EVERYBODY CUT…

What a fabulous run we had of FOOTLOOSE! at Stage West Calgary. It was a wonderful long run (April 18-June 22) and a great cast to get to share the stage with, whether as Principal Clark, or occasionally as an understudy when I’d show up hanging out with the teenagers behind the gas station, or as a backup dancer for “The girl gets around” as Principal Clark’s brother, “Uncle Lyle”. I also got to check off my bucket list of working with director Phil Nero and choreographer Jesse Weafer. This cast was an incredibly professional group who held it together through some illnesses and always kept things positive. Wishing you all good luck!!

Smile Theatre Ontario Tour of Remember that Song

While we were workshopping our new version of Remember that Song? for Lunchbox Theatre in Calgary, nearly at the same time, Smile Theatre in Toronto was closing their touring production of Remember that Song? which played from April 30th until June 7th, 2025. This show was originally developed with Smile Theatre (thanks for an Ontario Arts Council grant) and first toured Ontario and Quebec in 2016, and I was so happy to have it return home. Thanks Smile Theatre for all that you do!

“This has been a wonderful tour -40 performances in Retirement Residences, Long Term Care Homes, and Day Programs for those living with dementia. The incredible script, cast and creative team brought so much joy to seniors in Southern Ontario!” Tom Carson, Artistic director of Smile Theatre and director of the show.

Pictured (left to right): Allison Plamondon (choreographer), Briony Merritt (stage manager), Tom Carson (director), Michelle Piller (actor), Sam Rosenthal (actor), and Meredith Wolting, (designer). Not pictured: Music director Rosalind Mills.

Remember that Song workshop, Lunchbox Theatre

I’m very happy that Lunchbox Theatre will be workshopping a new adaptation of my musical “Remember That Song” as part of their Stage One Development program. This script was first developed with Smile Theatre in Toronto, a company that specializes in bringing theatre to older adults who can no longer leave their residences/hospices. The piece was researched through interviews that Toni MaCrae and I conducted with focus groups of older adults in the Toronto area, where we asked them questions about their favourite songs and memories associated with those songs. Smile Theatre is currently touring a version of the piece through Ontario that is geared towards folks with dementia.

This new version of Lunchbox is a departure from the previous script, as I’m now integrating these songs into a more story-driven narrative while writing it for actors who are closer in age to the characters in the show. It’s very exciting to have the opportunity to explore how these changes affect the piece and makes it such a departure from the original! You can find information about the reading on Lunchbox Theatre’s website, here.