Our paths have crossed from time to time since then.

Are you a fan of Mr Appleyard’s music personally?’
Whether or not you’re a fan of the jazz music genre, it would be impossible not to admire and respect the musical talents of Peter Appleyard. Having said that, yes! I am a great fan of Peter’s.

What take away's can you share from following Mr. Appleyard's life and career?
Peter has accomplished so much in his musical career – not just in Canada and the US, but around the world! He has dedicated his life to being the best at what he does. This kind of accomplishment comes only through hard work and perseverance. Through all this, Peter has remained a kind and caring person, giving of his time to many charities and mentoring up-and-coming jazz musicians.

Will you be attending the concert? Are you hoping to hear a particular tune?
Yes, I will be at the show but anything Peter plays will be a magical, musical journey.

You can read Gabriella's interview with the illustrious Peter Appleyard in the February issue of Odeum.

If you enjoy Peter Appleyard's music you might also be a fan of Michael Kaeshammer, another brilliant pianist and Canada's boogie-woogie king coming to the Rose to perform his brand of pop-tinged jazz on March 7.

Acrobatic Agility. Ballet. Contemporary. Drama. Exuberance. Flexibility. If you'd like to know how Shumka at 50 explores the “Dictionary of the Ukranian Dance Lexicon”, Feb Odeum Magazine provides a thorough explanation. In Jon Eben Field's article, you'll also discover some interesting historical facts on Ukranian immigration to Canada and how their amazing dance style has become an integral part of Canada’s heritage.

But if  you want to see it with your own eyes, the opportunity is tomorrow when the Shumka Dancers from Edmonton come to the Rose Theatre.  Featuring 50 virtuosic dancers and 50 years of history. Yes, they celebrate 50 years of passionate Ukrainian heritage! Come and be part of this milestone celebration.

Read Jon Eben Field's full article on Shumka at 50 here

We asked She Loves Me cast members to share some of their own experiences with love.  Here are the results!

Laura Caswell & Sweeney MacArthur

Have you ever sent a love letter?  What was the result?

Laura Caswell (Ilona) says:  When I was in grade 9, I decided to tell my friend that I liked him by writing him a friendly letter and then in miniscule letters on the bottom writing "will you go out with me?".  He called me that night (Yahoo!) and said he only wanted to be friends (Boo!) But on a happy note, we are still good friends to this day.

Kellan (ensemble) says: I sent one once, but didn't put enough postage on it so it came right back to me.  (Sorry about your luck Kellan - I hope you tried again!)

What's your favourite tune from the show?

Laura says: I've always loved "Tonight at Eight".  I love the excitement and nervousness that is right in the music.  I think we have all felt that wonderful joy/fear that the song exudes, when we're on our way to do something that we think may change our life.

Kellan says: The entrance notes when customers come in the store.  LOVE THAT THEME :)

Morgan Valee says: "Vanilla Ice Cream" - It is such a cute song!... It is the first scene where you see her (Amalia) like a giddy, madly in love girl.

What is your go to perfume/cologne for seduction?

Will Lamond (ensemble) says: I like Burberry.  It smells good to me and when I put it on my girlfriend gets a very fierce look in her eyes! ;)

If you could give relationship advice to Amalia and George, what would you say?

Laura: keep reading.
Jody (customer/caroler/ensemble): Stay true to your heart.  (awwwww)
Will: Stock up on vanilla ice cream!


Two of the cast from Second City's iLove, which takes the Rose Theatre stage on Friday, share their personal worst date stories ... 
 


Sean Tabares



My worst date would have to be from good ol' highschool. My date arrived over an hour late, smelled of cheap cologne, and insisted we listen to the loudest punk music all the way to the restaurant. Before we headed to dinner (at the ever popular Jack Astors) he explained to me that we needed to go to the Mandarin to "hang out with his buddies". I ended up spending the night sitting at a table adjacent to his friends (because there wasn't enough room for me) watching everyone else have a good time. The movie he said "I would love" was about aliens, and guns with a strong apocalyptic theme; a far cry from the love and romance I was looking for. When he dropped me off he walked me to my door and just as I thought I was about to get my first kiss he leaned in and said "Well you're home and I am going to meet the guys...bye!".

It's such a delight to watch performers get ready for the big night. The energy and enthusaiasm is palable and the State Ballet Theatre of Russia dancers didn't disapoint last night. Their stellar production of Romeo & Juliet was well received by the audience and they're getting set to perform it again tonight at 8 pm. Check out more behind the scenes pics on our facebook page.

You know this story from start to finish. You’ve likely seen it repeated in many stories of forbidden love in cinema, theatre, books and television. But, despite knowing about the tragic finale to come, you may still find yourself joyfully cheering for Romeo and Juliet. Why? If you are talking about the State Ballet Theatre of Russia’s production, probably because of how they present this classical play.

In the article by Jon Eben Field in the February Odeum Magazine, he touches on how a beautiful work of art can inspire fresh hope in spite of the tragic story. “... this production’s dancers make us hope that somehow they will find a way to simply be together. And if their performance is great, it is because our hope aligns with the dancers’ love, if not with their destiny”, explains Jon.

The State Ballet Theatre of Russia presents tomorrow (Tuesday, February 7) and Wednesday (February 8) at the Rose Theatre, launching two full weeks of “love”-ly productions just in time for Valentine’s. The 54 ballerines, who came in December with the Nutcracker, invite you back to experience the spirit of love with them again!

What could possibly be the connection between a romantic musician and boxing?

In Odeum Magazine this month you'll find the answer in the story on Dan Hill (p.14).

The famous singer/songwriter of "Sometimes When We Touch" has fought for his life, but that isn't the reason for his connection to the boxing world. Dan Hill, who presents next week on the Rose Theatre Main Stage, found himself reaching out to World Welterweight Boxing Champion, Manny Pacquaio.

Writer Nick Krewen talks about this relationship and shares a few more anecdotes in his interview with Hill.

Click here to read the article and find out more about life and artistry of Dan Hill who performs at the Rose Theatre Brampton on February 9.

AISHA CEDRONE , SHARIFA HEADLEY, AVRILLE HEADLEY



JANN FITZ-GERALD, GORDAN EDGAR



MEREDITH LAZOWSKI, K. LAZOWSKI, DR. B. LAZOWSKI

RICHLYN LORIMER, JULIET PARRIS



SUSAN GOODWIN, DIANE VINODRAI, RON STURK