May gets off to a rollicking start with lots of fabulous shows kicking off this week, so let’s get started! Time to grab your calendar, pick the closest patio for pre-show bevies, and make some plans with your buddies!
Stupid F**king Bird- Theatre Disponibilité, Motel Theatre, Calgary Arts Commons
“Do you have any idea what’s passing itself off as theatre these days? Do you ever GO?! I know you think you should, but do you, ever, of your own free will”? Aaron Posner’s hilarious and irreverent “rip off of a classic” takes Chekhov’s notion of New Forms to a whole new level. Based on the timeless Russian tale of angst, misplaced love, selfishness, and our search for personal and artistic purpose, Stupid F**king Bird sweeps us away into a magical metatheatrical world of endless possibility. The Motel Theatre is the perfect intimate setting as this vibrant ensemble welcomes the audience to experience AND participate in a thrilling new form of storytelling.
This is only a short run and seating is very limited, so get your tickets now to avoid missing out on this unforgettable show!
Stupid F**king Bird runs at the Motel Theatre in Calgary’s Arts Commons now until May 12th. Tickets and info at www.artscommons.ca
52 Pickup- Lunchbox Theatre, Calgary
Christopher Duthie and Ayla Stephens, Photo by Benjamin Laird
Another short running, game-changing show which you absolutely cannot miss! Lunchbox’s RBC Emerging Director’s Showcase sees Chris Stockton taking the helm on this fresh new piece about relationships that is literally brand new every single performance! A deck of cards, each representing a different moment, is thrown in the air and then the show can begin. As each card is picked up, we see these moments unfold in a mosaic that is all too representative of the chaos of relationships.
52 Pick Up runs at Calgary’s Lunchbox Theatre until May 12th. Tickets and info at www.lunchboxtheatre.com
Last Chance Leduc- The Backstage Theatre, Edmonton
Oscar Derkx, Emma Houghton and Evan Hall in Last Chance Leduc, photo by Tracy Carroll
This brand new play by Katherine Koller couldn’t be more topically Albertan. Exploring the boom/bust system that holds such sway on our daily lives in this province, Koller takes us deeper into the impact it’s had on our personal relationships. A slice of our domestic and economic history on the risky frontiers of the oil boom comes to life in this story which is sure to hit close to home.
Last Chance Leduc runs at the Backstage Theatre in Edmonton’s ATB Arts Barns until May 19th. Tickets and info at fringetheatre.ca
Terry and the Dog, Edmonton Actor’s Theatre, Arts Barns Studio Theatre
Edmonton Actor’s Theatre has been bringing us consistently inventive and exciting theatre for a few years now, and they show no signs of stopping. Featuring a stellar cast of local artists, Terry and the Dog is an intimate portrait of one man’s experiences of death, family, and alcoholism. Collin Doyle’s new play packs an emotional punch, but knowing director Dave Horak’s innovative style, this production is sure to bite back. Seating is VERY limited so get your tickets asap!
Terry and the Dog plays until May 19th at the Arts Barns Studio Theatre. Tickets and info at www.edmontonactorstheatre.ca
Legally Blonde: The Musical- Stage West Theatre, Calgary
Bracken Burns as Elle Woods, John Watson Photography
If you’ve never seen this totally fabulous show (snaps!), get ready for a high energy, high positivity, high quality broadway experience! This stage musical is even better than the classic 2001 film for MANY reasons. It has incredible music, unforgettable dance numbers and hilarious lyrics, plus it features a female-strong cast of absolute bombshells! It’s not just fluff, it’s not just pink and blonde and pretty, it’s a story for all us girls who have the guts to go after our dreams with positivity and joy. This is an ideal Mother’s Day experience so grab your ladies and make a night of it!
Legally Blonde: The Musical plays at Stage West Theatre in Calgary until June 24th. Tickets and info at www.stagewestcalgary.com
The Lion in Winter- Dewdney Players, Okotoks
James Goldman’s fantastic play of family politics is an absolute classic. Follow the inner workings of the ancient Plantagenet family as mothers, fathers and siblings battle for sway in England’s most infamous ruling dynasty. Perhaps you’ll find we have more in common with these ancient rulers than you thought, perhaps even some reflections of your own family dynamics!
The Lion in Winter runs at the Rotary Performing Arts Centre from May 11th to 26th. Tickets and info at www.okotoks.ca
Alberta Theatre Guide 